Physical Performance Research Articles

Bioelectrical impedance analysis–derived phase angle predicts possible Sarcopenia in patients on maintenance hemodialysis: a retrospective study

BackgroundThe prevalence of possible sarcopenia is notably high among maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients. Possible sarcopenia, defined as a decrease in muscle strength and/or somatic function, is an early and reversible condition between non-sarcopenic and sarcopenia, and early recognition and intervention for possible sarcopenia is important for preventing adverse outcomes and improving the quality of life of these patients. This study aimed to establish a simple and effective model for screening and identifying MHD patients at high risk of possible sarcopenia by using 50 kHz-Whole Body Phase Angle (PhA), with a specific focus on gender differences.MethodsThis prospective cross-sectional study was conducted from September to December 2023 at the Wenjiang Hemodialysis Center in the Department of Nephrology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China. A total of 244 MHD patients, including 130 males and 114 females, were enrolled. Data were collected prospectively, including demographic information and physical measurements. All participants provided informed consent before enrollment. Measurements were taken post-dialysis to ensure consistency. The whole-body phase angle was measured using the InBody S10 device, grip strength was measured using an electronic grip strength tester, and physical function was assessed by the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB). The Skeletal Muscle Index (SMI) was also calculated.ResultsA total of 244 patients receiving hemodialysis were enrolled in this study. Among these, 109 patients were categorized as non-sarcopenic, 111 as having possible sarcopenia, and 24 as sarcopenic. The prevalence of sarcopenia among MHD patients is 9.8%, while the prevalence of possible sarcopenia is 45.5%. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis showed that for male patients, the AUC of PhA for predicting possible sarcopenia was 0.798, with a sensitivity of 80.36%, specificity of 69.70%, and a cutoff value of 6.20°. For female patients, the AUC of PhA was 0.701, with a sensitivity of 70.91% and specificity of 62.79%, and a cutoff value of 5.70°.ConclusionsPhA may be a useful and simple predictor of the risk of possible sarcopenia in MHD patients, and more research is needed to further promote the use of PhA in possible sarcopenia.

Body composition estimation from mobile phone three-dimensional imaging: evaluation of the USA army one-site method.

Within the USA military, monitoring body composition is an essential component of predicting physical performance and establishing soldier readiness. The purpose of this study was to explore mobile phone three-dimensional optical imaging (3DO), a user-friendly technology capable of rapidly obtaining reliable anthropometric measurements and to determine the validity of the new Army one-site body fat equations using 3DO-derived abdominal circumference. Ninety-six participants (51 F, 45 M; age: 23·7 ± 6·5 years; BMI: 24·7 ± 4·1 kg/m2) were assessed using 3DO, dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and a 4-compartment model (4C). The validity of the Army equations using 3DO abdominal circumference was compared with 4C and DXA estimates. Compared with the 4C model, the Army equation overestimated BF% and fat mass (FM) by 1·3 ± 4·8 % and 0·9 ± 3·4 kg, respectively, while fat-free mass (FFM) was underestimated by 0·9 ± 3·4 kg (P < 0·01 for each). Values from DXA and Army equation were similar for BF%, FM and FFM (constant errors between -0·1 and 0·1 units; P ≥ 0·82 for each). In both comparisons, notable proportional bias was observed with slope coefficients of -0·08 to -0·43. Additionally, limits of agreement were 9·5-10·2 % for BF% and 6·8-7·8 kg for FM and FFM. Overall, while group-level performance of the one-site Army equation was acceptable, it exhibited notable proportional bias when compared with laboratory criterion methods and wide limits of agreement, indicating potential concerns when applied to individuals. 3DO may provide opportunities for the development of more advanced, automated digital anthropometric body fat estimation in military settings.

Examination of factors related to the performance index of patients with cardiovascular disease in a convalescent rehabilitation hospital.

