Balance Test Research Articles

Effects of a sequential square mat walking training program Fisior® on improving physical performance in older adults with Parkinson's disease: A pilot study

BackgroundThis study aimed to assess the efficacy of a 12-week functional walking training program utilizing a sequential square mat (Fisior® Mat) on the physical performance of older adults diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease (PD). MethodsParticipants, aged over 60 and diagnosed with mild to moderate PD, underwent progressive resistance training sessions lasting 30-40 minutes, three times a week, using the Fisior® sequential square mat. A randomized clinical trial was conducted with participants from a patient association. Multiple linear regression models were employed to analyze physical performance variation between intervention and control groups. ResultsTwenty-eight patients (14 in each group) participated, with improvements observed in total Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) score, chair test score, gait speed score, and balance test score. Participants in the intervention group showed significant improvement in chair and balance test scores compared to controls. ConclusionThe Fisior® sequential square mat program, as an adjunct to conventional outpatient physiotherapy, effectively enhances physical performance in older adults with PD.

Efficient removal of nitrate and ammonium by strain Pseudomonas poae EH-E3 under acidic pH and low-temperature conditions

The combined effect of low temperature and an acidic environment may restrict the growth and metabolic activity of microorganisms involved in nitrogen removal. To overcome poor biological nitrogen removal efficiency during low-temperature treatment of acidic wastewater, a novel pure strain of Pseudomonas poae EH-E3 was successfully isolated and screened based on its strong heterotrophic nitrification and aerobic denitrification capacity. Strain EH-E3 could completely eliminate inorganic nitrogen sources of nitrate within 30h and ammonium within 20h at 15 °C and pH 5.0, with corresponding removal efficiencies for total nitrogen of 95.13% and 91.35%, respectively. Nitrogen balance testing indicated that strain EH-E3 removed 43.25% of ammonium, 45.72% of nitrate, and 51.20% of nitrite in the form of gaseous products. Enzyme activity assays revealed that the specific activities of ammonia monooxygenase, nitrate reductase, and nitrite reductase were 0.533, 0.956, and 0.011 U/mg proteins, respectively. These findings suggest that strain EH-E3 has strong potential for use in low-temperature treatment of acidic wastewater.

The immediate effect of listening to music on postural balance and mobility in individuals with intellectual disability

ABSTRACT Background Individuals with intellectual disability have deficits in postural balance and mobility. This study aimed to explore the effect of listening to music on postural balance and mobility in individuals with intellectual disability. Method Ten participants with intellectual disability and 10 participants with typical development performed postural balance and mobility tests [Time Up and Go (TUGT)/Ten Metre Walking (TMWT)] in three music conditions: no music, preferred music, and Mozart’s Jupiter music. Results Results revealed that listening to Mozart’s Jupiter decreased (p < 0.001) the center of pressure mean velocity values for both groups. In individuals with intellectual disability, the TUGT and the TMWT time to execution increased (p < 0.001) in the preferred music compared to the no music condition whereas the Mozart music has no significant effect (p ≥ 0.05). Conclusion Listening to Mozart’s Jupiter enhanced static postural balance, whereas listening to the preferred music impaired mobility in individuals with intellectual disability.

Smartphone Technology to Facilitate Remote Postural Balance Assessment in Acute Concussion Management: Pilot Study

Impaired balance is a key symptom following acute concussion. Unfortunately, the recommended clinical balance assessment lacks sensitivity and discriminative ability, relying on the experience of the clinician for interpretation. The aim of this pilot study is to explore smartphone technology to remotely assess balance impairment in people with acute concussion. A smartphone app was developed to allow the clinician to connect remotely using their personal web browser to the participant’s smartphone and collect motion data while instructing the participant to perform the following balance tests: standing on firm and foam surface with eyes opened and closed (FIRMEO, FIRMEC, FOAMEO, and FOAMEC). Outcome measures were processed from the raw acceleration to calculate the average acceleration magnitude from the mean and the root-mean square, with greater values indicating more sway. Eleven healthy controls (HCs) and 11 people with concussion (CON) participated. In all sway measurements, the CON group had significantly (p &lt; 0.05) greater values when standing on a firm surface. In the FOAMEC condition, the CON group had significantly (p &lt; 0.05) greater sway measures only in the AP direction, while significantly greater sway in all directions were found in the CON group in the FOAMEO condition. This study shows that remote balance assessment using a smartphone can discriminate between healthy controls and people with acute concussion. This technology could play an important role in concussion management to assist with determining recovery from concussions and the optimal timing for return to sport.

