Physical Capacity Research Articles

Borosilicate glasses doped with Er2O3: preparation, physical, optical, dielectric properties and radiation shielding capacity

Borosilicate glasses doped with Er2O3: preparation, physical, optical, dielectric properties and radiation shielding capacity

Physical Activity Component of the Greek Interventional Geriatric Study to Prevent Cognitive Impairment and Disability (GINGER): Protocol Development and Feasibility Study

Background/Objectives: Individuals with subjective cognitive decline (SCD) have an increased risk of developing dementia, while non-pharmacological multicomponent lifestyle interventions are recommended for prevention/management. The Greek Interventional Geriatric Initiative to Prevent Cognitive Impairment and Disability (GINGER) is such a multicomponent approach, encompassing simultaneous interventions (cognitive training, depression and sleep management, etc.). Exercise/Physical activity (PA) is suggested as one such intervention. This study (i) presents the exercise protocol developed for GINGER and (ii) explores its feasibility (acceptability, applicability, adherence, users’ satisfaction and reliability). Methods: Exercise/PA protocol development, targeting SCD individuals aged > 55 years, utilized relevant guidelines/literature followed by focus group involving exercise specialists. Data were synthesized through consensus to design optimal exercise interventions prescribed on participant’s physical capacity (heart rate, exertion, etc.), comprising 6-month combined aerobic, strengthening, balance and dual-task exercises, delivered 3 times/weekly in two group-based supervised sessions (in-person and online) and one home-based session. Physical outcomes include balance, aerobic capacity [2-Minute Walk Test (2 MWT), IPAQ-7], strength [Hand Grip Strength (HGS), Sit-to-Stand], fear of falling. Eligibility for entering intervention is low IPAQ-7, 2 MWT or HGS scoring. Feasibility was explored with adherence (exercise diaries and Exercise Adherence Rating Scale) and satisfaction (Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire) Results: Intervention was easily delivered with good reliability across testers’ assessments on 13 SCD participants (ICCs = 0.62–0.99), and improved physical outcomes, whereas users’ adherence and satisfaction scored highly. Conclusions: The exercise protocol for SCD was feasible, acceptable, applicable, reliable, demonstrating adherence and satisfaction, while improving physical parameters. It is thus integrated in the GINGER study, where multiple simultaneous interventions will take place to prevent/enhance cognitive function.

Testing in Football: A Narrative Review

Football clubs regularly test and monitor players, with different approaches reflecting player age and competitive level. This narrative review aims to summarise justifications for testing and commonly used testing protocols. We also aim to discuss the validity and reliability of specific tests used to assess football players and provide a holistic overview of protocols currently used in football or those demonstrating potential utility. The PubMed, SportDiscus, and Google Scholar databases were screened for relevant articles from inception to September 2024. Articles that met our inclusion criteria documented tests for several purposes, including talent identification or the assessment of growth/maturation, physiological capacity, sport-specific skill, health status, monitoring fatigue/recovery, training adaptation, and injury risk factors. We provide information on specific tests of anthropometry, physical capacity, biochemical markers, psychological indices, injury risk screening, sport-specific skills, and genetic profile and highlight where certain tests may require further evidence to support their use. The available evidence suggests that test selection and implementation are influenced by financial resources, coach perceptions, and playing schedules. The ability to conduct field-based testing at low cost and to test multiple players simultaneously appear to be key drivers of test development and implementation among practitioners working in elite football environments.

'Can do' versus 'Do do' in nursing home residents: identification of contextual factors discriminating groups with aligned or misaligned physical activity and physical capacity.

