Function Of Strain Research Articles

Six weeks of polarized functional interval training with large training load reductions does not affect performance gains compared to traditional workouts

PurposeHigh-intensity functional interval training (HIFT) is predominantly composed of high exercise training intensities (HiT) and loads. Both have been linked to a higher risk of overtraining and injuries in inexperienced populations. A polarized training approach is characterized by high amounts of low-intensity training (LiT) and only approximately 5%–20% HiT. Compared to HIT-based training, this approach can result in temporary training load and intensity reductions without diminishing training gains. Thus, we aimed to examine the effects of traditional (TRAD) HIFT vs. polarized (POL) HIFT on relevant performance parameters.MethodsThirty athletes (15 females, age: 26.6 ± 5.0 years, height: 1.76 ± 0.13 m, body mass: 79.6 ± 12.4 kg, prior experience: 2.3 ± 2.0 years, training volume: 6.1 ± 2.4 h/wk) were randomly assigned to 6 weeks of either POL (78% LiT, 22% threshold intensity training (ThT) to HiT) or TRAD (26% LiT, 74% ThT to HiT). HIFT performance testing focused on maximal strength (squat: SQ1RM, deadlift: DL1RM, overhead press: OHP1RM, high pull: HP1RM), endurance (peak oxygen uptake: V̇O2peak, lactate threshold: LT, peak power output (PPO), and benchmark HIFT workout (Jackie: 1000 m rowing, 50 thrusters, and 30 pull-ups for time).ResultsPOL (785 ± 71 au) completed significantly (p ≤ 0.001; SMD = 4.55) lower training load (eTRIMP) than TRAD (1,273 ± 126 au). rANCOVA revealed no statistical relevant group×time interaction effects (0.094 ≤ p ≤ 0.986; 0.00 ≤ ηp2 ≤ 0.09) for SQ1RM, DL1RM, OHP1RM, high pull, V̇O2peak, LT, PPO, and Jackie performance. Both groups revealed trivial to moderate but significant (rANCOVA time effects: p ≤ 0.02; 0.01 ≤ ηp2 ≤ 0.11; 0.00 ≤ SMD ≤ 0.65) performance gains regarding DL1RM, OHP1RM, HP1RM, and Jackie.ConclusionDespite a notably lower total training load, conditioning gains were not affected by a polarized functional interval training regimen.

Effect of Oral Function Training on Swallowing Function in Community-Dwelling Older Individuals

Background: Dry mouth, masticatory discomfort, and swallowing in older individuals are important factors affecting overall health. To improve their quality of life, efforts are required to improve their oral function. Therefore, this study implemented a training program evaluating oral function to confirm improvements in swallowing. Methods: The study was conducted for approximately 4 months, from Jul to Oct 2023. Participants aged 65 yr or older were selected from welfare facilities in the metropolitan region, with 24 participants in both the intervention and control groups. Results: As a result of a study conducted on oral function training program, the intervention group exhibited significant improvements in the simulated swallowing flow rate (P <0.05), bite force (P <0.001), and tongue pressure (P <0.001). Conclusion: The oral function training program effectively improved simulated swallowing flow rate, bite force, and tongue pressure. Consequently, there is an opportunity to implement oral function training programs at accessible welfare centers for older individuals in the community.

Lessons learned from a combined, personalized lifestyle intervention in hospitalized patients at risk for sarcopenia: a feasibility study

Purpose To examine the feasibility of a combined, personalized exercise and nutrition intervention in hospitalized patients at risk of sarcopenia. Methods The study is part of the FITFOOD randomized controlled trial. Eligible patients were randomized into two groups: receiving a personalized nutrition and exercise intervention, or receiving usual care. The intervention entailed a high-protein diet with daily protein supplementation combined with functional training with strength and aerobic exercises. Feasibility was assessed using quantitative data, such as recruitment rate, and qualitative data retrieved from focus group and individual semi-structured interviews. Results In total, 14 out of 115 eligible patients participated. The recruitment rate was 12%, and the dropout rate was 50% (7 out of 14 participants). Patients at risk for sarcopenia found it difficult to be involved in a lifestyle intervention, because they were often preoccupied with their recovery, had little interest in changing their diet or level of exercise, and were often unable to participate fully due to health issues and mobility difficulty. Conclusions The evaluated combined, personalized lifestyle intervention had limited feasibility in hospitalized patients at risk for sarcopenia, with low recruitment and high dropout rates. The current lifestyle intervention might be too challenging for this vulnerable population. Trial registration The trial associated with this feasibility study was pre-registered on ClinicalTrials.gov under the registration number NCT05413616 on 07 June 2022.

