Functional Performance Research Articles

Do ankle braces affect functional performance? A randomised double-blinded cross-over trial

ObjectivesTo compare the effects of the KISS ankle brace, Aircast ankle brace, and no brace condition, on functional performance measures and perceptions of stability, confidence and reassurance in people with and without chronic ankle instability. DesignRandomised double-blinded cross-over trial. MethodA total of 42 participants (21 uninjured and 21 with chronic ankle instability) were recruited from the general population and completed a series of functional performance tests, including side hop (seconds), Star excursion balance test reach distance, triple hop for distance (centimetres), modified T-agility test (seconds), standing and maximum vertical jump reach (centimetres), while wearing two ankle brace conditions and no brace (control). Results were recorded and analysed by a blinded investigator. ResultsThere was no significant difference between conditions for average time on the side hop test (F(2,122) ​= ​0.04, P ​= ​0.96); best reach distance on SEBT in anterior (F (2,122) ​= ​0.04, P ​= ​0.96), postero-medial (F(2,122) ​= ​0.08, P ​= ​0.93) and postero-lateral (F(2,122) ​= ​0.08, P ​= ​0.92) directions; best distance performed on the triple hop (F(2,122) ​= ​0.03, P ​= ​0.97); best standing vertical jump performance (F(2,110) ​= ​0.04, P ​= ​0.97); best maximum vertical jump performance (F(2,110) ​= ​0.01, P ​= ​0.99); or best time for the modified T-agility run (F(2,122) ​= ​1.61, P ​= ​0.21). ConclusionsPractitioners can be assured that functional and balance performances will not be impacted by wearing an ankle brace.

Exercise as a promoter of neurocognitive improvement in people with psychiatric disorders and comorbid obesity: a randomized controlled trial

IntroductionThe psychiatric disorders and obesity comorbidity is related to neurocognitive impairment and inflammation. Exercise is crucial to improve and maintain healthy lifestyles. This randomized controlled trial tested the efficacy of aerobic exercise as promoter of neurocognitive improvement across psychiatric disorders with comorbid obesity (OB). MethodsPatients with major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder and, schizophrenia and with comorbid OB (n=29) received brief healthy lifestyle counseling and were randomized into two groups: guided physical activity group (GPAG) (n=10) which included 12 weeks of guided-exercise of moderate intensity and frequency, and incentive of autonomous physical activity proposals by the specialist. Standard physical activity group (SPAG) (n=19) continue with their usual daily physical activity, without guidance or incentives, over 12 weeks. Peripheral blood biomarkers of inflammation, oxidative stress, vascular mechanisms, and metabolic activity, as well as neurocognitive and functional performance were assessed twice, before and after intervention. Mixed one-way analysis of variance and linear regression analyses were performed. ResultsIndividuals in GPAG showed better neurocognitive and functional performance than individuals in SPAG after physical activity training (p<0.05; η²p=0.14 to 0.15). A significant improvement in cognition before and after the physical activity training in the GPAG group was found (p<0.0001; η²p=0.29). In all cases, the effect size was from moderate to large. Inflammatory activity (interleukin [IL-6]), oxidative (mitochondrial reactive oxygen species [mROS] and mitochondrial membrane potential [ΔΨm]) and inter cellular adhesion molecule 1 [ICAM1], leukocyte-endothelium adhesion [LEPMN], and p-selectin [PSEL]) levels, and cardio-metabolic (low-density lipoprotein [LDL], systolic blood pressure [SBP], and insulin) processes were significant predicting neurocognitive improve of individuals with psychiatric disorders and comorbid OB. ConclusionsPhysical activity programs may have positive impact on neurocognitive and functional performance in individuals with psychiatric disorders and OB. Exercise influences inflammatory, oxidative, vascular, and cardio-metabolic pathways, and modulate cognition. These findings may have a potential translational utility for early intervention in these disorders.

