Mobile Testing Research Articles

Sensor-Derived Measures of Motor and Cognitive Functions in People With Multiple Sclerosis Using Unsupervised Smartphone-Based Assessments: Proof-of-Concept Study

Background Smartphones and wearables are revolutionizing the assessment of cognitive and motor function in neurological disorders, allowing for objective, frequent, and remote data collection. However, these assessments typically provide a plethora of sensor-derived measures (SDMs), and selecting the most suitable measure for a given context of use is a challenging, often overlooked problem. Objective This analysis aims to develop and apply an SDM selection framework, including automated data quality checks and the evaluation of statistical properties, to identify robust SDMs that describe the cognitive and motor function of people with multiple sclerosis (MS). Methods The proposed framework was applied to data from a cross-sectional study involving 85 people with MS and 68 healthy participants who underwent in-clinic supervised and remote unsupervised smartphone-based assessments. The assessment provided high-quality recordings from cognitive, manual dexterity, and mobility tests, from which 47 SDMs, based on established literature, were extracted using previously developed and publicly available algorithms. These SDMs were first separately and then jointly screened for bias and normality by 2 expert assessors. Selected SDMs were then analyzed to establish their reliability, using an intraclass correlation coefficient and minimal detectable change at 95% CI. The convergence of selected SDMs with in-clinic MS functional measures and patient-reported outcomes was also evaluated. Results A total of 16 (34%) of the 47 SDMs passed the selection framework. All selected SDMs demonstrated moderate-to-good reliability in remote settings (intraclass correlation coefficient 0.5-0.85; minimal detectable change at 95% CI 19%-35%). Selected SDMs extracted from the smartphone-based cognitive test demonstrated good-to-excellent correlation (Spearman correlation coefficient, |ρ|>0.75) with the in-clinic Symbol Digit Modalities Test and fair correlation with Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) scores (0.25≤|ρ|<0.5). SDMs extracted from the manual dexterity tests showed either fair correlation (0.25≤|ρ|<0.5) or were not correlated (|ρ|<0.25) with the in-clinic 9-hole peg test and EDSS scores. Most selected SDMs from mobility tests showed fair correlation with the in-clinic timed 25-foot walk test and fair to moderate-to-good correlation (0.5<|ρ|≤0.75) with EDSS scores. SDM correlations with relevant patient-reported outcomes varied by functional domain, ranging from not correlated (cognitive test SDMs) to good-to-excellent correlation (|ρ|>0.75) for mobility test SDMs. Overall, correlations were similar when smartphone-based tests were performed in a clinic or remotely. Conclusions Reported results highlight that smartphone-based assessments are suitable tools to remotely obtain high-quality SDMs of cognitive and motor function in people with MS. The presented SDM selection framework promises to increase the interpretability and standardization of smartphone-based SDMs in people with MS, paving the way for their future use in interventional trials.

Cervical spine sensorimotor deficits persist in people post-concussion despite minimal symptoms

Background The mechanisms of a concussion place stress on the cervical spine like that of a whiplash event, which can result in cervical spine dysfunction. This study aimed to determine if underlying cervical spine mobility and sensorimotor function deficits occur in individuals who are post-concussion with near resolution of symptoms. Methods Twenty-five participants with a self-reported concussive event within a year (PC group: post-concussion 157 + 120 d, 9 men, age: 25 ± 8 yr) and 26 comparable peers (Peer group, 9 men, age: 25 ± 7 yr) were tested. The Post-Concussion Symptom Scale (PCSS) quantified residual concussion symptoms. Participants completed cervical joint position error (JPE) and cervical spine joint mobility tests blinded from each other. Group mean differences were analyzed using t-tests. Results The PC group had minimal symptoms (PCSS = 6.8 ± 6.5) but substantial differences in JPE tests compared to the Peer group (PC = 7.4 ± 1.8 cm; PG = 5.6 ± 1.1 cm; p < .001). Those PC participants with pain during joint testing (n = 15) had worse JPE (Painful = 8.1 ± 1.8 cm, No-pain = 6.3 ± 1.6 cm; p = .02) and less averaged lower cervical spine joint mobility compared to PC participants without pain (Painful = 0.66 ± 0.22, No-pain = 0.87 ± 0.19; p = .02, Normal motion = 1.0). Conclusion Following a concussion, it is a reasonable recommendation to screen the cervical spine to identify impairments in joint mobility and JPE that contribute to neck dysfunction.