The purpose of this study was to identify the characteristics of patients with cardiovascular disease who received cardiac rehabilitation (CR) at a convalescent rehabilitation hospital (rehabilitation hospital) after treatment at an acute-care hospital and whose performance index was 40 or higher. A total of 43 patients with cardiovascular disease were admitted to two rehabilitation hospitals. Based on the performance index, which is an indicator of the effectiveness of rehabilitation in rehabilitation hospitals, patients were classified into two groups: a "high-performance index group" (performance index of 40 or higher) and a "low-performance index group" (performance index of less than 40). We then compared the patient characteristics of the two groups. The high-performance group accounted for 62.8% of the total. Compared to patients in the low-performance group, high-performers were significantly younger at the time of admission to the rehabilitation hospital and had significantly higher physical function and exercise tolerance. The results of the effect size measurement showed that the effect size was 0.98 and 0.93 on the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) at admission to the rehabilitation hospital and on the pre-illness Kihon checklist, respectively, which were related to the achievement of the performance index. This study suggests that the SPPB at admission to a rehabilitation hospital and the pre-illness Kihon checklist are associated with obtaining a performance index of 40 or higher in patients with cardiovascular disease.

Predicting cognitive function changes from oral health status: a longitudinal cohort study

Recent studies indicate a potential link between oral health and cognitive function; however, long-term associations remain unclear. This study aimed to identify oral health factors that predict changes in cognitive function among older adults over time. The study included 583 independent older adults (201 male, 382 female) with a mean age of 72.7 years. Cognitive function was assessed using Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) at baseline and follow-up over two years, with relative change in MMSE (rMMSE) calculated. Baseline oral health variables included number of remaining teeth, masticatory performance, occlusal force, oral diadochokinesis and tongue pressure. Physical performance and confounding factors were also considered. The relationship between rMMSE and the variables was analyzed using Pearson’s correlation, Mann-Whitney U test, and multiple linear regression analysis. Cognitive function declined in 196 subjects, with rMMSE significantly correlated with oral diadochokinesis. Regression analysis revealed significant associations between cognitive changes and oral diadochokinesis (p = 0.020) and knee extension strength as a physical performance (p = 0.047). Our findings suggest that cognitive decline may be indicated by declines in both physical and oral motor performance. Incorporating oral diadochokinesis testing into health screenings could aid early detection of cognitive decline, improving outcomes and reducing healthcare burdens.

Effects of Probiotics, Prebiotics, and Synbiotics on Sarcopenia Parameters in Older Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

There is scarce evidence about which probiotic, prebiotic, or synbiotic supplementation is the most appropriate to improve sarcopenia parameters, and this presents a challenge. The effects of consumption of probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics on sarcopenia, muscle strength, muscle mass, and physical performance and function were assessed in this study. In addition, another aim of the study was to determine the best probiotic, prebiotic, and/or synbiotic for the management of sarcopenia in older adults. A systematic search was conducted in the MEDLINE/PubMed, Cochrane Library, SCOPUS databases, and other sources (eg, references obtained from articles identified in databases). The search was limited from 2000 to 2023 and was based on sarcopenia parameters, and probiotics, prebiotics, or synbiotics supplementation. The quality of each included study also was assessed. A meta-analysis was performed with the Review Manager program and publication bias and sensitivity analysis were performed. Eight randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included in the systematic review and 4 in the meta-analysis. Results showed that probiotics supplementation improved muscle strength and physical performance and function and suggested a beneficial effect on muscle mass. Prebiotics are suggested to be effective on muscle strength. The meta-analysis also determined that probiotic interventions were effective in increasing muscle strength by handgrip strength (mean difference [MD], 2.50 kg [95% CI, 1.33-3.66]; P < .0001) and physical performance and function by gait speed (MD, 0.10 m/s [95% CI, 1.33-3.66]; P < .0001) and physical performance and function by gait speed (MD, 0.10 m/s [95%CI, 0.03-0.16]; P = .003), but when sensitivity analysis was applied, the effectiveness was only maintained for gait speed. Nutritional strategies based on probiotic supplementation seem to improve muscle strength and physical function. More robust research is needed with high-quality RCTs to confirm probiotics' effects. There is still limited evidence about prebiotic and synbiotic strategies, and more evidence is needed to elucidate their effects on sarcopenia parameters. PROSPERO registration no. CRD42022360514.

