Differences In Physical Performance Research Articles

Field-based physical fitness assessment in preschool children in China

BackgroundPhysical fitness in the preschool years is considered a marker of current and future health. Therefore, understanding physical fitness levels of preschool children is necessary. Furthermore, the use of field-based methods to measure physical fitness is essential for assessing children in authentic venues such as schools. Hence, the main purpose of this study was to describe the physical fitness of Chinese preschool children across field-based methods considering a statement of confidence intervals for reference in physical fitness in each age and genders.MethodsA total of 619 children (296 boys and 323 girls) aged 3–6 years old from China participated in the present study. Physical fitness was measured using the Chinese National Physical Fitness Measurement (CNPFM-Pre) battery, which included the tennis ball throw (upper-limb muscular strength), standing long jump (lower-limb muscular strength), shuttle run test (speed-agility), double-leg timed hop (coordination), sit-and-reach (flexibility), and balance beam test (dynamic balance).ResultsThe results revealed significant differences in gender for standing long jump (SLJ; η2 = 0.012, p = 0.007), tennis ball throw (TT; η2 = 0.081, p < 0.001), sit-and-reach (SR; η2 = 0.114, p < 0.001), and one-legged stance test (OST; η2 = 0.037, p < 0.001). Age had positive effects on all physical fitness performance tests, as the shuttle run test (η2 = 0.672, p < 0.001), SLJ (η2 = 0.513, p < 0.001), TT (η2 = 0.394, p < 0.001), double-legged timed hop test (DTH; η2 = 0.445, p < 0.001), SR (η2 = 0.069, p < 0.001), balance beam test (BBT; η2 = 0.367, p < 0.001), and OST (η2 = 0.336, p < 0.001). Older preschool children performed better than their younger counterparts in all the tests. No significant interactions between age groups and gender were found.ConclusionsThis study provided age- and gender-specific physical fitness performance data in Chinese preschool children. Gender differences in physical fitness tests performance already exists at the preschool age. All physical fitness component results increased with age in this cohort. These findings can help healthcare, physical education, and pediatric professionals understand the physical fitness development of preschool children at different ages and help design sports tasks for preschool boys and girls.

Sex differences in human performance.

Sex as a biological variable is an underappreciated aspect of biomedical research, with its importance emerging in more recent years. This review assesses the current understanding of sex differences in human physical performance. Males outperform females in many physical capacities because they are faster, stronger and more powerful, particularly after male puberty. This review highlights key sex differences in physiological and anatomical systems (generally conferred via sex steroids and puberty) that contribute to these sex differences in human physical performance. Specifically, we address the effects of the primary sex steroids that affect human physical development, discuss insight gained from an observational study of 'real-world data' and elite athletes, and highlight the key physiological mechanisms that contribute to sex differences in several aspects of physical performance. Physiological mechanisms discussed include those for the varying magnitude of the sex differences in performance involving: (1) absolute muscular strength and power; (2) fatigability of limb muscles as a measure of relative performance; and (3) maximal aerobic power and endurance. The profound sex-based differences in human performance involving strength, power, speed and endurance, and that are largely attributable to the direct and indirect effects of sex-steroid hormones, sex chromosomes and epigenetics, provide a scientific rationale and framework for policy decisions on sex-based categories in sports during puberty and adulthood. Finally, we highlight the sex bias and problem in human performance research of insufficient studies and information on females across many areas of biology and physiology, creating knowledge gaps and opportunities for high-impact studies.

Relative Strength and Physical Performance in US Army Male and Female Soldiers.

Grier, T, Benedict, T, Mahlmann, O, and Canham-Chervak, M. Relative Strength and Physical Performance in U.S. Army Male and Female Soldiers. J Strength Cond Res 38(8): 1479-1485, 2024-In occupations with high physical demands, strength relative to bodymass is an important measure as it signifies an individual's ability to control and move their body mass through space. The purpose of this investigation was to examine physical characteristics, training, and performance based on different magnitudes of relative strength. Subjects were 1,806 male and 319 female US Army soldiers. Sex, age, height, body mass, and physical training data were obtained by an electronic survey. Physical performance was measured by the Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT), which includes a three-repetition maximum deadlift, standing power throw, hand release push-up, sprint-drag-carry, leg tuck, and two-mile run. The relative body mass deadlifted was calculated and categorized into 4 groups for men and 3 groups for women. An analysis of variance and post hoc least significant difference test were used to evaluate the differences in relative strength and physical performance. Overall, 33% of men deadlifted ≥1.5 times their body mass, while 30% of women deadlifted ≥1.25 times their body mass. Men and women deadlifting the highest percentage of their body mass (≥1.5 times for men and ≥1.25 times for women) outperformed those with lower relative strength within their own sex in all 6 ACFT events. In 4 of the 6 ACFT events, women who deadlifted ≥1.25 times their body mass had similar performance compared with men deadlifting 1 to 1.24 times their body mass and outperformed men deadlifting <1 times their body mass. Greater strength relative to body mass was associated with higher physical performance.