The effect of caffeine dose on caffeine and paraxanthine changes in serum and saliva and CYP1A2 enzyme activity in athletes: a randomized placebo-controlled crossover trial.

Although caffeine (CAF) supplementation has been shown to improve exercise performance, its dose-dependent effect on CAF metabolism has not been sufficiently investigated. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of 3, 6 and 9mg of CAF/kgBM on changes of CAF and paraxanthine (PRX) in the serum and saliva at four time-points. In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover design, acute pre-exercise supplementation in 26 moderately-trained athletes, participating in high-intensity functional training (HIFT), was examined. The study protocol involved CAF/PRX biochemical analyses of serum and saliva with respect to CYP1A2 polymorphism and CYP1A2 enzyme activity. Despite significant differences between the serum and saliva levels of CAF and PRX, there was no difference in the PRX/CAF ratio. The interaction effect of dose and time-points for PRX concentration was revealed. The main effects of dose were observed for CAF and the PRX/CAF ratio. The main effect of time-points was registered only for serum CAF. Dose- and time-dependent effect of CAF supplementation on CAF and PRX in the serum and saliva of athletes was confirmed, but there was no effect of the CAF dose on CYP1A2 enzyme activity, nor was there an interaction of CYP1A2 with enzyme inducibility. The CAF/PRX correlation indicated the possibility of interchangeable use of serum and/or saliva analyses in exercise studies. This trial was registered prospectively at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03822663, registration date: 30/01/2019).

PROMOÇÃO DA SAÚDE E BEM-ESTAR EM IDOSOS ATRAVÉS DE PROGRAMAS DE EXERCICIOS FUNCIONAL: UMA REVISÃO INTEGRATIVA

This study presents an integrative review on the benefits of functional exercises for elderly health and well-being. With the global aging population and associated public health challenges, it is crucial to explore practices that enhance quality of life (SILVA; SANTOS, 2019). The research analyzed studies that highlight how functional training aids in maintaining physical fitness, autonomy, and disease prevention. Observed benefits include improvements in physical abilities, such as strength and balance, and cognitive function (ALMEIDA; CARDOSO, 2022), as well as a positive impact on social interaction and psychological well-being among the elderly (FREITAS; ALMEIDA, 2021). The study also discusses adapting exercise programs to meet individual needs, considering factors like health conditions and reduced mobility (RODRIGUES; LIMA, 2023)

CrossFit Participation and Medication Use: Observations from a UK Population Survey

Chronic diseases, responsible for 74% of global mortality, impose a substantial health burden. This study investigates the perceived effects of CrossFit, a form of functional training, on medication use in the UK population. The research aims to provide insights into how CrossFit might relate to medical interventions for individuals with long-term health conditions. The study, encompassing 1,211 UK residents (over 18yrs.) recruited via CrossFit Affiliates, involved a 14-question online survey covering information pertaining to participants’ training background, medication use, medical interventions as well as specific comments relating to the impact of CrossFit on participants overall health. Following engagement in CrossFit training, a 54% reported reduction in medication usage was observed. This included 69 participants discontinuing medication and 82 reporting significantly reducing medication use within the first 6 months. Younger age groups (20-39 years) showed greater medication reduction, with 43% of those aged 20-29 reducing medication by over half and 27% eliminating it entirely. In the 30-39 age group, 29% eliminated medication and 20% reduced it significantly. Older age groups also saw reductions, though less pronounced. A Spearman's rank correlation identified a strong positive correlation between age and reductions to medication usage r(1137) = 0.110, p = 0.001. Further analysis of CrossFit training history indicated that neither CrossFit training age, nor CrossFit training frequency impacted perceptions of medication usage (r(1137) = -0.051, p = 0.085 and r(1137) = -0.043, p = 0.150) suggesting that participants did not need to be experienced or frequent CrossFit participants to experience the perceived benefits when it came to reducing medication use. Antidepressants, asthma inhalers, and painkillers were the most common medications used. Forty percent of all participants also reported fewer medical appointments, with this figure rising to 43% among those who were on medication before starting CrossFit. CrossFit training years and training frequency did not significantly correlate with whether participants reduced medical appointments or not (r(1137) = -0.034, p = 0.248, r(1137) = -0.032, p = 0.275) indicating that neither training history nor frequency impacted the perceived benefits of CrossFit training when associated with medical intervention. Seventy-one respondents reported cancelling or postponing surgeries due to the benefits of CrossFit, of these 55% reported reduced symptoms and 31% reported no longer needing surgery. A chi-squared test was conducted to explore the relationship between session frequency and medication reduction, which suggested a potential association; however, the result was not statistically significant (χ² = 12.72, df = 12.59, p = 0.10). Overall, CrossFit participants reported reduction in medication usage, medical appointments, and surgical intervention needed.