The effect of neurofeedback and somatosensory exercises on balance and physical performance of older adults: a parallel single-blinded randomized controlled trial

This study examines the effects of a 5-week program of neurofeedback combined with somatosensory exercises on balance and physical performance in older adults, with the goal of addressing age-related declines in sensory processing and motor function. Sixty older adult men with balance disorders were randomly assigned to one of three groups: neurofeedback combined with somatosensory training, somatosensory training alone, or a control group. The interventions were administered over 5 weeks, with participants attending three sessions per week. Assessments were conducted both before and after the intervention period, including measurements of static balance using the Stork test, dynamic balance using the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, and physical performance using the Continuous Scale Physical Functional Performance-10 (CS-PFP-10) test. The findings revealed significant improvements in balance and physical performance among participants who received either neurofeedback combined with somatosensory training or somatosensory training alone. Specifically, the Stork test (with both open and closed eyes) showed significant increases in duration, while the TUG test indicated reductions in completion times for both intervention groups (p = 0.001), suggesting enhanced balance and mobility. Additionally, the CS-PFP-10 test results demonstrated a significant difference following the interventions (p = 0.001). These findings suggest that incorporating neurofeedback training into somatosensory exercises may provide additional benefits for older adults in improving balance and mobility.

Agreement between the EWGSOP2 and SDOC consensuses for sarcopenia in patients receiving hemodialysis: Findings of a cross sectional analysis from the SARC-HD study.

Differences in definitions and operational diagnoses for sarcopenia create difficulties in understanding the epidemiology of the disease. We examined the prevalences of sarcopenia using the revised European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People (EWGSOP2) and the Sarcopenia Definitions and Outcomes Consortium (SDOC) consensuses and analyzed their level of agreement in patients receiving hemodialysis. Data from the SARCopenia trajectories and associations with clinical outcomes in patients receiving hemodialysis (SARC-HD) multicenter study in Brazil were analyzed. Muscle strength was assessed using handgrip strength, muscle mass by calf circumference, and physical performance by the 4-m gait speed test. Sarcopenia was diagnosed according to both the EWGSOP2 (low muscle strength plus low muscle mass) and the SDOC (low muscle strength plus low physical performance). The Cohen kappa statistic was used to determine the level of agreement between the consensuses. 838 patients (57.8 ± 15.0 years; 61% men) from 19 dialysis units were included. We found similar prevalences of sarcopenia between the consensuses (EWGSOP2, n = 128, 15.3%; SDOC, n = 105, 12.5%) but with weak agreement (50 of 233 patients, 21.5%; κ = 0.34, 95% CI 0.25-0.43). Agreement was also weak within age categories (≥60 years, κ = 0.34; <60 years, κ = 0.15; both P < 0.001). Of the 51 patients diagnosed by the EWGSOP2 criterion as having severe sarcopenia, all but 1 (98.0%) met the SDOC criterion for sarcopenia (κ = 0.61, 95% CI 0.52-0.70). Low muscle strength was more frequently diagnosed using the SDOC than with the EWGSOP2 (52.3% vs 25.9%). We found a weak agreement between the EWGSOP2 and SDOC consensuses for the diagnosis of sarcopenia in patients receiving hemodialysis. Although still weak, agreement was marginally better for older patients. These findings highlight the importance of a global and standardized conceptual diagnosis of sarcopenia.

DYNAMICS OF ANTHROPOMETRIC AND PHYSICAL MARKERS OF SARCOPENIC OBESITY IN ELDERLY PERSONS WITH OSTEOARTHRITIS OF THE HIP IN THE PROCESS OF PHYSICAL THERAPY

