Body composition, core stability, flexibility, balance, and psychological status in female athletes with primary dysmenorrhea.

Stroke survivors commonly experience deficits in postural control and motor function, significantly impacting their independence and quality of life. Core Stability Training (CST) has emerged as a promising intervention to address these challenges. This review explores the multifaceted mechanisms by which CST promotes recovery, including: Biomechanical: CST strengthens the core musculature, providing a stable foundation for limb movement and optimizing force transmission throughout the kinetic chain. Neurophysiological: CST drives neural plasticity through repetitive, task-specific sensorimotor stimulation, facilitating cortical reorganization and restoring anticipatory postural adjustments. Functional and Systemic: CST improves respiratory function and may contribute to the modulation of pathological muscle tone, promoting overall health and well-being. Clinical evidence demonstrates that CST effectively enhances balance, gait parameters, upper limb function, and performance in activities of daily living. This review also discusses current challenges and future perspectives, including the need for standardized protocols, personalized interventions, and the integration of technological advancements to optimize CST delivery. By addressing the core deficits in post-stroke motor recovery, CST offers a valuable tool for improving the functional outcomes and quality of life for stroke survivors.

Spinal structure and function in individuals with chronic functional constipation: A case-control study.

ABSTRACT As society becomes increasingly digital, mobile, and always connected, qualitative longitudinal research (QLR) needs methods that resonate with everyday practice and trace change as it unfolds. This paper examines social-media-based diaries (SMBDs) within WeChat Moments in a 17-week study of 82 first-year Chinese undergraduates transitioning to university. SMBDs amplify core strengths of diary methods (immediacy, multimodality, contextual richness), yielding layered archives that render trajectories visible rather than isolated moments, while embedding documentation in participants’ routines mitigates attrition and reactivity. Yet platform logics introduce trade-offs: fewer opportunities for sustained reflection, greater fragmentation, reduced researcher scope to guide focus, and audience-shaped self-presentation in semi-closed networks. We propose transferable principles: align SMBDs with participants’ digital habits; scaffold in-situ expression and reflective insight; respect participant-controlled visibility; maintain minimal researcher presence; and archive iteratively. We argue for adaptive digital methodologies that work with platform affordances while navigating ethical and cultural complexities.

Constructing heterogeneous interfaces is an effective strategy to enhance the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) kinetics of electrocatalysts, yet the controllable fabrication of such interfaces remains challenging. Herein, an interface regulation strategy is proposed, which achieves the fabrication of heterogeneous interface Ni/Pt metallic aerogels (Ni@Pt) with tip-like structures via sodium citrate ligand-mediated Ni core stabilization, ammonium fluoride etchant-induced interface activation, and NaBH4 gradient reduction technology. MATLAB simulation results confirm that a significant enhancement of the local electric field occurs in the tip region of the Ni@Pt3 structure, accompanied by an increase in OH- concentration. Furthermore, Extended X-ray Absorption Fine Structure (EXAFS) analysis indicates that a compressive strain of 0.79% exists in this region. Thus, Ni@Pt3 exhibits excellent bifunctional catalytic activity, achieving a half-wave potential of 0.88V, a kinetic current density of 11.92mA cm-2, and an OER overpotential of 350mV. Notably, ZABs based on it show 1.48V open-circuit voltage, 203mW/cm2 peak power, and 1300h cycling stability. Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations confirm that, due to the compressive strain in the Pt lattice, the ORR activity is enhanced by reducing the binding strength between the catalyst surface and the adsorbed *OH intermediate.