Incarceration and women’s and men’s forms of capital and social control: a gendered test of coercive mobility

ABSTRACT Previous work has theorized that women’s forms of capital (i.e. physical, human, and social) may serve as a mechanism to more fully explain the process by which concentrated incarceration contributes to reductions in neighborhood social control. Coercive mobility theory posits that the removal of residents due to mass incarceration creates disruptions in neighboring relationships and therefore, reduces a community’s informal social control mechanisms or its ability to prevent crime. Scholars have also asserted that this process is gendered, since mostly women remain in the community and experience disruptions to their forms of capital and social control, while mostly men cycle in and out of incarceration. Using data on Baltimore residents, the present study examines the association between incarceration and women’s and men’s forms of capital and social control with the use of ordinary least squares regression models. An equality of coefficients test is used to determine whether effects to women’s and men’s capital and social control are statistically distinct, indicating a gendered experience. Findings support the adoption of a gendered perspective on coercive mobility, advancing our understanding of the community consequences of incarceration to women residents, and offer suggestions for future research and policy implications.

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

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

Designing tests for some motor abilities and predicting the level of performance skill for academic school football players aged (13-14) years

The study aims to design tests to measure some motor abilities in the study sample, to find standard grades and levels for some tests of motor abilities in the study sample, preparing equations to predict the level of performance skill of soccer players in terms of mobility tests in the research sample. The researcher used the descriptive approach, and the research community was selected from football academy players aged (13-14) years in Raparin. The research sample was selected intentionally, which included (260) players. So as to reach the results, the researcher used a set of statistical programs by using SPSS. It was concluded to find and determine the grades and standard levels modified for the research sample in the motor tests, determining an equation to predict the level of performance skill in terms of motor abilities. It is recommended that the prediction equation can be adopted as indicators through which the components of motor abilities are determined and the possibility of upgrading it according to the time period of the preparation stage to reach the level of competition.

Dietary selenium intake, hypertension and cognitive function among US adults, NHANES 2011–2014

Dietary selenium intake and hypertension were associated with cognitive function, but it was limitedly understood whether the effect of selenium intake on cognitive function in older adults was modified by hypertension status. A total of 2416 participants aged ≥ 60 years old from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey in 2011–2014 were involved in this study. Selenium intake from foods was estimated using two non-consecutive 24-hour dietary recalls. Blood pressure was measured by trained personnel or physicians at a mobile testing center. Cognitive function was measured by Registry for Alzheimer’s disease (CERAD), the Animal Fluency test (AFT), and Digit Symbol Substitution Test (DSST). Among 2,416 participants, we found that higher dietary intake of selenium was associated with higher score on most tests (CERAD: Total Score: P for trend = 0.01; AFT: P for trend = 0.01; DSST: P for trend = 0.02) and hypertension was associated with lower score on each test (CEARD: Total Score (β = − 0.87, P = 0.03), CERAD: Delayed Recall Score (β = − 0.37, P = 0.04), AFT (β = − 0.88, P = 0.03), and DSST (β = − 2.72, P = 0.02). The interaction of hypertension status and dietary selenium intake on CERAD-immediate (P for interaction = 0.02) and DSST (P for interaction = 0.04) were statistical significance. In addition, hypertension did not mediate the association between dietary selenium intake and the four dimensions of cognition. The findings suggest that in older adults with hypertension, higher dietary selenium intake is associated with improved cognitive function, implying a potential nutritional strategy for preventing cognitive impairment in this population.

