Flexibility Tests Research Articles

Clinical evaluation of post-surgical scar hyperaesthesia: a longitudinal observational pilot study.

The mechanisms underlying persistent scar pain are not fully elucidated and evidence for the clinical evaluation of scar pain is limited. This pilot observational study investigated participation data and sought to identify objective clinical scar evaluation measures for future trials. With ethical approval and consent, adults undergoing planned hand surgery were enrolled from one NHS hospital. At 1- and 4-months post-surgery scar thermal and mechanical pain thresholds were evaluated with quantitative sensory testing; peri-scar inflammation with infrared thermometry and pliability with durometry. Participation data were analysed with descriptive statistics; the association of clinical measures with patient reported scar pain was analysed. Twenty-one participants (22% eligible patients) enrolled before study closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic; 13 completed follow up. No adverse events or dropouts resulted from clinical scar evaluation. Seventy percent of participants reported undertaking topical, nonprescription scar treatment independently. Neuropathic Pain Symptom Inventory (NPSI) scores were dispersed across the score range, capturing variability in participant-reported scar symptoms. Scar morphology, pliability and inflammation were not associated with scar pain. Differences between scar and contralateral skin in thermal and mechanical pain sensitivity were identified. People with acute hand scars participate in clinical research and independently initiate scar treatment. Clinical testing of acute post-surgical hand scars is well tolerated. The NPSI demonstrates utility for exploring scar pain symptoms and may support the elucidation of mechanisms of persistent scar pain. Clinical tests of thermal and mechanical and sensitivity are promising candidate clinical measures of scar pain for future trials. Background: it is unknown why some scars remain painful long-term. We do not know if scar flexibility, inflammation or sensitivity to temperature or pressure relate to scar pain. We investigated if patients would enrol in scar research, if scar testing was tolerated and if clinical tests are useful for future scar studies. Study conduct: with ethical approval and consent, adult hand surgery patients were enrolled from one NHS hospital. Scar pain, inflammation and response to thermal, sharp and pressure tests were assessed at 1- and 4-months after surgery. Statistically, we analysed study participation, tolerance for clinical scar tests and if the scar tests related to scar pain. Findings: 21 participants (22% eligible patients) enrolled before study closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic; 13 completed follow up. No participants were injured due to scar testing. 70% of participants reported treating their scar independently. Neuropathic Pain Symptom Inventory (NPSI) allows participants to give a broad range of answers about their scar symptoms. Scores for clinical tests of scar flexibility and inflammation did not relate to participant-reported scar pain. Scars were more sensitive to tests of pin prick and cold than unaffected skin. What we learned: people with new hand scars participate in research and independently initiate scar treatment. Clinical testing of post-surgical hand scars is well tolerated. The NPSI is useful for exploring scar pain symptoms and may help us to learn about persistent scar pain. Pinprick and cold clinical tests may be useful objective pain tests for future scar research.

Morphological Correlates of Behavioral Variation in Autism Spectrum Disorder Groups in A Maternal Immune Activation Model.

Clinical heterogeneity is one of the biggest challenges for researchers studying underlying neurobiological mechanisms in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). We aimed to use polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid [Poly (I:C)] induced maternal immune activation mice model to investigate the behavioral variation and the role of brain circuits related to symptom clusters in ASD. For this purpose, behavioral tests were applied to offsprings and regional thickness was measured from histological brain sections in medial prefrontal cortex, hippocampus and striatum. Pups of intraperitoneal Poly (I:C)-applied mothers (n: 14) and phosphate buffered saline-applied mothers (n: 6) were used for this study. We used three chamber socialization test and social memory test to evaluate social behavior deficit in mice. Marble burying test was used for assessing stereotypic behavior and new object recognition test for learning and cognitive flexibility. Three subgroups (n: 4 for each) were determined according to behavioral test parameters. Regional thickness was measured in medial prefrontal cortex, hippocampus and striatum and compared between subgroups. We detected that the behavioral differences were distributed in a spectrum as expected in the clinic and also detected increased hippocampus thickness in the stereotypic behavior dominant Poly (I:C) subgroup. Poly (I:C) induced maternal immune activation model creates the behavioral variation and cortical development differences that are seen in relation with symptom groups in ASD.