Aim To compare the effectiveness of Pilates exercises and Back rehabilitation protocol on pain, core strength and functional status in low back pain patients with lumbar disc herniation.  Methodology Thirty-nine subjects were included in the study and allocated in two groups Pilates and Back rehabilitation group. They were given supervised intervention for 2 weeks followed by 2 weeks of home exercise program. Hot fomentation and ergonomic advice were given to patients in both the groups. Outcome measures used were Visual Analogue Scale, Pressure biofeedback unit and Oswestry disability index to assess pain, core strength, and disability respectively pre-treatment at week 0 and post 4-week intervention.  Results Statistical analysis was done using SPSS version 24. There was a significant difference on an intra-group analysis in outcome measures in Pilates and Back rehabilitation group, however, a non-significant difference existed on an inter-group comparison between the two groups.  Conclusion Both the intervention techniques that is Pilates exercises and Back rehabilitation protocol were equally effective in reducing pain, increasing core strength and reducing disability over a period of 4 weeks in low back pain patients with lumbar disc herniation.

Lumbar spondylolisthesis is a clinically important cause of chronic low back pain, activity limitation, and reduced functional capacity. Exercise-based physiotherapy is widely recommended for conservative management, yet uncertainty remains regarding the added value of targeted core stabilization and hip-related stretching strategies in this population. Abdominal hollowing is intended to improve deep trunk muscle activation and lumbopelvic control, whereas piriformis stretching may reduce posterior hip tightness and movement-related discomfort. This trial aims to evaluate whether adding abdominal hollowing and piriformis stretching exercises to a standardized conventional physiotherapy programme improves pain, functional disability, and kinesiophobia in adults with low-grade lumbar spondylolisthesis. This study is a two-arm, parallel group, assessor-blinded randomized controlled superiority trial. Seventy-two participants aged 18 to 65years with radiologically confirmed lumbar spondylolisthesis of Meyerding grade I or II, chronic localized low back pain of more than 3months, and a baseline pain intensity of more than 3 on a 10-point Visual Analogue Scale will be recruited from the Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy Unit of the Centre for the Rehabilitation of the Paralysed, Savar, Bangladesh. Recruitment is planned from April 2026 to June 2026. Participants will be allocated in a 1:1 ratio using a computer-generated block randomization sequence with concealed allocation. Both groups will receive a standardized conventional physiotherapy programme three times weekly for 6weeks. The experimental group will additionally receive abdominal hollowing and piriformis stretching exercises. The primary outcome will be pain intensity measured by the 10-cm Visual Analogue Scale immediately after the 6-week intervention. Secondary outcomes will include functional disability measured by the Oswestry Disability Index, kinesiophobia measured by the Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia, and all outcome measures assessed at 4-week follow-up. Data will be analysed according to the intention-to-treat principle using linear mixed effects models, with effect estimates reported alongside 95% confidence intervals. This trial will determine whether adding targeted core stabilization and piriformis stretching to a standardized physiotherapy programme produces superior short-term clinical outcomes in people with lumbar spondylolisthesis. The findings may inform conservative rehabilitation strategies for this population, particularly in resource-limited clinical settings. Clinical Trial Registry India (CTRI), CTRI/2025/07/089927. Registered prospectively on 01 July 2025.

The objective of this review is to evaluate the effectiveness of therapeutic (structured asana- and pranayama-based) yoga versus physiotherapy-based balance and proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) training in improving postural stability and fall-related outcomes in older adults with early-stage Parkinsonism. Parkinsonism in older adults is characterized by postural instability and gait impairment, increasing risks of falls, fractures, and loss of independence. Physiotherapy interventions, particularly balance training and PNF, remain the clinical standard for fall prevention. Therapeutic yoga integrating asana (postural practice) and pranayama (breath regulation) may provide complementary benefits through improved proprioception, sensorimotor integration, core strength, and attentional control. However, evidence is fragmented due to variability in yoga styles, intervention intensity, and outcome measures. Randomized controlled trials published between 2015 and 2025 involving adults aged ≥60 years with early-stage Parkinsonism (Hoehn and Yahr stage ≤2 or disease duration ≤5 years) will be included. Eligible interventions will involve structured therapeutic yoga integrating asana and pranayama, which will be compared with physiotherapy-based balance or PNF training. This protocol follows JBI guidance. Searches will be conducted in MEDLINE, ScienceDirect, Cochrane CENTRAL, Web of Science, PEDro, and PsycINFO, with supplementary searches in trial registries and gray literature. Two reviewers will independently screen studies, extract data, and assess bias. Meta-analysis will use a random-effects model, and evidence will be graded using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE). PROSPERO CRD420251149898.