Facile fabrication of sulfonated bacterial cellulose-silane composite aerogels via in suit polymerization for enhanced oil/water separation performance.

Cellulose-based aerogels have emerged as highly promising materials for oil-water separation because of their highly porous nature, low bulk density, cost-effectiveness, and functional performance. In this study, a novel, robust, and hydrophobic bacterial cellulose aerogel (HBCA) was reported for highly efficient oil/water separation, which was formed by incorporating methyltrimethoxysilane (MTMS) into sulfonated nano-fibrillated bacterial cellulose (SNBC) matrix through freeze-drying method. The structural integrity of the SNBC/MTMS aerogel was ensured by its three-dimensional linked network structure. The resultant aerogel demonstrated superior hydrophobicity with a contact angle of 152.4°. As an oil-absorbing material, it selectively adsorbed different types of oils and organic solvents, with a saturation adsorption capacity ranging from 42.14 to 85.37 g·g-1. Additionally, this composite aerogel demonstrated outstanding separation efficiency (98.48 %) in continuous oil-water mixture processes, suggesting promising potential applications in the treatment of industrial oil pollution and oil spill accidents. This study indicates that the proposed HBCA with sulfonated nano-fibrillated bacterial cellulose is a potential and effective material for addressing environmental challenges related to oil contamination.

The Effects of Routine Breathing and Gradual Device-guided Slow Breathing Exercises on the Quality of Life, Physical Functional Performance, and Blood Pressure in Elderly Patients with Chronic Heart Failure

The Effects of Routine Breathing and Gradual Device-guided Slow Breathing Exercises on the Quality of Life, Physical Functional Performance, and Blood Pressure in Elderly Patients with Chronic Heart Failure

Development and characterization of advanced nano-coating with CeO₂, Al₂O₃, ZnO, and TiO₂ nanoparticles fWor enhanced durability and corrosion resistance

This study introduces an innovative sol-gel nano-coating designed to address silica scaling and corrosion in hydrothermal and high-stimulation environments. By incorporating CeO₂, Al₂O₃, ZnO, and TiO₂ nanoparticles into a polymer matrix through precise sonication techniques, the coating achieves uniform dispersion and enhanced functional performance. The meticulous characterization of nanoparticle integration optimizes mechanical strength, thermal stability, and chemical resistance. Applied via a directional supplying device, the nano-coating is mechanically deposited onto the cemented walls of wells, providing robust protection against scaling and corrosion across diverse conditions, including varying temperatures and pH levels. Laboratory testing demonstrates significant reductions in silica scaling and corrosion rates, confirming the coating's efficacy in maintaining production efficiency in both hydrothermal projects and fracking operations. This paper details the synthesis process and molecular chemistry involved in nanoparticle integration, alongside the resultant structural properties of the coating. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) assesses thermal stability, while kinetic models such as Flynn-Wall-Ozawa (FWO) and Kissinger-Akahira-Sunose (KAS) evaluate activation energy without assuming specific reaction models. The findings highlight the potential of this advanced nano-coating as a robust solution for enhancing operational longevity and efficiency in challenging industrial applications.

Machine-Based Resistance Training Improves Functional Capacity in Older Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background/Objectives: Resistance training (RT) can improve the functional performance of older adults, maintaining independence and quality of life. It has been proposed that training interventions should implement exercises associated with the movements needed in everyday life. However, this strength training philosophy presents challenges, specifically to older adults, and the use of resistance machines might present an efficacious alternative. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to explore the impact of machine-based RT on strength and functional capacity in older adults. Methods: The inclusion criteria were for strength training interventions to be a minimum of 6 weeks, using only resistance machines, with pre- and post-intervention measurements of functional capacity of either a timed up-and-go and/or a sit-to-stand test, and including healthy older adults (&gt;60 years). Results: Following the screening, 17 articles met the inclusion criteria for the systematic review, 15 of which were included in the meta-analysis for functional outcomes (n = 614 participants), and 11 of which were included in the meta-analysis for strength outcomes (n = 511 participants). Analyses revealed significant standardized mean change in favor of machine-based RT for functional outcomes (0.72, 95% CIs 0.39 to 1.07) and strength outcomes (0.71, 95% CIs 0.34 to 1.08) compared to control conditions (functional = 0.09, 95% CIs − 0.1 to 0.28, strength = 0.1, 95% CIs − 0.05 to 0.24). Substantial heterogeneity was noted in the manipulation of RT variables and the magnitude of effects between studies. Conclusions: The data presented support the idea that significant strength and functional performance outcomes are attainable using uncomplicated, machine-based RT.