High physical activity is associated with greater cortical bone size, better physical function, and with lower risk of incident fractures independently of clinical risk factors in older women from the SUPERB study.

The Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (PASE) is a validated test to assess physical activity in older people. It has not been investigated if physical activity, according to PASE, is associated with fracture risk independently from the clinical risk factors (CRFs) in FRAX, bone mineral density (BMD), comorbidity, and if such an association is due to differences in physical performance or bone parameters. The purpose of this study was to evaluate if PASE score is associated with bone characteristics, physical function, and independently predicts incident fracture in 3014 75-80-yr-old women from the population-based cross-sectional SUPERB study. At baseline, participants answered questionnaires and underwent physical function tests, detailed bone phenotyping with DXA, and high-resolution peripheral quantitative CT. Incident fractures were X-ray verified. Cox regression models were used to assess the association between PASE score and incident fractures, with adjustments for CRFs, femoral neck (FN) BMD, and Charlson comorbidity index. Women were divided into quartiles according to PASE score. Quartile differences in bone parameters (1.56% for cortical volumetric BMD and 4.08% for cortical area, Q4 vs Q1, p = .007 and p = .022, respectively) were smaller than quartile differences in physical performance (27% shorter timed up and go test, 52% longer one leg standing time, Q4 vs Q1). During 8yr (median, range 0.20-9.9) of follow-up, 1077 women had any fracture, 806 a major osteoporotic fracture (MOF; spine, hip, forearm, humerus), and 236 a hip fracture. Women in Q4 vs. Q1 had 30% lower risk of any fracture, 32% lower risk of MOF, and 54% lower risk of hip fracture. These associations remained in fully adjusted models. In conclusion, high physical activity was associated with substantially better physical function and a lower risk of any fracture, MOF and hip fracture, independently of risk factors used in FRAX, FN BMD, and comorbidity.

Effect of 10-Week Whole-Body Vibration Training on Falls and Physical Performance in Older Adults: A Blinded, Randomized, Controlled Clinical Trial with 1-Year Follow-Up.

Whole-body vibration training (WBV) training has shown positive effects on bone strength, muscle strength, and balance, but the evidence on fall prevention is not yet persuasive. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of WBV training in preventing falls and improving physical performance among older adults at fall risk. The study was an assessor- and participant-blinded, randomized, and controlled 10-week training trial with a 10-month follow-up. One hundred and thirty older adults (mean age 78.5 years, 75% women) were randomly allocated into the WBV group (n = 68) and the low-intensity wellness group (n = 62). Falls were prospectively collected using monthly returned and verified diaries. Physical performance was evaluated at baseline before randomization, after the intervention, and follow-up with established methods. The data were analyzed on an intention-to-treat basis. Negative binomial regression was used to estimate the incidence rate ratios for falls, and Cox regression models were used to calculate the hazard ratios for fallers. Between-group differences in physical performance were estimated by generalized linear mixed models. The retention rate was 93%, and the mean adherence to the WBV training was 88% and 86% to the wellness training. Sixty-eight participants fell at least once, and there were 156 falls in total. In the WBV group, the incidence rate of falls was 1.5 (95% confidence interval 0.9 to 2.5) compared to the wellness group (p = 0.11). The hazard ratio for fallers in the WBV group was 1.29 (0.78 to 2.15) (p = 0.32). There was no between-group difference in physical performance after the training period, but by the end of the follow-up, WBV-related benefits appeared. The chair-rising capacity was maintained in the WBV group, while the benefit disappeared in the wellness group (p = 0.004). Also, the 0.5-point difference in short physical performance battery (SPPB) score favored WBV training (p = 0.009). In conclusion, progressive side-alternating WBV training was feasible and well-tolerated among fall-prone older adults. During the one-year follow-up, WBV training was associated with improved physical performance but did not prevent falls compared to chair-based group exercises.

