Diagnostic and other biomarkers of dementia with Lewy bodies: from research to clinical settings.

Validity of functional movement tests in predicting the Trendelenburg gait pattern during running: A cross-sectional study.

Investigation of core endurance, performance and functional activities in crossfit participants.

The impact of a specific warm-up on hamstring flexibility in individuals with hamstring tightness: A focus on active knee extension.

Effects of neuromuscular exercise and dance therapy on physical performance and kinesiophobia in GERIATRICS: A randomized controlled study.

Background Postural control integrates core stability, coordination, and balance shaped by specific training. Sprinting emphasizes stretch–shortening-cycle power and trunk extensor use, whereas Chinese martial arts stress multi-planar core-hip control. Yet rigorous comparisons in elite athletes that pair functional performance with time-synchronized surface electromyography are scarce, limiting insight into how long-term training sculpts neuromuscular strategies when fundamental movement capacity appears similar. This study compares elite martial artists and sprinters to delineate differences in core stability, dynamic balance, explosive power, and task-specific muscle activation, informing conditioning and cross-training. Thirty-two first-level male athletes from Beijing Sport University (martial arts/sprinting, n = 16) participated in a cross-sectional study. Assessments included the Functional Movement Screen (FMS), Countermovement jump (CMJ), squat jump (SJ), and Y-Balance Test (YBT), administered in a Latin-square order. Surface Electromyography (sEMG) was collected from eight trunk and lower-limb muscles, normalized to maximum voluntary contraction. Jumps were segmented into pre-squat and extension phases, and YBT into squat and recovery phases. Statistical analyses employed normality and homogeneity tests, with independent-samples t-tests, Welch’s tests, or Mann–Whitney U tests as appropriate (α = 0.05). Results No significant group differences emerged in overall FMS or YBT reach distances; however, martial artists scored higher on the Trunk Stability Push-up (p = 0.013). Sprinters achieved greater CMJ height and relative peak power (p < 0.05, d ≈ 0.83–0.87), whereas SJ outcomes did not differ. sEMG analysis showed higher rectus femoris and lateral gastrocnemius RMS and greater rectus abdominis iEMG (pre-squat) in martial artists, while sprinters exhibited higher erector spinae and gluteus maximus iEMG. During YBT, sprinters relied on rapid spinal extensor activation with partial gluteus medius compensation, whereas martial artists demonstrated integrated core–lower-limb coordination. Conclusion Martial artists and sprinters exhibit comparable functional movement and dynamic balance but diverge in core stability and neuromuscular strategies. Martial arts training enhances multiplanar core stability and coordinated muscle recruitment, while sprinting emphasizes stretch–shortening-cycle based explosive output and trunk extensor reliance. These findings provide evidence for targeted conditioning and potential crossdisciplinary training applications.

Background To explore the effects of three modes of prescription health education teaching and health education combined with physical fitness exercise teaching, as well as conventional physical fitness exercise teaching on the quality of life of college students. Method We employed a quasi-experimental design with 246 participants randomized into three groups: didactic health education plus fitness training, conventional fitness training, and a no-intervention control. Pre- and post-intervention assessments used the Functional Movement Screen and a validated quality of life scale. The experimental data were analyzed by questionnaire survey method, experimental comparison method, and using multifactor ANOVA and paired samples t -test. Result (1) By multifactor ANOVA, there was no significant difference in the total FMS score and total quality of life score (including four factors) of the three teaching modes before the experiment ( p > 0.05), there was a significant difference in the total FMS score after the intervention ( p < 0.05), and there was no significant difference in the total quality of life score as well as in the four factors ( p > 0.05); by post hoc comparisons, the teaching mode of prescribing physical fitness education FMS total score and quality of life total score were higher than the other two teaching modes, and the conventional physical fitness teaching mode had the lowest score. (2) By paired-sample t -test, the total FMS score and total quality of life score of the prescription health education teaching mode were also significantly improved ( p < 0.05), of which there was a significant difference in the factors of living environment and satisfaction with the quality of life ( p < 0.05); the total FMS score of the health education combined with physical fitness and the conventional physical fitness teaching mode was significantly improved ( p < 0.05), and the total quality of life score was not significantly improved ( p < 0.05). Quality of life total score did not significantly improve ( p > 0.05). Conclusion These results demonstrate that integrating didactic health education with targeted exercise prescriptions yields substantially greater quality of life enhancements than traditional fitness training alone, supporting broader adoption of structured health education interventions in Chinese higher-education settings.