Physical activity (PA) is fundamental to nursing home residents' health. Likewise, physical capacity (PC) is essential to carry out activities of daily living. Although PC and PA are associated, misalignment has been reported in specific subgroups. Increased PC is oftentimes not linked to high PA (i.e., Can do - don't do) and vice versa (i.e., Can't do - do do). Therefore, identifying other contextual factors influencing PA in misaligned groups is important. This study aimed to identify contextual factors in nursing home residents with aligned or misaligned PA and PC. In total, 180 nursing home residents (≥ 65 years, 79.4% females) were divided into four quadrants (Q1: Can do - do do; Q2: Can do - don't do; Q3: Can't do - do do; Q4: Can't do - don't do) based on thresholds for PA (≥ or < 2,500 steps/day) and PC (≤ or > 0.5m/s gait speed). Kruskal-Wallis H test and effect sizes (ES) were applied to analyze quadrants' differences regarding PA (steps per day), objective motor capacity, life-space mobility, activities of daily living (ADL), psychosocial well-being, cognition, subjective mobility-related concerns, and spatial orientation. Specific contextual factors differed significantly between the groups. Compared to Q1, Q2 presents a significantly lower life-space mobility (ES: 0.35) and objective motor capacity (ES: 0-36-0.49); Q3 has a lower objective motor capacity (ES: 0.55-1.10); Q4 shows lower independence in ADL (ES: 0.57), life-space mobility (ES: 0.48), subjective mobility-related concerns (ES: 0.38) and objective motor capacity (ES: 0.99-1.08). No significant group differences were found for psychosocial well-being, cognition, and spatial orientation. This study provides new insights into PA behavior of nursing home residents. Key variables linked to PA are objective motor capacity, life-space mobility, ADL, and subjective mobility-related concerns. Surprisingly, some potentially impactful variables such as cognition, orientation, and psychosocial well-being did not differ between the groups. This may suggest that these variables may not represent key targets for interventions aiming to improve PA. This study builds the foundation for further research into the underlying mechanisms behind PA behaviors and supports future efforts to plan specific, targeted interventions for nursing home residents. The trial was prospectively registered at DRKS.de with registration number DRKS00021423 on April 16, 2020.

Abstract 4137594: Intrinsic Capacity Trajectories and Cardiovascular Disease Among Chinese Older Adults: A Population-Based Longitudinal Study

Background: WHO defined intrinsic capacity (IC), a composite of physical and mental capacities, is a marker of healthy aging. Monitoring IC trajectories in older adults may guide preventative strategies and delay negative health outcomes. With the rapidly increasing proportion of older adults and the high prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in China, this study aimed to identify IC trajectories over time and determine whether IC trajectories can predict CVD outcomes. Hypothesis: The IC trajectory among Chinese older adults is heterogeneous; the decline of IC will be associated with increased CVD. Methods: The study used data from five waves (2011 to 2020) of the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS). A total of 3,336 adults aged 60 years or older without CVD during the baseline survey in 2011 (T1), who completed the follow-ups in 2013 (T2) and 2015 (T3) were included to determine IC trajectory. IC was assessed through five domains (locomotion, sensory, vitality, cognition, and psychology) using the WHO framework. The CVD outcomes were determined by self-reported diagnoses of heart disease or stroke in the 2020 (T5) wave. A group-based trajectory model (GBTM) was used to identify IC trajectory, and logistic regression was employed to explore the association between IC trajectory groups and CVD outcomes adjusting for covariates. Results: Three IC trajectory groups were identified (Fig 1): high IC-stable group (13.40%), medium IC-stable group (56.12%), and low IC-decline group (30.48%). By the 2020 follow-up, 1204 participants (36.1%) reported CVD diagnosis. Adjusted for sociodemographic, lifestyle factors (smoking, drinking), and cardiovascular metabolic factors (hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia), compared to the high IC-stable group, the low IC-decline group had 63.7% higher odds of CVD (OR=1.637, 95%CI=1.268-2.114), and medium IC-stable group had 7.1% higher odds of CVD (OR=1.071, 95%CI=0.851-1.349). Conclusion: IC trajectory among Chinese older adults is heterogeneous, and IC declines predict higher odds of CVD onset. Regular monitoring of IC and tailored intervention to improve IC may facilitate CVD prevention.

The Relationship Between Physical Activity Level and Exercise Capacity and Respiratory Parameters in Individuals With Spinal Cord Injury.