Design of a robust intelligent controller based neural network for trajectory tracking of high-speed wheeled robots

The control design of wheeled mobile robots is often accomplished based on the robot’s kinematics which imposes critical challenges in the motion tracking control of such systems. In the related literature, most works designed dynamic controllers based on the terms of voltage or torque; however, the velocity is often utilized in industrial and commercial applications. To address this issue, this paper focuses on the design of a velocity-based control for the trajectory-tracking problem of mobile robots in practical applications including measurement acquisition. The control design of the mobile robot is realized in two separate parts using kinematic control and dynamic control. The design of kinematic control is carried out based on the robot’s kinematics where the motion is described without considering the forces and torques. A radial basis function (RBF) neural network (NN) based on the model-free controller is designed for the dynamic controller of mobile robots without relying on the system dynamics. In the proposed dynamic control, a time-delay estimation is adopted to estimate the disturbances and noises in the mobile robot and remove them from the feedback loop control. Several typical scenarios of mobile robots with high-speed movements are conducted to assess the feasibility of the proposed NN controller-based time-delay estimation under noises and disturbances. To show the supremacy of the suggested controller, the dynamic responses of the mobile robot test system are compared with the prevalent controllers. The extensive simulation and real-time examinations reveal the capability of the proposed NN controller-based time-delay estimation to control high-speed mobile robots under high-level noises and disturbances.

Maternal weight status at conception predicts offspring body fat at age 11 years: population data from the Japan Kids Body Composition Study using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry

BackgroundMaternal preconception overweight status has been reported to be associated with an increased risk of overweight offspring. However, there are no published population-based studies on the association between maternal preconception weight and offspring body fat measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). The present population-based retrospective cohort study aimed to examine the association between maternal weight at conception and offspring body fat measured by DXA.MethodsThe source population consisted of 5th-grade students (1244 students aged 11 years) registered at 8 municipal elementary schools in Kitakata, Fukuroi, Hamamatsu, and Himeji in Japan. The present analyses included 964 participants who provided complete information. Maternal body mass index (BMI) at conception was calculated using records in the Mother and Child Health Handbook (MCHH). Offspring body fat at age 11 years was measured with the same QDR-4500A DXA instrument in a mobile test room that was brought to each school. With regard to the prediction of excess fat in offspring, the area under the curve (AUC) calculated with receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was used to quantify the diagnostic accuracy of maternal BMI at conception.ResultsAdjusted odds ratios for excess body fat in offspring of the overweight mother group (odds ratios, 4.93 to 15.32) were significantly higher than those in the non-overweight mother group. For the prediction of excess offspring fat, AUCs and 95% confidence intervals for maternal BMI at conception were greater than 0.5.ConclusionMaternal overweight status at conception might be a risk factor for excess body fat in offspring. Maternal BMI values calculated using MCHH data have the potential to distinguish between the presence and absence of excess fat in the next generation.

Activity Identification, Classification, and Representation of Wheelchair Sport Court Tasks: A Method Proposal.

Monitoring player mobility in wheelchair sports is crucial for helping coaches understand activity dynamics and optimize training programs. However, the lack of data from monitoring tools, combined with a lack of standardized processing approaches and ineffective data presentation, limits their usability outside of research teams. To address these issues, this study aimed to propose a simple and efficient algorithm for identifying locomotor tasks (static, forward/backward propulsion, pivot/tight/wide rotation) during wheelchair movements, utilizing kinematic data from standard wheelchair mobility tests. Each participant's wheelchair was equipped with inertial measurement units-two on the wheel axes and one on the frame. A total of 36 wheelchair tennis and badminton players completed at least one of three proposed tests: the star test, the figure-of-eight test, and the forward/backward test. Locomotor tasks were identified using a five-step procedure involving data reduction, symbolic approximation, and logical pattern searching. This method successfully identified 99% of locomotor tasks for the star test, 95% for the figure-of-eight test, and 100% for the forward/backward test. The proposed method offers a valuable tool for the simple and clear identification and representation of locomotor tasks over extended periods. Future research should focus on applying this method to wheelchair court sports matches and daily life scenarios.

Adopting sustainable innovations for remote access to TB and HIV care in South Africa.