Changes in higher order cognitive function between four watch keeping schedules.

Maritime industries utilize many different watch keeping schedules to maintain vigilance and crew safety around the clock. These schedules can be fatiguing, negatively impacting vigilant attention. This has led to the consideration of schedules that might allow for more sleep time, but how these schedules impact higher order cognitive function remains unclear. These schedules require assessment with tasks that are relevant to real-world operations on maritime vessels. This study investigated the effect of four schedules on higher order cognitive function. N = 27 (16 female) participants were recruited to a 10-day laboratory study, comparing four schedules. The schedules investigated were eight-on/eight-off/four-on/four-off (8/8/4/4) with sleep from 09:30 to 16:00 (condition A); six-on/six-off (6/6) with sleep from 08:30 to 12:30 and 21:30 to 00:00 (condition B); four-on/four-off (4/4/4/4/4/4) with sleep from 18:00 to 00:30 (condition C); and four-on/four-off (4/4/4/4/4/4) with sleep from 01:30 to 08:00 (condition D). Higher order cognitive function was assessed 2-3× daily whilst "on watch" using tests of visual scanning, learning, working memory, mental flexibility, and visuomotor control. Conditions were ranked and stability of performance on watch was compared between conditions using Kruskal-Wallis tests. Cognitive function within condition B was ranked the worst for most of the tasks. However, the stability of higher order cognitive function was poorest across the waking day within condition A. These findings highlight the variability in cognitive capacities during different watch keeping schedules.

Immunomodulatory poly(L-lactic acid) nanofibrous membranes promote diabetic wound healing by inhibiting inflammation, oxidation and bacterial infection.

Given the significant impact on human health, it is imperative to develop novel treatment approaches for diabetic wounds, which are prevalent and serious complications of diabetes. The diabetic wound microenvironment has a high level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and an imbalance between proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory cells/factors, which hamper the healing of chronic wounds. This study aimed to develop poly(L-lactic acid) (PLLA) nanofibrous membranes incorporating curcumin and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), defined as PLLA/C/Ag, for diabetic wound healing. PLLA/C/Ag were fabricated via an air-jet spinning approach. The membranes underwent preparation and characterization through various techniques including Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, measurement of water contact angle, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, assessment of in vitro release of curcumin and Ag+, testing of mechanical strength, flexibility, water absorption and biodegradability. In addition, the antioxidant, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties of the membranes were evaluated in vitro, and the ability of the membranes to heal wounds was tested in vivo using diabetic mice. Loose hydrophilic nanofibrous membranes with uniform fibre sizes were prepared through air-jet spinning. The membranes enabled the efficient and sustained release of curcumin. More importantly, antibacterial AgNPs were successfully reduced in situ from AgNO3. The incorporation of AgNPs endowed the membrane with superior antibacterial activity, and the bioactivities of curcumin and the AgNPs gave the membrane efficient ROS scavenging and immunomodulatory effects, which protected cells from oxidative damage and reduced inflammation. Further results from animal studies indicated that the PLLA/C/Ag membranes had the most efficient wound healing properties, which were achieved by stimulating angiogenesis and collagen deposition and inhibiting inflammation. In this research, we successfully fabricated PLLA/C/Ag membranes that possess properties of antioxidants, antibacterial agents and anti-inflammatory agents, which can aid in the process of wound healing. Modulating wound inflammation, these new PLLA/C/Ag membranes serve as a novel dressing to enhance the healing of diabetic wounds.

