Physical Performance Tests Research Articles

Short-term effects of exergaming on patients with chronic low back pain: A single-blind randomized controlled trial.

Exergaming is increasingly popular, but its impact on chronic low back pain (CLBP) remain unclear. To evaluate the effectiveness of exergaming versus traditional exercise for managing CLBP using the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) framework. This single-blind, randomized controlled trial included 70 participants with CLBP, who were assigned to either the exergaming or traditional exercise group. Both groups received 2 weeks of treatment with six sessions. Assessments included the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), range of motion, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), balance (Biodex Stability System), Fear-Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire (FABQ), and physical performance tests. After six sessions over 2 weeks, the exergaming group showed significant improvements over the exercise group in ODI (p<0.001), chair-rising time (p=0.001), stair ascent (p=0.025) and descent times (p<0.001), flexion (p=0.005), extension (p=0.001), balance (p=0.012), and FABQ subscales (physical activity: p=0.003; work: p<0.001) at the 3-month follow-up. Group×time interaction effects favored exergaming for ODI (p=0.012), chair-rising (p=0.045), stair ascent (p=0.010), and descent (p=0.002) times. While these changes did not meet clinical significance, exergaming was not inferior to traditional exercise in improving spinal motion, physical performance, fear-avoidance beliefs, and disability. Exergaming appears to be a viable supplementary therapy for patients with CLBP, offering benefits across all ICF domains. Future studies with longer intervention durations are needed to assess its long-term effects.

Secular trends of physical fitness for college students in Anhui Province over the past decade

BackgroundSince the beginning of the 21st century, China’s economy has experienced rapid growth, resulting in a steady improvement in its citizens’ living standards. However, alongside the emergence of modern civilization-related health issues, the overall physical fitness of the population has been declining. In the final year of 2019, a global COVID-19 pandemic emerged and persisted for three years, causing a significant diminution in human physical well-being. This article aims to delve into the changes in the physical fitness of college students over the past decade and anticipates future trends.MethodsA total of 58,472 university students aged 16–23 from 16 prefecture-level cities in Anhui province were recruited for this study. Total ten physical fitness indicators were tested: body height, body weight, vital capacity, standing long jump, sit-and-reach, 50-m dash, 1000 m run and pull-up (for boys), and 800 m run and sit-ups (for girls).The data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA, LSD tests, and Pearson’s correlations.ResultsThe overall physical fitness scores of college students ranged from 68.71 (2023) to 71.13 (2019) during the last decade, with girls consistently demonstrating superior performance in physical tests. There was a statistically significant difference in physical fitness scores between the periods of 2015–2022 and 2023 (p < 0.05). When dividing the total physical fitness scores into four levels, a noteworthy downward trend was observed in the pass grade, while the other three grades exhibited an increasing trend year by year. Compared to the year of 2019, there has been a substantial decline in the physical fitness levels of college students, along with a notable uptick of “failed” candidates, in the year of 2020.In terms of individual physical fitness, boys outperformed girls in all physical testing items except for sit-and-reach, and significant differences were observed in most years for both boys and girls. Additionally, a consistent downward trend was observed in the proportion of underweight and normal weight students, while the proportion of overweight (increased by 2.1 times) and obese (increased by 4.4 times) students showed a marked upward trend from 2014 to 2023.ConclusionsIt is imperative to allocate special focus to the profound ramifications of the three-year COVIE-19 pandemic on the physical well-being of college students. In 2024, it is anticipated that the proportion of overweight and obese college students will increase, along with a continued increase in body height and vital capacity. However, there will be a notable increase in the time taken to complete the 50-meter dash and the 1000-meter/800-meter run. Conversely, a decline is forecasted for the performance in standing long jump, sit-and-reach, and pull-ups/sit-ups exercises, with an accelerating rate of deterioration. It is crucial to promptly identify the underlying reasons for the deteriorating physical fitness among college students, particularly in relation to obesity, and to implement effective measures promptly to address this issue.

