Physical Ability Research Articles

Beliefs on the ability to regulate negative emotions mediates the effects of competitive anger on task-focused self-efficacy in taekwondo athletes

Self-efficacy (SE) refers to an individual's belief in their own ability to successfully execute specific tasks and produce desired outcomes. The focused SE on specific sports tasks has been shown to impact athletic performance by interacting with other self-evaluation processes, like self-efficacy beliefs in emotion-related regulation and effective emotion regulation. This study aims at investigating the mediating effect of SE in regulating negative affect in the relationship between anger and taekwondo task-focused SE. Accordingly, the study aims to adapt and validate the Roundhouse Kick Self-Efficacy Scale (RKSES) in Italian, which assesses taekwondo task-focused SE in athletes.In study 1, 180 Italian taekwondo athletes (Mage= 27.6, SD = 12; 89.4% black belts; 69 women) were sampled to validate the Italian version of the RKSES, which presented a good fit of the data (p = .031), internal consistency (α = .916), and concurrent validity (r = .561). Study 2 involved 357 Italian taekwondo athletes (Mage= 28.4, SD = 11.87; 87.4% black belts; 147 women), and collected self-reports on regulating negative emotions SE, competitive anger and aggression, perceived physical ability, and taekwondo task-focused SE. Analysis of covariance revealed multiple differences between age-related categories in terms of competitive anger (p < .001) and aggressiveness (p = .041), and between gender groups in terms of competitive aggressiveness (p = .002), negative emotion regulation SE (p = .024), and perceived physical abilities (p < .001). Mediation analysis indicated that negative emotion regulation SE partially mediated the effects of competitive anger on task-focused SE (p < .001).Findings suggest a mediating role of negative emotion regulation SE in the relationship between competitive anger and task-focused SE, emphasizing the importance of taking an instrumental approach to emotion regulation, and advocates for the use of practical tools to assess task-focused SE.

Associations between skating mechanical capabilities and off-ice physical abilities of highly trained teenage ice hockey players.

This study examines the associations between force and velocity characteristics of forward skating and off-ice speed, agility, and power of highly trained teenage ice hockey players. Players attending the Quebec ice hockey federation's off-season evaluation camp were invited to participate in this study. Final sample consists of 107 highly trained teenage ice hockey players (Males: n=38; 13.83±0.38years; Females: n=69: 14.75±0.90years). Individual force-velocity profiles (F-V) were determined during a 44m skating sprint. Off-ice speed, agility, and power were measured using 30m sprint, 5-10-5 agility, and standing long jump. Associations between F-V mechanical capabilities and off-ice indicators were analyzed with correlational analyses and multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA). Results of pooled data indicate that the three off-ice measures had moderate associations with F0 and V0 and large associations with Pmax. Associations with Rfmax, Drf, and Sfv were moderate to small. F0 had stronger associations with off-ice performance in female players while V0 was more important with male players. MANCOVA identified 5-10-5 times as the better predictor for F0 while 30m sprints times better predicted V0. To maximize physical attributes of skating ability, practitioners are encouraged to focus on a general physical preparation for highly trained teenage players. Prioritizing types of exercises that use change of direction or acceleration and linear speed should have distinct effects on F0 and V0 on the ice.

Identification of complex co-occurring symptom burden in persons with cancer through multisite implementation of health-related social needs assessment in community oncology settings.