This article examines the origins, conceptual principles, and modern significance of CrossFit as an innovative system of functional training. Developed in the 1990s by the American coach and former gymnast Greg Glassman, CrossFit emerged as an alternative to traditional fitness approaches used in military and police training programs, which were mainly focused on isolated physical qualities. Glassman emphasized the creation of a comprehensive training methodology that integrates weightlifting, gymnastics, cardiovascular exercises, and functional movements to simultaneously enhance strength, endurance, speed, flexibility, coordination, and other fundamental motor abilities. The study highlights the historical development of CrossFit, including its institutionalization through the establishment of CrossFit Inc. in 2000 and the rapid global spread of affiliated gyms. Particular attention is paid to the emergence of competitive formats such as the CrossFit Games, which emphasize unpredictability of tasks and require high levels of universal physical preparedness. Statistical data demonstrate that the CrossFit community is equally represented by men and women, reflecting the program’s adaptability and wide appeal. Scientific research confirms multiple positive effects of CrossFit training, including improvements in cardiovascular and respiratory endurance, muscular strength, metabolic efficiency, and neuromuscular coordination. Moreover, participation in CrossFit has been associated with enhanced cognitive functions due to complex, multi-planar movements that demand coordination and spatial orientation. Importantly, CrossFit is scalable, allowing exercises to be modified according to age, fitness level, and health status. Programs have been successfully adapted for children (CrossFit Kids), professional groups such as firefighters and military personnel, as well as individuals seeking rehabilitation or health-oriented training. Therefore, CrossFit should be considered not merely as a fitness trend but as a holistic approach to physical culture and sport. Its combination of universality, high intensity, and adaptability positions it as one of the most effective and innovative forms of modern physical training with significant health, educational, and professional applications.

This study examined the relationship between Functional Movement Screen (FMS) and Landing Error Scoring System (LESS) scores, a tool to assess anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury risk, in youth soccer players. Following institutional ethics approval and informed consent, 105 children (54 boys and 51 girls), 13-16years of age (14.2 [1.1]y), took part. ACL injury risk was determined using the LESS and the FMS used to assess functional movement performance. Pearson product-moment relationships were significant between FMS and LESS for the whole sample and boys and girls separately (all P < .001). Backward linear multiple regression (P = .001, adjusted R2 = .584) explained 58% of the variance in LESS scores, with only FMS (P = .001) significantly contributing to the model. Chi-square analysis for the whole sample and for boys and girls separately (all P = .0001) indicated that children who were classed as "poor" for the FMS were significantly more likely to be classified as poor for the LESS, and children classed as good for the FMS were significantly more likely to be classed as excellent for the LESS. This study provides evidence to support that functional movement skills may be important in reducing high-risk movement patterns associated with ACL injury in youth soccer.

A sedentary lifestyle impairs neuromuscular function by reducing muscle strength, postural control, and balance. This randomized controlled trial examined the effects of an 8-week yoga and stabilization program on isokinetic strength, dynamic balance, and functional movement screening (FMS) in sedentary young women. Forty-two healthy sedentary women (aged 18-24) were randomly assigned to yoga (n = 14), stabilization (n = 14), or control (n = 14) groups. Intervention groups participated in once-weekly sessions: yoga (Surya Namaskar-based) or stabilization (motor control, core, and dynamic resistance exercises). The control group received no intervention. Pre- and post-assessments included isokinetic strength, the Y Balance Test (YBT), and FMS. Both exercise groups showed significant improvements in FMS scores (Yoga: d = 0.86; Stabilization: d = 0.88) and right quadriceps strength (Yoga: d = 0.87-0.88; Stabilization: d = 0.86-0.88) compared to the control group (p < 0.05). The stabilization group showed greater gains in dynamic balance (YBT Right: d = 0.95; Left: d = 0.90), while the yoga group had relatively higher improvements in left hamstring strength (d = 0.62-0.68). Only the stabilization group showed significant increases in shoulder internal rotation strength (d = 0.67-0.84). Once-weekly yoga and stabilization training improved neuromuscular performance in sedentary women. Stabilization exercises were more effective for balance and shoulder strength, while yoga contributed to flexibility and hamstring development. These findings support the feasibility of structured, low-frequency exercise programs to enhance physical function and potentially reduce injury risk in sedentary populations.

