Mobile Testing Research Articles

The association between locomotive function and incidence of proximal junctional kyphosis following adult spine deformity surgery

Background and objectivesThis retrospective review study aimed to determine whether functional mobility test (FMT) results are related to the incidence of proximal junctional kyphosis (PJK) after surgical correction of adult spinal deformity (ASD).MethodsA total of 157 patients who underwent reconstructive spinal surgery for ASD between July 2019 and December 2021 were included in this study. Three types of FMTs were performed preoperatively: timed-up-and-go (TUG) test, five times sit-to-stand (STS) test, and alternate step (AS) test. The primary outcome measure was the occurrence of PJK at 1 year after surgery. Oswestry disability index (ODI) and EuroQOL-5-dimension (EQ-5D) scores were surveyed as patient-reported outcome measures of the surgery.ResultsThe occurrence of PJK was observed in 41 of the 157 patients (26.1%) at 1 year after surgery. Among the three functional mobility tests, STS test results were significantly higher in the patients who developed PJK. The receiver operating characteristics curve drawn with the STS test had an area under the curve of 0.69 and the optimal cutoff value was suggested as 22 seconds. Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified the STS test along with age and preoperative ODI score as the significant predictors of PJK (p = 0.026, 0.005 and 0.001, respectively).ConclusionsA longer test time on the STS test result was associated with a higher occurrence of postoperative PJK. A cutoff value of 22 s can be suggested. Preoperative surveillance of these patients and providing additional efforts and surgical procedures for the prevention of PJK are anticipated to improve the surgical outcome of ASD correction.

Interventions and implementation considerations for reducing pre-treatment loss to follow-up in adults with pulmonary tuberculosis: A scoping review

Background Tuberculosis (TB) is a leading cause of death worldwide with over 90% of reported cases occurring in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Pre-treatment loss to follow-up (PTLFU) is a key contributor to TB mortality and infection transmission. Objectives We performed a scoping review to map available evidence on interventions to reduce PTLFU in adults with pulmonary TB, identify gaps in existing knowledge, and develop a conceptual framework to guide intervention implementation. Methods We searched eight electronic databases up to February 6 2024, medRxiv for pre-prints, and reference lists of included studies. Two review authors independently selected studies and extracted data using a predesigned form. We analysed data descriptively, presented findings in a narrative summary and developed a conceptual framework based on the Practical, Robust Implementation, and Sustainability Model to map the factors for effective intervention implementation. Results We reviewed 1262 records and included 17 studies. Most studies were randomized controlled trials (8/17, 47%). Intervention barriers included stigma and inadequate resources; enablers included mobile phones and TB testing and results on the same day. We identified eight interventions that reduced PTLFU: treatment support groups; mobile notifications; community health workers; integrated HIV/TB services; Xpert MTB/RIF as the initial diagnostic test; computer-aided detection with chest radiography screening; active linkage to care; and multi-component strategies. Conclusion Given the variation of healthcare settings, TB programs should consider contextual factors such as user acceptability, political commitment, resources, and infrastructure before adopting an intervention. Future research should utilize qualitative study designs, be people-centred, and include social and economic factors affecting PTLFU.

Redefining crowdsourced test report prioritization: An innovative approach with large language model

Context:Crowdsourced testing has gained popularity in software testing, especially for mobile app testing, due to its ability to bring diversity and tackle fragmentation issues. However, the openness of crowdsourced testing presents challenges, particularly in the manual review of numerous test reports, which is time-consuming and labor-intensive. Objective:The primary goal of this research is to improve the efficiency of review processes in crowdsourced testing. Traditional approaches to test report prioritization lack a deep understanding of semantic information in textual descriptions of these reports. This paper introduces LLMPrior, a novel approach for prioritizing crowdsourced test reports using large language models (LLMs). Method:LLMPrior leverages LLMs for the analysis and clustering of crowdsourced test reports based on the types of bugs revealed in their textual descriptions. This involves using prompt engineering techniques to enhance the performance of LLMs. Following the clustering, a recurrent selection algorithm is applied to prioritize the reports. Results:Empirical experiments are conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of LLMPrior. The findings indicate that LLMPrior not only surpasses current state-of-the-art approaches in terms of performance but also proves to be more feasible, efficient, and reliable. This success is attributed to the use of prompt engineering techniques and the cluster-based prioritization strategy. Conclusion:LLMPrior represents a significant advancement in crowdsourced test report prioritization. By effectively utilizing large language models and a cluster-based strategy, it addresses the challenges in traditional prioritization approaches, offering a more efficient and reliable solution for app developers dealing with crowdsourced test reports.