Effects of Standard Tai Chi on Exercise Capacity and Mental Health in Exercise-Deprived Overweight/Obese Adults and Assessment of Participant Adherence.

To explore the effects of Tai Chi on body mass index (BMI), exercise capacity, and mental health of overweight/obese adults, and investigate factors influencing adherence to enhance adherence of Tai Chi as a sustainable exercise method. A randomized, controlled, exploratory clinical trial was conducted paired with a qualitative study of adherence management. A total of 20 overweight/obese participants were randomly assigned to a standard Tai Chi group (experimental) and a simplified Tai Chi group (control) for an 8-week intervention, 10 patients in each group, with a 12-month follow-up. BMI was calculated and exercise capacity including an isokinetic muscle strength and balance ability test were evaluated. Mental health was assessed using the General Well-Being Schedule (GWB), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and Coping Self Efficacy Scale (CSES) at baseline, 4th week, and 8th week, respectively. The qualitative research included open-interviews with Tai Chi practitioners and semi-structured interviews with subjects. The intervention was conducted in Haidian Park, Beijing, China from October 6, 2022, to January 1, 2023, without dropouts. After an 8-week intervention, the participants in the experimental group exhibited a significant decrease in BMI (P<0.05). Both groups demonstrated significant improvements in exercise capacity (P<0.05). The experimental group exhibited a significant enhancement in the GWB, PSQI and CSES (P<0.05). Only GWB had significant difference in the control group (P<0.05). The experimental group surpassed the control group in GWB and CSES (P<0.05). The adherence rate was 87.5% in the experimental group and 57.9% in the control group after 8 weeks intervention. Analysis on adherence identified 15 themes, the top 3 themes mentioned were as follows: mind-body effects, online and on-site guidance, training schedule (for subjects); mind-body effects, difficulties in practicing, and understanding of Tai Chi (for practitioners). Both interventions were effective in improving exercise capacity. Tai Chi, integrating both physical and mental conditioning, reduced weight, improved exercise capacity and mental happiness, and increased adherence, providing a sustainable exercise program (ChiCTR2200063599).

Functional knee stability in elite field hockey depends on playing class and gender

Field hockey, a physically demanding Olympic sport, carries a high risk of lower limb injuries, yet data on injury risk in elite field hockey are limited. Functional knee stability is important for injury prevention and a safe return to sport. This study is the first to investigate functional knee stability in elite field hockey, considering gender and playing class, and establishes reference data for functional knee stability by using a standardized test battery that assesses one- and two-legged stability, jumping tests, speed, and agility. 72 elite field hockey players, 30 males and 42 females (age 19.82 ± 3.74 years) were divided into High Playing Class (HPC) and Moderate Playing Class (MPC). HPC players showed significant better performance in all functional tests except balance tests (p &lt;0.01-0.024). Females showed significantly better one- and two-leg stability (p &lt;0.01) with lower injury rates, indicating the relevance of gender considerations. The study emphasizes the importance of balance and stability in the prevention of lower limb injuries in Olympic field hockey and also highlights the importance of considering pre-existing deficits in functional knee capability when assessing athletes for return to sport. These results can help improve athletic performance, identify individual strengths and weaknesses, prevent injury or re-injury, and facilitate return to sport after injury.