A New Approach to Individualize Physical Activity Interventions for Individuals With Dementia: Cluster Analysis Based on Physical and Cognitive Performance.

Physical activity (PA) can have a beneficial effect on cognitive and physical performance in individuals with dementia (IWD), including those residing in nursing homes. However, PA interventions in nursing homes are usually delivered using a group setting, which may limit the effectiveness of the intervention due to the heterogenous nature of IWD. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to identify clusters based on cognitive and physical performance values, which could be used to improve individualization of PA interventions. Based on the cognitive and physical performance variables of 230 IWD, a cluster analysis was conducted. Global cognition (Mini-Mental State Examination), mobility (6-Meter Walking Test), balance (Frailty and Injuries: Cooperative Studies of Intervention Techniques-subtest-4), and strength and function of lower extremities (30-Second Chair-Stand Test) were assessed, and values were used to perform a hierarchical cluster analysis with Ward's method. Differences in physical and cognitive performance as well as other secondary outcomes (age, sex, body mass index, use of walking aids, diagnosis and etiology of dementia, number of medications, and Cumulative Illness Rating Scale) were tested using 1-factorial analyses of variance. Out of 230 data sets, 3-cluster solutions were identified with similar cluster sizes of 73 to 79. The silhouette coefficients for all calculated clusters ranged between 0.15 and 0.34. The cluster solutions were discussed in the context of cognitive and physical functions as well as training modalities and opportunities. The 4-cluster solution appears to be best suited for providing or developing an individualized PA intervention. The identified clusters of the 4-cluster solution may be used in future research to improve individualization of dementia-specific PA interventions. By assigning IWD to these clusters, more homogenous groups with regard to cognitive and physical performance can be formed. This allows for more individualized PA interventions and may result in a higher effectiveness, particularly in nursing homes. Our findings are relevant for therapists and nursing staff who design or deliver PA interventions in nursing homes or similar settings.

Gender Differences in Physical Performance and Psychological Assessment Among Cuban National Athletics Team

Introduction: Elite sports pose potential health risks, but are vital to the well-being of society. In Cuban society, sport is an integral part of personal development and public health, fostering unity and promoting female participation for sustainable growth. Athletics is one of the most important sports in Cuban sport, and should be approached both from the point of view of sports training and sports psychology. Purpose: The aim of this study was to provide a description of conditional variables in a countermovement jump (CMJ), mood profile, self-efficacy, and the leg-hip height index among athletes from the Cuban national athletics pre-selection team, differentiated by gender. Methods: Our sample consisted of the Cuban national athletics pre-selection team. Results: Mood profile analysis using the Profile of Mood States (POMS) did not reveal significant gender differences, with a small effect size for gender. Men showed a slightly greater trend towards vigor compared to women. Significant differences in self-efficacy were observed between men and women in their confidence levels to achieve jump heights between 21 and 40 cm using the CMJ. However, no significant differences were found for jumps exceeding 40 cm, highlighting the importance of strategies to enhance athletes’ psychological needs and self-efficacy. Conclusions: This study suggests that the association between tension-related anxiety and performance indicators related to jump height may play a crucial role in determining specific profiles in male and female Cuban athletes. Our comprehensive analysis contributes to understanding gender differences in performance factors. These findings provide valuable insights for future research and athlete development strategies.

The association between HIV infection, disability and lifestyle activity among middle-aged and older adults: an analytical cross-sectional study in Ivory Coast (the VIRAGE study)

IntroductionPeople living with HIV (PLWH) live longer and face new health challenges resulting from the confluence of chronic HIV infection and the natural effect of aging and comorbidities. However, there is a dearth of information on the long-term impact of HIV infection on the health and wellbeing of PLWH in sub-Saharan Africa. This research aimed to fill this gap by reporting on physical, functional and social outcomes among PLWH treated at a referral center in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, and comparing them with those of a control group.MethodsBody composition, functional capacity, sarcopenia, limitations in daily activities and social participation were assessed among 300 PLWH (aged ≥ 30 years) and 200 uninfected adults of similar age and sex. The associations between these outcomes and participants’ socioeconomic characteristics, HIV history and physical activity level were assessed using generalized additive models adjusted for age and sex.ResultsThe median age was 51 years, and the median antiretroviral therapy duration was 15 years. Compared to controls, PLWH reported higher levels of physical activity (p < 0.0001). They had a lower muscle index (adjusted p < 0.0001) and grip strength (adjusted p < 0.0001) but achieved similar performance on the 6-min walk test (6MWT, p = 0.2). Among PLWH, physical activity level was positively associated with better performance in the 6MWT (p = 0.006) and greater hand grip strength (p = 0.04). The difference in physical performance according to the level of physical activity appeared mainly after the age of 60. PLWH reported similar rates of activity limitations (p = 0.8), lower depression levels and greater scores for social functioning (p = 0.02).ConclusionIn this study, PLWH achieved high levels of physical activity, which may explain why they maintained good physical performance and social functioning despite having a higher risk of sarcopenia. These results have important implications for resource-limited health systems and show avenues for chronic care models.Trial registrationThis study was registered on the ClinicalTrials.gov website (NCT05199831, first registration the 20/01/2022).