Spinal cord injury (SCI) detrimentally impacts individuals' exercise capacity and respiratory parameters depending on sensory, motor, and autonomic dysfunctions. Regular physical activity (PA) positively impacts cardiovascular health and pulmonary function in these individuals. This study determined the relationship between PA and exercise capacity and respiratory parameters in individuals with SCI. This cross-sectional study included 40 individuals with paraplegia. Assessments included the Physical Activity Scale for Individuals With Physical Disabilities (PASIPD), 6-min manual wheelchair propulsion test (MWPT6min), MWPT slalom test (MWPTslalom), 20-m MWPT propulsion test (MWPT20m), pulmonary function test (FVC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC, and peak expiratory flow [PEF]), maximum inspiratory pressure (PImax), and maximum expiratory pressure (PEmax). Subjects' mean age and body mass index were 46 ± 13 y and 26.8 ± 5.2 kg/m2, respectively. PASIPD total score was significantly associated with MWPT6min (r = 0.657, P < .001), MWPTslalom (r = 0.403, P = .17) and MWPT20m (r = 0.477, P = .056), FEV1 (r = 0.552, P < .001), FEV1/FVC (r = 0.532, P = .02), PEF (r = 0.683, P = .004), PImax (r = 0.484, P = .01), and PEmax (r = 0.481, P = .16). However, PASIPD total score was not significantly associated with FVC (r = 0.168, P = .41). PA level influenced exercise capacity and pulmonary function in individuals with SCI and may play an important role in delimiting physical fitness.

Effectiveness and Feasibility of Digital Pulmonary Rehabilitation in Patients Undergoing Lung Cancer Surgery: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) has been shown to effectively support postsurgical recovery in patients with lung cancer (LC) at various stages. While digital PR programs offer a potential solution to traditional challenges, such as time and space constraints, their efficacy and feasibility for patients undergoing LC surgery remain unclear. This systematic review aims to assess the feasibility and effectiveness of digital PR programs for individuals undergoing LC surgery. A systematic review was conducted, retrieving data from 6 English and 4 Chinese databases from their inception to January 1, 2024. References in related studies were also manually reviewed. The primary outcomes assessed were physical capacity, lung function, and the incidence of postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs). The secondary outcomes were compliance, hospital stay, chest tube duration, anxiety, depression, and quality of life. Where applicable, recruitment and withdrawal rates were also evaluated. Meta-analysis and descriptive analysis were used to assess the outcomes. A total of 5 randomized controlled trials and 6 quasi-experimental studies (n=1063) were included, with 4 studies being included in the meta-analyses. Our meta-analyses revealed that digital PR reduced the decline in 6-minute walk distance (6-MWD) by an average of 15 m compared with routine PR programs from admission to discharge, demonstrating a clinically significant improvement in physical capacity (mean difference -15.00, 95% CI -25.65 to -4.34, P=.006). Additionally, digital PR was associated with a reduction (26/58, 45%) in the likelihood of PPCs (risk ratio 0.45, 95% CI 0.30-0.66, P<.001) and a reduction of 1.53 days in chest tube duration (mean difference -1.53, 95% CI -2.95 to -0.12, P=.03), without a statistically significant effect on postoperative hospital stay (mean difference -1.42, 95% CI -3.45 to 0.62, P=.17). Descriptive analyses suggested that digital PR has the potential to improve knowledge, lung function, quality of life, and self-efficacy, while reducing depression and anxiety. Notably, digital PR was found to be a safe, feasible, and acceptable supplementary intervention. Despite challenges with low recruitment, digital PR enhanced exercise compliance, increased patient satisfaction, and lowered dropout rates. This systematic review is the first comprehensive analysis to suggest that digital PR is a safe, feasible, acceptable, and effective intervention for promoting recovery in patients with LC after surgery. Digital PR has the potential to be a valuable supplement, expanding access to traditional PR programs. Future research should prioritize the development of interactive and inclusive digital solutions tailored to diverse age groups and educational backgrounds. Rigorous studies, including large-scale, high-quality randomized controlled trials with detailed protocols and robust methodologies, are needed to assess the short-, medium-, and long-term efficacy of digital PR, ensuring reproducibility in future research. PROSPERO CRD42023430271; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=430271.