Purpose: to determine the effect of a physical therapy program on anthropometric and physical indicators of elderly people with osteoarthritis of the hip, which occurs against the background of sarcopenic obesity. Material. 68 elderly people with osteoarthritis of the hip and sarcopenic obesity and 36 of their healthy peers (control group) were examined. Representatives of the comparison group (33 persons) corrected the signs of osteoarthritis according to the clinical guideline "Osteoarthrosis". Representatives of the main group (35 persons) were engaged in a physical therapy program for six months. Its goal was: reduction of pain and discomfort in the hip; improvement of the amplitude of movements in the hip, joints of the lower limbs, spine; optimization of general mobility and motor stereotype; decrease of body weight; facilitating activities of daily living; improvement of geriatric status. The physical therapy was implemented in rehabilitation center and in the form of telerehabilitation. It included kinesitherapy, Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation of the lower limbs and lower back; massage, kinesiological taping of the hip, thigh and lower back muscles; a course of shock wave therapy of the hip, nutritional correction, education of patients and their family members. The effectiveness of the program was evaluated by the dynamics of anthropometry (mass, body mass index, waist and hip circumferences and their ratio), body composition (fat content, muscle tissue, visceral fat), sarcopenia markers (hand dynamometry, Short Physical Performance Battery). Results. Application of the physical therapy program led to a decrease in body weight in patients of the main group: in men by 5.4 kg, in women by 4.51 kg, p&lt;0.05. Corresponding changes occurred in body mass index, and the women of the main group reached the level of overweight. The dynamics of the abdominal nature of obesity also changed: the decrease in waist circumference in men was 8.3 cm, in women - 5.9 cm, which had a favorable effect on the ratio of waist and hip circumferences. A decrease in the severity of the signs of sarcopenia in main group persons was confirmed by the results of a statistically significant increase in the content of muscle tissue both in men (from 22.17±1.30% to 28.12±1.09%) and in women (from 19, 01±1.20% to 23.44±1.15%). The content of visceral fat in the subjects of the main group decreased by almost 25%. The content of adipose tissue in the whole body decreased in men from 42.29±1.73% to 34.50±1.22%, in women – from 46.53±1.19% to 40.57±1.57%. The increase in hand dynamometry results in women was from 13.48±1.14 kg to 17.22±0.56 kg, in men - from 19.80±1.07 kg to 26.15±1.01 kg. The complex nature of the physical therapy program contributed to the improvement of performance of all Short Physical Performance Battery subtests in the main group, and the improvement of its total score was 35.5% (from 6.49±0.53 points to 10.07±0.44 points, p&lt;0, 05). Patients of the comparison group, who underwent rehabilitation according to the standard program for the correction of osteoarthritis, did not show improvement in the studied indicators of anthropometry and markers of sarcopenia (p&gt;0.05). Conclusions. Elderly patients with osteoarthritis of the hip and sarcopenic obesity require the development of physical therapy programs taking into account and correcting the specifics of each condition, which will increase the overall effectiveness of rehabilitation measures.

THE ROLE OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY IN IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF SLEEP OF PATIENTS WITH VARIOUS SLEEP DISORDERS

Sleep is an important human behavior and difficulties with sleep are closely related to health, potentially leading to the development of diseases and a reduced quality of life. Sleep disorders cover a wide range of problems associated with mental health disorders, such as anxiety and depression, and contribute to an increased tendency to become overweight or obese. In addition, sleep difficulties can lead to more serious sleep disorders, such as problems with sleep maintenance, poor sleep efficiency, and reduced daytime attention. The purpose of the study is to highlight the role of physical activity in improving the quality of sleep in patients with various sleep disorders. Materials and methods. To better understand the impact of physical activity on sleep quality and its positive effect on sleep onset and duration, a search of scientific literature was conducted between 2019 and 2024 in the PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases using the terms “exercise,” “sleep,” “quality of life,” “insomnia,” and “activity.” The search resulted in the selection of publications that examined the relationship between daily sleep and physical activity and will be discussed in this review. Results. The study identified potential biological pathways that explain the possible interactions between sleep and physical activity in the short and long term. Acute or repetitive physical activity increases total sleep time by reducing insulin resistance and the concentration of inflammatory markers, better regulation of circadian rhythm, and the release of brain-derived neurotrophic factor. In turn, sleep deprivation can alter physical performance or contribute to fatigue during physical activity by increasing cortisol concentrations, decreasing growth hormone and prolactin concentrations, and stimulating inflammatory markers. Scientific studies have established the beneficial effects of physical activity in alleviating sleep problems. Numerous studies show that moderate to vigorous physical activity has a positive effect on sleep quality. Physical activity has pluripotential beneficial effects on bodily functions. These benefits include a reduction in the incidence of cardiovascular disease, coronary heart disease, hypertension, type 2 diabetes, and death. In addition to these effects, physical activity has a significant beneficial effect on the onset, duration, and quality of sleep, which complements its beneficial effects. In contrast, lack of sleep is associated with an increased incidence of cardiovascular complications and death. In this regard, physical activity serves as a non-pharmacological means of improving sleep, especially in older people who often have difficulty falling asleep. Regarding the time of exercise and its effect on sleep, there was no difference between morning and evening exercise in terms of sleep onset and quality. In addition, the multifaceted benefits of physical activity go beyond improving sleep to contribute to overall well-being and longevity, offering a comprehensive health solution that is comparatively better than alternative treatments. Conclusions. Based on the research presented here, it can be concluded that the scientific literature has identified an improvement in sleep quality after physical activity, and empirical evidence confirms its positive impact, regardless of type or intensity. Increased physical activity was found to be associated with improved total sleep duration, reduced sleep latency, and improved sleep efficiency. Exercise can improve sleep by reducing sleep latency and increasing slow wave sleep.