Synchronous and asynchronous remote core stability exercises in patients with axial spondyloarthritis: a randomized-controlled clinical trial.

Exercise is a key component of axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) management. As telerehabilitation has become a viable solution for delivering remote care, the effectiveness of core stability exercises via this method remains under-researched. To compare the effects of telerehabilitation-based synchronous versus asynchronous core stability exercises on core muscle endurance, spinal mobility, disease activity, physical function, and quality of life in patients with axSpA. Forty-four patients with axSpA were randomly assigned to a synchronous exercise group (n = 22, 14 females) performing real-time exercises supervised by a physiotherapist, or an asynchronous group (n = 22, 10 females) following pre-recorded exercise videos. Core endurance tests, Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity (BASDAI), Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional (BASFI), Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Metrology Index (BASMI), Ankylosing Spondylitis Quality of Life Scale (ASQoL), and functional mobility tests (timed-up-and-go and chair stand tests) were used to assess outcomes. Perceived change was evaluated at post-treatment using the 5-point Global Rating of Change (GRoC) scale. The synchronous group demonstrated greater changes in core endurance, BASMI, BASDAI, ASQoL, BASFI, and functional mobility tests (p < 0.05) compared to asynchronous group. Asynchronous group displayed improvement only in core endurance, ASQoL, chair stand test, and some BASMI parameters (p < 0.05). Notably, 100% of participants in the synchronous group reported their condition as improved, compared to 50% in the asynchronous group shown by GRoC. Supervised core stability exercises delivered by using a synchronous telerehabilitation program may provide better outcomes compared to unsupervised video-based exercise program. This study is prospectively registered at Clinicaltrials.gov (NCT06000072).

Characterizing Performance on a Suite of English-Language NeuroUX Mobile Cognitive Tests in a US Adult Sample: Ecological Momentary Cognitive Testing Study

Background Mobile cognitive testing is growing in popularity, with numerous advantages over traditional cognitive testing; however, the field lacks studies that deeply examine mobile cognitive test data from general adult samples. Objective This study characterized performance for a suite of 8 mobile cognitive tests from the NeuroUX platform in a sample of US adults across the adult lifespan. Methods Overall, 393 participants completed 8 NeuroUX cognitive tests and a brief ecological momentary assessment survey once per day on their smartphones for 10 consecutive days; each test was administered 5 times over the testing period. The tests tapped the domains of executive function, processing speed, reaction time, recognition memory, and working memory. Participants also completed a poststudy usability feedback survey. We examined alternate form test-retest reliability; practice effects; and associations between scores (averages and intraindividual variability) and demographics as well as test-taking context (ie, smartphone type, being at home vs not at home, and being alone vs not alone). Results Our final sample consisted of 393 English-speaking US residents (aged 20-79 y; female: n=198, 50.4%). Of the 367 participants who provided responses about their race and ethnicity, 258 (70.3%) were White. Of the 393 participants, 181 (46.1%) were iOS users, and 212 (53.9%) were Android users. Of 12 test scores derived from the 8 tests, 9 (75%) showed good to excellent test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficients &gt;0.76). Practice effects (ie, improvements in performance) were observed for 4 (33%) of the 12 scores. Older age was associated with worse performance on most of the test scores (9/12, 75%) and greater within-person variability for nearly all reaction time scores (3/4, 75%). Relationships with smartphone type showed better performance among iOS users and those with newer Android software versions compared to those with older software. Being at home (vs not at home) was associated with better performance on tests of processing speed. Being alone (vs not alone) was associated with better performance on tests of recognition and working memory. Poststudy feedback indicated that participants found NeuroUX easy to learn and use, an enjoyable experience, and an app that would be helpful in understanding their thinking skills. Only 4.2% (16/379) endorsed privacy concerns, and 77.3% (293/379) reported that they would be willing to share their results with their health care provider. Older age—but not other demographics—was associated with finding the tests more challenging. Conclusions In a sample of adults across a wide age range, this study characterized features that are particularly important for the interpretation of remote, repeated mobile cognitive testing performance, including test-retest reliability, practice effects, smartphone type, and test-taking context. These data enhance the understanding and application of mobile cognitive testing, paving the way for improved clinical decision-making, personalized interventions, and advancements in cognitive research.