FEITOS E PERFIL POPULACIONAL DE IDOSOS NA PRÁTICA DE ATIVIDADES FÍSICAS EM PORTO VELHO – RONDÔNIA

The elderly population has been growing significantly over the years, and with this, there has also been a growing concern about ensuring that these individuals have an active and healthy life. Physical activity is one of the main ways to promote health and quality of life in old age, as it can prevent and treat various health conditions, in addition to improving physical and cognitive function. Based on this, this article aims to analyze the importance of physical activity for health and the benefits that the activity provides to the elderly. The study is descriptive and quantitative in nature and was carried out in the city of Porto Velho, Rondônia, at the Physiotherapy Clinic of the São Lucas Educational Center and SESC/RO Social Service of Commerce Rondônia. It is important to note that the study included male and female elderly people, aged 60 years and older. In addition, two questionnaires were used to produce the data: one about general information based on daily habits and a description of physical exercises and the benefits achieved. Complementary data information about risk factors, weight, height and lifestyle changes. It is worth noting that a sociodemographic questionnaire was applied, along with a functional test scale to assess the physical fitness of the elderly, the Berg Balance Scale and the Modified Baecke Questionnaire for the Elderly. And the guardians signed the free and informed consent form (ICF). The data were collected through the evaluation instruments that were tabulated in the Microsoft Excel program for statistical analysis. The research evaluated 60 participants, predominantly women (93.3%), aged between 60 and 90 years, most living in the urban area. In terms of health, 31 of the participants reported regular perception and 62% had 2 to 3 comorbidities. The majority did not smoke (58 participants) and did not consume alcohol (52 of the 60 participants). Regarding Covid-19, 31 had been infected, but only 1 required intubation. On the Berg Scale, 98.3% of the elderly demonstrated good balance when standing for 2 minutes without support, and 44 of 60 were able to pick up objects from the floor independently. However, 60% suffered two or more falls and 40% reported moderate or extreme fear of falling, while 30% had difficulty standing on one leg for 3 seconds or more. These data reveal a predominance of good functional capacities, but with significant limitations in relation to falls and comorbidities. The completion of this study contributed to a greater understanding of the importance of physical activity in the lives of the elderly, considering that physical activity is an element that can contribute to the promotion of health, physical and mental well-being and functional capacity of the elderly, demonstrating that regular exercise not only improves muscle strength and balance, but also significantly reduces the risk of falls, one of the main challenges faced by this population. The data obtained highlight the need for interventions that encourage physical activity, since many elderly people consider themselves active, but only a minority performs exercises regularly. Therefore, the implementation of physical exercise programs is essential to prevent chronic diseases, improve quality of life and promote functional independence among the elderly, contributing to healthy and active aging.

THE EFFECT OF BALLISTIC EXERCISES USING RUBBER BANDS ON DEVELOPING SPECIAL ENDURANCE AND ACHIEVING 400M PERFORMANCE FOR ATHLETES UNDER 19 YEARS OLD

The speed events are exciting activities that have specific physical requirements to achieve performance and outstanding results and compete internationally. This is particularly important in individual sports, especially for youth categories in athletics. The 400m event is considered one of the most challenging sprint events due to the special physical capabilities required to achieve performance. This race demands a huge amount of speed, endurance, and strength, in addition to the requirements of willpower, determination, and perseverance. Achieving the highest levels in this race necessitates a high level of important fitness components and characteristics. Training for this group of runners focuses on speed endurance and strength endurance through ballistic exercises using rubber bands, which help develop the working muscles of the athletes and enhance their physical capacity, subsequently improving performance. Ballistic exercises with rubber bands are considered modern training methods in athletics, aiming to develop muscular strength through strength training. This type of training forces the athlete's body to recruit and stimulate fast muscle fibers, which is crucial because fast muscle fibers have the potential for growth and development in strength training. The importance of this research lies in using ballistic training with rubber bands to develop special capacities and its impact on performance.