Effects of Neuromuscular Training on Postural Balance and Physical Performance in Older Women: Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background: Aging causes morphological and physiological changes, especially in the musculoskeletal and somatosensory systems, leading to sarcopenia and reduced postural balance, increasing the risk of falls and loss of independence. This study aimed to analyze the effects of a neuromuscular training program on postural balance, physical performance, and muscle strength in older Chilean women. Methods: The double-blind randomized controlled trial included 48 participants aged 65-80 who were divided into three groups: a control group (CG), a multicomponent training group (MCG), and a neuromuscular training group (NMG). Postural balance was assessed using a force platform with open eyes (OE) and closed eyes (CE) conditions, measuring ML velocity, AP velocity, mean radius, and area. Physical performance was evaluated with the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), including static balance, 4-m walking speed, and 5× sit-to-stand chair test. Muscle strength was measured using a hydraulic hand dynamometer to record maximum grip force. Results: Significant time × group interactions in the CE condition were found for mean radius (F = 0.984; p = 0.017; ηp2 = 0.184), AP velocity (F = 10.01; p = 0.001; ηp2 = 0.312), and ML velocity (F = 4.30; p = 0.027; ηp2 = 0.163). Significant pre-post differences in the NMG for mean radius (p < 0.001), AP velocity (p < 0.001), and ML velocity (p = 0.029) were observed, with no significant changes in CG. Significant time × group interactions were also found in the SPPB test score (F = 11.49; p < 0.001; ηp2 = 0.343), gait speed (F = 5.513; p = 0.012; ηp2 = 0.198), and sit-to-stand test (F = 5.731; p = 0.010; ηp2 = 0.206), but not in the balance score (F = 2.099; p = 0.148). Handgrip strength showed no significant interactions (F = 3.216; p = 0.061; ηp2 = 0.127). Conclusions: These findings suggest that neuromuscular training is a promising intervention to mitigate the decline in balance and physical function associated with aging, offering a targeted approach to improve the quality of life in the elderly.

Comparing the Impact of Non-Cognitive Skills in STEM and Non-STEM Contexts in Kazakh Secondary Education

The role of non-cognitive skills in academic achievement has garnered increasing attention in educational research. This study explores the impact of non-cognitive skills on academic achievement in STEM and non-STEM subjects in secondary education. Survey data from 795 teachers and 12,965 students across 20 STEM schools in Kazakhstan were analyzed to examine the impact of 26 non-cognitive skills on performance in math, physics, first language, and history. Regression and mediation analyses were conducted to investigate how students’ self-assessment of non-cognitive skills directly affects academic achievement and how these effects are mediated by teachers’ assessments. The findings indicate that non-cognitive skills exhibit varying direct and total effects, with mediated effects showing greater consistency across different subjects. In math and physics, information processing skill and grit show the strongest direct and total effects on academic achievement. In first language and history, responsibility management and teamwork skill are most influential. Except for capacity for optimism and growth mindset, all skills demonstrated mediated effects across the four subjects. This research informs curriculum development and equitable policies by showing how non-cognitive skills impact academic performance across subjects. It studies the case of Kazakhstan, adding to global education discourse and offering valuable insights for enhancing STEM education.

Short-Term Multicomponent Exercise Impact on Muscle Function and Structure in Hospitalized Older at Risk of Acute Sarcopenia.