306 Background: Health related social needs (HRSN) impact cancer outcomes and patient experience, but their integration into routine cancer care is highly variable. To expand the implementation-centered evidence base for effective HRSN assessments, we studied a scalable HRSN screening tool to identify distress and complex symptom burden in patients with cancer. Methods: We prospectively tracked HRSN screenings (using the National Comprehensive Cancer Network [NCCN] Distress Thermometer [DT]) of patients at varying points during their cancer care between 07/2023-12/2023 at seven multi-site community oncology practices within the US Oncology Network. DT responses were used to evaluate the positive finding rate, types of distress reported, and correlations between distress areas and concerns reported. Results: Overall, 219,720 unique patients with cancer received 269,666 HRSN screenings using the NCCN DT; 27% had a distress score ≥1 and 38.5% reported a concern (of whom, 58.2% reported &gt;1). Co-occurring concerns that were most correlated (Pearson correlation coefficient) were emotional &amp; practical concerns in 49% of screenings, physical &amp; practical 44%, emotional &amp; social 37% and social &amp; practical concerns 36%. Emotional symptoms most frequently reported together were sadness/depression + worry/anxiety 47%, loss of interest + sadness/depression 44%, and loneliness &amp; sadness/depression 38.5%. Regarding complex symptom burden, the physical and psychosocial symptoms that were most correlated were fatigue &amp; sleep 43%, pain &amp; fatigue 40%, pain &amp; sleep 38%, anxiety/worry &amp; fatigue 37%, anxiety/worry &amp; sleep 36%. Fatigue and pain, the two most frequently reported concerns were strongly correlated with emotional and practical concerns like sleep, worry or anxiety, memory or concentration, loss or change of physical abilities, sadness or depression, loss of interest or enjoyment, changes in eating, ability to take care of self, feelings of worthlessness or being a burden, etc. Concerns with the strongest correlations are reported in the table. Conclusions: Distress and its components impact multiple cancer outcomes making their rapid identification and consequent action key to high-quality cancer care. The findings highlight the NCCN DT as a scalable approach to integrate HRSN screening and to identify complex symptom burden in the real-world practice. Co-occurring physical and psychosocial concerns. Concern 1 Concern 2 Correlation r Sadness or depression Worry or anxiety 47.3% 0.5 Loss of interest or enjoyment Sadness or depression 44.3% 0.4 Fatigue Sleep 42.5% 0.4 Pain Fatigue 40.0% 0.4 Loneliness Sadness or depression 38.5% 0.4 Pain Sleep 37.8% 0.4 Worry or anxiety Fatigue 36.7% 0.4 Worry or anxiety Sleep 36.1% 0.4 Taking care of myself Taking care of others 35.9% 0.4

The Efficacy of a Home-Based, Augmented Reality Dual-Task Platform for Cognitive-Motor Training in Elderly Patients: A Pilot Observational Study.

This study introduces a novel home-based dual-task platform incorporating augmented reality (AR), COGNIMO, aimed at simultaneously enhancing cognition and physical abilities. The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness of this intervention in enhancing cognitive and physical abilities in elderly individuals with subjective cognitive decline, mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and mild Alzheimer's dementia. A 12-week observational study enrolled 57 participants aged 60-85 years. Primary outcomes included changes in cognitive scores (Korean Mini-Mental State Examination, 2nd edition [K-MMSE-2] and Korean-Montreal Cognitive Assessment [K-MoCA]), while secondary outcomes measured physical parameters and depression scores between baseline and week 12 in the active and the control groups. Of 57 participants, 49 completed the study. The active group (≥12 sessions) exhibited significant improvement in K-MoCA compared to the control group (<12 sessions) (p=0.004), while K-MMSE-2 score changes showed no significant difference (p=0.579). Positive correlations between training sessions and K-MoCA changes were observed (r=0.31, p=0.038), emphasizing a dose-response relationship. Subgroup analyses revealed a distinction in cognitive changes, particularly in the MCI group. The COGNIMO platform showed positive effects on cognitive function in MCI patients, suggesting potential benefits for this population. The study highlights the potential of AR-integrated home-based interventions for cognitive enhancement in elderly individuals, underlining the need for further trials in the future.

Treatment of Spastic quadriplegia resulting from hypoxia in newborn through body engineering technique-hand therapy Case Report Described by Parents: Qualitative study