IntroductionThis randomized controlled trial evaluated the effect of contralesional cathodal transcranial direct current stimulation (ctDCS) combined with robotic therapy (RT) on upper limb recovery in patients with chronic subcortical ischemic stroke.MethodsThirty-one participants were randomized to receive either active ctDCS or sham stimulation during RT, administered five times per week for four weeks. Outcomes were assessed using clinical rehabilitation scales and robotic evaluation of movement parameters at baseline, immediately post-intervention, and at two-week follow-up.ResultsThe active group demonstrated significantly greater improvement in Upper Extremity Fugl-Meyer Assessment, with a between-group difference of 4.61 (95% CI: 51.36 to 55.46, p = 0.023) post-intervention. Functional efficiency (mean difference: 1.82, 95% CI: 9.13 to 12.00) and movement speed (mean difference: 3.46, 95% CI: 51.60 to 56.74) also favored the active group.ConclusionThese findings suggest that combining ctDCS with RT may enhance the efficiency of specific upper limb motor tasks in patients with chronic subcortical ischemic stroke, compared to RT alone.

IntroductionReduced ankle dorsiflexion range of motion (ADROM) is a risk factor for lower extremity injuries, and weight-bearing measurements are known to better reflect functional movement. This study aimed to determine the concurrent validity and the intra- and inter-rater reliability of a smartphone application (SA, The Angle Meter app) for measuring ADROM during the weight-bearing lunge test (WBLT).MethodsA reliability and validity study was conducted involving 57 participants. Three raters (two experienced and one novice) assessed ADROM using the SA in two separate sessions, in a randomized order. All measurements were concurrently recorded on video, and a two-dimensional video analysis (Kinovea software) was used as the reference standard. A total of 342 measurements were analyzed for concurrent validity, 114 for inter-rater reliability, and 57 for intra-rater reliability. Pearson's correlation coefficient (r), intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC 2,1), standard error of the estimate (SEE), Bland-Altman analysis, standard error of measurement (SEM), and minimum detectable change at 95% confidence (MDC95) were used for analysis.ResultsThe SA demonstrated excellent concurrent validity (r = 0.98; SEE = 0.92°; ICC = 0.977; 95% CI: 0.966-0.983), with limits of agreement from -1.80° to 1.47°. Intra-rater reliability was high across all raters (ICC range: 0.83-0.86), including the novice. Inter-rater reliability was also good (ICC = 0.846; SEM = 1.65°; MDC95 = 4.57°).ConclusionThe Angle Meter app is a valid, reliable, and practical tool for assessing ADROM during WBLT, even when used by novice raters.

Functional dystonia (FD) is one of the most diagnostically challenging functional movement disorders. Phenomenological features often lack specificity, as many are also observed in idiopathic dystonia (ID) and validated biomarkers to distinguish FD from ID are currently unavailable OBJECTIVE: To investigate potential differences in muscle activity between ID and FD patients using polyelectromyography (PEMG) under anesthesia. We consecutively enrolled 10 patients with FD and 17 with ID according to the current diagnostic criteria who underwent continuous PEMG before, during, and after propofol infusion. Sedation levels were monitored by electroencephalography and bispectral index and stratified via the Observer's Assessment of Alertness/Sedation Scale (OASS). PEMG recordings were performed under five definite scenarios: alert, mild and deep sedation, and partial and full recovery of consciousness status. Presence/absence of EMG activity was evaluated across these stages, and changes from baseline patterns were analyzed. During mild sedation, EMG activity persisted in all ID (100%) and in 9 (90%) FD patients. During deep sedation, EMG activity persisted in 9 (53%) ID patients and was absent in all FD patients (100%) (P = 0.01). During partial recovery of consciousness, EMG activity was present in all (100%) ID and only in 1 (10%) FD patients (P < 0.001). At full recovery, a different muscular activation pattern from baseline was observed in 7 (70%) FD and only in 1 (6%) ID patients (P = 0.001) CONCLUSIONS: EMG silence during deep sedation and partial recovery may serve as a neurophysiological marker of FD. A muscular activation pattern differing from baseline may represent a neurophysiological clue for incongruence © 2025 The Author(s). Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.