REASSURED Test System for Food Control—Preparation of LAMP Reaction Mixtures for In-Field Identification of Plant and Animal Species

The potential of loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assays for species identification in medical diagnostics, food safety, and authentication is indisputable. The challenge in commercialization of such DNA-based rapid test methods for resource-limited settings is the on-site availability of the required reagents and an intuitive read-out system. In this work, reaction mixtures for LAMP assays for the detection of animal (plaice) and plant food (safflower) were lyophilized and stored at room temperature for up to 24 weeks, demonstrating that refrigeration of reagents after lyophilization is not absolutely necessary. During this period, reaction mixtures were stable and the polymerase showed no loss of activity. In addition, mobile testing, including DNA isolation, using the lyophilized LAMP reaction mixtures and a handheld fluorescence detection read-out system (Doctor Vida Pocket test) was successfully performed outside of the laboratory environment in less than 40 min using a proposed standard operation procedure. The results highlight that the use of the lyophilized LAMP reaction for food control purposes has the potential to meet the WHO-proposed REASSURED criteria.

The association between dietary dark green vegetable intake and cognitive function in US older adults.

Dark green vegetables include dark green leafy vegetables and broccoli. They are sources of many essential nutrients, including vitamins A, B and C, folate, fibre, carotenoids and flavonoids. This study aimed to explore the association between dietary dark green vegetable intake and cognitive function in US older adults. We included 2344 older adults (≥60 years old) from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2011-2014 cycles. Dark green vegetable consumption was assessed using a continuous variable (cups/day) and two categorical variables. The first categorical variable classified participants into non-consumers and consumers based on whether they consumed dark green vegetables. The second categorical variable grouped participants into four levels of dark green vegetable consumption (non-consumers, consumers with low intakes, consumers with moderate intakes and consumers with high intakes). We used five continuous variables with non-normal distribution to assess cognitive function, including a composite z-score and the standardised scores of four individual cognitive tests. The four cognitive tests included the Immediate Recall Test (IRT), the Delayed Recall Test (DRT), the Animal Mobility Test (AFT) and the Digit Symbol Substitution Test (DSST). The standardised scores of the four cognitive tests were calculated using the mean and standard deviation of each cognitive test score. The composite z-score was calculated by averaging the standardised scores of four cognitive tests to evaluate global cognition. We used multiple linear regression models to examine the association between dietary dark green vegetable intake and cognitive function. Our findings indicated that dark green vegetable intake was positively associated with global cognition (β [95% CI]: 0.17 [0.04, 0.30]; p = 0.016) and IRT (β [95% CI]: 0.26 [0.08, 0.43]; p = 0.009) and DRT (β [95% CI]: 0.21 [0.05, 0.36]; p = 0.012) standardised scores. Individuals with high intake of dark green vegetables showed notably better global cognition (β [95% CI]: 0.16 [0.05, 0.28]; p = 0.010) and showed higher IRT (β [95% CI]: 0.22 [0.07, 0.38]; p = 0.010) and DRT standardised scores (β [95% CI]: 0.21 [0.07, 0.36]; p = 0.007) compared with the non-consumers. Blood neutrophil counts mediated the cognitive benefits of dark green vegetables (Proportion: 9.5%, p = 0.006). In conclusion, our findings suggest that dark green vegetable consumption may have favourable effects on cognitive function in US older adults, especially on immediate and delayed learning abilities. The underlying mechanisms include the ability of dark green vegetables to reduce blood neutrophil levels, an indicator of decreased systemic inflammation. Increasing dietary intake of dark green vegetables may be a beneficial intervention to improve cognitive health in the older US population.

Gait variability predicts real-life falls in high-functioning stroke survivors

BackgroundWhile over 60 % of adults with stroke fall each year, the risk is greatest in high-functioning individuals with mild motor impairments and greater physical mobility. We lack sensitive predictors of falls in this population. Therefore, our study aimed to determine the relative contribution of gait variability and widely used tests of balance and mobility in predicting real-life falls in high-functioning adults with stroke. MethodsTwenty-four adults with stroke who had the ability to walk independently, Fugl-Meyer lower-extremity score of ≥19/34, and Frenchay Activities Index ≥16/45 performed overground walking, Timed-up and go, and Berg balance scale. We quantified the gait speed, and gait variability for stride length and stride time. We recorded the history of falls in the past one year. FindingsThe incidence rate of past falls was 50 %. Stride length variability and Berg balance scale score were associated with previous falls in univariate analyses and were subsequently included in the multivariate model. Multivariate analyses showed that only stride length variability significantly predicted past falls (OR = 2.73, 95 % CI 1.05–7.08, p = 0.03). A cut-off of 3.98 % for stride length variability had 75 % sensitivity and 91.7 % specificity in predicting previous falls (AUC = 0.83, 95 % CI 0.64–1.00, p < 0.001). InterpretationIn high-functioning adults with stroke, stride length variability during overground walking is a strong predictor of the past incidence of falls compared with traditional balance and mobility tests. Our findings highlight the importance of gait variability in accurately determining fall risk among high-functioning post-stroke individuals.