Evaluation of physical fitness in Indian children by EUROFIT test battery

Introduction: Physical activity is a key component in maintaining and improving health, including physical, mental, and emotional health. Fitness tests are usually assessed in laboratories or on field. Field tests, as compared to laboratory tests, are widely used for their lower costs, and less time of administration. The EUROFIT test battery is a reliable field test for assessing fitness in children. Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate physical fitness through flexibility, agility, speed, balance, endurance, and strength tests using the EUROFIT test battery in children involved in sporting activities and those who are not regularly involved. Materials and Methods: The study was carried out on 40 kids of primary class from a school in Kolkata, attending sports classes and general studies. For the sports category, we included children who were engaged in outdoor sports, whereas nonsports group comprised kids who did not participate in regular outdoor sports activities. Anthropometric measurement and the physical fitness tests were executed in a definite order and a comparative study was done between sports and nonsports groups. Results: Students having sports backgrounds performed significantly (P < 0.05) better than nonsports in five out of nine assessed parameters of the EUROFIT Test Battery. Conclusion: The result of the study showed better results in all tested variables in sports group children than nonsports participants. Our study provides valuable fitness data for children, which has utility for health and fitness screening, profiling, monitoring, and surveillance.

Effect of physical parameters on Queens College Step Test performance in young adults of Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India: An observational study

Abstract Background: Cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) helps physiotherapists in assessing body health and is a strong predictor of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Assessment of physical parameters may reveal some insight into factors affecting CRF. This study aimed to assess CRF and factors affecting CRF in young adults. Materials and Methods: An observational analytical study was conducted on 102 participants from the community of Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India, aged 18–24 years, males and females. Queens College Step Test (QCT) for CRF, body mass index (BMI) for obesity, Sit and Reach Test for flexibility, and Beiring–Sorenson Test for back endurance were performed, and data were analyzed using odds ratio. VO2max was calculated with McArdle’s equation. Result: Mean age of 102 participants was (21.02 ± 1.08) years. Mean values for BMI (23.35 ± 4.48) kg/m2, VO2max of participants who completed the QCT (42.26 ± 3.08) mL/kg/min, back endurance (78.97 ± 37.95) sec, and flexibility (13.72 ± 3.19) inches were seen. OR for QCT with BMI (3.52, CI: 2.41–5.16), flexibility (0.1, CI: 0.04–0.26), endurance (2.8, CI: 2.01–3.94), and history of coronavirus disease-2019 (2.8, CI: 2.04–4.012) were seen. Conclusion: The CRF of young adults was found to be low. BMI, flexibility, and back endurance were found to affect CRF in young adults.

Design flexible renewable energy penetrated power system to address long-run and short-run interactive inference

<p>For power systems with a high penetration of renewable energy, sufficient flexible resources such as energy storage must be combined to achieve sustainable energy development. However, in the planning of flexible resources, external societal factors can significantly change the evolution pathways of these resources. A simulation framework is urgently needed to integrate long-run development factors represented by societal influences, with the short-run operational characteristics within the physical energy framework. We provide technical support for the sustainable development of power systems, making the simulation results more accurate for future energy system planning. To address the lack of data for modeling external societal factors, a long-run modeling method based on system dynamics is proposed, alongside a short-run modeling method considering flexibility assessment and optimization. Long-run external societal factors necessitate a low-carbon system, while short-run concerns involve the actual topology of the power system to investigate high flexibility. We found that the sensitivity of various flexibility resource investments to both flexibility and low carbon in the power system is key to resolve this contradiction. An empirical calculation of the power system is conducted in the 213-bus flexibility test system including real data at 15-minute and 1-minute resolutions. Battery storage becomes the largest flexibility investment about a decade after the introduction of carbon reduction policies. While other flexibility resources particularly demand-side response due to unsaturated flexibility, also become major temporary investment assets. Considering the proposed interactive inference framework, there was a significant reduction in marginal abatement cost, and carbon trading continuously reduces the abatement cost.</p>

Biomimetic Interactive Symbiotic Strategies for Clothing Textiles in the Perspective of Non-Genetic Inheritance