Developmental patterns of athletic performance and physical fitness in youth baseball players: A longitudinal analysis

ABSTRACT This study aimed to evaluate developmental patterns in athletic performance during youth and determine their association with changes in physical fitness. The testing included three athletic performance (i.e. ball speed in pitching, swing velocity in batting, 30-metre sprint time) and two physical fitness tests (i.e. medicine ball [MB] back throw and modified star excursion balance test [SEBT]). Data from 235 players (557 measurements) aged 6 to 14 were eligible for a longitudinal evaluation. The statistical analysis was based on the latent growth curve models of the athletic performance development process and the random-effect panel data multivariate regression analysis for ball speed, swing velocity, and 30-metre sprint time. The 30-metre sprint time showed a small curvature but an accelerated increase around 12‒13 years old. However, the ball speed, swing velocity, and modified SEBT demonstrated a slower or less accelerated change in the developmental pattern starting around 12‒13 years old. Multivariate longitudinal analysis revealed that developmental change in athletic performance was positively associated with age and MB back throw. Our findings highlight the developmental patterns of athletic performance associated with baseball exhibiting stagnation as well as acceleration, which may help develop effective age-appropriate strategies for improving performance in youth baseball players.

The Effect of Reactive Neuromuscular Training versus General Warm-up on Proprioception and Balance in Female Handball Players with Rounded Shoulder: A Controlled Laboratory Study

Background: This study aimed to compare the immediate effects of a session of reactive neuromuscular training (RNT) with warming-up exercises on shoulder proprioception and dynamic balance in female handball players with shoulder impingement. Methods: In this controlled laboratory study, 18 female adolescent handball players from 14 to 18 years old were recruited from Samen City, Iran. The participants participated once in the warm-up routine program and once in the RNT program. Before and after each exercise program, shoulder proprioception was measured by photogrammetry and dynamic balance of the upper limb was measured using the Wye balance test. The paired t-tests, with a significance level of 0.05, were employed to compare pre-test and post-test data. Results: Both exercise protocols had no significant effects on shoulder repositioning error (P &gt; 0.05). However, participation in both exercise programs resulted in a significant improvement in the dynamic balance score of the upper limbs of the athletes (P &lt; 0.001). Moreover, no significant differences were observed between the effect of routine handball exercises and the effect of RNT exercises on shoulder repositioning and dynamic balance in female handball players (P &gt; 0.05). Conclusion: It seems that routine warm-up exercises and RNT could not improve proprioception in the shoulders of student- athletes with round shoulders. However, both training methods caused a significant improvement in the dynamic balance of the upper limb, although there was no significant difference between the effects of the two methods.

The Effect of Competition Sounds on Balance Performance in Football Players

Abstract Objective This study aimed to investigate the impact of competition environment sounds on the static and dynamic balance of football players. Materials and Methods Thirty-two football players with a mean age of 21.12±2.99 years and a body mass index of 21.98±2.58 kg/m² were included in this study. The initial assessment condition (whether in a quiet environment or with competition sounds) was determined by simple randomization. Forty-eight hours later, at the same time of day, the tests were repeated with the environmental conditions reversed. Balance performance was assessed using the Tecnobody device for both static and dynamic balance. Results In the static balance test, it was found that the surface area covered significantly decreased in the environment where competition sounds were played (p=0.014), while there was no significant change in overall sway (p=0.313), anteroposterior sway (p=0.852), or mediolateral sway (p=0.104). In the dynamic balance test, no significant change was observed in anteroposterior sway (p=0.411), but mediolateral sway (p=0.025) and overall sway (p=0.042) significantly decreased. Additionally, there was a significant improvement in the athletes’ score for reaching the target (p=0.003). The perceived difficulty levels during the tests were found to be significantly lower in both the static (p=0.048) and dynamic (p=0.001) balance tests in the environment where competition sounds were played. Conclusion In conclusion, competition environment sounds were found to positively affect the balance performance of football players and reduce the perceived difficulty level. Incorporating balance training with competition sounds during athlete rehabilitation may contribute to improved balance recovery.

Recovery after human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (hBM-MSCs)-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) treatment in post-MCAO rats requires repeated handling.