Objectives: Summary of Case Report on Spastic quadriplegia accompanied by several disabilities. Treatment with Body Engineering/Hand Therapy. This case report describes the successful treatment of a 4 years old girl who was diagnosed with Spastic quadriplegia and global developmental delay accompanied with relapse, slurred speech, and cognitive delay resulting from hypoxia during child birth. To report a case of a girl who suffered Spastic quadriplegia, seizures, and delay in speech and perception due to hypoxia and to highlights the critical role of body engineering techniques for the rehabilitation of children with similar cases. Methods: An informed case report was given by from the child's parents. Functional recovery was achieved through a customized rehabilitation plan according to the body engineering / hand therapy techniques We highlight: -Medical Management for such cases. -A rehabilitation plan based on body engineering/ hand therapy techniques that led to complete recovery. -Satisfaction of the patient's parents after treatment. Results: Treating the patient through body engineering (hand therapy) and rehabilitating him for a full year led to the appearance of signs of clinical and radiographic improvement. Conclusions: Hypoxia-induced spastic quadriplegia often results in multiple disabilities, as seen in this case. Early intervention using body engineering techniques can lead to significant improvements in physical and cognitive functions. Continuous monitoring and rehabilitation are recommended to sustain progress and prevent relapses (Odding et al., 2006). Based on the provided information, body engineering and hand therapy have proven to be highly effective in rehabilitating a girl with hypoxia-induced cerebral palsy. Through a comprehensive rehabilitation program, the patient's physical, cognitive, and communication abilities have significantly improved. This case report underscores the importance of early intervention in maximizing outcomes for children with spastic quadriplegia. By providing ongoing support and tailoring rehabilitation programs to individual needs, it is possible to help these children reach their full potential, aligning with the World Health Organization's definition of rehabilitation as a process to improve performance and reduce disability.

Perspective of Medan City Scholars on the Law of Wives who Demand Divorce from Husbands with Disabilities Due to Accidents

When a couple is legally married, both have their own rights and responsibilities. The husband, as the leader of the household, acts as the main protector. However, what if the husband loses physical ability due to an accident, so the wife sues for divorce? According to Article 39 of Law No. 1 Year 1974 and Article 110 of the Compilation of Islamic Law (KHI), divorce due to the disability of one of the spouses is allowed if it makes it difficult to fulfil household obligations. However, some Nahdlatul Ulama scholars in bahsul masail consider a wife who sues for divorce from a disabled husband as an act of nusyuz (defiance). This study aims to examine the views of Medan City scholars regarding wives who sue for divorce from husbands who become disabled due to accidents. This empirical research collected primary data from in-depth interviews with scholars in Medan. The results show that divorce is permissible if the husband's disability is severe and causes major impacts, such as abuse or neglect of the wife and children. In such cases, the husband's management responsibility is returned to his family.

Sjögren’s disease, occupational performance and quality of life

Introduction: Sjögren’s disease is an autoimmune disease with dry eyes and mouth and chronic pain, more frequent in middle-aged women. The aim of this study is to understand the impact of Sjögren’s disease on quality of life and occupational health. Method: Quantitative and qualitative comparative study, with 20 Sjögren’s disease and 25 healthy controls. Questionnaires and interviews were applied to assess occupational performance, quality of life, mood disorders, and sleep. Results: The combined major diagnostic parameters for Sjögren’s disease (focus score and anti-SSA/Ro positivity) were present in 85% of the Sjögren’s disease group. There was a correlation between the sicca symptom measured by the European League Against Rheumatism Sjögren’s Syndrome Patient Reported Index (ESSPRI), anxiety, and depression measured by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS; r = 0.56; p = 0.009), as well as fatigue measured by the Profile of fatigue and discomfort questionnaire (PROFAD) ( r = 0.78; p &lt; 0.0001). Sjögren’s disease patients reported a loss of physical abilities, sleep disturbance, change in mood, social and occupational participation, and lower quality of life. Conclusions: Sjögren’s disease patients have poorer quality of life, loss of competencies, and sleep disturbances compared to controls. Novel strategies are necessary to improve occupational health in SjD.