Body composition and physical performance of mountain bike athletes

Body composition is a determining factor in the physical performance of cyclists, directly influencing efficiency and power during competitions. Understanding these aspects can help optimize training and maximize results. This study aimed to analyze the influence of body composition on physical performance in mountain bike athletes. His cross-sectional study evaluated 83 mountain bike athletes (11 females, 39.60 ± 11.52 years). Body composition assessment was carried out using bioimpedance analysis. Participants performed the standing long jump and handgrip strength tests, to assess their strength of the lower and upper limbs, respectively. Finally, we measured the completion time of a Mountain Bike Marathon, with the distance of 75 km). Pearson’s correlation was analyzed to verify the influence of body composition on race time and physical performance tests. The race time was 168.14 ± 30.85 min. Standing long jump and handgrip strength tests were significantly correlated with all body composition parameters. Additionally, race time was significantly correlated with body fat percentage (r = 0.415, p = 0.000), skeletal muscle mass (r = − 0.427, p = 0.000), total body water (r = − 0.400, p = 0.000), intracellular water (r = − 0.420, p = 0.000), and extracellular water (r = − 0.370,p = 0.000). Body composition has a significant influence on the physical performance of mountain bike cyclists, with body water and muscle mass positively correlated with performance and body fat negatively correlated. A higher percentage of fat results in longer race times, while greater muscle mass and hydration result in shorter race times.

Gait, balance, and physical performance as markers of early Alzheimer's disease and related dementia risk.

Declining physical functionality is an indicator of cognitive impairment, distinguishing normal cognition (NC) from dementia. Whether this extends to pre-dementia stages is unclear. Assess physical performance patterns, evaluate relationships with imaging biomarkers, and identify specific measures distinguishing NC, subjective cognitive decline (SCD) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Group differences (78 NC, 35 SCD, and 41 MCI) in physical function (global function, balance, gait speed, step length, single leg support) were evaluated with logistic regression while distinguishing between MCI due-to-AD and MCI due-to-vascular etiology. Relationships with imaging biomarkers (cortical atrophy score, white matter hyperintensities volumes) were analyzed with ANCOVA. Participants were 68.6 ± 9.3 years old, had 16.2 ± 3.0 years of education, and 23% were ethnoracial minorities. Physical performance distinguished MCI from NC and SCD. Greater performance on the Mini Physical Performance Test (mini PPT) and balance were associated with lower odds of being SCD versus NC (ORmini PPT = 0.73; 95% CI:0.56-0.97; ORbalance = 0.35, 95%CI:0.16-0.80). AD etiology accounted for most group differences in physical performance versus vascular etiology. Consistent associations between biomarkers, physical performance, and cognition were found. Findings suggest that: 1) changes in mini PPT performance and balance may help detect cognitive impairments, as early as the SCD stage; 2) changes in gait speed, gait cycle parameters, and Timed Up-and-Go may indicate more significant cognitive impairment; 3) neuronal loss is linked to subtle changes in physical functionality as early as SCD. Physical performance may be a valuable tool in early dementia detection in clinical settings and could identify targets for early intervention.

The Effects of a Food Supplement, Based on Co-Micronized Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA)–Rutin and Hydroxytyrosol, in Metabolic Syndrome Patients: Preliminary Results

Background: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) patients have impaired hypothalamic regulatory functions involved in food intake and energy expenditure and suffer from a state of meta-inflammation. Pre-clinical studies demonstrated that ultramicronized palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) acts both on the adipose tissue and the central nervous system, while hydroxytyrosol (HTyr) counteracts several types of dysmetabolism. Objectives: The aim of our randomized crossover double-blind placebo-controlled pilot study was to evaluate the potential effects of a food supplement (FS) containing a co-micronized formulation of PEA and rutin along with HTyr, combined with a tailored calorie-controlled Mediterranean diet, in patients with MetS. Methods: Nineteen patients were enrolled and block-randomized to an eight-week MD together with the FS or placebo. After a two-week washout period, the treatments were reversed. Data on laboratory parameters and those detected by capillary sampling, anthropometry, body composition analysis, ultrasound examination, blood pressure monitoring, the 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey questionnaire, handgrip strength test, and physical performance tests were collected at each time point (protocol code R.S. 262.22, registered on 20 December 2022). Results: At the end of the study, patients supplemented with the FS showed a significant reduction in body weight, body mass index, fat mass, and inflammation biomarkers (CRP and ESR), compared to placebo-supplemented patients. In contrast, the fat-free mass, phase angle, and body cell mass were increased in FS compared to placebo patients. Conclusions: Although preliminary, the results of our clinical study suggest that co-micronized PEA–rutin and HTyr may be of help against adiposopathy in patients with MetS.