Gait Speed, Mobility, Balance, and Dual-Tasking Deficits Among People Living With HIV Globally: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

People living with HIV (PLWH) may experience premature physical deficits, including walking, mobility, and balance problems. The purpose was to measure deficits in walking, mobility, balance, and dual tasking in PLWH. The secondary objective was to make recommendations regarding the use of rehabilitation outcome measures. CINAHL, PubMed, and SPORTDiscus databases were searched. Two independent reviewers screened titles/abstracts and full-text articles, extracted data, and performed a quality assessment. Fifty-six articles with 14,053 PLWH and 8,454 uninfected controls were included. A meta-analysis revealed significantly worse performance among PLWH on the five times sit to stand mobility test versus controls (Cohen d = 0.68, 95% confidence interval [CI 0.08-1.29], p = .03). Meta-analyses revealed no differences between PLWH and controls for usual gait speed (Cohen d = -0.47, 95% CI [-1.10 to 0.15], p = .14) and fast gait speed (Cohen d = -0.39, 95% CI [-0.87 to 0.08], p = .10). Ten of 12 studies comparing PLWH with controls found differences in balance outcomes. PLWH have significantly worse mobility than uninfected controls.

Mobile network and computer software test path selection application in environmental data collection simulation

Mobile network and computer software test path selection application in environmental data collection simulation

"Surviving the dip" after subacromial balloon spacer implantation for massive rotator cuff tear treatment: a retrospective case series.

Subacromial balloon spacer implantation (SBSI) attempts to decrease glenohumeral joint (GHJ) pain and improve function in patients with an irreparable rotator cuff tear (RCT) and minimal osteoarthritis. Between 12 and 26 weeks post-SBSI, gradual implant resorption may create a "balloon dip" that decreases GHJ function and increases pain. This retrospective cohort study attempted to delineate shoulder function, active mobility, strength, pain, and functional task impairment during the "balloon dip" period. Sixty-five consecutive patients (55.9 ± 7years of age, 42 men) with an irreparable RCT treated by the same fellowship-trained shoulder surgeon participated in this study. Outcome measurements pre-SBSI, during Phase I (early pain control ≤ 3weeks post-SBSI), Phase II (early rehabilitation > 3-11weeks post-SBSI), Phase III (advanced rehabilitation-early balloon resorption > 11-16weeks post-SBSI), Phase IV (early strength training > 16-24weeks post-SBSI), and Phase V (advanced strength training > 24weeks post-SBSI) included the American Shoulder and Elbow Society (ASES) score for perceived bilateral shoulder function, visual analog scale (VAS) surgical shoulder pain score, active mobility, and shoulder manual muscle strength testing (p ≤ 0.05). The mean final follow-up time was 40weeks (range = 24.1-89.7weeks). The surgical shoulder had higher ASES scores at Phase V than pre-SBSI. Surgical shoulder pain was less during Phase V than pre-SBSI. The surgical shoulder had greater flexion during Phase V than at Phase II or pre-SBSI, and greater external rotation (adducted) during Phases V-III than pre-SBSI. Peak shoulder internal rotation to level 12 (thoracic spinous process #10) occurred during Phase V. Peak shoulder flexor, external rotator, and internal rotator strength occurred during Phase V. During Phase I, most subjects were unable to sleep on their surgical shoulder, wash their back/do up their bra, reach a high shelf, or lift 10-lbs overhead. Tasks that were impaired during the "balloon dip" (between Phase III and V) were lifting 10-lbs overhead, reaching a high shelf, and doing normal work. By the end of Phase V, however, most subjects could perform each task with minimal or no difficulty. Surgical shoulder function improved and pain decreased, however, specific perceived functional task impairments remained. During the "balloon dip" phase, the perceived ability to lift 10 lbs above shoulder level, to reach a high shelf, and to do usual work activities were the most impaired tasks.