Affect and executive function dynamics in primary school classrooms: an intensive longitudinal study

ABSTRACT This study investigates the temporal dynamics and affective associations related to executive function (EF) performance in primary school classrooms using an intensive longitudinal design. Data were collected from 35 students aged 8.9 to 11.4 years. Participants reported their affective experiences and completed EF measures three times daily following a fixed sampling schedule. The data collection spanned two consecutive school weeks across three primary school classrooms. Utilising Dynamic Structural Equation Modeling (DSEM), we examined 505 measurements of EF tasks and self-reported affective states over two weeks. The findings reveal significant within-person variability in EF, accounting for 52% of the observed variance, with performance declining later in the day and week. At the within-person level, positive affect was associated with improved EF performance, while negative affect was associated with poorer EF. No significant between-person relationships were found. These results underscore the importance of considering within-person processes and affective experiences in educational settings and highlight the need for further research employing intensive longitudinal methods to better understand the nuanced dynamics of affect and EF in real-world classroom environments.

Changes in cognitive functional performance and basic activities of daily living in patients with traumatic brain injury after two methods of cognitive retraining

Introduction: Evidence supports a bottom-up approach to assist in addressing functional cognitive deficits in patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI). There is however, little evidence supporting the use of online programmes for this purpose. The aim of this research was to describe the outcomes for cognitive functional performance and basic activities of daily living (bADL) or self-care functioning after cognitive retraining using an online programme versus task-oriented intervention for patients with acute mild and moderate traumatic brain injury (TBIs). Methods: A quantitative, quasi experimental, longitudinal research design was used for determining within-group and between-groups changes for cognitive functional performance and bADL functioning in two sample groups with mild to moderate TBI. Intervention using an online programme (n=7) or task-oriented activities (n=15) was evaluated at three assessment intervals: on recruitment into the study (Assessment 1), on completion of inpatient hospital intervention (Assessment 2) and after four weeks of home programme intervention and fortnightly outpatient intervention (Assessment 3). Results: Results for both groups showed a statistically significant change for cognitive functional performance assessed on the Bay Area Functional Performance Evaluation (BaFPE) while the task-oriented cognitive training group also achieved a statistically significant change in bADL scores during the first inpatient assessment period. Only the online programme group had statistically significant improvement during the home programme in the third assessment period. Conclusion: Cognitive retraining using an online programme or task-oriented activities resulted in positive change in a therapist directed inpatient programme but a structured, graded, online programme was more effective in supporting significant improvement in cognitive functional performance when used with an outpatient home programme. Implications for practice Cognitive retraining using an online programme or task orientated activities have a positive outcome for cognitive functional performance in patients with mild or moderate TBI in a therapist directed inpatient intervention. A task orientated approach for cognitive retraining appears to have positive effect on bADL outcomes. Cognitive retraining using an online programme intervention should be considered as a home programme to improve cognitive functional performance in patients with mild or moderate TBI.

Identification of feature genes in intestinal epithelial cell types.