Rehabilitation is the only current intervention that improves sensorimotor function in ischemic stroke patients, similar to task-specific intensive training in animal models of stroke. Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs)-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) are promising in restoring brain damage and function in stroke models. Additionally, the non-invasive intranasal route allows EVs to reach the brain and target specific ischemic regions. Yet unclear is how handling might enhance recovery or influence other therapies such as EVs after stroke. We used the transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model of stroke in rats to assess how intensive handling alone, in the form of sensorimotor behavioral tests, or in combination with an intranasal treatment of EVs restored neurological function and ischemic damage. Handled rats were exposed to a battery of sensorimotor tests, including the modified Neurological Severity Score (mNSS), beam balance, corner, grid walking, forelimb placement, and cylinder tests, together with Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) at 2, 7, 14, 21, and 28 days post-stroke (dps). Handled MCAO rats were also exposed to an intranasal multidose or single dose of EVs. Non-handled rats were evaluated only by mNSS and MRI at 2, 28, and 56 dps and were treated with a single intranasal dose of EVs. Our results showed that handling animals after MCAO is necessary for EVs to work at the tested dose and frequency, and that a single cumulative dose of EVs further improves the neurological function recovered during handling. These results show the importance of rehabilitation in combination with other treatments such as EVs, and highlight how extensive behavioral testing might influence functional recovery after stroke.

Taltirelin Hydrate in Patients with Ataxia Due to Spinocerebellar Degeneration.

We conducted this study to assess the efficacy and safety of taltirelin hydrate (TH) in spinocerebellar degeneration (SCD). Patients were randomly assigned to either the taltirelin group (5 mg orally, twice daily) or the control group. The primary endpoint was changes in the Korean version of Scale for the Assessment and Rating of Ataxia (K-SARA) scores at 24 weeks. The secondary endpoints include changes in the K-SARA scores at 4 and 12 weeks, the Clinical Global Impression, Five-level version of the EuroQol five-dimensional questionnaire, Tinetti balance test and gait analysis at 4, 12 and 24 weeks. A total of 149 patients (hereditary:non-hereditary = 86:63) were enrolled. There were significant differences in changes in K-SARA scores at 24 weeks from baseline between the taltirelin group and the control group (-0.51 ± 2.79 versus 0.36 ± 2.62, respectively; p = 0.0321). Of the K-SARA items, both 'Stance' and 'Speech disturbance' had significantly lower subscores in the taltirelin group as compared with the control group (-0.04 ± 0.89 versus 0.23 ± 0.79 and -0.07 ± 0.74 versus 0.18 ± 0.67; p = 0.0270 and 0.0130, respectively). But there were no significant differences in changes in other secondary efficacy outcome measures at 24 weeks from baseline between the two treatment arms (p > 0.05). Clinicians might consider using TH in the treatment of ataxia due to SCD.

3D-printed custom ankle braces for people with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease: A pilot study.

Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT) is a neurodegenerative condition resulting in footdrop, ankle instability and impaired balance and gait. This study aimed to determine (1) whether 3D-printed custom ankle braces improve function and balance in people with CMT and (2) whether this is an acceptable device for use in this population. A within-subject comparison pragmatic/pilot study was undertaken. Ten people with CMT (mean [SD] age 48 [14] years, 60% male) were fitted with 3D-printed ankle braces. Following a 4-week wear-in period, walking and balance tests and patient-reported outcomes were assessed in two experimental conditions: (i) usual shoes and (ii) usual shoes with 3D-printed custom ankle braces. Differences in outcome measures between experimental conditions were analysed using linear mixed models. Comfort, aesthetics and overall satisfaction of the brace were assessed via 100-mm visual analogue scale (VAS). Adverse events and tripping/falls associated with the brace during the wear-in period were also recorded by participants using daily diaries. A significant improvement was seen during single-leg balance with eyes open (p=0.026, Cohen's d=0.55) and a significant reduction in foot pain (p=0.045, Cohen's d=0.82), with use of the ankle brace. Mean (SD) 100mm VAS scores were 62.7mm (17.9) for overall comfort and 73.9mm (21.2) for overall satisfaction. Subjective data from the daily dairies showed that one participant found the brace too firm around the ankle due to loss of soft tissue mass and two participants found it challenging to don and doff the brace due to loss of hand dexterity. This pilot study suggests that a 3D-printed custom ankle brace may improve balance and reduce foot pain in people with CMT; however, larger-scale trials are needed to further explore the impact of this brace on function and balance. Further customisation of the brace may also be required to improve acceptability for some people.

High-Definition Trans-Spinal Current Stimulation Improves Balance and Somatosensory Control: A Randomised, Placebo-Controlled Trial.