Abstract This paper takes the application techniques of non-heritage paper-cutting elements on modern clothing fabrics as an example, analyzing and outlining the symbiotic trend of non-heritage elements and clothing design, i.e., personalization, ethnicity, and the unity of tradition and popularity. It is proposed to utilize the unique performance of bionic scale knitting structure fabrics in bionic technology, combined with the combination of non-heritage techniques, to innovate the clothing design process of non-heritage and to form a new way of bionic interaction and symbiosis between non-heritage and clothing textile. Simulate the performance of bionic scale knitting structure fabrics and explore the advantages of bionic technology in clothing textiles from the perspective of flexibility. Explore the market operation effect of clothing design works of non-heritage technology from the aspects of consumer demand, market evaluation, and market operation, respectively. From the load-displacement curve of the flexibility test, it can be obtained that when the loading value is 55N, the displacements of the bionic knitted structural fabric and the separate scale layer are all greater than 11mm, and the bionic scale knitted structural fabric possesses good bending deformability. The evaluation results of the enterprise experts show that the clothing works integrating the non-heritage elements have obvious market demand.

Effect of Circuit Training on Calcium Level and Physical Fitness in Pregnant Women with Hypocalcemia: A randomized controlled trial

Background: Hypocalcemia is a common problem during pregnancy that affects maternal and fetal outcomes. So, preventive and treatment measures are warranted to prevent complications and promote health and well-being in pregnant women with calcium deficiency. Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the effect of circuit training (CT) on calcium levels and physical fitness in pregnant women with hypocalcemia. Methods: Forty-four pregnant women in their 2nd trimester having hypocalcemia participated in the study; their ages ranged from 20 to 35 years old, and their body mass index (BMI) was 35.00 to 39.99kg/m2. They were randomly divided into two equal groups. The control group received daily calcium supplements (1.5 – 2 g), while the CT group received the same tablets and performed the CT program for 60 minutes, three sessions per week for 12 weeks. Serum-free and ionized calcium levels were measured, and sit and reach flexibility test, wall squat test, chair stand test, and modified push-up test assessed the physical fitness before and after treatment. Results: The control and CT groups showed statistically significant increases (p<0.0001) in free and ionized calcium levels and a non-significant difference (p>0.05) between groups after treatment. Compared to the control group, the CT group showed statistically significant increases (p<0.0001) in the scores of sit and reach flexibility test, wall squat test, chair stand test, and modified push-up test after treatment. However, the control group showed a non-significant difference (p>0.05) in all test scores. Conclusion: Adding CT to calcium supplements is a safe and effective method that maintains calcium and improves physical fitness in pregnant women with hypocalcemia, which should be a part of the antenatal exercises program for gravid women.

The Effect of Myofascial Release Technique Applied with Foam Roller on Jumping, Flexibility and Short Distance Swimming Performance in Swimmers

Myofascial release techniques, particularly when applied using foam rollers, have gained prominence in sports science due to their potential benefits in enhancing athletic performance. This study delves into the impact of this technique on swimmers, a group where flexibility, jump capacity, and short-distance speed are paramount.The research engaged 12 male swimmers, all of whom had been active in the sport for a minimum of three years. Their average age stood at 19.58±.66 years, with an average height of 176.83±8.49 cm and body weight of 75.43±6.62 kg. Following a 5-minute low-intensity warm-up run, participants underwent 10 minutes of dynamic stretching exercises targeting major muscle groups involved in swimming. This was followed by a self-myofascial release (SMR) protocol using foam rollers, focusing on muscle areas most prone to tension and strain in swimmers. These protocols were applied consecutively at 48-hour intervals and at consistent times of the day to ensure uniformity.Post-protocol assessments revealed varying impacts on performance metrics. While the countermovement jump measurements remained statistically unchanged (p0.05), significant improvements were observed in the 15 m swimming (t: 2,307, p: ,041), squat jump (t:,-2,541, p:,027), and flexibility (t:-2,491, p:,030) tests (p0.05).These findings underscore the potential of integrating myofascial release techniques with foam rollers into swimmers' training regimens. Not only does this approach enhance specific performance parameters like squat jump and flexibility, but it also offers broader implications for the athletic community, emphasizing the importance of muscle relaxation and flexibility in achieving peak performance. Future research could delve deeper into the long-term impacts of such techniques and explore their efficacy across different athletic disciplines.Keywords: Flexibility, Foam roller, Jumping, Myofascial Release, Swimming