The intestine, is responsible for food digestion, nutrient absorption, endocrine secretion, food residue excretion, and immune defense. These function performances are based on the intricate composition of intestinal epithelial cells, encompassing differentiated mature cells, rapidly proliferative cells, and intestinal stem cells. Although the characteristics of these cell types are well-documented, in-depth exploration of their representative markers and transcription factors is critical for comprehensive cell fate trajectory analysis. Here, we unveiled the feature genes in different cell types of the human and mouse gut through single-cell RNA sequencing analysis. Further, the locations of some specific transcription factors and membrane proteins were determined by immunofluorescence staining, and their role in regulating the proliferation and differentiation of intestinal epithelial cells were explored by CRISPR/Cas9 knockout. Therefore, this study not only reports new markers for various intestinal epithelial cell types but also elucidates the involvement of relevant genes in the determination of epithelial cell fate and maintenance of stem cell homeostasis, which facilitates the tracing and functional elucidation of intestinal epithelial cells.

GRK2 mediates cisplatin-induced acute liver injury via the modulation of NOX4.

The present study investigated the function of G protein-coupled receptor kinase 2 (GRK2) in acute liver injury (ALI) by cisplatin, and investigated the protective effect of pharmacological inhibition of GRK2. ALI models were generated in global adult hemizygous (ALI-Grk2±) mice and wild-type (WT) mice. Liver biochemistry parameters and histopathology were used to evaluate the severity of ALI and the protective effect of pharmacological inhibition of GRK2. GRK2-siRNA was used to knock down the expression of GRK2 in AML12 cells in vitro. ALI model mice exhibited increased blood levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels and abnormal liver pathology accompanied by imbalanced L-glutathione (GSH) levels. Cisplatin administration upregulated GKR2, p-GRK2 and NADPH oxidase 4 (NOX4) expression in the liver tissues of ALI model mice. Compared to WT mice injected with cisplatin, Grk2± mice that received cisplatin showed significant improvements in liver function and pathological performance, decreased NOX4 levels, reduced endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, and diminished liver cell apoptosis. In vitro, the transfection of AML12 cells with siRNA significantly reduced NOX4 expression and inhibited cisplatin-induced reactive oxygen species production, ER stress (increased levels of GRP94, GRP78, p-elF2α and CHOP) and apoptotic death. Moreover, pharmacological treatment with drugs that inhibit GRK2 (CP-25 or paroxetine) significantly ameliorated cisplatin-induced ALI by improving liver pathological manifestations, inhibiting oxidative stress and ER stress, and reducing liver cell apoptosis. Similar results were observed in vitro. GRK2 mediates the development of cisplatin-induced ALI by modulating NOX4 and ER stress. Pharmacological inhibition of GRK2 with CP-25 or paroxetine effectively alleviated ALI. GRK2 can be used as a potential target for the prevention and treatment of liver injury.

Microstomia is associated with functional impairment and is a poor prognostic factor in systemic sclerosis - a single center observational study with survival analysis.

Objectives were to assess the mouth opening ability (MOA) among patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) in comparison to a healthy control population. The impact of microstomia (decrease in any of the MOA parameters) on physical performance and long-term survival was also investigated. Interincisal (ID), interlabial (LD), the intercommissural distances at both opened mouth and closed mouth (OW, CW) and the oral area (OA) and circumference (OC) all were assessed in 131 SSc patients. Microstomia was defined based on the oral aperture values of a healthy control group (n = 63) with similar median age and sex distribution. Tests evaluating functional performance were performed. Survival analysis by univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis was performed. Microstomia was present in 56.5% of the entire SSc cohort. Patients with microstomia had higher number of contractures compared to those with preserved oral aperture parameters (median 10 vs. 7, p < 0.01). LD, OA and OC correlated negatively with the number of joint contractures, both in the entire SSc cohort and separately in the diffuse (dcSSc) and limited cutaneous subsets (lcSSc), (rho: between - 0.267 and - 0.516, p < 0.05). Reduced ID was associated with worse Health Assessment Questionnaire Disability Index (HAQ-DI) only in dcSSc while reduced LD was linked to increased HAQ-DI scores in both SSc subsets. Decreased OA upon enrollment was associated with an increased risk in mortality by multivariate Cox regression analysis (HR: 2.74; 95% CI, 1.15-6.53). Microstomia was associated with joint damage, and higher overall disability based on HAQ-DI. Interlabial distance was a beneficial, convenient measurable parameter to characterize oral aperture. Oral area was an independent poor prognostic factor regarding long-term survival.