Exercise-Based Telerehabilitation for Heart Failure Patients Declining Outpatient Rehabilitation - A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Purpose: Cardiac rehabilitation participation rates are low despite strong recommendations, and many chronic heart failure patients remain physically inactive. Rural living, long travel distance, costs, age, and frailty might be factors explaining this. To increase cardiac rehabilitation uptake, we designed an exercise-based randomized controlled telerehabilitation trial enabling chronic heart failure patients unable or unwilling to participate in outpatient cardiac rehabilitation to exercise at home. Aim was to evaluate the long-term effects of telerehabilitation on physical activity levels.Methods and results: CHF patients (n = 61) with reduced (≤40%), mildly reduced (41-49%), or preserved ejection fraction (≥50%) were randomized (1:1) to telerehabilitation (n = 31) with an initial 3-month group-based high-intensity exercise telerehabilitation program or control (n = 30), with regular follow-up visits over a 2-year period. All participants attended a "Living with heart failure" course. Outcomes were measures of physical activity, peak oxygen uptake, 6-minute walk test distance, quality of life, morbidity, and mortality. We found no significant differences between groups for long-term changes in moderate to vigorous activity (MVPA) or peak oxygen uptake from baseline to the 2-year follow-up. Nor quality of life differed between groups, but both groups had significant within-group improvements in score on the Minnesota living with heart failure questionnaire (p = 0.000) and improvement in EQ-5D VAS score was significant (p = 0.05) in the telerehabilitation group.Conclusions: Telerehabilitation performed as home-based real-time high-intensity exercise sessions provided by videoconferencing for participants unable or unwilling to participate in standard outpatient cardiac rehabilitation did not affect long-term physical activity levels or physical capacity as expected. Still, a positive effect on health-related quality of life was seen in both groups.

DESEMPENHO FÍSICOS EM IDOSOS SEDENTÁRIOS

In the study with 30 sedentary elderly individuals between 60 and 80 years of age, physical and functional capacity tests were performed. In the 6-Minute Walk Test, the elderly individuals aged 60 to 69 years walked an average of 4 meters, while those aged 70 to 79 and 80 years walked 5 and 6 meters, respectively. In the Lawton Scale, which assesses independence in instrumental activities, most elderly individuals showed a need for help, showing that dependence increases with age. In the Katz Scale, 37% of the elderly individuals aged 60 to 69 years, 43% of those aged 70 to 79 years and 20% of those aged 80 years maintained independence in basic self-care activities.

Exercise training to preserve vitality capacity in ageing.

Ageing is an escalating global health issue, with the World Health Organization (WHO) reporting that one in six individuals will be 60years or older by the year 2030. Therefore, understanding the mechanisms of complex biological ageing processes and associated healthcare challenges has become increasingly important. Intrinsic capacity (IC), defined by WHO as the composite of all physical and mental capacities an individual possesses, can be used as a proxy for defining healthy ageing. IC has five key components: locomotion, cognition, psychological, sensory, and vitality capacity (VC). This review paper specifically focuses on exercise as an effective tool to preserve VC in ageing populations. The physiological domains of VC discussed include energy and metabolism, neuromuscular function, immune and stress response, mitochondrial function, and the methylation clock. Additionally, we highlight potential outcome measures for assessing each of these domains. This review also covers areas of focus for future research and possible interventions. We ultimately conclude that ageing is a complex, multifaceted process resulting in deficits across multiple VC components. However, regular exercise is capable of producing physiological adaptations that may be beneficial in the context of healthy ageing and improving or preserving the status of VC components.

The Synergistic Effect of Biomechanics and Psychological Feedback in Physical Education Teaching: Enhancing Motor Skills and Psychological Resilience

The combination of biomechanics and psychological feedback presents a unique approach to improving physical education outcomes. Biomechanics offers a detailed understanding of movement, allowing for the optimization of motor skills based on scientific principles. Meanwhile, psychological feedback helps students adapt mentally, fostering resilience and improving performance under pressure. This research explores how the dual application of biomechanical analysis and psychological feedback can enhance both physical and mental capacities in students during physical education. Through motion capture technology and real-time data analysis, motor skill performance is broken down into key components such as force, speed, and coordination. Students receive targeted feedback, allowing them to refine their techniques efficiently. Concurrently, psychological feedback mechanisms, such as self-reflection and stress management strategies, are introduced to help students build mental resilience and maintain focus. Results are a significant improvement in both motor skills and psychological well-being. Students displayed greater accuracy and efficiency in performing complex physical tasks and reported reduced anxiety and stress during physical education activities. The synergy between biomechanics and psychological feedback not only improved motor performance but also enhanced students' overall experience, making physical education more engaging and effective.