Normative-referenced values for health-related fitness among Czech youth: Physical fitness data from the study IPEN Adolescent Czech Republic.

The aim of this study was to developed sex- and age-specific normative-referenced percentile values for health-related fitness among 12 to 18 years old Czech youth. This study included cross-sectional data from 1,173 participants (50.7% boys) collected between 2013 and 2016. Participants were recruited from 32 elementary or secondary schools across eight cities located in the Czech Republic. Health-related fitness was objectively measured using both anthropometric (height, body mass, and sum of skinfolds) and performance (20-m shuttle run for cardiorespiratory endurance, modified push-ups for muscular strength/endurance, and V sit-and-reach for flexibility) tests. Sex- and age-specific normative values were calculated using the Lambda Mu Sigma method. Sex- and age-related differences in means were expressed as standardized effect sizes. Normative percentiles were tabulated and displayed as smoothed curves. Among boys, measures of health-related fitness generally increased with age, except for an age-related decline in the sum of skinfolds and a plateau in V sit-and-reach. Among girls, most measures of health-related fitness increased from age 12 to 16 years before stabilizing, except for the sum of skinfolds, which remained stable from age 12 to 18 years. The sex-related differences were large with boys having higher cardiorespiratory endurance and muscular strength/endurance than girls. Girls compared to boys had higher flexibility. This study presents the most up-to-date sex- and age-specific normative-referenced percentile values for health-related fitness among Czech youth. Normative values may be useful for fitness and public health screening and surveillance, for example, by helping to identify youth with low fitness who might benefit from a fitness-enhancing intervention.

Development of highly efficient supercapacitor based on a ternary (Sr(OH)2/CoO(OH)/Mn(O)2) composite: With tuberose mesoporous nanospheres structure

In recent years, metal oxides/hydroxides have surfaced as an encouraging category of materials in pursuit of finding efficient and sustainable solutions for energy conversion/storage. This report highlights the binder-free synthesis of a ternary composite electrode based on Sr(OH)2/CoO(OH)/MnO2 material using a chemical LBL approach. The XRD analysis revealed that the sample had an amorphous nature, while FTIR disclosed the different functional group present in the sample. Surface architecture and insight view were analyses using high-resolution SEM, FESEM, and TEM. The composite formation was confirmed via EDX, mapping, and XPS analysis, while the specific surface area was estimated using BET characterization. The prepared ternary electrode delivers the highest value of specific capacitance of 1206 F g−1 @ 5 mV/ s sweep rate within a potential window of 0.5 V (−0.1 to 0.4 V) in a 6 M KOH electrolyte. It shows 94 % capacitance retention after 10,000 continuous iteration of GCD cycles. A symmetric solid-state prototype device with 6 M KOH/PVA gel electrolyte was designed for real time practical application. The obtained electrochemical response gives the outstanding value of specific capacitance of 301.2 F g−1 @ 5 mVs−1 and cycle stability of 83 % up to 10,000 GCD cycles. The device attained energy and power densities of 51.1 W h Kg−1 and 4959.6 W Kg−1 respectively. The fabricated prototype device was proficient in glowing red, blue, green, white, and a panel of 56 red LEDs. Additionally, the aging impact and flexibility test have also been carried out. The device withstood a 180° bend and showed no change in electrochemical performance even after 2 months from its fabrication. A self-proposed charge storage mechanism has also been presented for better understanding to the readers. Hence, the results obtained from both the composite electrode and the device are highly encouraging and fruitful for the next generation energy technology.