EUROPEAN PRINCIPLES OF UNIVERSAL DESIGN AND THEIR APPLICATION IN THE ARCHITECTURE OF UKRAINIAN CITIES

The values of a solidary and democratic society, based on the principles of equality, significantly influenced the conceptual and practical principles of design throughout the Modern era. To a large extent, the formative base of modernism – the leading worldview trend that defined the architecture of the 20th and early 21st centuries – is connected with them. One of the important stages in the development of this process was the spread since the 1980s "universal design" concept that aimed at creating a more inclusive space, avoiding various forms of isolation and inequality depending on the physical abilities of a person. Currently, theoretical and practical achievements in this area make it possible to talk about a holistic system of views on design, which, however, still remains largely unrealized to the extent that the goals of universal design can be considered generally achieved. Nevertheless, thanks to the implementation of a number of initiatives and programs, inclusive and friendly environments for different groups have begun to emerge in many European cities, which testify to the benefits of the "design for all" concept. In addition to the purely humanistic aspect, it also gives cities advantages in terms of a more complete use of human potential, maintaining a high economic and social attractiveness, which ultimately increases the competitive indicators of the city. This article consists of three principle parts, two of which are reflective and one analytical. In their sequence, they have the following form: a) an outline of the current concepts of universal design, which are present in various initiatives and programs of the European Union and a wider range of sources that create the relevant discourse; b) assessment of issues related to the equality of space in domestic analysis and practice; c) determination of the local specificity of Ukraine, which determines the perspective of applying the principles of universal design. Based on the analysis, have been outlined the main features of a possible strategy for the development of universal design principles in Ukrainian cities, including taking into account the consequences of full-scale russian military aggression, which began in February 2022.

Health related quality of life in children following Fontan surgery: A Malaysian perspective

BackgroundChildren with Fontan circulation suffer from morbidities and physical limitations that affect their quality of life. The study examined the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of children in Malaysia following the Fontan procedure. MethodsAll patients who are 8 years and older and who had undergone Fontan palliation for at least 1 year were assessed using electronically distributed, aged-based Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory™ (PedsQL) Generic and Cardiac modules. The scores from the patients were compared with those of aged-match students in the Klang Valley and patient's parents. ResultsA total of 133 patients [time after Fontan: 6.24 years (IQR: 2.54, 8.54); SpO2: 92 % (IQR: 88, 95)] and parents and 130 normal subjects participated in the study. Fontan patients have reduced HRQOL scores compared to their healthy peers in almost all domains. Patients with NYHA class I demonstrated higher PedsQL scores in almost all domains. Patients with SpO2 < 95 % and taking more medication had lower PedsQL scores in total and physical score. Similarly, those with many complications show significantly low PedsQL scores in all domains. There was poor agreement between patients' and parents' perceived HRQoL in most of the domains in the generic module, but the difference was not as explicit in the cardiac module. ConclusionsFontan patients had a lower perceived quality of life compared to healthy controls. Physical ability and Fontan complications influenced the perceived quality of life, especially in younger children. Parents generally underestimate the impact of Fontan towards their children's quality of life.

A Risk Correlative Model for Sleep Disorders in Chinese Older Adults Based on Blood Micronutrient Levels: A Matched Case-Control Study.

The physical abilities of older adults decline with age, making them more susceptible to micronutrient deficiency, which may affect their sleep quality. This study aimed to construct a risk correlative model for sleep disorders in Chinese older adults based on blood micronutrient levels. In this matched case-control study, we recruited 124 participants with sleep disorders and 124 matched controls from the Tianjin Elderly Nutrition and Cognition cohort in China. Micronutrient levels in whole blood were measured using the dried blood spot technique. We compared the differences in micronutrient levels between the two groups and also constructed a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) model and nomogram for sleep disorders. In comparison to the control group, the sleep disorders group showed lower levels of blood vitamin A, vitamin E (VE), folate, magnesium, copper, iron, and selenium (Se) in the univariate analysis (p < 0.05). The ROC curve analysis indicated that the combination of VE + folate + Se may have an excellent diagnostic effect on sleep disorders, with an area under the curve of 0.964. This VE + folate + Se was integrated into a nomogram model to demonstrate their relationship with sleep disorders. The consistency index of the model was 0.88, suggesting that the model assessed sleep disorders well. The sleep disorders risk correlative model constructed by the levels of VE, folate, and Se in whole blood might show good performance in assessing the risk of sleep disorders in older adults.

Study on the Influence of Physical Self-esteem on Physical Exercise Behavior—Exercise the Mediating Role of Self-efficacy

This study explored the relationship between physical self-esteem, exercise self-efficacy and physical exercise behavior among college students. Through a questionnaire survey of 314 college students from different majors, grade and gender, physical self-esteem was a significant positive predictor of physical exercise behavior, that is, college students tended to actively participate in physical exercise when they rated their physical appearance and exercise ability highly. Furthermore, exercise self-efficacy plays a partial mediator between physical self-esteem and physical exercise behavior. That is to say, when college students have confidence in their exercise ability, physical self-esteem is more likely to translate into actual exercise behavior. The study emphasized the importance of cultivating physical self-esteem and improving exercise self-efficacy to promoting physical exercise behaviors, which is important for enhancing their physical and mental health.