Impact of various training programs on lower limb biomechanics in adolescent Latin dancers

Latin dance attracts many young dancers globally. While these adolescents exhibit flexibility and imitation skills, their muscular strength and neuromuscular control often fall short, making complex movements challenging. Thus, incorporating functional training methods is essential for enhancing performance and reducing injury risk. This study, a total of 30 adolescent female Latin dancers aged 12–14 years with at least one year of training and competition experience were recruited for this study and randomly divided into two groups: One group of 15 students (average height 154.37 ± 3.82 cm, average weight 45.31 ± 5.29 kg) received traditional Latin dance training, and the other group of 15 students (15 students average height 154.73 ± 4.28 cm, average weight 44.63 ± 4.37 kg) received traditional Latin dance training and based on traditional Latin dance training, functional exercise was carried out for 12 weeks. A Vicon motion capture system, force platform, and electromyography were used to collect biomechanical data. Paired samples t-tests assessed significant differences between groups pre- and post-intervention. The experimental group showed significant improvements post-intervention: in the sagittal plane, ankle joint angles improved by 14.01% to 52.21% (p < 0.001); in the coronal plane, knee joint angles increased by 0% to 31.21% (p < 0.001) and 66.67% to 100% (p < 0.001); in the horizontal plane, hip joint angles improved by 4.99% to 76.00% (p < 0.001). Muscle activation showed significant increases in gastrocnemius lateral (p = 0.016), gluteus maximus (p = 0.001), tibialis anterior (p = 0.014), and rectus femoris (p < 0.001). Functional training enhances joint flexibility, muscle activation, balance, and overall performance in adolescent Latin dancers. Integrating functional training into regular routines can improve athletic performance and lower injury risk, informing the development of targeted training programs.

Learning in motion! Design of an evidence-based professional development programme to empower teacher educators to adopt play-based, gender-responsive pedagogies

ABSTRACT The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development calls for action to achieve global goals relating to quality education and gender equality. Teacher education is a setting where novel pedagogical practices can be introduced and mainstreamed, ultimately influencing the educational experience at the school level. This study aimed to design a professional development programme to support teacher educators at Palestinian universities to adopt gender-responsive and play-based learning practices. The researchers used the Behaviour Change Wheel (BCW) to develop an evidence-based intervention, resulting in the selection of six intervention functions (education, persuasion, training, environmental restructuring, modelling, and enablement) and 16 behaviour change techniques from the following taxonomy categories: natural consequences, feedback and monitoring, comparison of outcomes, comparison of behaviour, shaping knowledge, repetition and substitution, antecedents, social support, and goals and planning. Mode of delivery primarily involved face-to-face group-based facilitation. Using the BCW to guide the intervention development process allowed for a comprehensive review of teacher educators existing perspectives and the design of programme content to support them to change their teaching practices. The resulting novel professional development programme for teacher educators will be further researched to confirm relevance and impact.