To Observe the Effect of Yoga on Mental Health and Flexibility in Premenopausal Females

Background and need of the study: Effects of yoga is studied by many scholars; however, little attention has been given to the phenomenon of premenopausal female participants. So there is need to observe effect of yoga on mental health and flexibility in premenopausal women. Methodology: Observational study, convenience sampling was done, participants who belong to age group between 40-50 were included in the study. Oral consent was obtained from every participant. Participants were divided into 2 group, group A: who are practising yoga since last 3 years and group B: who were not practicing yoga. Outcome measures 1) V sit and reach test for flexibility and 2) DASS scale to assess depression, stress and anxiety used. Result: Mean DASS score was(6.45+3.85) and (13.20+5.36) for group A and group B respectively and mean score for flexibility was (20.60+5.36) and(13.35+5.25) for group A and group B respectively. For comparison of outcome measures, Mann-whitney U test was applied, test result shows that, there is significant difference between groups in flexibility (U=37.5, p=0.0001) and DASS score (U=50.5, p=0.0001). Conclusion and clinical application: Yoga has shown good control on mental health and flexibility in premenopausal females practicing yoga. So, We can encourage premenopausal female to practise yoga regularly. Keywords: Premenopausal, Yoga, Depression, Anxiety, Flexibility.

The Effect Of Preschool Chıldren's Partıcıpatıon In Sportıve Recreatıonal Actıvıtıes On Balance And Flexıbılıty Performance

This study was conducted to compare the developmental status of balance and flexibility, which are the physical fitness parameters of preschool children receiving sportive recreation education. The participant group of the study consisted of a total of 60 children, 30 of whom were experimental and 30 of whom were control groups, who were studying in preschool education between the ages of 4-6. The study lasted a total of 8 weeks and experimental method with control group and pre-test-post-test design was used in the study. While a 40-minute sportive recreation education program was applied to the experimental group 3 days a week for 8 weeks, the control group continued its normal curriculum. In the study, sit and reach test for flexibility and flamingo balance test for balance were used as data collection tools. A normality test was applied to decide on the tests to be applied. Due to the normal distribution of the data, Independent Samples T-Test was used to determine whether the difference between the groups was significant, and Paired Samples T-Test was used to determine whether there was a significant difference between the pre-test and post-test within the group, and the significance value was accepted as p < 0.05. After the 8-week sportive recreation education program, there was a advanced significant difference in the pre-test-post-test values of flexibility and balance parameters in the experimental group (p 0.05). When the experimental group and the control group were compared, a significant difference was found in the flexibility and balance test values in favor of the experimental group after the sportive recreation activity program (p

PHYSICAL CAPACITY AS MARKER FOR RATE OF AGING IN MID LIFE

Abstract Biological age captures the heterogeneity of aging by providing an estimation for rate of aging. As an alternative to the widely investigated laboratory biomarkers of aging, behavioral functional markers of physical capacity may offer a feasible alternative for identifying individuals at risk for negative aging trajectory. We aimed to examine the associations of different functional tests both together and as a composite score of physical capacity with rate of aging. We conducted a cross-sectional study, with midlife adults (age ~45) reporting being able to perform leisure physical exercise. Biological age was estimated using the Klemera-Doubal method and a set of physiological biomarkers; rate of aging, ∆Age, was defined as the difference between age and estimated biological age. Physical capacity was measured using a testing battery of 15 functional tests linked with six physical capacity domains. 116 participants completed the testing battery. For women, better results in terms of strength, flexibility, cardiorespiratory fitness, and balance tests were negatively correlated with ∆Age (r=0.38-0.29, p<0.05); for men, beyond these tests, agility was also negatively correlated with ∆Age (r=0.27-0.59, p<0.05). A sex-standardized composite score of physical capacity was negatively associated with ∆Age after controlling for chronological age, smoking, and education (r=-0.437, p=0.007; r=-0.491, p<0.001 for women and men respectively). The suggested physical capacity battery offers a functional assessment for ∆Age. Higher physical capacity metrics correlate with smaller ∆Age, corresponding with younger biological age. Measuring physical capacity may help to assess aging trajectory and offer a suitable behavioral intervention goal.