Research on the “1+1+1” Physical Intelligence Curriculum System under the Background of Healthy Children Action Plan

“14th Five-Year Plan” period is the first five years to the second century goal, but also the key period for the development of children’s health cause. “Healthy China 2030” plan outline “clearly put forward the implementation of healthy children plan [1]. Although the national level attaches great importance to children’s health, there are still many factors that affect children’s healthy growth in daily life, such as various diseases in children’s physical health, developmental delays in various physiological functions, insufficient exercise ability, obesity, etc., as well as mental health problems such as stuttering, night terrors, fear, anxiety, rage, lying, autism and hyperactivity. To solve these problems, not only the attention and deployment of the country and the government, but also the understanding and cooperation at the social level and the family level, in order to better promote the healthy growth of children under the joint efforts of everyone. The “1+1+1” “Body intelligence” curriculum system research includes a healthy child’s physical development system, a healthy child’s psychological (mental) development system, and a healthy child’s ability development system. Aiming at the problems of physical and mental development and ability development in the healthy growth of children, service programs are scientifically and rationally formulated, and implemented from the social level and family level to effectively improve children’s health level [2].

Measurement of Grip Strength in Postmenopausal Women of Different Socioeconomic Conditions

Background: Grip strength is a crucial indicator of physical ability, particularly in postmenopausal women who experience muscle and bone mass reduction due to declining estrogen levels. This study aims to evaluate grip strength among postmenopausal women from different socioeconomic backgrounds.Objective: To assess the grip strength in postmenopausal women of varying socioeconomic conditions.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 106 postmenopausal women aged 50-70 years. Participants were selected through convenience sampling and assessed using a handheld dynamometer. Two grip strength readings for both dominant and non-dominant hands were recorded, with a one-minute interval between trials. Mean grip strength values were calculated. Data were analyzed using ANOVA in SPSS version 26. Ethical approval was obtained.Results: A significant difference in grip strength was observed with increasing age. For the non-dominant hand, mean grip strength decreased from 15.58 kg (SD = 3.95) in the 50-54 age group to 11.03 kg (SD = 3.25) in the 65-70 age group (p = 0.003). However, no significant differences were found in grip strength across socioeconomic conditions (p &gt; 0.314).Conclusion: Age significantly affects grip strength in postmenopausal women, but socioeconomic status does not show a significant impact.

The Effect of Eight Weeks of Selected Vestibular Exercises on Functional Balance, Walking Speed and Quality of Life of Sedentary Elderly Men

Introduction: Aging and sedentary lifestyle are associated with a decrease in physical and mental abilities. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of eight weeks of selected vestibular exercises on functional balance, walking speed, and quality of life of sedentary elderly men. Methods: This semi-experimental research was conducted from the winter of 1402 to the summer of 1403 with the participation of 30 sedentary elderly men from Tawheed Golmkan Elderly Care Center in Mashhad. The samples were selected purposefully and based on previous studies (25) and were divided into two experimental and control groups of 15 people. The experimental group performed selected vestibular exercises three sessions a week for eight weeks, while the control group did not perform any exercises. Dynamic comparison test, 10-meter walking speed and short-term life questionnaire were used to evaluate the quality of life. Data analysis was performed using Shapiro-Wilk test, analysis of covariance, and t-test at a significance level of P&lt;0/05. Results: The results of paired t test showed that dynamic balance (P=0/001), walking speed (P=0/001), and quality of life (P=0/001) of the experimental group improved significantly after the exercise program. This was while there was no improvement in the control group. The covariance results did not show a significant difference between the groups in the pre-test phase, but there was a significant increase in the scores of the experimental group in the post-test phase. Conclusion: It is recommended to use exercises to prevent the disabilities of the elderly and improve their quality of independent life.