The effect of twelve weeks of high-intensity functional training and Ginkgo biloba consumption on the serum levels of some inflammatory cytokines in operational male firefighters of Yazd city

Introduction: functional exercises and consumption of the medicinal plant Ginkgo biloba, a natural source of flavonoids and polyphenolic compounds, have beneficial effects in improving the inflammatory state and physical performance of people exposed to occupational stress. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of 12 weeks of high-intensity functional training and consumption of Ginkgo biloba extract on the serum levels of interleukin-8 and interleukin-1β in operational male firefighters of Yazd city. Materials and Methods: For this purpose, 48 male firefighters were randomly divided into four groups including high-intensity functional training (HIFT), high-intensity functional training with ginkgo biloba consumption, ginkgo biloba extract consumption, and control-placebo. The training was carried out for 12 weeks and 4 sessions per week. Ginkgo biloba extract (80 mg) was administered as two capsules once a day after breakfast for 12 weeks. Blood samples were taken before and 48 hours after the last training session. Data were analyzed using two-way analysis of variance with SPSS-26 software. Results: The results showed that the interaction effect of exercise and ginkgo biloba extract, as well as the effect of exercise and ginkgo biloba extract alone, caused a significant decrease in the serum levels of interleukin-8 and interleukin-1β (p<0.05). The highest percentage of changes in interleukin-8 and interleukin-1β were obtained following exercise intervention along with the consumption of Ginkgo biloba extract. Conclusion: Performing high-intensity functional exercises with Ginkgo biloba extract had the greatest effect in reducing serum levels of inflammatory indicators and improving oxidative stress conditions in firefighters.

Efficiency of chewing load deficiency correction in clinical dental practice

Weakening of the chewing act, typical for modern humans due to consumption of soft food, causes a deficit of chewing load and has a negative effect on the dental system. To combat hypodynamia of the masticatory apparatus with the aim of preventing destructive processes in its structures, a gnathotraining system was developed, including electrical stimulation of the masticatory muscles themselves in physiological parameters, which develops the effect of “imaginary chewing”, and gnathotraining using chewing gum. In addition, functional training of the masticatory apparatus using chewing exercises was proposed. Considering that chewing gum practically does not compensate for the deficit of chewing load observed in modern society, the staff of the Kazan State Medical University and the Kazan National Research Technological University developed the “Denta Fit” dental trainer and a dental training system. It has been established that dental and jaw training stimulates secretion of saliva, its mineralizing potential, functional resistance of tooth enamel, allows achieving a good level of oral hygiene, reduces the rate of increase in the intensity of dental caries, as well as the severity of muscular-articular disorders of the temporomandibular joints, enhances neuromuscular activity of the masticatory muscles and regional blood flow. In children with permanent bite, dental and jaw training maintains the hydrogen index (pH) of oral fluid at a neutral level and provides, in combination with a toothbrush, optimal hygienic dental care, contributes to the formation of a correct dental occlusion. Thus, the effects of increased neuromuscular activity of the masticatory muscles, as well as regional vascular tone, arising during dental and jaw training, indirectly indicate that the dental and jaw system receives adequate mechanical loads necessary for the normal functioning of all its links. The results of the conducted studies indicate the effectiveness and feasibility of using dental training to improve dental status, which serves as a new approach to the prevention and treatment of dental diseases.

Executive function training curriculum to enhance emotional intelligence in early childhood: Theory adaptation in educational design research

Emotional intelligence (EI) is vital for early childhood development and is closely linked to executive function (EF). EF is a foundation of cognitive ability in early childhood. Educational design research (EDR) offers an adaptive methodology for curriculum development. This study aimed to (1) analyze and explore perspectives for designing an executive function training (EFT) curriculum to enhance EI, (2) design and develop the EFT curriculum, and (3) evaluate and reflect on the EFT curriculum. The research underscores the need to enhance EI, social skills, self-help abilities, and positive attitudes in early childhood students. Developed through a collaborative effort involving multiple stakeholders, the EFT curriculum aligns with Thailand's Ministry of Education standards. It significantly improves EI scores across six assessments of EI's five elements: self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy, and adeptness in relationships. The EFT curriculum emphasizes inhibitory control, shift/cognitive flexibility, emotional control, working memory, planning/organizing, and incorporating sleep to support cognitive and emotional development, a total of 150 hours. Developed with stakeholder input and rigorous design principles, the EFT curriculum prepares children for future learning and life challenges.