The adductor pollicis muscle thickness is not associated with physical function, lean mass, and nutritional status in patients on maintenance hemodialysis.

The adductor pollicis muscle thickness (APMT) may be associated with the muscle strength in patients on hemodialysis. However, the association of APMT with other physical function assessment tests has not yet been tested. Moreover, because it is considered a good nutritional indicator and not influenced by fluid overload, the APMT may be associated with the muscle mass and nutritional status of these patients. Therefore, the objective was to assess the association of APMT with physical function, muscle mass and nutritional status in patients on hemodialysis. The APMT was measured using a skinfold caliper between pollicis finger and index finger. Physical function was evaluated by handgrip strength (HGS), Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), the sit-to-stand test, gait speed test, and timed up and go (TUG). Appendicular muscle mass index (AMMI) was estimated using bioelectrical impedance. The nutritional status was evaluated by the Malnutrition Inflammation Score (MIS). Fifty-one patients were included, 60.8% men, mean age 58.4 ± 12.6 years. There were no significant correlations of APMT with physical function, muscle mass and nutritional status. Values of APMT were not different between the groups according to adequate physical function or muscle mass. In the multiple linear regression analysis adjusted for sex, age and diabetes, APMT was not significantly associated with physical function tests, as HGS (β = 0.101; p = 0.778), gait speed (β = -0.014; p = 0.180), SPPB (β = -0.054; p = 0.590), TUG (β = 0.202; p = 0.109), lean mass AMMI (β = 0.058; p = 0.147). There were no associations of APMT with physical function, muscle mass and nutritional status in patients on hemodialysis. We suggest APMT should not be used in physical function and nutritional assessments of these patients.

Ml assisted techniques in power side channel analysis for trojan classification

Hardware Trojans (HTs) are one of the emerging malicious hardware modification attacks that have become a critical threat to the integrity, reliability, security, and trustworthiness of integrated circuits (ICs) applications. These deliberately hidden malicious entities can be inserted into the IC during manufacturing or design, potentially leading to the leakage of secret information or the deactivation or destruction of the entire system that relies on the IC hardware chips. Localizing and detecting hardware Trojans is becoming increasingly challenging as these threats are deeply embedded and electronic systems continue to grow in complexity. Traditional methods, including physical inspections and functional testing, are increasingly inadequate. They are limited in scope and often fall short when confronted with the advanced designs of modern hardware Trojans.This study aims to improve the identification of hardware Trojans (HTs) in integrated circuits by using advanced machine learning algorithms with a unique dataset of power side-channel signals. Various machine learning techniques, such as Support Vector Machines (SVM), neural networks, and decision trees, are applied to classify and identify HTs accurately. This method combines comprehensive feature extraction and model validation to provide high accuracy and reliability in HT identification. This research makes significant contributions to cybersecurity by providing improved techniques for detecting minor anomalies associated with HTs using advanced machine learning algorithms. The results show potential advances in securing electronic systems against these hidden threats, highlighting the practical significance and necessity of our work in maintaining a wide range of applications from consumer electronics to national infrastructure.

Influence of phase and dominance on ground reaction forces and upper extremity muscle activity during the modified-Closed Kinetic Chain Upper Extremity Stability Test