Psychometric properties of the Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory - Patient Reported Outcome: A cognitively accessible measure of functional performance.

Psychometric properties of the Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory - Patient Reported Outcome: A cognitively accessible measure of functional performance.

High-Entropy Boride HfZrTiTaMoB: Promising Materials for Solar Selective Absorption Coatings in Photothermal Applications.

High-entropy borides (HEBs), as a category of high-entropy materials, exhibit remarkable thermal stability, a broad compositional range, and finely tuned electronic structures, leading to an excellent functional performance. Despite these advantages, their application in photothermal materials has rarely been reported. Herein, we employ a HEB target with multiple transition-metal elements to develop solar selective absorption coatings (SSACs) with simple and scalable bilayer structures for photothermal applications. The performance of these coatings is enhanced by designing different antireflective layers. The designed SSACs, both stainless steel (SS)/HEB/Al2O3 and SS/HEB/Si3N4, exhibit high absorptivity and low thermal emittance (α/ε = 90.0%/8.6% and 91.6%/8.6% at 82 °C). Thermal stability tests show that the absorbers could withstand annealing at 500 °C for 5 h, while maintaining a good optical performance. Long-term thermal stability tests indicate that the coatings retained good spectral selectivity after annealing at 400 °C for 100 h. Notably, the coatings demonstrate advanced photothermal conversion efficiencies of 88.3% and 89.9%, respectively, at 400 °C under 100 sun. In practical simulated solar irradiation experiments, the absorber achieves temperatures of about 85 °C under 1 sun, surpassing the performance of commercial nonselective absorbing coatings. Additionally, the absorbers maintained a stable photothermal performance through six on-off cycle experiments. In summary, the designed SSACs based on HEBs exhibit excellent optical properties and efficient photothermal conversion at moderate temperatures. This study highlights the significant benefits and potential advancements in solar energy collection offered by HEB-based SSACs.

The role of anti-aging approaches in managing hypogonadism in sedentary older males

IntroductionWith thirty percent of the world’s population not getting enough exercise, Worldwide, physical inactivity ranks as one of the most common causes of premature mortality. Rapid drops in physical activity, decreased mobility, and early morbidity are aging characteristics. As the population over 80 continues to rise, aging raises the danger of age-related illnesses and changes in hormone release.AimUnderstanding the aging process is useful in developing pharmacological therapies and identifying therapeutic targets for age-related testosterone deficiency. Therefore, this study’s purpose is to present a thorough evaluation of the effects of anti-aging strategies on testosterone levels in older, inactive men.MethodsA literature search was completed for clinical and preclinical studies published in English between 2014 and 2024 related to age, sedentary life, testosterone, and anti-aging strategies.ResultsA sedentary lifestyle and low testosterone are linked to a vicious cycle. A sedentary lifestyle lowers testosterone levels, which leads to depression, exhaustion, low energy, and weakened bone and muscle strength. These effects exacerbate the detrimental consequences of aging and physical inactivity. Anti-aging techniques can prevent and treat age-related diseases, including calorie restriction, a balanced diet, regular exercise, weight control, diabetes management, and quitting smoking. Regular exercise raises total testosterone, free testosterone, and muscle steroidogenesis. In older men, testosterone replacement treatment increases bone density, cholesterol, protein synthesis, strength, erectile function, sexual desire, and general cognitive performance. However, some studies suggest dehydroepiandrosterone supplementation may provide health improvements without negative effects, potentially reversing arterial aging and reducing cardiovascular disease risk.ConclusionThis article evaluates the prospects for anti-aging procedures to assist in reducing the adverse effects of aging and physical inactivity in men.