Exploring the effects of a 12-Week functional training program on fundamental motor skills for primary school children aged 6–7

BackgroundFundamental motor skills (FMS) are the foundation of children’s movement. Professional guidance and customised training methods are essential to effectively acquiring and mastering fundamental motor skills. Recently, functional training has gained widespread popularity and is associated with numerous benefits. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the effect of functional training on fundamental motor skills in children aged 6–7. MethodsThis study was conducted at a primary school. One hundred children were randomly selected from 382 who met the criteria and allocated to a functional training or regular physical education group, with 25 boys and 25 girls in each group. The research program lasted 12 weeks, with two weekly sessions, each lasting 40 min. The assessment of fundamental motor skills utilises the Test of Gross Motor Development and Pediatric Balance Scale. The pre-test and post-test data were analysed using generalised estimating equations. ResultsThe data analysis showed statistically significant differences between and within groups. There was a significant interaction effect of time and group on the gross motor quotient (x2 = 51.603, p = 0.001), locomotor subtest standard scores (x2 = 22.259, p = 0.001), object control subtest standard scores (x2 = 29.283, p = 0.001), and PBS balance scores (x2 = 24.881, p = 0.001). Furthermore, the main effect of time was significant for the four variables. However, the main effects of the group varied. Significant effects of the group were observed for the gross motor quotient (x2 = 8.662, p = 0.003) and object control subtest standard scores (x2 = 7.471, p = 0.006), but not for locomotor subtest standard scores (x2 = 2.558, p = 0.110) or PBS balance scores (x2 = 1.188, p = 0.276). Discussion and ConclusionsFunctional training can positively impact the development of fundamental motor skills in children aged 6–7, demonstrating greater effectiveness than regular physical education courses. These findings provide evidence that incorporating functional training into early childhood physical education can be an effective intervention for enhancing the development of fundamental motor skills.

Functional Communication Training in Schools: A Systematic Analysis of the Evidence for Ecological Validity.

Ecological validity refers to the meaningfulness or practical significance of research outcomes in everyday settings or the extent to which an intervention can be implemented by typical people during naturally occurring opportunities. In education, ecological validity may contribute to the adoption of interventions by teachers working with students in school settings. Our purpose in this review was to examine the evidence for ecological validity of functional communication training (FCT) used to address challenging behavior in school-age individuals with disabilities. We reviewed 19 single-case experimental design (SCED) studies published between 1985 and 2023. First, we used the What Works Clearinghouse (WWC) Standards to evaluate the empirical evidence of each study. Second, we evaluated the extent to which behavioral assessment and FCT procedures were described in the 15 studies that met the WWC Standards. Third, we conducted a systematic analysis of the evidence for ecological validity of behavioral assessment and FCT. Results indicate that 95% of the SCED studies met the WWC Standards. The description of procedures was complete for 50% of the behavioral assessments and for 11% of the FCT. The overall evidence for ecological validity was moderate for 16.7% and low for 83.3% of the behavioral assessments. The evidence for ecological validity for all FCT procedures was low. Future research and implications related to ecological validity are discussed.

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

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

Home-Based HIFT Altered Quality of Life and Health Related Fitness Parameters in Women

The effects of high intensity functional training (HIFT) on health related components of fitness and quality of life were studied in the gym environment, but there has not been any study on examining the effects of HIFT by using bodyweight exercises at home environment on health related components of fitness and quality of life in women. The goal of this research is to examine the effects of home-based bodyweight HIFT on health related components of physical fitness and quality of life in women. Twenty-one recreationally active female participants (age 26.3 ± 3.7 years) were included in the study. After completing the pretest, participants applied HIFT at home with bodyweight exercises three times a week for a duration of eight weeks. Cardiovascular endurance, muscular strength, muscular endurance, flexibility, body composition and quality of life assessments were carried out in both pretest and posttest applications. Significant differences were observed between the pretest and posttest results of cardiovascular endurance (p=0.042), muscular strength (p<0.001), muscular endurance (p<0.001) and flexibility (p=0.001) parameters. No significant difference was observed between the pretest and posttest results of body composition analysis. Significant improvement (p=0.045) was found on the quality of life scale. Home-based bodyweight HIFT altered quality of life in recreationally active women and enhanced health related components of fitness, which could prevent the increase of health-related risk factors caused by inactivity.