ABSTRACT Objectives Traumatic anterior glenohumeral joint dislocations are associated with prolonged time loss and high rates of reinjury in rugby. This is particularly common during contact events. There is a lack of clear guidance to facilitate return to contact decisions following these injuries in rugby. The aim of the study was to identify and reach consensus (≥70% agreement) regarding return to contact criteria and assessment methods following traumatic anterior glenohumeral joint dislocations in rugby union players. Methods A three-round Delphi consensus study was conducted. Results Thirty-three health and sport practitioners participated in Round 1. Round 2 and 3 were completed by 28 and 26 practitioners respectively. Thirty criteria reached consensus for inclusion. These criteria included time frames, subjective ratings (including pain, apprehension, and player readiness) and clinical criteria (including clinical stability). Functional criteria such as range of motion, muscle function and proprioception of the glenohumeral joint, and fitness were also recommended for inclusion. In addition, assessment of rugby specific skills were recommended. Modalities reaching consensus to evaluate subjective criteria such as pain included Visual Analogue Scale ratings, specific questions, and palpation. The anterior apprehension and relocation test was recommended for clinical stability, whereas observation of functional movements was recommended to evaluate shoulder function. Conclusion A comprehensive range of clinical, functional, subjective, and sport specific criteria and assessment methods should be considered alongside time frames to guide return to contact decisions following traumatic anterior glenohumeral joint dislocations in rugby union players.

Upper Extremity (UE) rehabilitation is crucial for stroke survivors, aiming to improve the use of the paretic UE in everyday activities. However, assessing the effectiveness of these treatments is challenging due to a lack of objective measurement tools. Traditional methods, such as clinician-rated motor ability or patient self-reports, often fail to measure UE performance in real-life settings accurately. Evidence suggests that currently used clinical assessments do not reliably capture actual UE use at home or in the community. This study investigates the application of Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) combined with Dense layers using accelerometry data from wrist-worn sensors to classify functional and non-functional UE movements of stroke survivors. Two types of models were developed: one trained on data from individual subjects (intrasubject model) and another trained on data across all subjects (intersubject model). The intrasubject model for the paretic UE achieved an average accuracy of 0.90 ± 0.05, while the intersubject model reached an accuracy of 0.79 ± 0.06. When incorporating signals from the non-paretic arm, the intersubject model’s accuracy improves to 0.88 ± 0.10. Notably, this method utilized raw accelerometry data, eliminating the need for manual feature extraction, which is commonly required in traditional machine learning, and yielded higher accuracy than previously reported methods. This proposed deep learning approach incorporates CNNs with Dense layers, offering a cost-effective and adaptable method for monitoring UE functionality in real-world settings. The results from this study have the potential to inform the development of personalized rehabilitation strategies for stroke survivors, offering valuable insights for clinical practice.

Functional movement disorders (FMDs) manifest as involuntary motor symptoms incongruent with known neuroanatomy. Once attributed to psychological factors, FMDs are now recognized as neurobiological conditions involving disrupted brain networks. They account for 2-20% of movement disorder referrals globally. While multidisciplinary rehabilitation benefits 60-70% of patients, 30-40% remain treatment-refractory, highlighting the need for biologically targeted therapies. This review synthesizes evidence on neuromodulation for FMDs, aiming to: (1) identify modifiable neural circuits, (2) evaluate clinical efficacy across phenotypes, (3) distinguish neurobiological from placebo-mediated effects, and (4) identify biomarkers for precision medicine. We conducted a narrative review (PubMed, Embase, 2000-2025), assessing risk-of-bias using RoB-2 and MINORS tools. FMD pathophysiology involves cortical hyperexcitability, limbic-motor decoupling, and predictive coding deficits. TMS reveals reduced intracortical inhibition and shortened cortical silent periods in M1; fMRI shows altered emotional-motor connectivity. rTMS demonstrates therapeutic potential, though placebo responses are prominent. Anodal tDCS over the left DLPFC shows promise in functional dystonia, especially with comorbid anxiety. FMDs reflect circuit-level dysfunction, supporting neuromodulation as a rational intervention. High-frequency rTMS over M1 and anodal tDCS over DLPFC yield modest clinical benefits, but placebo effects remain a confounder. Future progress requires addressing methodological gaps, validating biomarkers, and integrating neuromodulation within personalized, multidisciplinary frameworks that account for socioeconomic and psychosocial contexts to meaningfully reduce disability.

Automatically maintained self-injurious behavior (SIB) sometimes co-occurs with self-restraint, a self-limiting behavior that impedes SIB and can be maladaptive (e.g., hinders functional skills and movement). The presence of self-restraint suggests SIB produces aversive consequences, which self-restraint limits. We conducted a prospective consecutive controlled case series study of five individuals with Subtype 3 automatically maintained SIB where we applied the augmented competing stimulus assessment to identify and establish alternative self-restraint items to compete with existing forms of self-restraint. At least one high-competition item that produced an 80% or greater reduction in self-restraint and SIB without disrupting toy engagement was identified for the four participants who completed assessment. We discuss the need for additional research on this procedure and how competing self-restraint items can be used in combination with competing stimuli and tasks to address SIB and self-restraint. We also discuss some avenues for research that is directed at understanding the mechanisms of self-restraint.