BackgroundThe Closed Kinetic Chain Upper Extremity Stability Test (CKCUEST) is a physical performance test designed to assess the upper extremity (UE) stability. However, only one outcome measure is provided for both UEs, limiting its application if the UEs are not similarly involved. Moreover, the changes in loads sustained by the support UE throughout the movement may influence the support UE stability. Additional knowledge on the underpinning biomechanical mechanics of the performance is therefore needed to better understand how to use the measure of the CKCUEST to design the athlete’s physical ability development or recovery. This study aimed to investigate the influence of phase and dominance on kinetic and support UE muscular demand during a modified-CKCUEST touch.MethodsTwenty-five male multisport athletes (age: 26.0 ± 11.3 years; mass: 77.8 ± 23.3 kg; height: 179.0 ± 6.5 cm) performed the modified-CKCUEST, i.e. hands at half span apart. The ground reaction forces (GRF) and activity of eight perihumeral and scapulothoracic muscles of support UE were recorded and analyzed according to the UE dominance and phase (takeoff vs. landing). Statistical non-Parametric Mapping analyses were used to assess the effects of dominance and phase on the support UE GRF and the effects of dominance, phase, and muscle on the support UE muscle activity.ResultsThe scapulothoracic and perihumeral muscles of the support UE were activated at low-to-very-high levels during the modified-CKCUEST touch. Variations in muscular activity over a touch were required to sustain variations in loads in medial, vertical, and posterior directions. Lower loads were observed during the takeoff phase than those during the landing phase (p < 0.05). Despite similar muscular activities in both UEs, the dominant UE sustained higher medial loads than the non-dominant UE (p < 0.05), while opposite results were observed for posterior loads (p < 0.05).ConclusionsThe modified-CKCUEST involves similar muscle activity of the support UE in response to varying loads sustained in different directions according to dominance. The quantitative assessment provided by the modified-CKCUEST score may be complemented by a qualitative observation of body displacements, allowing coaches and clinicians to identify limitations in the stability of the UEs.

The Brazilian Portuguese Version of the Behavioral Regulation in Exercise Questionnaire 3 (BREQ-3) Is Reliable and Valid for Assessing Motivational Regulations and Self-Determination in Exercise Among Adults Aged 50 Years or Older: A Methodological Study.

The study aimed to investigate the reliability, construct, and discriminant validity of the Behavioral Regulation in Exercise Questionnaire 3 (BREQ-3) for evaluating motivational regulations and self-determination for exercise in Brazilian adults aged 50 years or older. The study assessed motivation for exercise, peripheral muscle strength, physical performance, functional capacity, cardiovascular fitness, and frailty phenotype. Two raters independently applied the BREQ-3. The reliability was evaluated using internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and agreement. Construct validity was tested with Spearman's correlation coefficient and discriminant validity with the Kruskal-Wallis test. Eighty individuals participated in the reliability study, and 136 participated in the validation study. Motivational regulation and Self-Determination Index (SDI) internal consistency ranged from 0.55 to 0.82. Test-retest reliability ranged from 0.77 (95% CI 0.64-0.85) to 0.91 (95% CI 0.85-0.94), and inter-rater ranged from 0.80 (95% CI 0.68-0.87) to 0.92 (95% CI 0.88-0.95), except for amotivation, which had poor inter-rater and test-retest reliability. Additionally, moderate to weak correlations between various types of motivation and physical function tests were found (p < 0.05). Frail and pre-frail participants had lower SDI, integrated, and intrinsic motivation regulation than non-frail individuals (p < 0.05). This study confirmed the reliability, construct, and discriminative validity of the Brazilian Portuguese version of the BREQ-3 for evaluating motivational regulations and self-determination for exercise in older adults.

Health-related physical fitness in children among five Mediterranean countries: a cross-cultural study from the DELICIOUS project.

Health-related fitness (HRF) components are essential for supporting healthy growth and reducing long-term health risks in children. This study explored cross-cultural variations in HRF among children from five Mediterranean countries-Egypt, Italy, Lebanon, Portugal, and Spain-within the framework of the DELICIOUS project. A total of 860 children participated in the study, including 204 from Egypt (n = 204, 11.72 ± 1.46 years), 150 from Italy (9.66 ± 1.10 years), 200 from Lebanon (10.73 ± 1.90 years), 181 from Portugal (11.04 ± 1.83 years), and 125 from Spain (12.33 ± 2.27 years). Participants completed the International Physical Performance Test Profile (IPPTP), which assesses sprint speed (20 m dash), coordination (jumping sideways), upper body strength (push-ups), abdominal strength (sit-ups), lower body power (standing long jump), and cardiovascular endurance (6-min run). Children were categorized into two age groups: 8-10 and 11-14 years. ANCOVA, adjusting for BMI, was performed to analyze differences across countries and age groups. Analysis revealed significant differences in HRF across countries and age groups (p < 0.05). Spanish boys and girls consistently demonstrated superior sprint performance (20 m dash) and cardiovascular endurance (6-min run) compared to peers from other countries. Lebanese and Spanish girls exhibited stronger abdominal performance (sit-ups) than Egyptian girls, while Spanish girls also excelled in lower-body power (standing long jump). These findings underscore cross-cultural variations in HRF outcomes among Mediterranean children. Cross-cultural differences in physical education programs and sports participation appear to influence HRF in children across the Mediterranean region. These findings underscore the need for culturally tailored physical education strategies and public health initiatives to ensure balanced fitness development in diverse cultural populations.