Clinical comprehensive of microfracture, autologous chondrocyte implantation, and periosteum-covered iliac bone grafting for Hepple stage IV-V lesions.

Chronic ankle pain significantly impairs daily activities and athletic performance with osteochondral lesions of the talus (OLT) in Hepple stages IV and V, which are often causative factors. This study aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of autologous osteochondral transplantation (AOT) for the treatment of these conditions. This retrospective study was conducted from May 2020 to May 2023 at Cangzhou Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine Combined Hospital, including patients with a diagnosis of Hepple stage IV or V OLT confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and arthroscopy. Surgical interventions involved arthroscopic debridement, followed by AOT or limited arthrotomy based on the location and size of the lesion. Preoperative and postoperative evaluations used the Visual Analog Scale, American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society Ankle-Hindfoot Scale, MRI-Based Cartilage Repair Tissue Scoring, and the International Knee Documentation Committee Knee Evaluation Form. Statistical analysis was conducted using paired-sample t tests to compare the preoperative and postoperative data. Twenty patients were included, revealing significant postoperative improvements in Visual Analog Scale, American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society, and MRI-based cartilage repair tissue scores (P < .05). The radiographic findings suggested effective cartilage regeneration. No adverse effects were observed in the donor knee sites, as confirmed by the stable pre- and postoperative International Knee Documentation Committee Knee Evaluation Form scores. Recovery of physical abilities was achieved on average within 7.3 weeks for daily activities and 13.4 weeks for sports activities. AOT effectively treats Hepple stage IV-V OLT, improves ankle function, promotes cartilage regrowth, and allows quick resumption of daily and athletic activities without compromising donor-site integrity.

Exploring Talent Identification and Development Practices in Chinese Basketball

The objective of this research was to evaluate the techniques used in the process of identifying and developing young basketball player potential in Chinese basketball schools. The study included a sample of 150 teenage basketball players and coaches who were selected to assess specific criteria for talent identification. These criteria encompassed physical characteristics, technical abilities, tactical understanding, social qualities, work ethic, and contextual elements. The research used a blend of descriptive and inferential statistical methods, including regression analysis, to ascertain the most influential characteristics in predicting the selection of young athletes for development programs. The findings revealed that all the main factors for identifying potential were significant, with work ethic obtaining the highest ranking among sporting participants. The survey showed no notable disparity in the evaluation of credentials depending on gender. However, variations were seen based on the academic year level, namely in the perceived enhancement of skills, with senior athletes displaying a more positive perspective. The efficacy of the current development initiatives was evaluated favorably in all domains, with mental growth achieving the highest success rating. Upon further examination, a notable disparity was found in the efficacy of cognitive growth depending on gender and skills acquisition depending on the academic year. The regression analysis revealed that all criteria, including physical attributes, technical skills, tactical understanding, social attributes, work ethic, and contextual factors, have significant predictive power in determining the selection of young athletes for development programs. Among these criteria, contextual factors emerged as the most influential predictor.

Effects of direction specific exercise training on athletic performance: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

The similarity between movement patterns and force-vector specificity of training exercises and the target movement will likely result in the greatest transfer of the practiced skills and physical abilities to the intended sports skill performance. Therefore, this review aimed to investigate whether specific adaptations in athletic performance would be observed following direction specific exercise training. The literature search was performed in PubMed, Web of Science, and MEDLINE. Studies comparing acute (post-activation potentiation enhancement) and short-term (>2 weeks) effects of horizontally vs. vertically oriented resistance and plyometric training on athletic performance of recreationally active participants of either sex were included. The effect sizes were determined using a robust variance estimation random-effects model and were reported as Hedge's g. Twenty-two studies were included. For acute studies (n = 4), a small non-significant effect favoring horizontal training (HT) for sprint performance improvements (g = -0.19, p = 0.17) was evident. For short-term studies (n = 18), the results showed non-significant, small to large differences between HT and vertical training (VT) in pooled vertical and horizontal jump improvements (g = 0.06, p = 0.67), vertical (g = 0.21, p = 0.17) and horizontal jump (g = -0.15, p = 0.40), pooled vertical and horizontal maximal strength (g = 0.27, p = 0.42), horizontal (g = -0.83, p = 0.16) and vertical maximal strength (g = 0.78, p = 0.28), pooled short and medium distance sprint (g = -0.23, p = 0.16), short (g = -0.33 [-0.85, 0.19], p = 0.19) and medium (g = -0.12 [-0.37, 0.13], p = 0.28) distance sprint, and COD speed and maneuverability (g = -0.45, p = 0.26). HT and VT were both equally effective in improving vertically and horizontally athletic performance, potentially refuting the theory of directional specificity of training on athletic performance outcomes.