For the last decade, South Africa has made substantial progress to control the dual HIV and TB epidemics. However, disruptions in TB and HIV treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic threatened to reverse this. This study aimed to identify adaptations in HIV and TB service delivery models in response to COVID-19 and government restrictions. This information informed the development of an online survey, which was utilized as part of a consultation exercise to further capture adaptations made to HIV/TB service delivery within the South African context. The literature review involved screening 380 titles and abstracts, identifying 30 HIV and TB studies across 19 countries, and categorizing 90 individual interventions into ten thematic areas. Common themes included interventions addressing screening, testing, diagnosis, medication collection and delivery support, and virtual models. Digital health interventions and adaptations to medication collection/delivery were reported in 38% of studies. Analysis of survey responses from 33 stakeholders in South Africa revealed that 47% of interventions targeted HIV, 11% TB, and 23% HIV/TB integrated service delivery. Most interventions (81%) were integrated into the national HIV or TB program, with implementation occurring at various levels: 39% at facility level, 35% at sub-district or district level, and 18% at provincial level. Programmatic data was available for 86% of interventions, with 50% being funded. This study demonstrated that services can be delivered in locations other than in health facilities (e.g., community-based or home-based) and that integrated services can also free up additional resources. Although studies varied, COVID-19 accelerated the adoption of differentiated service delivery (DSD) models for TB care, including multi-month dispensing (MMD) for TB preventative therapy (TPT) and TB treatment, home-based or mobile outreach screening and testing, and community pickup points (PuP) for TB medications. These initiatives had previously lagged behind HIV-focused DSD models, and it is crucial to sustain these services beyond the pandemic. To achieve universal health coverage, it will also be important to capitalize on these experiences and learn from HIV-focused DSD models so programs can deliver integrated person-centered chronic care services for TB, HIV, and non-communicable diseases.

An Exploratory Study on the Effects of Souchard Postural Gymnastics in Parkinson's Disease Patients with Camptocormia: A Quasi-Experimental Approach.

Background/Objective: Parkinson's disease (PD), a prevalent neurodegenerative disorder, leads to motor and non-motor impairments, affecting quality of life. Camptocormia can be one of the motor signs of PD, characterized by a severe and abnormal forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine that typically occurs when walking or standing. The following study aims to verify whether postural gymnastics can be an effective treatment for trunk control, balance, activities of daily living, and general well-being in patients with early-stage PD and camptocormia. Methods: Nine participants (mean age 67.7 ± 7.8) with early PD (Hoehn and Yahr Scale ≤ 2) received 10 biweekly physiotherapy sessions. Outcomes were measured using the Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire (PDQ-39) and Berg Balance Scale (BBS) along with trunk mobility and muscle tests according to the Medical Research Council (MRC) scale. Results: Statistically significant results were noted in the PDQ-39 mobility, ADLs and emotional well-being subscales and in the BBS; statistically significant improvements were also seen in trunk mobility and muscle strength. Conclusions: This study shows that the postural gymnastic treatment, according to Souchard, in patients with PD's camptocormia has obtained good results and has the potential timprove mobility and balance, encouraging and motivating patients in their rehabilitation journeys.

Longitudinal study of root resorption on incisors caused by impacted maxillary canines-a clinical and cone beam CT assessment.

To evaluate the long-term status of incisors with canine-induced root resorption (CIRR). Subjects with impacted maxillary canines (IMC) and persisting incisors with CIRR examined with cone beam computed tomography (CBCT), diagnosed ≥ 5 years earlier, were recalled. The resorption grade in the horizontal and vertical plane was assessed on CBCT images at baseline (T0) and follow-up (T1). Clinical examination was done at T1 which included probing depth, gingival retraction, mobility, ankylosis, discoloration and vitality test. In addition, patients completed a questionnaire regarding symptoms from the incisors. Forty subjects (mean age 13.7 ± 2.1 years) with 43 IMC and 47 incisors with CIRR were recruited. The IMC either spontaneously erupted, were surgically exposed or surgically removed. Thirty-four of the patients were treated with a fixed appliance and six had no orthodontic treatment. The follow-up range was 5.5-14.6 years. None of the incisors were lost or endodontically treated at T1. The horizontal resorption grade was unchanged in 38, improved in 7, and worsened in 2 teeth. The corresponding results for the vertical resorption grade were unchanged in 20 and worsened in 27 teeth. Three incisors with severe horizontal resorption at T0 were significantly more obliterated at T1 (P = .01). No significant differences were found in clinical parameters or patient-reported outcomes between incisors with CIRR and non-resorbed contralateral incisors at T1. The extent of root resorption during active orthodontic treatment was not possible to assess as only CBCT images from T0 and T1 were available. Incisors with CIRR caused by IMC have a high survival rate in a long-term perspective and do not cause more symptoms or exhibit more signs of pathology than non-resorbed contralateral incisors. Extraction of asymptomatic incisors based solely on root resorption should not be performed routinely.