Social support, plasma amyloid, and cognitive function: Findings on cognitive resilience from the African Americans Fighting Alzheimer’s in Midlife (AA‐FAIM) study

AbstractBackgroundEpidemiological evidence suggests that excess risk for Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD) in minoritized populations is preventable. Social connectedness associates with reduced ADRD risk: plausible mechanisms include (I) direct influence on AD pathology, and (II) indirect influence through cognitive reserve processes. Inclusive, resilience‐focused ADRD research will accelerate equitable translation into communities facing high disease burden. In a richly characterized sample of Black middle‐aged and older adults, we explored (i) associations between social support and cognition, and (ii) moderation of those relationships by plasma amyloid level.MethodParticipants (N = 118) enrolled in AA‐FAIM through the Wisconsin Registry for Alzheimer’s Prevention (WRAP) or Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center (ADRC). Participants were cognitively healthy, and had plasma amyloid, neuropsychological, and psychosocial data from at least one visit. Multivariable linear regression models assessed cross‐sectional predictor‐outcome relationships. The key predictor was perceived availability of social support, self‐reported via the Medical Outcomes Study Social Support Survey (MOS‐SS). Cognitive outcomes included performance on tests of (a) speed and flexibility and (b) episodic memory. Cognitive reserve mechanisms were tested with a model term interacting social support scores with plasma Aβ42/40 ratio (C2N, USA) to predict cognition.ResultTable 1 provides sample characteristics. In adjusted models (Table 2), MOS‐SS scores positively associated with episodic memory performance, but not speed and flexibility. However, MOS‐SS*amyloid interaction was significant in this domain; greater support predicted better mental flexibility most substantially in the presence of accumulated amyloid pathology. Small samples limit precision when plasma Aβ42/40 ratio is dichotomized, but for visualization purposes the interaction between MOS‐SS and amyloid positivity is presented (Figure 1).ConclusionGreater availability of a modifiable resource, social support, predicted better cognitive health within this small sample of Black participants. Mechanisms and implications vary by cognitive domain. For episodic memory, cognitive benefits are consistent across amyloid level. In mental flexibility, social support contributes to cognitive reserve, with noteworthy benefits for participants with elevated AD pathology. Future studies must examine additional ADRD neuropathologies, and in larger samples. Nonetheless, we provide preliminary evidence that facilitating social connection is a promising mitigation strategy, acting via multiple pathways to reduce ADRD‐related impairment in a community experiencing disproportionate risk.

The Kneeling Isometric Plantar Flexor Test: Preliminary Reliability and Feasibility in Professional Youth Football.

Calf injuries are common in professional football; thus, the establishment of reliable and time-efficient methods of measuring the peak force capabilities of the plantar flexors with equipment that is accessible to football practitioners is valuable. In this study, we determined the preliminary reliability and feasibility of a new test, termed the kneeling isometric plantar flexion test (KIPFT), for footballers. Twenty-one male youth footballers (age = 17.8 ± 1.1 years, height = 182 ± 5 cm, weight = 77.6 ± 5.9 kg) from English League One football clubs completed three trials of the KIPFT on a wireless force plate at the end (2022-2023) and start (2023-2024) of the season. The within-session reliability of the peak force (relative to body weight) was good-excellent for both limbs and both occasions. On average, performance of the KIPFT took just over 1 min per limb and ~2 min to set up. The peak force values were larger for the non-dominant limbs only at the start versus the end of the season, but there were no between-limb differences. From these results, it was determined that (1) the KIPFT is feasible, (2) a minimum of 32 footballers would be required to establish its between-session reliability with ≥80% statistical power and (3) large-cohort normative data for the KIPFT may be best collected at the start of the football season.