Strong, healable materials with bio‐like ordered architectures and versatile functionality

AbstractThe capacity of biological tissues to undergo self‐healing is crucial for the performance of functions and the continuation of life. Conventional intrinsic self‐healing materials demonstrate analogous functionality depending on the dissociation‐recombination of reversible bonds with no need of extra repair agents. However, the trade‐off relationship between mechanical strength and self‐healing kinetics in intrinsic self‐healing systems, coupled with the lack of additional functionality, restricts their service life and practical applications. Diversified highly ordered structures in organisms significantly affect the energy dissipation mechanism, signal transmission efficiency, and molecular network reconstruction capability due to their multi‐dimensional differentiated macroscopic composite constructions, microscopic orientation textures, and topologies/bonding types at molecular level. These architectures exhibit distinctive strengthening mechanisms and functionalities, which provide valuable references. This review aims at providing the current status of advanced intrinsic self‐healing materials with biomimetic highly ordered internal micro/nanostructures. Through highlighting specific examples, the classifications, design inspirations, and fabrication strategies of these newly developed materials based on integrating dynamic interactions with ordered nano/microstructures are outlined. Furthermore, the strengthening and self‐healing balance mechanisms, structure–functionalization relationships, and potential application values are discussed. The review concludes with a perspective on the challenges, opportunities, and prospects for the development, application, and promotion of self‐healable materials with bio‐like ordered architectures.

Abstract 4121348: Impairments in Left Atrioventricular Coupling Underpins Reductions in Skeletal Muscle Mass and Function in Ageing Older Adults

Background: Age-related cardiovascular disease (CVD) may manifest with changes in left ventricular (LV) systolic or left atrial (LA) dysfunction. Alterations in functional performance between the LV and LA chambers characterized by LA-LV coupling may be a sensitive marker representative of impairments in global cardiac performance, compared to either chamber alone. The increasing relevance of skeletal muscle function towards cardiac health in ageing, motivated our current work that investigated associations between skeletal muscle function and LA-LV coupling. Aim : Using advanced cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) that characterizes cardiac volumetric parameters and strain functions, we determined the association between handgrip strength (HGS) and appendicular lean mass (ALM) with left atrioventricular coupling index (LACI). Methods: Community older adults without CVD underwent simultaneous assessment of HGS by hand dynamometer, height-square adjusted ALM by bio-impedance, and LA phasic function (namely reservoir, conduit, booster strain) as well as LA and LV volumetric parameters by CMR feature tracking. LACI is defined as the ratio of the ratio of LA to LV end-diastolic volumes. We performed linear regression and multivariable logistic regression to examine the relationship between HGS/ALM and LACI. Results: Among 251 study participants (mean age: 71 ± 9.1 years, female 44.7%), 149 (59%) had impaired LACI. HGS was linearly associated with LACI (β=-0.004, p=0.003) and LVEDV (β=1.62, p&lt;0.0001), and ALM was linearly associated with LA volume (β=0.55, p=0.018) and LVEDV (β=3.45, p&lt;0.0001) (Figure.1). Participants with impaired LACI (&gt; 25%) had lower HGS (mean=22.8 ± 7.1 kg vs 26.1 ± 6.4 kg, p= 0.0002), lower ALM (16.4 ± 4.2 kg/m2 vs 17.7 ± 3.8 kg/m2, p=0.014), higher LA volume (36.8 ± 15.2 ml vs 22.0 ± 5.5 ml, p &lt; 0.0001) and lower LV end-diastolic volume (101.0 ± 24.2 ml vs 111.9 ± 27.3 ml, p = 0.0011). The association between impaired LA-LV coupling and lower HGS (β=-0.0647, 95%CI -0.0255, -0.1040, p=0.001) and lower ALM (β=-0.0776, 95%CI -0.0107, -0.1444, p=0.011) persisted after adjusting for age. Conclusion: Reduced HGS and ALM among community-dwelling older adults was associated with impaired LA-LV coupling suggestive of underlying early-stage LA remodelling and impairments in left atrioventricular compliance. Detection of reduced HGS and ALM in community cohorts may prompt early identification of older adults at risk of dysfunctional cardiac aging.