Low back pain (LBP) is among the most prevalent musculoskeletal complaints in competitive gymnasts, yet synthesized evidence evaluating its epidemiological burden and conservative management in this population remains limited. This systematic review aimed to investigate the prevalence, risk factors, and efficacy of conservative interventions for LBP in competitive gymnasts. This review was conducted following the PRISMA guidelines and registered with PROSPERO (ID: 420251238218). Five databases (PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Library, SPORTDiscus, and Web of Science) were searched from inception to February 2025. Eligible studies included randomized controlled trials (RCTs), cohort, case-control, cross-sectional, and quasi-experimental studies involving competitive gymnasts aged 12 years or older with LBP. Methodological quality was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2.0 tool for RCTs and the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale for observational studies. Due to substantial clinical and methodological heterogeneity, a narrative synthesis was performed. Ten studies (7 RCTs, 3 cross-sectional) involving 736 participants were included. LBP prevalence ranged from 25% to 50% across disciplines, with higher rates observed in rhythmic gymnastics. Prevalence increased with advancing age and greater weekly training volume. Core stability training reduced pain intensity by 1.5 to 3.1 points on a 10-point VAS/NRS scale, while postural re-education methods (notably the Mézières method) yielded reductions of 1.2 to 2.5 points. Multimodal protocols integrating core training with postural correction demonstrated the largest reductions (1.8 to 3.2 points). No adverse effects on athletic performance were reported. LBP is highly prevalent among competitive gymnasts and is closely associated with cumulative training exposure. Core stability training and global postural re-education lasting 8 to 12 weeks can produce clinically meaningful pain reductions. However, the current evidence base is limited by small sample sizes, short follow-up periods, and inherent challenges in participant and personnel blinding. Future large-scale, multicenter RCTs with standardized outcome measures and long-term follow-up are warranted.

Ankle sprains are among the most common injuries in athletes, accounting for approximately 80% of all athletic injuries. Recurrent ankle sprains often progress to chronic ankle instability (CAI), which can impair athletic performance. Optimal transmission and control of power and movement to distal segments during sport-specific tasks depend on effective control of trunk positioning and movement relative to the pelvis and lower extremities. The aim of this study was to compare the explosive power characteristics, balance, and morphology of muscles of the lower extremity and trunk between volleyball players with and without CAI. The study involved 40 volleyball athletes who recruited based on the inclusion criteria of the International Ankle Consortium. Dynamic postural control via Y Balance Test, core stability via Sahrmann's Stability Test, explosive power via countermovement and squat jump tests was assessed. B-mode ultrasonography was used to examine the morphology muscles including the transversus abdominis (TrA), multifidus, vastus lateralis (VL), gastrocnemius muscles and anterior talofibular ligament. Statistical comparisons between groups were performed using the Mann-Whitney U test for non-normally distributed data and the independent samples t-test for normally distributed data. Intra-rater reliability was calculated using intraclass correlation coefficients. Although the morphological characteristics of all muscles were similar between the CAI group and the control group (p > 0.05), TrA and VL muscle thickness change ratio were higher in control group than CAI group (effect size CAITrA:1.83 ControlTrA:2.21; CAIVL:0.87 ControlVL:1.60). There was no difference between the groups in terms of the explosive power, high jump, core stability, and dynamic balance results (p > 0.05). The intra-rater reliability of ultrasound measurements ranged from moderate to excellent with values of 0.42 to 0.98 for all assessed muscles. The morphological characteristics of the trunk and lower-extremity muscles involved in explosive power were similar between athletes with and without CAI, and CAI did not affect dynamic balance, explosive power, core stabilization, or jump height results. It is thought that athletes with CAI adapted to morphological characteristics, except for TrA and VL muscle thickness. These findings suggest that athletes with CAI may develop neuromuscular adaptations that preserve functional performance despite chronic instability. The study is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (Identifier: NCT05746663; Registration date: 30-01-2023).