Megaformer as a Rehabilitation Modality for Hamstring Strain Injury in Division I American Football: A Case Study

BACKGROUND: With athletes striving for peak performance, noncontact muscle strain injuries are increasingly common. Hamstring strain injuries (HSIs) make up the largest portion of noncontact injuries and provide further difficulty because of the high reinjury rate. This case study explores the Megaformer as a modality to treat HSIs with the potential to reduce the return to play timetable and recurrence rate. CASE PRESENTATION: A 23-year-old male American football player with a history of hamstring injuries presented with pain in the right proximal hamstring and deficits in strength and mobility testing as a result of sustained hyperflexion of the right hip with full knee extension. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) confirmed a recurrent proximal hamstring strain. OUTCOME AND FOLLOW-UP: Subsequent strength and range of motion testing revealed no impactful tenderness or pain during active participation or palpation after 9 days, and complete alleviation of symptoms at 6 weeks. No reinjury occurred during the remaining football season. DISCUSSION: This case study highlights possible advantageous features of the Megaformer as a recovery modality for HSIs. The Megaformer aims to improve flexibility, strengthen primary and secondary muscles, and enhance neuromuscular coordination to attempt to decrease the return to play timetable and reduce injury recurrence.

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

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. 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). 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. 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. 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.

Investigating the impact of various insole applications on balance and postural stability in the elderly

ObjectivesAging leads to physical and cognitive declines, notably affecting balance and motor skills, making falls a prevalent health concern among the elderly. Falls, a significant health issue among the elderly, often stem from these impairments. This study aims to investigate the impact of different insole materials, specifically cork and silicone, on balance and postural stability in the elderly. MethodsA randomized controlled trial was conducted at the Istanbul Barinyurt Elderly Care Center with 24 participants, divided into two groups to test cork and silicone insoles. Balance parameters, plantar pressure, the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, and the Five Times Sit-to-Stand Test were used as measures. Data analysis was performed using the Mann-Whitney U and Wilcoxon tests. ResultsPost-intervention, the cork insole group showed significant improvements in balance, maximum plantar pressure, and functional mobility tests compared to the silicone insole group. While both insoles enhanced certain balance parameters and walking performance, cork insoles proved more effective in key outcomes. Additionally, maximum plantar pressure for the cork insoles group decreased significantly, indicating better pressure distribution and potentially enhanced balance. ConclusionCork insoles are superior to silicone insoles in improving balance and postural stability among the elderly. This study supports using cork insoles as part of fall prevention strategies, emphasizing the importance of material properties in orthopedic insole design. Future research should explore long-term effects and integrate insoles with other postural stability methods for comprehensive elderly care.

Virtual assessment protocols for Timed-Up-and-Go, 5-repetition Chair Rise, and 1-minute Sit-to-Stand tests in community-dwelling older adults: Investigating feasibility, reliability, and validity

ObjectiveTo 1) develop and evaluate virtual assessment protocols for the Timed-Up-and-Go (TUG) usual and fast-pace, Chair Rise-5 repetition, and the 1-minute Sit-to-Stand (1MSTS) tests, and 2) examine their feasibility, reliability, and validity. DesignThis was a prospective cohort study, where participants engaged in up to two virtual assessments and data was collected prospectively for one year. SettingAssessments took place in participants’ homes in the community. Toolkits were delivered that included the required equipment and internet-enabled tablet. ParticipantsParticipants included a random sample of adults ≥65 years old who could walk 10m without assistance from another person and communicate in English. Main outcome measuresFalls and healthcare utilization data were collected for one year after initial assessments. Descriptive data were used to examine feasibility; intra-class correlation and Pearson's/Spearman's correlation and AUCs were used to evaluate reliability and validity, respectively. ResultsSixty participants (mean age 76.6 ±5.6; 53% female) completed visit 1 and 52 completed visit 2. Technology issues were relatively common, yet no safety incidents occurred. All the virtual mobility tests demonstrated excellent test-retest (ICCs=0.86 to 0.95) and inter-rater (ICC=0.98 to 0.99) reliability. The tests had weak-to-moderate correlations with measures of physical function (r=-0.14 to -0.43) and physical activity (r=-0.19 to 0.32). Fifty-seven total falls were recorded by 28 participants (46%) over 1 year. The virtual mobility tests did not have adequate accuracy for predicting falls (AUCs = 0.53 to 0.59), specialist (AUCs=0.48-0.60), family doctor (AUCs=0.48-0.59), or rehabilitation professional visits (AUCs=0.65-0.67), or hospitalizations (AUCs=0.56-0.63). ConclusionResults support the feasibility and reliability of virtual administration of the TUG usual and fast-pace, Chair Rise, and 1MSTS. Clinicians and researchers can use the included manuals to conduct these tests virtually. Future research should examine the clinical utility of these tests for remote monitoring and mobility assessment.

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.