An Online Training Program Was Effective on Improving Physical Performance and Body Composition in U20 Soccer Players During the COVID-19 Quarantine

Abstract It is recommended for athletes keep training to reduce the negative effects of detraining. This study aimed to verify the effects of a 15-week online training intervention during a pandemic quarantine in body composition and physical capacity of highly trained soccer players. Sixteen male under-20 soccer players were assessed after the first period of COVID-19 quarantine (March 2020 to September 2020; 170 days), and after the second period of COVID-19 quarantine (November 2020 to February 2021, 107 days). Body composition, vertical jump height, hamstring maximum strength and aerobic capacity were assessed. The online training program was performed during the second lockdown. In comparison with first pre assessments, results showed that fat mass (−0.95 ± 1.27), free fat mass (1.22 ± 1.19), squat jump height (5.36 ± 1.99) and counter movement jump (3.19 ± 3.77) were significantly improved (P &lt; 0.05). However, there were no significant changes in total body mass, hamstring eccentric strength, and Yo-Yo IR1 after online training (P &gt; 0.05). In summary, the findings of this study highlight the importance of carrying out a training program during a period of absence from traditional soccer training, in order to maintain the level of physical capacities of youth soccer players.

The Effect of Ischemic Preconditioning on Tennis Exercise Performance and the Recovery Subsequent to a Simulated Tennis Match: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of acute ischemic preconditioning (IPC) on tennis skill and physical exercise performance, as well as to explore whether 7-day repeated IPC (RIPC) accelerated fatigue recovery after a simulated tennis match. Twenty-nine male tennis-specific current students were randomly allocated into 1 of 2 groups: SHAM (n = 14, 3 × 5min at 20mm Hg) and IPC (n = 15, 3 × 5min at 220mm Hg). Participants in both groups engaged in acute IPC and RIPC interventions. After the first acute IPC intervention, assessments were conducted to evaluate tennis-specific skills and overall physical exercise capacity. Following completion of chronic RIPC interventions, all participants competed in a simulated tennis match specifically designed to induce fatigue. To evaluate recovery from this induced fatigue, physical exercise capacity tests were conducted at 24 and 48hours postmatch, allowing for an assessment of the participants' recovery capabilities over time. After the first acute intervention, notable differences were observed between the IPC and SHAM groups in their performance on the repeated-sprint ability test. Specifically, the total times recorded were significantly shorter in the IPC group compared with the SHAM group (IPC: 109.05 [2.70] vs SHAM: 114.57 [7.45]s, P = .012), and this trend was also reflected in their best times (IPC: 4.20 [0.18]s vs SHAM: 4.39 [0.30]s, P = .042), indicating an immediate benefit of the IPC intervention on sprint performance. After a 7-day RIPC intervention, significant changes were noted in the SHAM group's performance metrics postmatch. There was an increase (P < .001) in fatigue index from 22% (8%) to 30% (9%) during repeated-sprint ability test and a decrease in serve speed from 120.2 (17.5) to 106.7 (13.0)km/h (P = .002) and knee peek torque from 196.0 (49.0) to 162.7 (39)N (extension, 60°/s, P < .001) in the SHAM group 24hours postmatch, relative to the IPC group. Moreover, compared with the SHAM group, the IPC group showed a lower rate of perceived exertion during the match (P < .001) and a decrease in visual analog scale score (P = .026) 24hours postmatch, suggesting enhanced recovery and reduced perception of pain relative to the SHAM group. IPC could serve as a strategy to generate an ergogenic effect and recovery during training and competition.

Validation of intrinsic capacity and healthy sleep pattern in middle-aged and older adults: a longitudinal Chinese study assessing healthy ageing