The Comparison of Position-Specific Match Performance between the Group and Knockout Stage of the UEFA Champions League

This study aimed to compare match performance in the group and knockout stage of the UEFA Champions League (UCL) for players in different playing positions. The information on physical and technical performances was collected during all UCL matches (n=125) in the 2022/23 season. Players’ observations (n=1387) were classified according to their playing positions as central defender (CD; n=471), fullback (FB; n=283), central midfielder (CM; n=376), winger (WM; n=137) and forward (FW; n=104). No differences in technical performance between the group and knockout stage were found for CDs, FBs, CMs, and WMs, while only FWs achieved significantly less shots on target (Cohen’s d (d=0.46), total passes (d=0.54), successful passes (d=0.49), and more duels (d=0.39) in the knockout compared to the group stage. The CDs, CMs, and WMs covered greater distance at moderate (d=0.46–0.63) and high (d=0.29–0.38) speeds in the knockout compared to the group stage, while no differences in physical performance between the group and knockout stage were found for FBs and FWs. This study demonstrated that (i) the technical performance of UCL players was in general stable irrespective of the competition stage, (ii) matches played in the knockout stage were characterized by greater match intensity compared to the matches played in the group stage of UCL for CDs, CMs, and WMs. These findings may help football coaches in the decision-making process when selecting the players for specific matches and designing training programs.

High dose vitamin D supplementation decreases the risk of deficiency in male conscripts, but has no effect on physical performance-A randomized study.

Physical load during military training might increase the need for vitamin D; therefore, supplementation could be beneficial for 25(OH)D serum levels and physical performance. One hundred and twelvemale conscripts were randomized into two vitamin D oil capsule supplementation groups: 55 participants in the 600 IU group and 57 in the 4000 IU group with a follow-up period from July 2021 to May 2022. Physical fitness tests were performed in July, October and May. Hand grip strength tests were performed in July, October and January. Blood serum (25(OH)D), parathyroid hormone PTH), calciumand ionized calcium (i-Ca) values were measured in July, October, January and May. The 600 IU group had a lower (p < 0.001) value of 25(OH)D at all time points compared to the 4000 IU group, except at baseline. None of the subjects in the 600 IU group reached sufficient levels of 75 nmol/L of 25(OH)D in January and May. In May, 60% of participants in the 600 IU group and 30% in the 4000 IU group had 25(OH)D levels under 50 nmol/L. No significant differences in PTH or i-Ca values were found between the study groups at any time point. No significant differences at any time point were found in the physical fitness test or hand grip strength test between the groups. A 10-month vitamin D supplementation with 4000 IU decreased the incidence of vitamin D deficiency (<75 nmol/L) in young, male army conscripts during wintertime, but no differences in physical performance were found compared to 600 IU supplementation. Level I, Prospective randomized study.

Physical attributes and performance differences: Server vs. spiker players in men’s doubles sepak takraw