Changes in Race Performance During the Underwater Phases of a 200 m Bi-Fin Race Simulation After Application of Respiratory Muscle Training—A Case Study in the Current World Record Holder

Maximal athletic performance can be limited by various factors, including restricted respiratory function. These limitations can be mitigated through targeted respiratory muscle training, as supported by numerous studies. However, the full potential of respiratory training in competitive finswimming has not been fully investigated. This case study aims to evaluate the effects of eight-week respiratory muscle training (RMT) on performance variability during the underwater phases of a 200 m bi-fin race simulation in an elite finswimmer (current world record holder and multiple world championship medalist). Performance variability was assessed based on pre-test, inter-test, and post-test data. Each measurement included pulmonary function and swim performance evaluations. In this study, underwater performance parameters, such as distance, time, velocity, and number of kicks, were assessed using video analysis synchronized with race timing and evaluated using the Dartfish software. The swimmer followed a 28-day training program with an Airofit PRO™ respiratory trainer between tests, with daily sessions targeting both inspiratory and expiratory muscles. The training involved 6–10 min of targeted exercises per day. Significant improvements were observed in Wilcoxon’s paired-sample test between the pre-test and post-test results in terms of underwater distance (p = 0.012; d = 1.26), underwater time (p = 0.012; d = 1.26), and number of underwater kicks (p = 0.043; d = 1.01), resulting in a 14.23% longer underwater distance, 14.08% longer underwater time, and 14.94% increase in underwater kicks. Despite the increased distance and time, underwater velocity remained stable, indicating improved underwater performance efficiency. Despite some improvements, it is not possible to conclude that respiratory muscle training (RMT) can contribute to improved finswimming performance during the underwater phases of a 200 m bi-fin race simulation in this particular athlete’s case. Further research with a larger sample size is necessary to fully understand the impact of RMT on finswimming performance.

Scientometric analysis of articles of respiratory gas mixtures and their application in emergency medicine

Relevance. In humans, specific respiratory gas mixtures (RGMs) significantly maximize the effect of anesthesia and treatment of certain diseases, as well as enhance body functional reserves and exercise performance. The objective is to identify major research prospects on the RGM capacity to optimize the functional status of humans, as represented in publications by Russian investigators.Methods. In response to the RGMs query, the Scientific Electronic Library search engine generated a dataset of 513 publications by Russian investigators, published from 2006 to 2023. For further analysis of the publications, the VOSviewer 1.6.20 software was implemented for clustering of keywords with a frequency of ≥ 4 presented in ≥ 8 publications either by individual authors or co-authorship networks.Results and discussion. The average annual number of articles was (23 ± 3). The dynamics of increasing publications were revealed. The scientometric analysis of the selected publications revealed that the content was highly demanded among readers. For instance, the average citation number per paper was 3.29, with a substantial self-citation rate of 30.2 %. Journals with the largest number of publications by top scientific networks were identified. The VOSviewer analysis produced 7 keyword clusters: Cluster 1 for xenon anesthesia – 258 papers (35 %) with the total link strength of 29 %; Cluster 2 for hypoxic training – 171 papers (23.2%) with the total link strength of 22.5 %; Cluster 3 for gas composition in confined spaces – 76 papers (10.3 %) and 22 % total link strength; Cluster 4 for oxygen-helium gas mixture – 132 papers (17.9 %) with 16.4 % total link strength; Cluster 5 for the neuroprotective effects of gas mixtures – 32 papers (4.3 %) with 3.6 % total link strength; Cluster 6 for the anti-stress effect of xenon-rich inhalation therapy – 40 papers (5.4 %) with 3.6 % total link strength; Cluster 7 for low-flow anesthesia – 28 papers (3.8 %) with 3.6 % total link strength.Conclusion. Scientometric studies can enhance the data support for scientific research of advanced strategies to optimize human functional status and increasing performance at work for professionals operating in extreme occupational environments.