The test-induced warm-up effect on hamstring flexibility tests.

Although the effect of active warm-up (WU) on acute flexibility enhancement is well documented, the test-induced WU effect in muscle length test has not been widely studied. This study aimed to verify the test-induced WU effect on hamstring flexibility tests. The active knee extension (AKE) was performed using the right leg, whereas the straight leg raise (SLR) was performed using the left leg. Ten trials of AKE or SLR were performed: two as the pre-intervention trials (Pre); six as the WU intervention; and another two trials as the post-intervention (Post). During WU, subjects in the WO-Hold group performed six trials of the AKE or SLR without hold, and those in the W-Hold group performed six trials of the AKE or SLR with a 5 s hold. A significant difference was noted between Pre-AKE and Post-AKE, and between Pre-SLR and Post-SLR, respectively, in both the groups. The effect of WU is clear when performing consecutive AKE or SLR without any additional hold. Practitioners should be cautious in interpreting the testing result to avoid overestimation of the treatment effect since the test itself may induce substantial WU effect to the target tissues.

Highly Transparent Ka-/W-Band Electromagnetic Shielding Films Based on Double-Layered Metal Meshes.

An electromagnetic (EM) wave-shielding film exhibiting high performance in high-frequency bands, such as the Ka- and W-bands, was fabricated by using double-layered metal meshes. The double-layered shielding (DLS) film consists of metallic micromesh and nanomesh electrodes (NMEs) on the upper and lower surfaces of a poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) film, respectively. The micromesh electrodes (MMEs) were fabricated such that they possessed a thickness higher than the line width, and they thus exhibited excellent electromagnetic wave-shielding performance in addition to optical transmittance. Moreover, the nanomesh electrodes helped prevent the deterioration of the shielding performance owing to the increase in frequency, which was possible by decreasing the aperture size of the mesh-type electrodes. The shielding effectiveness (SE) of the double-layered metal-mesh film was evaluated by using a shielding measurement system that is optimized for high frequencies. In addition, optical transmittance and flexibility tests were conducted. The results confirm that the double-layered shielding film exhibited a shielding effectiveness of more than 50 dB at an optical transmittance of 90% and a stable bending resistance of up to 5000 cycles at a radius of curvature of 6 mm. Double-layered metal-mesh films with such excellent performance are expected to be widely used in diverse applications such as the automobile, medical, and military industries.

Prediction of ACL-tear by lower limbs muscle strength and flexibility: a prospective cohort study in 95 female soccer players

ABSTRACT The aims of the study were to build models using logistic regression analysis of flexibility and strength tests to prospectively predict risk factors for anterior cruciate ligament tear (ACL-tear) in female soccer (FS) players, and to determine training cut-off for risk factors of the predictive model built. A prospective cohort study of 95 female players (aged 14–33 years) was conducted. Age, anthropometric data, soccer history, lower limb range of motion (ROM) and hip maximal isometric strength (MIS) were measured. At the prospective follow-up after 12 months, 7.4% of the players had developed an ACL-tear. The model showed a significant relationship (χ2(93) = 30.531, p < 0.001) between the ACL-tear and the predictor variables (leg length, HAD-NH [hip adduction] MIS, asymmetric ROM [ankle dorsiflexion with knee extended (AD-KE) and with knee flexed (AD-KF), and HE (hip extension)], hip ROM [HIR (internal rotation) and HAB (abduction)]). The Akaike Information Criteria (AIC) and Bayesian Information Criteria (BIC) for model fit were 30.24 and 51.79, respectively. The value R2 showed good model fit, 76.5% for Nagelkerke´s R2, 71.4% for McFadden´s R2 and 67.5% for Tjur´s R2. For the screening test, cut-off for leg length of ≥0.40 m, for HIR ROM of ≤44º and for asymmetry of HE ROM of ≥5° were set, which have an acceptable (AUC ≥ 0.755) discriminatory ability for the development of ACL-tear.