ObjectiveThis study aimed to determine the extent to which structural (anthropometric) versus functional (physiological) characteristics drive the specialization of youth kayakers and canoeists.MethodsUsing a cross-sectional comparative design, eighty-two youth athletes (42 kayakers, 40 canoeists) from the Zhejiang Provincial Training Camp were assessed. Comprehensive profiling included anthropometry (height, arm span), body composition, hematological markers (Hb, HCT), and specific fitness tests (Wingate anaerobic test, 1-RM strength, core stability, and 3,000 m run).ResultsDistinct specialization patterns emerged, differentiated significantly by gender. Male athletes exhibited both structural and functional divergence: kayakers possessed significantly greater height, arm span, hematological capacity (Hb, HCT), and explosive peak power, whereas canoeists demonstrated superior posterior core stability, with no significant differences in anaerobic endurance between disciplines. In contrast, female athletes showed no significant anthropometric differences; divergence was exclusively functional. Foundational aerobic capacity and upper-body strength did not differ between female disciplines; instead, their specialization was highly specific to the glycolytic system, with female canoeists demonstrating superior anaerobic average power.ConclusionThe findings confirm that while male specialization is constrained by structural mismatches and distinct explosive power requirements, female specialization allows for greater talent mobility due to the lack of structural barriers, relying instead on highly specific functional adaptation within the anaerobic energy pathways.

Chronic non-specific low back pain (CNSLBP) often involves impaired sensorimotor control and functional limitations. This study compared the effects of core stability training (CST) and postural control training (PCT) on pain, functional disability, proprioception, balance, and quality of life (QOL) in middle-aged women with CNSLBP. In a three-arm, assessor-blinded RCT, 51 women were randomized to PCT (n = 17), CST (n = 17), or a control group (n = 17). Pain (VAS), proprioception (goniometric joint repositioning), static balance (Stork test), functional disability (Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire [RMDQ] and Oswestry Disability Index [ODI]), and QOL (SF-36) were assessed. Between-group differences were analyzed using mean differences and confidence intervals, and analysis of covariance (ANCOVA). The CST group demonstrated significant reductions in ODI (MD = -13.36, 95% CI: -16.63 to -10.10, p < 0.001), RMDQ (MD = -4.82, 95% CI: -5.37 to -4.28, p < 0.001), and pain (MD = -2.48, 95% CI: -3.03 to -1.93, p < 0.001). Similarly, the PCT group showed significant improvements in ODI (MD = -14.05, 95% CI: -17.04 to -11.07, p < 0.001), RMDQ (MD = -4.42, 95% CI: -4.94 to -3.90, p < 0.001), and pain (MD = -2.96, 95% CI: -3.47 to -2.46, p < 0.001). In addition, proprioception improved significantly only in the PCT group, while no significant change was observed in the CST group (p = 0.17) compared with controls. Both CST and PCT effectively reduced pain and disability in women with CNSLBP. PCT demonstrated greater improvements in lumbo-pelvic proprioception compared with control, suggesting potential benefits for sensorimotor function. These findings support a multidimensional approach to CNSLBP rehabilitation targeting both pain and neuromuscular impairments.Clinical trial registration: This study was a priori registered at IRCT20250519065806N2 on 12 April 2026.