Effects of 2 Combined Training Protocols on the Aerobic and Anaerobic Fitness, Technical Skills, and Psychophysiological Responses in Young Soccer Players.

Kilit, B, Chmura, P, Arslan, E, Soylu, Y, and Radziminski, Ł. Effects of 2 combined training protocols on the aerobic and anaerobic fitness, technical skills, and psychophysiological responses in young soccer players. J Strength Cond Res 39(1): 86-93, 2025-The study compared the effects of combining small-sided soccer games (SSGs) with high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and repeated sprint training (RST) on aerobic and anaerobic fitness, technical skills, and psychophysiological responses in young soccer players. Thirty-two male, adolescent, soccer players (aged 13.5 ± 0.3 years) were randomly divided into either the SSGs + HIIT group ( n = 16) or the SSGs + RST group ( n = 16) for combined training 3 times per week for 6 weeks. The players in the SSGs + HIIT group performed 12-18 minutes of runs at intensities (90-95%), whereas the players in the SSGs + RST group consisted of 3-4 sets of 5-7 times 15-m shuttle sprints (all-out efforts). Both training groups played 4 bouts of 2-a-side or 4-a-side SSGs with various game formats at 2-day intervals. Psychophysiological responses were determined during and after all training sessions. Before and after training interventions, the following physical performance tests were used: 5- to 30-m sprint time, countermovement jump, triple-hop distance, zigzag agility with the ball and without the ball, repeated sprint ability (RSA), 30-15 Intermittent Fitness Test, 3 corner run test, speed dribbling ability (SDA), Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level 1, and Y-balance test. Our main findings were that the SSGs + RST group demonstrated greater improvement in 5-m sprint time, SDA time, and RSA in the meantime compared with the SSGs + HIIT ( p ≤ 0.05, d values ranging from 1.50 to 2.25). Moreover, the SSGs + RST group showed greater improvement in agility test responses ( p ≤ 0.05, d values ranging from 2.13 to 2.34) than the SSGs + HIIT group. However, the SSGs + HIIT induced higher perceived exertion, mental effort, and lower greater physical enjoyment meaningfully compared with the SSGs + RST ( p ≤ 0.05, d values ranging from 6.04 to 6.67). In conclusion, these results demonstrate that the SSGs + RST is an effective training program to improve young soccer players' speed and agility-based performance responses.

Optimising early detection of degenerative cervical myelopathy: a systematic review of quantitative screening tools for primary care

BackgroundEarly diagnosis of degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM) is often challenging due to subtle, non-specific symptoms, limited disease awareness and a lack of definitive diagnostic criteria. As primary care physicians are...

OLDER ADULTS REPORTING FEAR OF FALLING PRESENT WITH REDUCED PHYSICAL FUNCTION

Abstract Falls pose a significant risk to older adults (OAs), often leading to fear of falling (FOF). This study investigated the prevalence and the impact of FOF on physical activity (PA), sedentary behavior (SB), and physical function in OAs living in a community-dwelling facility (CDF). Ninety-three OAs were included in the study. FOF was assessed using the following Yes/No question: “Are you afraid of falling”? PA and SB were self-reported, while physical function was assessed using a collection of objective tests. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics with significance set at p&amp;lt; 0.05. The prevalence of FOF was found to be 47.3% (36.9%–57.9%), with no significant differences between sex (Female: 48.4% (35.8%–61.3%) vs. Male: 44.8% (26.4%–64.3%); χ2(1, N=93) = 0.104, p=0.747) or falls history (zero falls: 43.9% (30.7%–57.6%) vs. One or more falls: 52.8% (35.5%–69.6%); χ2(1, N=93) = 0.704, p=0.401). OAs reporting FOF presented with significant (p&amp;lt; 0.05) lower performance in all physical function tests compared to those reporting no FOF. However, after controlling for the use of assistive devices (i.e., cane), the performance in some tests (i.e., Timed Up and Go, Timed 25-foot Walk; Short Physical Performance Battery subcomponent gait) lost significance (p&amp;gt;0.05). No significant differences were observed for PA and SB between groups with and without FOF (p&amp;gt;0.05). These findings suggest a high prevalence of FOF among the studied sample, worse physical function for OAs reporting FOF, and similar levels of PA and SB between FOF groups of OAs living in a CDF.