Analysis of the Laboratory and In-Competition Characteristics of Adolescent Motocross (MX) Riders: An In Situ Case Study

Motocross is one of the most popular high-speed motorcycle races, which takes place on a naturally closed track with significant challenges. This study aimed to characterize anthropometric, circulatory, and lower and upper limb muscle properties based on laboratory and race-recorded characteristics. Male competitors (n = 3) aged 14 years (MX) were included in the study. All three boys have national and international experience. Metabolic characteristics (ventilation, oxygen consumption, and carbon dioxide production) and heart rate (HR) were measured in the laboratory while HR and speed were measured while racing. No significant difference was found between the three competitors in terms of HR during the race. In terms of number of sprints (No. sprint) and maximum speed (Speedmax), we found the most successful runner (highest finisher) to have the most sprints and maximum speed. Comparing the metabolic characteristics, it was found that racing was between the respiratory breakpoint (VT1) and the respiratory compensation point (RCP), but, in several cases, crossed the anaerobic threshold. While motocross riders are exposed to extreme conditions and high physical demands, in motorsport, victories depend not only on the athlete’s physical abilities but also on several factors such as driving technique, mental effort, equipment efficiency and resistance, race strategy, and team competence.

Food Delivery Apps and Their Potential to Address Food Insecurity in Older Adults: A Review.

The proportion of older adults is increasing globally, yet many of them experience food insecurity. Technological innovations, such as increased access to internet- and mobile-based food delivery apps (FDAs), may help mitigate food insecurity. However, this topic has been understudied. This scoping review searched for publications and online technical reports from around the world using interdisciplinary databases like ScienceDirect and internet sources like government websites, respectively. Eligible references were published recently (2019-present) and focused on general technology use, including apps, among older adults (≥50 years) or FDAs for food insecurity or nutritional health generally or specifically among older adults. The search identified 19 studies from 10 countries and extracted relevant information for summary tables. A limited number of studies supported the idea that FDAs can help address food insecurity, but there are important equity considerations for older adults living in rural areas or with constrained physical abilities. Consistently, customized app features and functions increased the intention to use FDAs. In addition, FDAs may have health and environmental impacts, such as food waste and increased access or promotion of ultraprocessed foods. Additional research is needed to elucidate the potential of FDAs to address food insecurity generally and specifically among older adults.

The Importance of Physical Fitness Parameters in Rhythmic Gymnastics: A Scoping Review.

This scoping review presents an overview of physical fitness parameters in rhythmic gymnastics as well as the association of fitness with gymnasts' performance, competitive level, and age. PubMed, Scopus, and Sport Discus databases were searched. Of the 586 records retrieved, 41 studies met the inclusion criteria (n = 1915 participants). The included studies examined flexibility, aerobic capacity, muscle power, muscle endurance, muscle strength, sprint speed, agility, balance, and coordination. Performance was associated with flexibility, aerobic capacity, lower-limb muscle power, agility, muscular endurance, balance, and coordination from a young age. Flexibility, aerobic capacity, and muscle power were, in general, higher in high-level gymnasts than in low-level gymnasts or controls. Older rhythmic gymnasts demonstrated higher scores than the younger ones in flexibility, aerobic capacity, balance, and sport-specific coordination but not in muscle endurance, while some studies reported a decline in muscle power with age. Supplementary physical fitness training improved all physical abilities irrespective of the gymnasts' level. Rhythmic gymnastics training alone improved muscle power, agility, speed, muscular endurance, and balance to a lesser extent than targeted fitness training. Muscular strength, speed, and agility are largely under-researched in rhythmic gymnastics. Emphasis should be given to targeted strength and power training due to the high mechanical loads placed on skeletally immature athletes.