Background Problems: Scientific research exploring the comparative analysis of the physical, physiological, and anthropometric characteristics associated with the server and spiker positions in double-category sepak takraw remains relatively scarce. Research Objectives: This study aims to compare the physical, physiological, and anthropometric characteristics between players in the server and spiker positions in the double category of sepak takraw. Methods: The research method used is an observational study with a quantitative approach. This study consisted of 18 male sepak takraw athletes, with 9 athletes each playing as servers and 9 athletes playing as spikers. The statistical analyses were conducted utilizing the SPSS Version 22 application. Findings and Results: The results of this study showed that there were statistically significant differences in body height, aerobic capacity, and leg strength between server and speaker positions (p &lt; 0.05). Meanwhile, there were no significant differences in the variables age, weight, BMI, fat percentage, speed, agility, and flexibility. Dynamic, attractive game requirements and manoeuvres in the air for players in the spiker position have the potential to contribute to superior VO2max values and increased leg muscle strength compared to players in the server position. Conclusion: The conclusion of this study is that athletes in the spiker position show superior anthropometric and physiological attributes compared to those in the server position. Different understandings of the different characteristics associated with each position in the sport of sepak takraw provide new insights and views for coaches and athletes themselves. In addition, it is hoped that this research will have implications for optimizing training programs that adapt to the demands of each position. Furthermore, these findings serve as a reference for talent search events that assist in the identification and development of athletes with optimal physiological profiles for their respective roles in double-category sepak takraw.

Hormonal Basis of Biological Sex Differences in Human Athletic Performance.

Biological sex is a primary determinant of athletic human performance involving strength, power, speed, and aerobic endurance and is more predictive of athletic performance than gender. This perspective article highlights 3 key medical and physiological insights related to recent evolving research into the sex differences in human physical performance: (1) sex and gender are not the same; (2) males and females exhibit profound differences in physical performance with males outperforming females in events and sports involving strength, power, speed, and aerobic endurance; (3) endogenous testosterone underpins sex differences in human physical performance with questions remaining on the roles of minipuberty in the sex differences in performance in prepubescent youth and the presence of the Y chromosome (SRY gene expression) in males, on athletic performance across all ages. Last, females are underrepresented as participants in biomedical research, which has led to a historical dearth of information on the mechanisms for sex differences in human physical performance and the capabilities of the female body. Collectively, greater effort and resources are needed to address the hormonal mechanisms for biological sex differences in human athletic performance before and after puberty.

Resting-state Functional Connectivity of the Motor and Cognitive Areas is Preserved in Masters Athletes

Aging is characterized by a decline in physical and cognitive functions, often resulting in decreased quality of life. Physical activity has been suggested to potentially slow down various aspects of the aging process, a theory that has been supported by studies of Masters Athletes (MA). For example, MA usually have better cognitive and physical functions than age-matched sedentary and healthy older adults (OA), making them a valuable model to gain insights into mechanisms that promote physical and cognitive function with aging. The purpose of this study was to identify differences in resting-state functional connectivity (rs-FC) of motor and cognitive regions between MA and OA and determine if these differences in the resting brain are associated with differences in cognitive and physical performance between groups. Fifteen MA (9 males) and 12 age-matched OA (six males) were included. rs-FC images were compared to identify significant between-groups differences in brain connectivity. There was higher connectivity between the cognitive and motor networks for the OA group, whereas the MA group had stronger connectivity between different regions within the same network, both for the cognitive and the motor networks. These results are in line with the literature suggesting that aging reduces the segregation between functional networks and causes regions within the same network to be less strongly connected. High-level physical activity practiced by the MA most likely contributes to attenuating aging-related changes in brain functional connectivity, preserving clearer boundaries between different functional networks, which may ultimately favor maintenance of efficient cognitive and sensorimotor processing.

Influence of dynapenic obesity on inflammation and muscle quality in oldest-old patients

Introduction: Aging is associated with a decrease in strength (dynapenia) and an increase in body fat. Both obesity and dynapenia negatively influence health in the oldest old. When these two variables coexist, called dynapenic obesity (DO), these further harms the older adult's health. Objective: To verify the influence of dynapenic obesity on inflammation, physical performance, and muscle quality in the oldest old with and without DO. Methods: Forty-six oldest old participants were included in this study, and sociodemographic, muscle strength, body composition, physical performance, and cytokine data were collected. The sample was divided into DO and control groups to compare the variables. Results: The DO group had higher levels of inflammation, lower levels of absolute handgrip strength, and field muscle quality index than the control group, but with no difference in physical performance or laboratory muscle quality index. Conclusion: Therefore, this study points to dynapenic obesity as an important variable that should be evaluated and considered in the oldest old to prevent possible adverse outcomes in this population.