Relationship between self-reported impairments and clinical examination of upper extremity in subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus

BackgroundUpper Extremity Impairments (UEIs) in type 2 DM(Diabetes Mellitus) usually occur after other complications of DM have occurred and can lead to disability and severely impact the quality of life. This study aimed to identify the UEIs by self-reported questionnaire and clinical findings and to investigate whether self-reported impairments conform to clinical findings and whether any vital questions about UEIs can be identified to screen the UEIs quickly in type 2 DM comprehensive assessment. Methods91 medically diagnosed type 2 DM subjects were enlisted at a tertiary care hospital per the inclusion and exclusion criteria to participate in the study. Participants were asked to fill out a self-reported questionnaire regarding UEIs, following which a clinical examination of the upper extremity was performed to identify the UEIs. Results85% of the participants self-reported UEIs. Self-reported shoulder pain was reported by n = 34 (37.3%), stiffness by n = 21(23.1%), and hand weakness by n = 24 (26.4%). Clinical examination of shoulder and hand revealed impairments such as hands against the back in n = 30(33%), lift-off sign in 22(24.1%), decreased finger extension in 11(12.1%), and thenar strength in 9(9.9%). Self-reported shoulder pain and hand stiffness were associated with clinically examined decreased shoulder mobility and rotator cuff (RC) tests (p < 0.05). Grip strength, thenar strength, and Phalen's sign decreased significantly with self-reported hand weakness (p < 0.05). ConclusionSelf-reported shoulder pain and stiffness, hand stiffness, and weakness should be used to identify patients with UEIs needing comprehensive assessment and treatment. Significantly self-reported hand impairments can also be an indication to screen shoulder pathologies.

Empirical Analysis of Widely Used Website Automated Testing Tools

In today's software development, achieving product quality while minimising cost and time is critical. Automated testing is crucial to attaining these goals by lowering inspection efforts and discovering faults more effectively. This paper compares widely used automated testing tools, such as Selenium, Appium, Java Unit (JUnit), Test Next Generation (TestNG), Jenkins, Cucumber, LoadRunner, Katalon Studio, Simple Object Access Protocol User Interface (SoapUI), and TestComplete, based on functionality, ease of use, platform compatibility, and integration capabilities. Our findings show that no single tool is inherently superior, with each excelling in certain areas such as online, mobile, Application Programming Interface (API), or performance testing. While Selenium and Appium are the dominant online and mobile testing frameworks, TestComplete and Katalon Studio offer complete, user-friendly cross-platform testing solutions. Despite the benefits of automation, obstacles such as tool maintenance, scalability, and cost issues remain. The report finishes with advice for picking the best tool for the project and offers potential approaches for enhancing testing frameworks, such as AI-driven optimisation, cloud-based testing, and greater Continuous Integration/ Continuous Deployment (CI/CD) integration. This study offers useful information for developers and testers looking to optimise their testing methods and increase software quality.

Differentiating the Structural and Functional Instability of the Craniocervical Junction.

This paper presents the anatomical and biomechanical aspects of chronic instability of the craniocervical junction (CCJ) with a discussion on clinical diagnostics based on mobility tests and provocative tests related to ligamentous system injuries, as well as radiological criteria for CCJ instability. In addition to the structural instability of the CCJ, the hypothesis of its functional form resulting from cervical proprioceptive system (CPS) damage is discussed. Clinical and neurophysiological studies have shown that functional disorders or organic changes in the CPS cause symptoms similar to those of vestibular system diseases: dizziness, nystagmus, and balance disorders. The underlying cause of the functional form of CCJ instability may be the increased activity of mechanoreceptors, leading to "informational noise" which causes vestibular system disorientation. Due to the disharmony of mutual stimulation and the inhibition of impulses between the centers controlling eye movements, the cerebellum, spinal motoneurons, and the vestibular system, inadequate vestibulospinal and vestibulo-ocular reactions occur, manifesting as postural instability, dizziness, and nystagmus. The hyperactivity of craniocervical mechanoreceptors also leads to disturbances in the reflex regulation of postural muscle tone, manifesting as "general instability". Understanding this form of CCJ instability as a distinct clinical entity is important both diagnostically and therapeutically as it requires different management strategies compared to true instability. Chronic CCJ instability significantly impacts the quality of life (QOL) of affected patients, contributing to chronic pain, psychological distress, and functional impairments. Addressing both structural and functional instability is essential for improving patient outcomes and enhancing their overall QOL.