To investigate and compare the effects of three different high-definition (HD) non-invasive current stimulation (NICS) protocols on the spinal cord on support balance and somatosensory abilities in healthy young people. Fifty-eight students were enrolled in this crossover study. All participants underwent application of (i) 1.5 mA anodal high-definition trans spinal direct current stimulation (HD-tsDCS), (ii) 1.5 mA cathodal HD-tsDCS, (iii) 1.5 mA high-definition trans spinal alternating current stimulation (HD-tsACS), and (iv) sham HD-tsDCS/ACS over the eighth thoracic vertebra in a randomised order. Balance (Y Balance test), deep sensitivity (Tuning Fork Test), and superficial sensitivity (Monofilament Test) of the lower limbs were tested immediately before and after each intervention. Balance ability improved significantly following anodal HD-tsDCS and HD-tsACS compared with that following sham HD-tsDCS/ACS. Similarly, deep sensitivity increased significantly with anodal HD-tsDCS and HD-tsACS compared to that with sham HD-tsDCS/ACS and cathodal HD-tsDCS. Furthermore, superficial sensitivity improved significantly following anodal HD-tsDCS compared with that after HD-tsACS and cathodal HD-tsDCS. Our data show that HD-tsNICS effectively modulates the balance and somatosensory control of the lower limbs. Several diseases are associated with illness-induced changes in the spinal network in parallel with sensorimotor disabilities. Non-invasive spinal modulation may be a favourable alternative to conventional brain applications in rehabilitation. Future studies should therefore investigate these promising approaches among cohorts of patients with disabilities.

Mediterranean Diet-Based Sustainable Healthy Diet and Multicomponent Training Combined Intervention Effect on Body Composition, Anthropometry, and Physical Fitness in Healthy Aging

Background: Diet and exercise interventions have been associated with improved body composition and physical fitness. However, evidence regarding their combined effects in older adults is scarce. This study aimed to investigate the impact of a combined 12-week Mediterranean diet-based sustainable healthy diet (SHD) and multicomponent training (MT) intervention on body composition, anthropometry, and physical fitness in older adults. Methods: Diet intervention groups received a weekly SHD food supply and four sessions, including a SHD culinary practical workshop. The exercise program included MT 50 min group session, three times a week, on non-consecutive days. Body composition and physical fitness variables were assessed through dual X-ray absorptiometry, anthropometric measurements, and senior fitness tests. Repeated measures ANOVA, with terms for group, time, and interaction, was performed. Results: Our results showed that a combined intervention significantly lowered BMI and total fat. Also, significant differences between assessments in all physical fitness tests, except for aerobic endurance, were observed. Adjusted models show significant differences in BMI (p = 0.049) and WHR (p = 0.037) between groups and in total fat (p = 0.030) for the interaction term. Body strength (p &lt; 0.001), balance tests (p &lt; 0.001), and aerobic endurance (p = 0.005) had significant differences amongst groups. Considering the interaction term, differences were observed for upper body strength (p = 0.046) and flexibility tests (p = 0.004 sit and reach, p = 0.048 back scratch). Conclusions: Our intervention study demonstrates the potential of implementing healthy lifestyle and sustainable models to promote healthy and active aging.

Intelligent aerodynamic identification method based on wavelet transform and deep learning

Abstract Wind tunnel force testing is particularly crucial for the aerodynamic characteristics of hypersonic vehicles, and the intelligent and high-precision aerodynamic identification technology serves as the key supporting technology. Due to the short effective test time of the pulse combustion wind tunnel, the inertial force vibration generated by the force measurement system is difficult to be attenuated completely at the start of the wind tunnel. At the same time, there are many interference signals in the output signal during the test, which makes it difficult to achieve high-precision aerodynamic load identification. Therefore, in order to eliminate the influence of interference signals on aerodynamic identification accuracy and obtain accurate aerodynamic loads, this paper introduces an intelligent aerodynamic identification method based on wavelet transform and deep learning. Firstly, meyer wavelet is selected as the wavelet basis, and signal processing is performed on the output signal through wavelet transform to eliminate interference signals and improve signal quality. Then, through RNN-GRU network model to identify the load. The reliability of the method is verified by the rod balance test platform. The results show that the method can effectively reduce the influence of interference signal, and the relative error between the identified load and the real load is about 2%. At the same time, the identification results of the method are compared with those of the mean value method, which further verifies the accuracy of the proposed method.