ObjectivesIntrinsic capacity (IC), a multidimensional construct encompassing mental and physical capacities, has been established in the aging framework by the World Health Organization. However, the detailed relationship between IC and Chinese sleep patterns (nighttime sleep and post-lunch naps) remains inadequately elucidated. MethodsParticipants in this study were individuals aged ≥45 years residing in China, included in the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS). We analyzed 4 years of CHARLS data from the first wave (May 2011–March 2012) to the second wave (July 2015–January 2016). Data from these waves were utilized for longitudinal analysis. Self-reported data included nighttime sleep and nap duration, along with other baseline characteristics. The IC evaluation involved physical examinations and blood tests. Initially, linear regression was used to assess the relationship between total sleep duration, nighttime sleep duration, nap duration, and IC change between the two waves that were determined by marginal effects (ME) and their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Regression splines were employed to explore potential nonlinear associations. Subgroup and sensitivity analyses were conducted to investigate the heterogeneity of IC change under specific conditions and the robustness of our results. Mediation analysis was performed to identify potential factors mediating the relationship between sleep patterns and IC change. ResultsBoth excessive (>10 h) (total, ME: −1.12; 95% CI: −1.61, −0.64; nighttime, ME: −1.44; 95% CI: −2.29, −0.59) and insufficient (<6 h) sleep duration (total, ME: −0.43; 95% CI: −0.68, −0.18; nighttime, ME: −0.50; 95% CI: −0.73, −0.27) negatively impacted IC change. Moderate naps (≤60 min) mitigated the decline in IC change (ME: 0.28; 95% CI: 0.07, 0.49). IC values decreased at the slowest rate when nap time constituted one-seventh of total sleep time. The onset of dyslipidemia partially mediated the association between naps (≤60 min) and IC change (P = 0.02). ConclusionsThese findings suggest that maintaining a healthy sleep pattern of 6−8 h of nighttime or total sleep, along with a post-lunch nap of ≤60 min, helps preserve optimal IC or delay its decline. This is particularly beneficial for cognitive, psychological, and locomotion performance among middle-aged and older adults.

Long-term course and factors influencing work ability and return to work in post-COVID patients 12 months after inpatient rehabilitation

BackgroundRehabilitation plays a crucial role in restoring work ability and facilitating the reintegration of post-COVID patients into the workforce. The impact of rehabilitation on work ability and return to work (RTW) of post-COVID patients remains poorly understood. This study was conducted to assess the work ability and RTW of post-COVID patients before rehabilitation and 12 months after rehabilitation and to identify physical and neuropsychological health factors influencing RTW 12 months after rehabilitation.MethodsThis longitudinal observational study included 114 post-COVID patients with work-related SARS-CoV-2 infection who underwent inpatient post-COVID rehabilitation with indicative focus on pulmonology and/or psychotraumatology (interval between date of SARS-CoV-2 infection and start of rehabilitation: M = 412.90 days). Employment status, work ability, and the subjective prognosis of employment (SPE) scale were assessed before rehabilitation (T1) and 12 months after rehabilitation (T4). The predictors analysed at T4 were functional exercise capacity, physical activity, subjective physical and mental health status, fatigue, depression, and cognitive function. Longitudinal analyses were performed via the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Logistic and linear regression analyses identified predictors of work ability and return to work (RTW), whereas mediation analyses examined the relationships between these predictors and work ability.ResultsAt T4, the median of WAI total score indicated poor work ability, which significantly worsened over time (p < 0.001; r = 0.484). The SPE scale significantly increased from T1 to T4 (p = 0.022, r = -0.216). A total of 48.6% of patients had returned to work 12 months after rehabilitation. Fatigue was identified as the main predictor of reduced work ability and RTW, with each unit increase in fatigue severity decreasing the odds of RTW by 3.1%. In addition, physical capacity and subjective health status were significant predictors of perceived work ability.ConclusionsThe findings highlight the significant challenges that post-COVID patients face in regaining work ability and achieving successful RTW 12 months after rehabilitation. Fatigue appears to be an important predictor of work ability and RTW. To optimize recovery and enhance both biopsychosocial health and work ability, it is crucial to develop and implement personalised interventions that address fatigue, improve physical capacity, and support mental health.Trial registrationThis study is registered in the German Clinical Trials Register under DRKS00022928.

Blackcurrant Supplementation and Habitual Physical Activity Enhance Functional Capacity and Quality of Life in Previously Sedentary Older Women.