Hospitalization exacerbates sarcopenia and physical dysfunction in older adults. Whether tailored inpatient exercise prevents acute sarcopenia is unknown. This study aimed to examine the effect of a multicomponent exercise programme on muscle and physical function in hospitalized older adults. We hypothesized that participation in a brief tailored exercise regimen (i.e., 3-5 days) would attenuate muscle function and structure changes compared with usual hospital care alone. This randomized clinical trial with blinded outcome assessment was conducted from May 2018 to April 2021 at Hospital Universitario de Navarra, Spain. Participants were 130 patients aged 75 years and older admitted to an acute care geriatric unit. Patients were randomized to a tailored 3- to 5-day exercise programme (n = 64) or usual hospital care (control, n = 66) consisting of physical therapy if needed. The coprimary endpoints were between-group differences in changes in short physical performance battery (SPPB) score and usual gait velocity from hospital admission to discharge. Secondary endpoints included changes in rectus femoris echo intensity, cross-sectional area, thickness and subcutaneous and intramuscular fat by ultrasound. Among 130 randomized patients (mean [SD] age, 87.7 [4.6] years; 57 [44%] women), the exercise group increased their mean SPPB score by 0.98 points (95% CI, 0.28-1.69 points) and gait velocity by 0.09 m/s (95% CI, 0.03-0.15 m/s) more than controls (both p < 0.01). No between-group differences were observed in any ultrasound muscle outcomes. There were no study-related adverse events. Three to 5 days of tailored multicomponent exercise provided functional benefits but did not alter muscle or fat architecture compared with usual hospital care alone among vulnerable older patients. Brief exercise may help prevent acute sarcopenia during hospitalization. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT04600453.

The Effect of Mouth Rinsing of Carbohydrate Solution on Physical Performance and Some Physiological Variables

The Effect of Mouth Rinsing of Carbohydrate Solution on Physical Performance and Some Physiological Variables

Trends in Mental Health: A Review of the Most Influential Research on Depression in Children and Adolescents

BackgroundDepression is a common mental disorder in children and adolescents, with a global prevalence of approximately 33%, severely affecting their physical, mental health, and academic performance. This study aims to identify and assess the 100 most-cited articles (T100 articles) on depression in children and adolescents.MethodsThe T100 articles in the field of depression were retrieved from the SCI-E and SSCI databases. A comprehensive analysis of the T100 articles was conducted, including the number of citations, countries, journals, keywords, authors, and topics.ResultsBetween 1981 and 2021, T100 articles in child and adolescent depression received 423 to 3949 citations. Most articles originated from the USA, with Kovacs M as the top-ranked author. The University of Pittsburgh and Columbia University published the top two T100 articles. The T100 articles were published in 36 journals, led by AMA Psychiatry. Co-occurrence keywords analyses reveal six key foci: Pathogenesis of Depression, Treatment of MDD in Children, Early Childhood Treatment, Adolescent Depression Manifestations, Gender and Depression, and Primary Care Considerations, with pathogenesis as a future trend.ConclusionsOur research presents an exhaustive list of the most highly cited articles on depression in children and adolescents. Our findings not only underscore the significance of international cooperation but also reveal a pressing need to prioritize and bolster preventive research, particularly the development and refinement of early screening and intervention programs.

Sex-Based Effects of Branched-Chain Amino Acids on Strength Training Performance and Body Composition.

Branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) are widely studied for their effects on muscle recovery and performance. This study examined the effects of BCAA supplementation on anthropometric data, physical performance, delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS), and fatigue in recreational weightlifters. The trial involved 100 participants (50 men and 50 women), randomized into BCAA and placebo groups. Subjects in the BCAA group took five daily capsules of 500 mg L-leucine, 250 mg L-isoleucine, and 250 mg L-valine for six months. A two-way ANOVA was used to analyze the main and interaction effects of sex and treatment. Notable findings include significant improvements in muscle recovery, as indicated by reduced DOMS, particularly in women who showed a decrement of 18.1 ± 9.4 mm compared to 0.8 ± 1.2 mm in the placebo group of a horizontal 100 mm line. Fatigue perception was also significantly lower in the BCAA group, with women reporting a greater decrease (2.6 ± 1.5 scores) compared to the placebo group (0.6 ± 0.7 scores). Strength gains were prominent, especially in men, with a 10% increase in bench press maximum observed in the BCAA group. The interaction between sex and treatment was significant, suggesting sex-specific responses to BCAA supplementation. These results underscore the effectiveness of BCAA supplementation in enhancing muscle recovery, reducing fatigue, and improving strength. This study also highlights sex-specific responses, with women benefiting more in terms of DOMS and fatigue reduction, while men experienced greater strength gains, suggesting a need for tailored supplementation strategies.