Machine learning’s effectiveness in evaluating movement in one-legged standing test for predicting high autistic trait

IntroductionResearch supporting the presence of diverse motor impairments, including impaired balance coordination, in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is increasing. The one-legged standing test (OLST) is a popular test of balance. Since machine learning is a powerful technique for learning predictive models from movement data, it can objectively evaluate the processes involved in OLST. This study assesses machine learning’s effectiveness in evaluating movement in OLST for predicting high autistic trait.MethodsIn this study, 64 boys and 62 girls participated. The participants were instructed to stand on one leg on a pressure sensor while facing the experimenter. The data collected in the experiment were time-series data pertaining to pressure distribution on the sole of the foot and full-body images. A model to identify the participants belonging to High autistic trait group and Low autistic trait group was developed using a support vector machine (SVM) algorithm with 16 explanatory variables. Further, classification models were built for the conventional, proposed, and combined explanatory variable categories. The probabilities of High autistic trait group were calculated using the SVM model.ResultsFor proposed and combined variables, the accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity scores were 1.000. The variables shoulder, hip, and trunk are important since they explain the balance status of children with high autistic trait. Further, the total Social Responsiveness Scale score positively correlated with the probability of High autistic trait group in each category of explanatory variables.DiscussionResults indicate the effectiveness of evaluating movement in OLST by using movies and machine learning for predicting high autistic trait. In addition, they emphasize the significance of specifically focusing on shoulder and waist movements, which facilitate the efficient predicting high autistic trait. Finally, studies incorporating a broader range of balance cues are necessary to comprehensively determine the effectiveness of utilizing balance ability in predicting high autistic trait.

Rebuilding Stability: Exploring the Best Rehabilitation Methods for Chronic Ankle Instability.

Background: Chronic Ankle Instability (CAI) is a common condition characterized by repeated episodes of ankle "giving way" and impaired balance, leading to functional limitations. Various rehabilitation techniques, including balance training, proprioceptive exercises, whole-body vibration (WBV), and novel approaches like stroboscopic vision, are used to address these deficits. This review evaluates the effectiveness of different rehabilitation interventions for CAI management. Methods: A review was conducted by analyzing 11 randomized controlled trials that investigated the impact of balance and proprioceptive training programs on CAI. The primary outcomes assessed were the Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT), Cumberland Ankle Instability Tool (CAIT), and Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM). Methodological quality was assessed using the PEDro scale, and the risk of bias was evaluated with the ROB 2 tool. Results: All rehabilitation interventions demonstrated significant improvements in SEBT, CAIT, and FAAM scores. However, no single intervention was found to be consistently superior. Traditional balance training, strength exercises, BAPS, and WBV all provided meaningful functional gains. Stroboscopic vision training showed similar effectiveness compared to conventional approaches. The evidence supports a combination of balance and strength training for optimal recovery. Conclusions: Balance and proprioceptive exercises are effective in managing CAI, with improvements in both dynamic stability and subjective outcomes. No intervention stands out as the best, but personalized programs incorporating various methods are recommended. Future research should explore the long-term effects and potential synergies of combined interventions.

The influence of experiential Jelajah Alam Sekitar learning model on naturalist intelligence in science learning

This research aims to determine the influence of the Experiential Jelajah Alam Sekitar learning model on naturalist intelligence in elementary school students' social and science learning. This research uses quantitative methods that are experimental. The population of this research is all fifth-grade students at SDN Segugus Dewi Sartika, Purworejo, for the academic year 2023/2024. The sampling technique used was cluster random sampling. The data collection techniques used were tests, questionnaires, and observation sheets. Data analysis techniques included prerequisite tests such as normality tests using the Kolmogorov‒Smirnov method, homogeneity tests using Levene's test, balance tests using the t test, and hypothesis testing using the Independent Sample t Test. Based on the results of research conducted from the implementation of the naturalist intelligence test, it was found that the calculated value was 2.082, with degrees of freedom (dk) = 39, and a significance level of 5%, where the critical t value (t-table) is 2.023. Therefore, it can be concluded that t &gt; t-table, thus H0 is rejected and H1 is accepted. Based on the results of the n-gain test, the average value in the experimental group was 0.44, and in the control group, it was 0.29. Hence, the increase in scores with the Experiential Jelajah Alam Sekitar learning model is better than with conventional learning models.