Green Environments and Healthy Aging: Analyzing the Role of Green Infrastructure in the Functional Well-Being of Seniors-A Pilot Study.

Health professionals have slowly integrated the environment and green areas into their prescriptions to connect patients with nature and outdoor activities. The World Health Organization recommends that everyone reside within 300 m of green regions to improve well-being and physical and mental health. The study aimed to explore the effects of urban and rural green areas on multiple physiological and functional variables, as well as evaluate the perception of individuals regarding the ease of use of these same spaces. Participants walked twice a week for six weeks, covering 1.6 km. Heart rate (HR), blood pressure (BP), oxygen saturation (SpO2), physical capacity analysis (IPAQ), risk of falls (Morse Fall Scale), Mini Mental State Examination, physical performance test (PPT), and perception of accessibility (Pedestrian Accessibility Perception Scale for adults over 65 years old) were evaluated/administered. Variables such as noise, temperature, and air quality were also measured during the outdoor activities. Twenty-four individuals divided into two groups participated in the study: group 1 (urban route) and group 2 (rural route). We found impacts on body weight (p = 0.021), SpO2 (p = 0.033), and Mini Mental State Examination (p = 0.041) scores in group 1 and SpO2 and PPT scores in group 2. This study highlights the importance of incorporating green infrastructure in urban planning to support healthy aging and improve accessibility for older adults, and shows that outdoor activities provide various health benefits (physical, mental, and social well-being) and that walking in urban and rural environments seems to impact the health of elderly individuals positively and should be considered in physical therapy by health professionals.

Factors Associated With Depression in Caregivers of Adults With Down Syndrome.

Family caregivers of those with developmental disabilities have higher rates of depression and anxiety compared with caregivers of those without development disability. Few studies have examined factors that contribute to caregiver depression, including the appraisal of caregiving responsibilities and the physical fitness and daily function of the care recipient. The purpose of this study was to identify intrapersonal (caregiver) and interpersonal (care recipient) factors associated with depressive symptoms in caregivers of adults with Down syndrome (DS). Twenty-four adults with DS participating in a 12-month physical activity trial completed physical fitness and function tests (VO2peak, hand grip strength, timed up and go, five times sit to stand) and activities of daily living (ADL) surveys at their baseline visit. Caregivers (n = 24) of the adults with DS completed surveys on caregiving distress, quality of life (QoL) and depressive symptoms. We evaluated the associations of these assessments on caregiver depressive symptoms using Mann-Whitney U tests and Spearman correlations. Adults with DS were 23 ± 7.5 years, 58% female; caregivers were 54 ± 10 years, 100% female, 96% family members. Caregiver depressive symptoms were significantly associated with caregiving distress (p = 0.024) and caregiving QoL (r = -0.58, p = 0.003). Hand grip strength of care recipients was inversely correlated with caregiver depressive symptoms (r = -0.45, p = 0.03), but other assessments of physical function and ADL were not associated with caregiver depressive symptoms. Caregiver depressive symptoms were related to modifiable factors related to the caregiver and care recipient. Intervening to improve caregiving appraisal and functional strength of the care recipient may positively impact caregiver mental health.

Preparation and Performance Study of Novel Foam Vegetation Concrete.