Age-Related Differences in Physical Fitness and Performance of an “Ability Test” among Firefighters

This study’s primary objective was to examine the differences in body composition, abdominal strength, absolute and relative power, handgrip strength, one repetition maximum for squat and bench press, and the maximum count of push-up and sit-up repetitions executed within a minute across different age cohorts of firefighters. Furthermore, this study aimed to evaluate the age-related differences in firefighters’ completion times of six firefighting tasks. Eighty-four male volunteer firefighters (age 33.79 ± 6.97 years) were grouped into three age categories, 20–30 years, 31–40 years, and 41–50 years, and underwent the aforementioned evaluations. One-way analysis of variance (MANOVA) revealed that age exerts a statistically significant influence (p &lt; 0.001) on body fat percentage, waist circumference, and waist-to-hip ratio. Furthermore, age significantly affected the overall time of the ability test (p &lt; 0.001) and the duration required to accomplish each individual task (p &lt; 0.001). Additionally, age significantly affected abdominal strength, relative power (as measured by the step test), and the maximum count of push-up and sit-up repetitions performed within a minute. These outcomes support earlier research indicating an age-associated decrement in physical fitness parameters among firefighters. It is recommended that firefighters prioritize maintaining strength and endurance of the abdominal muscles, upper body muscular endurance, and a healthy body weight. The emphasis on specific muscular groups is essential for improving task performance within this profession.

Comparative Analysis of Physical Activity, Performance-Related Health, and Academic Achievements in 11-to-13-Year-Old Schoolchildren in Qatar.

Age-related differences in physical activity (PA), maturity status (PHV), physical performance (PP), and academic achievement (AA) among schoolchildren in Qatar were examined. Sixty-nine students from a school in Doha were categorized into three equal (n = 23) groups: 11-year-old students (U11; male: n = 14), 12-year-old students (U12: male: n = 7), and 13-year-old students (U13: male: n = 11). The testing process comprised a medicine ball throw, Stork balance test, hand grip strength test, the T-half test (PP), GPA in Arabic, mathematics, science (AA), International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short Form (PA), and Moore's equations (PHV). Relevant age-related differences (p < 0.001) were identified in mathematics, science, the T-half test, maturity, and arm span. Notably, differences between adjacent age groups were evident between U11 and U12, concerning arm span, maturity, mathematics, and science, and between U12 and U13 (the T-half test, mathematics, science). Concerning AP, the performance maxima were calculated for U12 (mathematics, science) and U11 (Arabic). Regarding PP, performance maxima were only observed for U13. Except for the moderate level, the highest levels of PA were detected in U13. Maturity status and anthropometric parameters did not differ significantly between age groups. However, AA demonstrated the most notable age-related differences. Specifically, mathematics showed substantial differences between adjacent age groups.

Edward F. Adolph Distinguished Lecture. Age and sex differences in the limits of human performance: fatigability and real-world data.

High-level athletic performances may be a proxy for the trajectory of optimal function of human biology with advanced aging and the differences between males and females. Males are faster, stronger, and more powerful than females and these physical attributes decline dramatically with advanced aging for both sexes. Experimental mechanistic studies determine the physiological mechanisms for these sex and age differences in human physical performance. The assumption however, that real-world performances solely reflect the biological and physiological differences between the sexes and with advanced aging, even among elite athletes, is not complete. This review presents evidence that an integrated approach encompassing analysis of real-world data and experimental mechanistic studies is necessary to determine the biological and sociocultural factors attributed to the limits of performance with aging and between males and females. First, experimental studies are presented that focus on the sex and age differences in performance fatigability that determine the physiological mechanisms of absolute and relative exercise performance. Second, analysis of current and historical real-world data including world records, and performances of elite, collegiate, and competitive age-group athletes are highlighted. These data illustrate that the upper limits of physical performance that have changed historically, and other factors such as sociocultural influences, explain the widening of the sex and age gaps in human performance observed in real-world data even in present-day performances. These approaches have broader significance when applied to understanding the impact of the historically low representation of females and minority groups in biomedical research on health outcomes.