EM Radiation Thermal Effects Simulation Study on a Realistic Female Model at Some Frequencies

The purpose of research is to develop a computer simulation based mobile phone safety testing scheme that is well suited for testing any mobile phone antenna at different communication frequencies and various realistic scenarios. It has been shown how feasible the study of realistic models is, what difficulties may occur, what effects, moments appear in the modeling process. The aim of the study is also to show the need for changes in the standard of mobile phone safety testing and to investigate the possibilities of implementing these changes. It is preferable for manufacturers to perform testing using human realistic models through numerical calculations and conduct safety compliance testing under realistic conditions to produce more realistic picture. Computer modeling gives the possibility to consider various realistic models, realistic scenarios and different tissue dielectric properties according to the frequency. It was investigated how mobile phone antenna radiation parameters (S11 reflection coefficient) change according to the various positions of the hand and fingers at standard communication 2100 MHz and 3700 MHz frequencies; were estimated Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) values in the human head and their dependence on S11 parameters were studied. Based on the obtained results, it has been shown that the preferred S11 behavior should be one of the indicators in the phone safety standards. For this, manufacturers should carry out mobile phone antenna matching/S11 parameter testing with free space.

The Clinical Utility of the Seated Wall Angel as a Test with Scoring.

The seated wall angel (SWA) is an intervention to improve upper quarter mobility but has not been described as a clinical test with scoring. To explore the clinical utility of the SWA as a test with scoring. The authors hypothesized that SWA test scores would be lower on the injured than uninjured side, improve over time, and show stronger association with patient-reported shoulder function than shoulder mobility tests. Prospective cohort. Patients diagnosed with anterior shoulder instability and referred to physical therapy participated. Testing occurred after physical therapy examination (initial) and six weeks later (follow-up). Rehabilitation was not controlled. Testing included clinical tests (SWA, passive shoulder external rotation range of motion, total arc of motion) and patient-reported outcomes including the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Standardized Shoulder Assessment Form, (ASES) and the Western Ontario Shoulder Instability Index (WOSI). The SWA test was scored 0 to 3 points bilaterally based on number of body contacts with the wall (i.e., elbows and fingertips, posterior fingers, posterior forearm). Passive range of motion was measured with a standard goniometer. SWA scores were compared between sides at initial testing and compared between testing timepoints on the injured side. Associations among injured side clinical test values and patient-reported outcome scores were examined. Mean (SD) SWA score on the injured side was significantly lower than the uninjured side at initial testing [1.6 (1.0) vs 2.2 (1.1), p = 0.045] and significantly increased at follow-up testing [2.4 (1.0), p = 0.041]. Only SWA test score was significantly correlated with ASES (r=0.597) and WOSI (r=-0.648) scores at initial testing, and SWA test score was significantly correlated with WOSI score at follow-up testing (r=-0.611). The clinical utility of the SWA test is supported by distinguishing the injured and uninjured sides and having stronger associations with patient-reported shoulder function than shoulder mobility tests.

Functional performance profile of Under-20 soccer athletes from a Brazilian first division team during the COVID-19 pandemic: A descriptive study

BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic led to widespread social isolation and the suspension of sports activities, significantly impacting the physical and psychological performance of athletes worldwide, particularly soccer players. This study aims to evaluate the effects of pandemic-related training suspensions on the functional performance of U-20 soccer players from a first-division club in Rio de Janeiro. MethodsForty-one male U-20 soccer players were assessed during the preseason (PS) periods of 2020 and 2021. The following functional tests were performed: Single Leg Step Down (STEP DOWN), Ankle Mobility Test (LUNGE), Y-Balance Test (YBT), and Single Leg Bridge Test (BRIDGE). Comparisons were made between seasons and against established cutoff values. ResultsMost athletes demonstrated moderate-to-good performance in the functional tests during PS-20. However, in PS-21, the players showed significantly improved performance in the LUNGE test (P = 0.001) but a decline in YBT performance (P = 0.009). Specifically, 68% and 21% of the U-20 players exhibited moderate-to-good performance in LUNGE and YBT, respectively, in PS-21. ConclusionAfter a period of restricted social and sports activities due to the COVID-19 pandemic, most U-20 soccer players experienced changes in their functional test performance. These findings highlight the need for medical and health professionals working with soccer teams to carefully plan exercise and rehabilitation programs during periods of activity restrictions.

The Degradation and Migration of Cyclanilide in Soil and Sediment in China.

The environmental fate of a plant growth regulator cyclanilide was studied in this paper. The degradation, adsorption, and migration behaviors of cyclanilide were detailly measured in the laboratory. The results showed that the DT50 of cyclanilide degradation in the Jiangxi red, Taihu paddy, Changshu wushan, Shaanxi tide, and Dongbei black soils was 42.3 d, 31.9 d, 14.4 d, 30.4 d as well as 27.4 d under aerobic conditions and 32.3 d, 37.4 d, 29.3 d, 48.9 d as well as 27.0 d under water anaerobic conditions, respectively, with the main metabolite being 2,4-dichloroaniline (2,4-D). The DT50 of 2,4-D ranged from 5.26 to 27.1 days under aerobic conditions, and from 10.6 to 54.1 days under anaerobic conditions. The adsorption of cyclanilide by the soils was well fitted by the empirical linear adsorption isotherm, and the adsorption constant (Kd, H) values in the Jiangxi red, Taihu paddy, Changshu wushan, Shaanxi tide, and Dongbei black soils were 7.08, 4.49, 4.05, 3.20, and 1.41, respectively. The results of a mobility test showed that cyclanilide had strong mobility in the most test soils. Furthermore, soil pH is the dominant element affecting the adsorption of cyclanilide in the soils. Under aerobic environment, the DT50 of total cyclanilide in river and lake water-sediment systems were 30.7 d and 34.0 d, respectively; under anaerobic environment, their DT50 were 30.8 d and 31.4 d, respectively. In water-sediment systems, 2,4-D mainly exists in aqueous phase and the DT50 ranged from 5.23 to 8.76 days. This work demonstrated that cyclanilide has the potential risk to contaminate environment and attention should be paid to its application.

Development and approval of a mobile test bench for the study of the mechanical properties of biological tissues

The determination of the mechanical properties of vessel walls and atherosclerotic plaques is a recurring issue in the numerical modelling of vessel sections. Testing machines are usually located in specialised laboratories outside medical facilities, and transporting samples from the clinic is difficult. Therefore, the task of developing mobile testing devices that can be installed directly in the clinic to perform tests immediately after surgery is relevant. This paper presents the results of the development and validation of a mobile test bench for performing mechanical experiments on uniaxial compression and tension of biological tissues. The purpose of the work is to perform mechanical tests on tissues in the clinic, avoiding their transport to the laboratory and/or freezing. Arduino UNO hardware platform is used as the control element of the test bench, which controls the main elements (motor, load cell), records data on SD card and displays information about the experiment on the computer screen. Structurally, the test bench is an analogue of a two-column testing machine. All mechanisms are assembled in a portable case, the control module is in the form of a remote plastic box. Verification of the test bench was carried out using an Instron 3342 universal testing machine with a 500 N load cell. A total of 121 soft tissue tests (including arterial wall and atherosclerotic plaque) were performed on the bench. The Young's modulus and ultimate strength values obtained are summarised in a table. The mean Young's modulus for the wall of the internal carotid artery was 0.32 ± 0.24 MPa, for soft plaque 0.30 ± 0.17 MPa, and for hard plaque 0.85 ± 0.39 MPa; a tensile strength of 1.12 ± 0.67 MPa was also determined for hard plaques in carotid arteries. The result is a unique database of tissue Young's moduli obtained from freshly collected material. The methodology and its implementation on the mobile test bench show good agreement with literature data.