Lumbopelvic rhythm describes the relationship between the lumbar spine and hip motion during trunk bending tasks, while the lumbar lordosis angle represents the normal sagittal curvature of the lumbar spine. This study aimed to investigate the effect of core stabilisation exercises on lumbopelvic rhythm, lumbar lordosis angle, and pain in men with chronic nonspecific low back pain (CNSLBP). This clinical trial was conducted among men aged 30-50years with CNSLBP in Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari provinces of Iran. Participants (n=28) were randomly assigned to an experimental group (n=14), which received core stabilisation training for eight weeks (three sessions per week, 45-60min per session), and a control group (n=14) with no intervention. Lumbopelvic rhythm during trunk flexion and return was assessed using Kinovea software and smartphone video analysis; lumbar lordosis angle was measured using a flexible ruler; and pain levels were assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). At baseline, there were no significant differences between groups in pain, lumbopelvic rhythm, or lumbar lordosis. After 8weeks, the experimental group showed a significant reduction in pain compared with the control group (p≤0.05). However, significant changes in lumbopelvic rhythm were only observed in the hip return angle and the lumbar-to-hip ratio during forward bending. No significant differences were found in other angles or in lumbar lordosis. The findings suggested that core stabilisation exercises significantly reduced pain in men with CNSLBP; however, no significant changes were observed in lumbopelvic rhythm patterns or lumbar lordosis angle, suggesting that pain relief may occur through neuromuscular or functional adaptations rather than structural changes in the spine or pelvis. IRCT20240210060953N1 Registration date: 2024/03/09.

Tütüneken, YE, Kardes, K, Kabasakal, E, Çakir, EN, Kalay, AC, Tetik, G, and Deliktaş, ES. Effects of functional inspiratory muscle training based on core stability exercise on respiratory functions and physical performance in football players. J Strength Cond Res 40(6): 702-708, 2026-Inspiratory muscle training is recognized as a potential strategy to enhance performance. This study compares the effects of a program that incorporates Functional Inspiratory Muscle Training (FIMT) based on Core Stability Exercise with Core Stability Training (CST) in football players. Thirty subjects were randomly assigned to either the FIMT group or the CST group. Both programs were conducted over 6 weeks, with five 45-minute sessions each week, alongside regular training routines. Outcomes measured included respiratory muscle strength, pulmonary function tests, the Biering-Sorensen Test (BST), the Anterior Plank Test (APT), and the Y-Balance Test (YBT). Results indicated statistically significant improvements in the FIMT group for maximal inspiratory pressure, maximal expiratory pressure, forced vital capacity, and FEV 1 values ( p < 0.05). However, there were no significant differences between the groups in BST, APT, and YBT results ( p > 0.05). Overall, FIMT proved more effective than CST in enhancing respiratory muscle strength and lung volumes in football players, while both methods similarly affected trunk muscular endurance and dynamic balance.

Analysis of the physical fitness development trajectory of children and adolescents with severe intellectual disabilities in orphanages: A three-year longitudinal follow-up study.

The global integration of renewable energy is fundamentally reshaping power systems, replacing synchronous generators with inverter-based resources (IBRs). This transition introduces a critical stability challenge: conventional Grid-Following (GFL) inverters, which depend on a stable grid voltage for synchronization, become unstable in weak grids with low Short-Circuit Ratios (SCR). This paper provides a comprehensive review of the paradigm shift from GFL to Grid-Forming (GFM) inverters—the key to stabilizing future power systems. We analyze the core control architectures, operational limitations, and stability mechanisms of both paradigms, with a focused examination of synchronization instability in GFL units, including a precise small-signal impedance model explaining the negative incremental resistance effect and its impact on critical SCR thresholds in multi-inverter systems. We further delve into the voltage-source behavior of GFM strategies like Droop Control and the Virtual Synchronous Machine (VSM), critically comparing their power sharing and frequency regulation capabilities in islanded microgrids and analyzing the stability trade-offs of virtual inertia in ultra-weak grids. The review covers advanced mitigation techniques, including adaptive control and virtual impedance, while also addressing their limitations in P-Q decoupling in resistive grids and exploring novel control paradigms. We provide a bifurcation analysis of large-signal instabilities, clarifying the role of current limiting strategies in catastrophic failures. Furthermore, we highlight the transformative role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in enabling real-time, self-tuning inverters, and critically examine the optimal role of the AI layer (supervisory vs. direct control) and the attendant risks. Finally, we present a forward-looking research trajectory for developing an AI-augmented GFM inverter capable of stable operation in ultra-weak grids (SCR < 2), including the crucial development of Verification and Validation (V&V) frameworks for AI-based grid controllers to provide formal or probabilistic guarantees against adversarial data and cyber-physical attacks, providing a clear pathway to overcome the most pressing stability barriers in renewable-rich power networks. • Provides a quantitative stability-oriented framework for the transition from grid-following to grid-forming inverters. • Analyzes synchronization and large-signal instability mechanisms in low-SCR and ultra-weak grids. • Critically compares droop and virtual synchronous machine grid-forming strategies under weak-grid conditions. • Examines adaptive, impedance-based, and AI-augmented control approaches with stability-theoretic insights. • Discusses verification, validation, and robustness challenges for AI-enabled grid-forming controllers in future power systems.