Lighting the way: Exploring diurnal physical performance differences in school-aged visually impaired children and adolescents

ABSTRACT Circadian rhythms play a pivotal role in governing various physiological processes, including physical performance. However, in individuals deprived of light perception, such as the blind, these circadian rhythms face disruption. This study aimed to explore the influence of disturbed circadian rhythms on short-term maximal physical performance in children and adolescents with visual impairment. Forty-five volunteers participated in this study, comprising 17 blind, 13 visually impaired, and 15 sighted participants. The participants underwent a series of tests assessing maximal isometric strength performance across two days. To mitigate the influence of morning session fatigue on the evening results, each participant group performed in two separate testing sessions (i.e. in the morning (7:00 h) and in the evening (17:00 h)) on non-consecutive days in a randomized and counterbalanced setting, with approximately 36 h of recovery time between sessions. To mitigate the impact of inter-individual differences on mean values and to account for the influence of age and sex on the studied variables, data were normalized. The outcomes revealed a significant diurnal variation in maximal isometric strength performance among sighted individuals, with peak performance observed in the evening. This pattern aligns with their well-entrained circadian rhythm. In contrast, blind and visually impaired individuals did not display significant diurnal variation, signaling disrupted circadian rhythms due to the absence of light perception. These findings emphasize the crucial consideration of circadian rhythms in assessments of physical performance, especially among participants with visual impairments.

Impact of Attentional Focus on Dance Performance: A Critically Appraised Topic.

Dancing is a demanding esthetic activity with dancers having an 85% annual injury incident rate when performing complex dance motor skills. Teachers and clinicians use a combination of external and internal attentional cues when teaching dancers motor skills and when working on rehabilitation programs with injured dancers, respectively. External attentional focus (ie,focusing on movement outcome) reportedly results in superior performance than internal attentional focus (ie,focus on body movements). Interestingly, dancers reportedly often adopt an internal focus when dancing. Still, limited literature exists examining the effects of attentional focus on dancers' performance. How does attentional focus (external or internal) impact performance in dancers? Four original quasi-experimental studies met inclusion criteria. In the current examination, we found mixed results about the impact of attentional focus in dancers. Specifically, using an external attentional focus resulted in better performance in 2 studies, but these findings were limited to lesser experienced dancers. Experienced dancers did not have any physical performance differences when using external or internal focus. Internal focus also did not negatively affect dancers' performance in 2 studies. Some authors noted positive motivational effects (eg,increased perceived competence) when dancers used external focus. Low-quality evidence exists supporting the notion that in less experienced dance students, external focus improves performance. In experienced dancers, the type of attentional focus did not impact performance. External focus provides positive mental effects. Thus, clinicians working with dancers can integrate individualized feedback according to dancer level, with a preference toward external focus due to positive mental effects, to design optimal training and rehabilitation programs. Grade B evidence exists supporting the notion that an external attentional focus improves performance in less experienced dance students and also has positive mental effects. Internal attentional focus does not impede experienced dancers' performance.

Walking and physical performance in black and white adults with multiple sclerosis controlling for social determinants of health

BackgroundThere is evidence for reduced walking and physical performance in persons with multiple sclerosis (MS) compared with healthy controls (HCs). There is further evidence suggesting increased overall mobility disability in Black persons with MS compared with White counterparts, yet little is known about the interplay of social determinants of health (SDOH) when considering differences in walking and physical performance. PurposeThis cross-sectional, comparative study examined differences in walking and physical performance in Black and White persons with MS and HCs (MS Status), statistically controlling for SDOH. MethodsThe study sample consisted of 208 persons with MS (141 White participants and 67 Black participants) and 95 HCs (59 White participants and 36 Black participants). Walking and physical function were measured using timed 25-foot walk (T25FW), six-minute walk (6MW), timed-up-and-go (TUG), and short physical performance battery (SPPB). We examined the differences in the walking and physical functions as a function of MS Status (MS vs. HCs) and Race (Black vs. White) using Multivariate Analysis of Covariance, controlling for age, sex, marital status and SDOH (i.e., education, employment, income). ResultsThere were no significant interactions between MS Status and Race on the outcomes, and the main effects of MS Status and Race remained statistically significant, controlling for SDOH and covariates. The main effects indicated significant lower T25FW (F = 34.6, p < .001, Ƞp2 = 0.11), 6MW (F = 58.5, p < .001, Ƞp2 = 0.18), TUG (F = 22.1, p < .001, Ƞp2 = 0.08), and SPPB (F = 25.2, p < .001, Ƞp2 = 0.09) performance for MS than HCs, and lower T25FW (F = 15.5, p < .001, Ƞp2 = 0.05), 6MW (F = 11.6, p < .001, Ƞp2 = 0.04), and TUG (F = 4.1, p < .05, Ƞp2 = 0.02) performance in Black than White samples. ConclusionsWe conclude that MS Status and Race independently influence walking and physical performance even after accounting for SDOH, and Black persons with MS have compromised walking and physical performance, perhaps necessitating focal rehabilitation.