Loss of functional capacity negatively impacts the quality of life in older adults. This single-site randomized controlled study examined whether short- (one week) and long-term (three months) blackcurrant supplementations combined with habitual physical activity would improve functional capacity and quality of life in previously sedentary older women. Thirty sedentary, healthy older women were randomly assigned to receive blackcurrant supplementation (400 mg of blackcurrant extract) (Polyphenol group, n=15; 74.2±10.0 years) or no supplementation (capsules of 400 mg of corn flour) (Placebo group, n=15; 72.8±8.7 years). Each group consumed two capsules daily for one week and three months, with a washout period of one week between the two phases. The polyphenol group was required to increase habitual activity levels. Participants underwent a functional capacity assessment consisting of a sixminute walk, sit-to-stand test, Berg balance scale measurement and quality of life evaluation with the Scale of Life Satisfaction Index (LSI) at the start, after one week, and after three months of supplementation. Walking distance and time to sit-to-stand improved by 2.5% (p=0.005) and 7.5% (p=0.005), respectively, after one week in the polyphenol group. After 3 months, walking distance in the six-minute walk test increased by 12.3% (p=0.001) while the time to sit-to-stand decreased by 16% (p=0.002) in the polyphenol compared to placebo group, respectively. No differences in Berg balance scale were observed. Quality of life, indexed by LSI, improved by 39% (p=0.001) in the polyphenol compared to the placebo group. Blackcurrant supplementation, combined with habitual activity, may enhance functional capacity and quality of life in older women, offering a potential strategy to maintain independence. However, future studies should address longer durations to validate these findings.

Independent and joint relationships of cardiorespiratory fitness and body mass index with liver fat content.

To investigate the relationship between cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and liver fat content (LFC) in community-based participants and highlight their relationship in people with different body mass indices (BMIs). Using UK Biobank data, CRF was estimated with bicycle ergometer fitness testing and was evaluated based on physical work capacity at 75% maximum heart rate (PWC75%). LFC was quantified through liver proton density fat fraction (PDFF) on magnetic resonance imaging. Multivariate linear regression models were used to analyse the associations of CRF and BMI with absolute reduction and percentage change in PDFF (%). In total, 5765 participants with a mean age of 55.57 years and a median (range) follow-up of 10.7 (4.0-17.7) years were included. Compared with the lowest PWC75% tertile, the absolute reduction and percentage change in PDFF in the highest PWC75% tertile were -0.450 (95% confidence interval [CI] -0.699 to -0.192) and -4.152 (95% CI -6.044 to -2.104), respectively. These associations were independent of BMI, and individuals with obesity and normal weight had the largest absolute reduction and percentage change in LFC, respectively (p for interaction <0.001). Joint analysis showed that PWC75% and BMI had a negative dose-response relationship with PDFF. These associations were consistent in different sex and age subgroups (p for interaction >0.05). There was a significant negative association between CRF and LFC, and this association was independent of BMI. The results of this study strongly recommend improving CRF to mitigate LFC.

Massage prior to exercise delays the onset of the physical working capacity at the fatigue threshold (PWCFT).

Functional massage (FM) is a soft tissue technique that incorporates non-end range joint movement with tissue compression to treat musculotendinous pain and dysfunction. FM has been associated with promoting neural excitability and neuromuscular efficiency. In clinical practice, FM may be used at the beginning of a treatment session to prepare fibers of the target muscle and surrounding soft tissues for functional activity. The Physical Working Capacity at the Fatigue Threshold (PWC<inf>FT</inf>) uses surface electromyography (EMG) to demarcate between non-fatiguing and fatiguing exercise. To our knowledge, no studies have examined the efficacy of FM when performed prior to an exercise session. The purpose of this study was to determine whether pre-performance FM delays the onset of neuromuscular fatigue. We hypothesized that FM would increase maximal power output as well as PWC<inf>FT</inf> compared to the control condition. Thirteen healthy college-aged men (mean±SEM: age, 24.1±0.5 years; weight, 83.0±3.2 kg; and height, 1.80±0.02 m) ranging from 22 to 28 years-old volunteered for the present study. On two occasions separated by at least 7 days, participants visited the laboratory to perform single-leg knee-extensor ergometer exercise after either receiving 7 min of FM (experimental condition) or no FM (control condition). The results indicated that the onset of neuromuscular fatigue was significantly delayed for the absolute and relative PWC<inf>FT</inf> (~80%) values compared to the control condition. There was no significant mean difference between FM and control for maximal power output. The findings of the present study indicated that FM was effective in delaying neuromuscular fatigue as assessed by PWC<inf>FT</inf>. These findings may be applicable to both athletic and clinical settings as FM prior to exercise may help to prime a target muscle before training.