Auditory and vestibular function in mitochondrial patients harbouring the m.3243A&amp;gt;G variant

Abstract Hearing impairment is a frequent clinical feature in patients with mitochondrial disease harbouring the pathogenic variant, m.3243A&amp;gt;G. However, auditory neural dysfunction, its perceptual consequences, as well as implications for patient management are not established. Similarly, the association with vestibular impairment has not yet been explored. This case-control study investigated in 12 adults with genetically confirmed m.3243A&amp;gt;G adults (nine females; 45.5±16.3 years [range 18–66]; 47.1±21.5dB hearing level, dB) compared to 12 age, sex, and hearing level matched controls with sensory (cochlear-level) hearing loss (nine females; 46.6±11.8 years [range 23–59]; 47.7±25.4 hearing level, dB). Participants underwent a battery of electro-acoustic, electrophysiologic and perceptual tests which included: pure tone audiometry, otoacoustic emissions, auditory brainstem responses, auditory temporal processing measures, monaural/binaural speech perception, balance and vestibular testing, and self-reported questionnaires (dizziness, hearing disability). Our findings showed evidence of auditory neural abnormality and perceptual deficits greater than expected for cochlear pathology. Compared with matched controls with sensory hearing loss, adults with mitochondrial disease harbouring m.3243A&amp;gt;G had abnormal electrophysiologic responses from the VIIIth nerve and auditory brainstem (P = 0.005), an impaired capacity to encode rapidly occurring acoustic signal changes (P = 0.005), a reduced ability to localise sound sources (P = 0.028) and impaired speech perception in background noise (P = 0.008). Additionally, vestibular dysfunction (P = 0.011), greater perceived dizziness (P = 0.001) and reduced stance time (balance) (P=0.009) were also seen in participants with m.3243A&amp;gt;G mitochondrial disease when compared to matched counterparts. This pilot study revealed that auditory evaluation, including evoked potential responses from the auditory nerve/brainstem and speech perception in noise tests should form an important part of the management for individuals with m.3243A&amp;gt;G-related mitochondrial disease. Those presenting with hearing impairment and symptoms concerning balance and dizziness should undergo vestibular testing and appropriate management.

Relationship Between Resiliency, Personality Traits, Athletic Identity, and Dynamic Balance and Functional Performance with the Occurrence of Sports Injuries in Female Bodybuilders

Background: Bodybuilding is a widely embraced physical activity pursued for health enhancement and fitness improvement. However, reports indicate a notable prevalence of sports injuries among bodybuilders. Objectives: This study aims to explore the correlation between resiliency, personality traits, athletic identity, dynamic balance of upper and lower limbs, and functional performance with the occurrence of sports injuries in female bodybuilders, addressing a gap in previous research on this specific population. Methods: This case-control study was conducted in Tehran from 2022 to 2023. Standardized questionnaires assessing personality traits, resiliency, athletic identity, and sports injuries, along with functional screening tests and the Y balance test for upper and lower limbs, were administered to 110 female bodybuilders (average age 36.8 ± 1.8). Results: The findings revealed that sports injuries are prevalent among female bodybuilders, with an average prevalence rate of 40.1%. The most commonly affected areas were the lower back (19.1%), knee (17.6%), and shoulder (14.7%). In terms of personality traits and resiliency, female bodybuilders with a history of injury exhibited higher mean scores in neuroticism, extraversion, openness to experience, and athletic identity compared to those without a history of injury (P &lt; 0.05), while responsibility and resilience scores were significantly lower (P &lt; 0.05). Moreover, the average scores of the lower limb Y balance test and FMS for female bodybuilders with a history of injury were significantly lower than those without a history of injury (P &lt; 0.05). Conclusions: These findings suggest that athletic trainers and physiotherapists should consider these psychological and functional factors to help prevent sports injuries among female bodybuilders.