Physical Training Methods to Improve the Physical Condition Components of Elite Taekwondo Athletes in The Kyorugi Category: A Systematic Review

Objectives. The study aimed to provide a systematic review of physical training methods to improve the physical condition components of elite taekwondo athletes in the kyorugi category. Materials and methods. An extensive literature assessment of earlier research was carried out. The objective was to examine articles published between 2020 and 2024 that describe strategies for improving the physical condition component of taekwondo athletes. The electronic search was conducted using Google Scholar, PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus. The articles that addressed methods for enhancing physical condition through exercise were compiled. Results. Sixty publications used training approaches to enhance the physical condition component of elite taekwondo athletes in the kyorugi category. Based on the physical state that is assessed and improved, items are categorized. Among the physical training methods that can be applied in the Taekwondo category of kyorugi are plyometric training, circuit training methods, speed, agility, and quickness (SAQ) training; strength training, endurance training, flexibility training, reaction training, power training, coordination training, balance training, resistance training, and functional training. Conclusions. After thorough analysis, several training techniques have been shown to be effective in enhancing the physical attributes of elite taekwondo athletes in the kyorugi category. These attributes include flexibility, response, strength, power, coordination, agility, speed, balance, and VO₂max.

Effect of hip abductors training on pelvic drop and knee valgus in runners with medial tibial stress syndrome: a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundMedial tibial stress syndrome (MTSS) is a prevalent running-related injury that could impact athletic performance and quality of life. The purpose of the study was to investigate the effectiveness of functional hip abductor strength training on reducing contralateral pelvic drop angle (hip frontal plane projection angle), and dynamic knee valgus (knee frontal plane projection angle) in runners with medial tibial stress syndrome (MTSS).MethodsForty male and female recreational runners were diagnosed with MTSS for at least one month. The age ranged from 25 to 35 years old, and the body mass index (BMI) ranged between (18.5 and 25 kg/m2) participated in this study. This was a single-blind, randomized controlled trial. Participants were randomized into two groups: a control group (Group A, n = 20) received a selected physical therapy exercise program, and an experimental group (Group B, n = 20) received the same program plus functional hip abductor strength training. Dynamic knee valgus (frontal plane projection angle) and contralateral pelvic drop angle were measured using 2D video and analyzed by Kinovea software at baseline and after 8 weeks. Mixed-effect multifactor analysis of variance (MANOVA) was conducted to compare within and between groups effects on FPPA and pelvic drop angle.ResultsAfter 8 weeks, Group B exhibited a significantly decreased frontal plane projection and pelvic drop angles compared to Group A (p < 0.05). Group A also demonstrated a reduced pelvic drop angle, but to a lesser extent, and their frontal plane projection angle increased.ConclusionsThis study demonstrates that 8 weeks of functional hip abductor strength training, combined with traditional physical therapy, effectively improves lower extremity kinematics in runners with MTSS by reducing dynamic knee valgus and contralateral pelvic drop. This targeted approach likely addresses underlying muscle weakness and movement dysfunction, offering hope for potentially reducing MTSS recurrence.Trial registration: clinicaltrials.gov. NO: NCT05637476. Date: December 1, 2022.

Utilization and subjective effectiveness of post-COVID-19 therapies in patients with chronic fatigue