Vegetation concrete is one of the most widely used substrates in ecological slope protection, but its practical application often limits the growth and nutrient uptake of plant roots due to consolidation problems, which affects the effectiveness of slope protection. This paper proposed the use of a plant protein foaming agent as a porous modifier to create a porous, lightweight treatment for vegetation concrete. Physical performance tests, direct shear tests, plant growth tests, and scanning electron microscopy experiments were conducted to compare and analyze the physical, mechanical, microscopic characteristics, and phyto-capabilities of differently treated vegetation concrete. The results showed that the higher the foam content, the more significant the porous and lightweight properties of the vegetation concrete. When the foam volume was 50%, the porosity increased by 106.05% compared to the untreated sample, while the volume weight decreased by 20.53%. The shear strength, cohesion, and internal friction angle of vegetation concrete all showed a decreasing trend with increasing foaming agent content. Festuca arundinacea grew best under the 30% foaming agent treatment, with germinative energy, germinative percentage, plant height, root length, and underground biomass increasing by 6.31%, 13.22%, 8.57%, 18.71%, and 34.62%, respectively, compared to the untreated sample. The scanning electron microscope observation showed that the pore structure of vegetation concrete was optimized after foam incorporation. Adding plant protein foaming agents to modify the pore structure of vegetation concrete is appropriate, with an optimal foam volume ratio of 20-30%. This study provides new insights and references for slope ecological restoration engineering.

Long-Term Multimodal Exercise Intervention for Patients with Frontotemporal Lobar Degeneration: Feasibility and Preliminary Outcomes

Introduction: After Alzheimer’s disease, frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) is the second most common form of early-onset dementia. Despite the heavy burden of care for FTLD, pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments with sufficient efficacy remain scarce. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of a multimodal exercise program for FTLD and to examine preliminary changes in the clinical outcomes of the program in FTLD. Methods: This single-arm preliminary study was conducted from July 2017 to July 2018 and recruited 4 male patients with FTLD aged 60–78 years. Patients exercised under the supervision of an exercise instructor once every 2 weeks for 48 weeks. The multimodal exercise program comprised cognitive training, moderate-intensity continuous training, strength training, balance training, and flexibility and relaxation training. Feasibility was measured using dropout and attendance rates. Cognitive, psychological, physical, and behavioral function tests were conducted before and after the intervention. Results: All patients completed the intervention (100%) and attended well (93.6%). Positive changes in scores in the Stroop Color-Word Test (cognitive; 5 out of 6 items), Mood Check List-short form 2 (psychological), movement subscales of the Stereotypy Rating Inventory (behavioral), and Timed Up and Go (TUG, physical) assessments demonstrated a medium-to-high effect size (open effect size: 0.52–0.97). While there were improvements in some domains, such as recovery self-efficacy and exercise efficacy, the MMSE-J scores showed an overall slight decline, especially in the semantic dementia case where a marked decrease was observed. Additionally, three physical function items showed no effect, except for a positive outcome in the TUG test. Functional near-infrared spectroscopy revealed increased activation in the frontal lobe, indicated by elevated oxygenated hemoglobin levels before and after the exercise intervention. This pattern of activation suggests that the intervention may have stimulated neural activity in the frontal lobe, potentially enhancing cognitive and behavioral functions, including executive function and attention. Conclusion: The long-term multimodal exercise intervention may be feasible and positively change the cognitive, psychological, physical, and behavioral functions in older adults with FTLD. Although the intervention led to improvements in certain areas, there were also declines observed in various functions, which may not necessarily be due to the intervention itself but rather reflect the natural progression of the disease.

Progressive Multicomponent Intervention for Older Adults in Home Health Settings Following Hospitalization: Randomized Clinical Trial.

Reduced physical function following hospitalization places older adults at risk of adverse health events. Many older adults receive home health physical therapy to reverse their deconditioning; however, optimal approaches to improve physical function are currently not known. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a home health care approach comprised of high-intensity exercise, enhanced care transition, and protein supplementation. Eligible participants included adults aged 65years or older referred to home health care following hospitalization. Two hundred older adults who are medically complex were enrolled and were randomized 1:1 to (1) a high-intensity progressive, multi-component (PMC) intervention or (2) enhanced usual care (UC) comparison group. All participants received 12 visits over 60days. The primary study outcome was change in the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) from baseline to 60days. Secondary outcomes included gait speed (usual, fast), modified Physical Performance Test, grip strength, Fatigue Severity Scale, Falls Efficacy Scale-International, physical activity (step count), and adverse events (falls, emergency department visits, hospitalizations). All outcomes were collected at baseline, then 30, 60, 90, and 180 days post baseline. There was no difference in 60-day SPPB change between groups with both groups experiencing significant improvements (PMC = 1.53 [95% CI: 1.00-2.05]; enhanced UC = 1.39 [95% CI = 0.89-1.88]). Differences were also not observed in secondary measures or adverse events at any time point. An intervention consisting of high-intensity exercise, enhanced care transition, and protein supplementation was not associated with greater functional improvement at 60days compared to enhanced UC in older adults receiving home health physical therapy. The findings of this study demonstrate that a high-intensity progressive, multi-component intervention results in similar physical functional changes as an enhanced UC intervention in older adults who are medically complex and receiving home health care following hospital-associated deconditioning.