The article explores the connection between the theoretical foundations of mechatronics and modern scientific and technological trends, as well as the practical application of acquired knowledge. The main goal of mechatronics as a scientific and technical discipline is the development of new functional modules and systems capable of executing motion functions in intelligent machines. As part of the conducted research, a specialized mechatronic systemөa high-precision, adaptive, and intelligent control-enabled machine for ornament cutting – was developed and implemented. The device is designed to perform functional movements while meeting the demands for flexibility and miniaturization. The methodological basis of the project incorporates principles of automatic control, computer science, mechanics, and microelectronics. The proposed machine serves as a practical realization of the robotic “triad”: sensor – controller – actuator, and stands as an example of interdisciplinary integration in modern mechatronic systems. This development is distinguished by a high degree of versatility and can be adapted to various technological tasks, including the creation of decorative elements, processing of complex contours, and production of personalized items. It confirms the relevance of applying mechatronics in small-scale and customized manufacturing, especially under the conditions of digital transformation of industrial processes. Moreover, this work demonstrates the effectiveness of integrating academic research with engineering practice.

ABSTRACT Lateral ankle sprains in martial arts athletes frequently leave persistent proprioceptive and neuromuscular deficits. This prospective cohort study evaluated whether adding low-frequency electrical stimulation (LFES) to proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) augments recovery. Five hundred sixty athletes with grade I–II sprains (mean age 22.6 ± 2.7 years) were stratified to LFES + PNF (n=280) or proprioception-only (n=280) for 12 weeks, with assessments at baseline and Weeks 2, 6, and 12. Outcomes included pain (VAS), pressure pain threshold (PPT), ankle range of motion (ROM), joint position sense (JPS), surface EMG, somatosensory evoked potentials (SEP), electromechanical delay (EMD), Functional Movement Screen (FMS), and dynamic balance. Mixed ANOVA/ANCOVA with effect sizes and nonparametric validation (Friedman/Wilcoxon) were applied. Compared with proprioception-only, LFES produced greater pain reduction (VAS −5.0 vs −4.1; p<0.001), higher PPT (+1.6 kg/cm²), and larger ROM gains (+9.2° dorsiflexion; +6.4° plantarflexion). JPS error decreased by −3.5°, with 78% achieving ≤3° accuracy. EMG latency decreased by 7.8 ms and amplitude increased by 17.2 µV; SEP latency normalized in 78% with amplitudes reaching 4.1 µV. EMD improved by −19.7 ms (p=0.001), FMS increased by +2.9 points, and composite recovery criteria were met more often with LFES (51% vs 28%; p<0.001). No serious adverse events occurred. These findings indicate that LFES adjunct to proprioceptive training accelerates sensorimotor recovery and enhances functional outcomes after lateral ankle sprain in martial arts athletes.

Functional movement screen (FMS) is widely utilized in judo to assess movement patterns and identify potential deficiencies. The main objective of this study was to compare FMS results between high-performance (HP) and recreational-level (RL) judo athletes. Additionally, we examined asymmetries within each group. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 49 male judo athletes, with 23 in the HP group and 26 in the RL group. Functional movement was assessed using the FMS battery, and differences between and within groups were analyzed. The HP group achieved a higher total FMS Score (17.09±1.38) compared to the RL group (16.50±2.42), but the difference was not statistically significant (P=0.51; r=-0.29). Significant differences were observed favoring HP athletes in the hurdle step test for the left leg (P=0.013; r=0.35) and in the rotator stability test, with HP athletes scoring higher on both the left (P=0.001; r=0.47) and right sides (P=0.030; r=0.31). In contrast, RL athletes demonstrated significantly better results in the right shoulder mobility test (P=0.028; r=0.31). Within-group analysis revealed asymmetries in HP athletes in the hurdle step test (right vs. left, P=0.042; r=0.41), whereas RL athletes showed asymmetries in the in-line lunge test (right vs. left, P=0.011; r=0.48). The HP group demonstrated superior trunk rotational stability, suggesting that the rotator stability test may serve as a distinguishing factor among judo athletes of varying competitive levels. Additionally, shoulder mobility limitations in HP judo athletes were highlighted. The presence of movement asymmetries within both groups suggests potential imbalances that could impact injury risk and performance. These findings emphasize the importance of targeted training interventions to enhance movement quality and address asymmetries in judo athletes. Furthermore, judo appears to be an effective activity for improving functional movement even at the recreational level, as indicated by the relatively high FMS Scores among RL athletes.