Abstract Background A significant proportion of people who have had a SARS-CoV-2 infection suffer from persistent symptoms for more than three months, referred to as post-COVID-19 condition (PCC). Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is common in people with PCC. Little is known about the use of therapeutic measures for people with CFS, and the effect of active exercise in particular is a subject of controversial debate. Methods From November 2023 to January 2024, an online survey was conducted among a random sample of statutorily-insured people with PCC (ICD10 U09.9). Patients with CFS were identified using the DSQ-PEM. The utilization of various physical, psychological and alternative medical therapies and their subjective effectiveness on a scale from 1 (significantly worsened) to 5 (significantly improved) were recorded. Mann-Whitney-U-tests were carried out. Results Preliminary analyses of 1,699 participants with persisting PCC revealed an indication for CFS in 310 participants. Looking at the active exercises, there is no difference in the utilization of functional training between people with and people without CFS (14.6 % vs. 14.5 %, p = 1.0), while rehabilitation sport is utilized significantly more frequently by people with CFS (26.5% vs. 18.7%, p = 0.003). While 45-48% of CFS patients benefited from active therapies, 20-30% showed a worsening of their symptoms. On average, people with CFS also showed significantly less improvement from rehabilitation sports (M 3.28 vs. 3.72, p = 0.002) and functional training (M 3.16 vs. 3.81, p = 0.002) than people without CFS. Conclusions People with CFS due to PCC are significantly more likely to utilize therapeutic services than people with PCC without CFS. Active therapies seemed to benefit almost half of CFS patients but led to worsening of symptoms in up to 20-30%. Further studies are needed to provide evidence-based treatment recommendations for this vulnerable population. Key messages • People with PCC and CFS benefit less from active therapies than people with PCC without CFS. Utilization of active therapies worsen symptoms in a relevant minority of 20-30% of CFS patients. • Further research should focus on evidence-based treatment recommendations for people with PCC and CFS.

Upper and Lower Limb Training Evaluation System Based on Virtual Reality Technology.

Upper and lower limb rehabilitation training is essential for restoring patients' physical movement ability and enhancing muscle strength and coordination. However, traditional rehabilitation training methods have limitations, such as high costs, low patient participation, and lack of real-time feedback. The purpose of this study is to design and implement a rehabilitation training evaluation system based on virtual reality to improve the quality of patients' rehabilitation training. This paper proposes an upper and lower limb rehabilitation training evaluation system based on virtual reality technology, aiming to solve the problems existing in traditional rehabilitation training. The system provides patients with an immersive and interactive rehabilitation training environment through virtual reality technology, aiming to improve patients' participation and rehabilitation effects. This study used Kinect 2.0 and Leap Motion sensors to capture patients' motion data and transmit them to virtual training scenes. The system designed multiple virtual scenes specifically for different upper and lower limbs, with a focus on hand function training. Through these scenes, patients can perform various movement training, and the system will provide real-time feedback based on the accuracy of the patient's movements. The experimental results show that patients using the system show higher participation and better rehabilitation training effects. Compared with patients receiving traditional rehabilitation training, patients using the virtual reality system have significantly improved movement accuracy and training participation. The virtual reality rehabilitation training evaluation system developed in this study improves the quality of patients' rehabilitation and provides personalized treatment information to medical personnel through data collection and analysis, promoting the systematization and personalization of rehabilitation training. This system is innovative and has broad application potential in the field of rehabilitation medicine.

Effect of integrated manual and verbal cueing on functional transfers in chronic stroke survivors: a randomized controlled study

Purpose The profession of physical therapy has historically relied on manual facilitation to improve motor control strategies and performance in persons rehabilitating from a stroke, yet there is insufficient evidence to support its use during functional task training. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of integrated cueing (verbal and manual) and verbal cueing approaches during sit-to-stand training on midline alignment & muscle activation in chronic stroke survivors. Methods Twenty-one chronic right-brained stroke survivors with hemiplegia were randomly assigned to the Integrated Cueing or Verbal Only group and outcome measures were recorded using an 18-Camera Motion Capture System, force plates, and surface electromyography (EMG). Results Both groups demonstrated a significant improvement in symmetry toward the midline after thirty training repetitions. Significant improvements in muscle activation were found in two muscle groups on the affected side of the body in the Integrated Cueing group, gastrocnemius and rectus femoris. Conclusion Both the Verbal Only and Integrated Cueing groups made significant progress toward more symmetrical movement, yet more significant changes in the activation of hemiparetic extensor muscles were seen in the Integrated Cueing group. These findings support the use of manual cueing in movement activation and performance during the training of functional tasks. IMPLICATIONS FOR REHAB Physical therapists commonly use manual tactile cues to facilitate movement performance but there is currently insufficient evidence to support this use with stroke survivors. In a relatively small sample size, both verbal cues and integrated cues (verbal plus manual) improved symmetry during sit to stand in chronic right brain stroke survivors. Integrated cueing enhanced motor activation and performance during sit to stand better than verbal cues alone. Manual tactile cueing should be considered during functional task retraining.