Microencapsulation of bioactive compounds, particularly solid cores with biopolymer protective materials, is limited by an incomplete understanding of the internal microstructure and protective layer architecture of microcapsules, due to the heterogeneity and complexity of multicomponent protective materials. Such understanding is critical for optimizing core stability, functionality, targeted delivery, and broader applicability. To address this, we applied an integrated approach using advanced structural and compositional techniques to examine the internal microstructure, core distribution, and protective layer architecture of model biopolymer-based solid-core microcapsules. Specifically, we focused on Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) probiotics (as the solid core) coated with softwood galactoglucomannans (GGM) and hardwood glucuronoxylans (GX), which are heterogeneous and multicomponent polysaccharides, to elucidate the formation mechanisms of microcapsules during spray drying. The results revealed hollow microcapsules, with smaller particles exhibiting thicker protective layers. LGG cells were embedded within the protective layers a few nanometers beneath the surface, physically interacting with lignin residues in GGM and GX, while the hollow cores were mostly empty. The average protective layer thicknesses (3.4μm for LGG-GX and 3.9μm for LGG-GGM) were sufficient to accommodate multiple LGG cells. These findings advance the understanding of microcapsule formation and structure-function relationships, supporting the design of stable, targeted probiotic/solid-core delivery systems and tailored biopolymer protective materials for food, pharmaceutical, and healthcare applications.

This systematic review and network meta-analysis aims to synthesize and compare the evidence on the effects of different exercise interventions on postural balance and activity ability in stroke survivors, and to determine their relative effectiveness through probability ranking, to provide to offer preliminary evidence for clinical practice in post-stroke rehabilitation. A systematic literature search was performed across the following electronic databases from inception until January 2026, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang Data, Chinese Scientific Journal Database, Cochrane Library, Embase, PubMed, Web of Science, and MEDLINE. Version 2 of the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomized trials (RoB-2) was used to assess the quality of included studies. The study protocol was registered a priori with PROSPERO CRD420251031404. This study included a total of 24 randomized controlled trials, which compared the effects of six types of exercise interventions on the postural balance and activity ability of stroke patients: robot-assisted training, treadmill training, core stability training, resistance training, aquatic therapy, and overground gait. The analysis demonstrated that exercise interventions significantly improved postural balance (SMD = 0.27, 95% CI: 0.03, 0.51) and activity ability (SMD = 0.96, 95% CI: 0.15, 1.76) of stroke patients. Probability ranking further indicated that, compared to other exercise interventions, core stability training showed a superior potential in enhancing both postural balance (SUCRA = 75.4%; SMD = 0.50, 95% CI: 0.04, 0.96) and activity ability (SUCRA = 96.0%; SMD = 2.68, 95% CI: 0.66, 4.70). This network meta-analysis indicates that core stability training shows the greatest potential in improving postural balance and activity ability in stroke patients. In clinical rehabilitation practice, it may be considered as a preferred option; however, given the limitations of evidence certainty, these findings should be interpreted cautiously and further validated by high-quality studies.

Beyond spinal stabilization: Engaging the functional core: The potential of non-invasive force sensor for clinical AWT measurement in adaptive LBP rehabilitation: A critical review.

Acute physicians in medical leadership: Essential, or nice to have?