Abstract 4126628: Worse Cardiac Structure and Function is Associated with Decline in Multiple Domains of Cognitive Function: the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study

Background: Cognitive impairment is cross-sectionally associated with worse cardiac structure/function. However, limited data exist regarding cardiac structure/function and longitudinal changes in cognitive function. Objective: Determine the association of cardiac structure and function with longitudinal changes in cognitive performance in late life. Methods: Among HF- and dementia-free participants in the community-based ARIC study who attended the 5th study visit (V5; 2011-2013), underwent protocol echocardiography, and completed a neurocognitive test battery at both V5 and study Visit 6 (V6; 2015-17), we assessed associations of cardiac structure and function measures with changes in both domain-specific and global cognitive scores between V5 and V6 using multivariable linear regression. Models were initially adjusted for demographics and education level, with additional models further adjusting for cardiovascular risk factors and disease at both V5 and V6. The neuropsychological test battery consisted of 10 neuropsychological tests that covered 3 domains of cognitive function: memory, executive functioning, and language. Factor scores were constructed for each cognitive domain, and their average represented a global composite score. Results: Among 2,988 included participants, mean age was 74±5 years, 60% were female, 20% reported Black race, and mean LVEF was 66±6%. Over a mean of 4.9±0.6 years (the V5 to V6 interval), raw scores declined for all neuropsychological tests. In fully adjusted models, worse diastolic function (larger LAVi) and LV remodeling (greater LV mass index) were associated with decline in executive function. Lower LVEF was associated with decline in language function, while worse LV longitudinal strain – a more sensitive measure of systolic dysfunction – was associated with decline in executive function, language function, and global cognition performance (all p&lt;0.05; Table). Conclusion: Subclinical LV remodeling and dysfunction is associated with greater declines in cognitive function over 5 years in late life. Differential associations were observed by cognitive domains, with executive function decline most uniformly associated with impairments in cardiac structure/function.

QOL-30. DIETARY CONSIDERATIONS FOR PEOPLE WITH NF1: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE

Abstract BACKGROUND Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is a neurocutaneous genetic condition. Limited pre-clinical and clinical data suggests that certain metabolic disturbances, body composition differences and nutritional deficiencies may be more prevalent in people with NF1. Data on the role of dietary patterns in people with NF1 and their effects in NF1-related manifestations is scarce. METHODS A systematic literature review was conducted; the MeSH database of PubMed was utilized to identify controlled vocabulary and key words associated with NF1, diet, and nutrition. These terms were combined using boolean operators to query PubMed, Embase, PLOS One, and Cochrane. The inclusion criteria consisted of articles in English, full text available, human studies, published between 2000-2024. The results were screened and key details were extracted. RESULTS 394 published articles were identified, out of which 15 met the inclusion criteria. 379 papers were excluded due to duplication or not meeting all inclusion criteria. Manuscripts included case reports, case series, retrospective and prospective studies, including a phase 2a clinical trial that only included six participants. Topics included vitamin D and bone metabolism, nutritional supplements, glucose metabolism, and nutritional intake. CONCLUSIONS Data regarding the effects of diet or nutritional supplements in people with NF1 is limited. Available studies suggest that a diet composed of therapeutic elements, including but not limited to, medium-chain fatty acids, calcium, and vitamin D, aids in bone growth and density, and muscle lipolysis. A single clinical trial suggests that L-carnitine supplementation is safe and feasible and might result in improved functional muscle performance in children with NF1. These conclusions might only be applicable to a small population of people with NF1 and did not result in conclusive significant clinical benefit. Further research is needed to better comprehend the role that nutrition plays in patients’ quality of life.