Does physical performance demonstrate patient-reported outcomes after lumbar spine surgery?

BackgroundDue to time and setting constraints in clinical practice, performing a comprehensive assessment with both questionnaires and physical performance tests may not be possible. This study aimed to demonstrate the relationship between physical performance and patient-reported outcomes in patients after Lumbar Spine Surgery (LSS).MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted with 50 participants who were followed up at least six months after LSS. Participants were evaluated using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for activity and rest, Modified Oswestry Disability Index (mODI), Lumbar Spine Instability Questionnaire (LSIQ), One Leg Stance Test (OLST), Semi-Tandem Stance Test (STST), 4 m Gait Speed Test (4MGS), and Timed Up and Go Test (TUG).ResultsOLST was moderately correlated with the mODI (r=-0.442, p < 0.01). STST moderately correlated with mODI (r=-0.356, p < 0.05). TUG was strongly correlated with mODI (r = 0.564, p < 0.01). In addition, TUG showed a moderate correlation with a-VAS and LSIQ, respectively (r1 = 0.392, r2 = 0.475, p < 0.01). A strong correlation was found between 4MGS and mODI (r=-0.535, p < 0.01). 4MGS had a moderate correlation with LSIQ (r=-0.374, p < 0.01). A regression model summary showed that the TUG, OLST, and STST were not related to r-VAS, a-VAS, mODI, and LSIQ (p > 0.01). Higher gait speed on the 4MGS test was strongly associated with lower mODI scores (standardized ß=-0.538, p = 0.021).ConclusionLess activity pain and disability are associated with good balance and performance. 4MGS can mostly predict patient-reported function in patients after LSS.

Eccentric Resistance Exercise Effects on Older Adults With Metabolic Syndrome

Background This nonrandomized pilot study explored how whole-body eccentric resistance exercise training (ECC-RT) would change physical fitness and health parameters of older adults with metabolic syndrome symptoms. We hypothesized that ECC-RT would effectively improve neuromuscular and cardio-metabolic parameters. Methods Six men and 11 women aged between 62 and 79 (70.0 ± 5.0) years with body mass index &amp;gt;25 kg · m−2, dyslipidemia, and some indications of metabolic syndrome participated in this study. All performed 8 ECC-RT exercises of the major muscle groups twice a week for 8 weeks with a gradual increase in intensity from 10% to 100% of their maximal concentric strength assessed by 1-repetition maximum (1-RM) for each exercise. Before and after the training intervention, 1-RM strength of all exercises, physical function tests, sensory organization test (SOT) for balance, body composition, and some cardio-metabolic blood markers were measured. Results All participants completed 16 training sessions without any injuries or adverse effects. The concentric 1-RM strength increased (P &amp;lt; 0.05) for all exercises from baseline by 34.1% ± 13.8% (lateral pulldown) to 115.8% ± 108.7% (calf raise). Significant (P &amp;lt; 0.05) improvement of 400-m walk (12.8% ± 6.7%), repeated chair rise (18.6% ± 16.4%), timed up and go (13.6% ± 6.0%), and vestibular (26.1% ± 37.9%) and total score (6.5% ± 8.3%) in SOT were evident, although large variations in responses were observed among participants. However, no significant changes in body composition and blood markers were found. Conclusion The ECC-RT was tolerable for all participants and was effective for improving muscle strength and some physical function tests, but did not affect the metabolic syndrome parameters, possibly because of the short intervention period and small sample size.