Physical and electrochemical performance of Mn-doped zinc oxide electrode material for asymmetric supercapacitor

Manganese-doped zinc oxide has emerged as a promising material for high-performance supercapacitors (SCs) due to its enhanced electrochemical properties, including improved charge storage capacity and cycling stability. Pristine Zinc oxide (ZO) and Manganese (Mn) doped (2 wt % and 4 wt %) zinc oxide (hereby labeled: ZO, 2MZO, and 4MZO) derivatives have been synthesized via an aqueous sol-gel-based co-precipitation method. The physical characterizations of synthesized samples have been performed using TGA, XRD, FESEM, and BET. The XRD has confirmed the phase pure hexagonal wurtzite structure synthesis of ZO, 2MZO, and 4MZO samples. The FE-SEM images revealed that synthesized material had shown the mixed morphology as polyhedral particles, rods, and flakes in the nano region. Mn-doped has increased specific surface by 132 % compared to bare ZO. The electrochemical characterization techniques, including CV, GCD, and EIS, have been used to access electrochemical parameters using an aqueous 4 M KOH electrolyte. A detailed CV analysis was also carried out to investigate the capacitive contribution of the material in cycling. The electrochemical characterization techniques (CV, GCD, and EIS) have been performed to access electrochemical parameters using an aqueous 4 M KOH electrolyte. The 4MZO electrode material has shown an enhancement in specific capacitance (164.28 Fg-1) compared to pristine ZO (42.83 Fg-1). The EIS study revealed that the 4MZO has the lowest internal impedance 0.30 Ω compared to 0.70 Ω, and 2.60 Ω for 2MZO and ZO, respectively.

Are pelvic floor muscle function, quadriceps femorismuscle, gluteus mediusmuscle, hand grip strength and functional performance affected by incontinence types in elderly people with urinary incontinence?

The aim of this study is to examine the relationship between incontinence type and pelvic floor muscle function, gluteus mediusmuscle, quadriceps femorismuscle, hand grip strength, functional performance and balance in elderly people with incontinence. This cross-sectional study was conducted in a nursing home with 78 elderly people with stress (SUI, n: 20), urgency (UUI, n: 27) and mixed (MUI, n: 31) urinary incontinence. "Urogenital Distress Inventory-6, Incontinence Impact Questionnaire Form-7, Overactive Bladder-8" were used to evaluate incontinence symptoms and severity. Superficial electromyography was used to evaluate the function of the PFM. A hand dynamometer was used to evaluate hand grip strength, and a digital manual muscle tester was used to evaluate quadriceps femoris (QF) and gluteus medius muscle strength. Short Physical Performance Battery and Time Up and Go Test were performed for functional performance. There was no significant difference between PFM contraction and relaxation functions, gluteus medius, QF muscle strength, functional performance (p > 0.05) but hand grip strength was highest in the group with UUI (ptotal: 0.022).The group with the highest rate of low hand grip strength is MUI (38.7%). A weak positive correlation was found between QF muscle strength and PFM Work Average value in the MUI group (r: 0.370, p: 0.048). In the MUI group, a moderate positive correlation was found between hand grip strength and gluteus medius muscle strength (r: 0.499, p: 0.005). Our findings show that hand grip strength is related to the type of incontinence in the elderly people. The average hand grip strength was highest in the elderly people with UUI. Additionally, there was a positive relationship between gluteus medius and hang grip strength in MUI. It may provide guidance for evaluation and risk factors in elderly people with incontinence.

From wearables to performance: how acceptance of IoT devices influences physical education results in college students

With the advent of IoT technology in education, understanding its impact on physical education is crucial. This study investigates how the acceptance of wearable IoT devices influences the physical education results of college freshmen. It posits that user acceptance plays a mediating role in the effectiveness of these devices in enhancing physical performance metrics. The study enrolled 150 first-year students from Guangzhou University of Finance, divided equally into an experimental group and a control group. Participants in the experimental group were provided with ‘Xiaomi 8’ smart bracelets to be worn during physical education classes. The study spanned six weeks, focusing on assessing various physical performance metrics and the acceptance of the wearable technology. The data analysis involved comparing the physical performance of both groups and conducting regression analyses to evaluate the mediation effect of acceptance. Results indicated significant improvements in physical performance metrics in the experimental group, as evidenced by the Standardized Mean Differences (SMD). Notably, enhancements were observed in short-distance speed and aerobic endurance. The direct impact of wearable IoT devices on physical performance accounted for 66.4% variance, which increased to 84.1% upon incorporating acceptance as a mediator. These findings suggest that the effectiveness of wearable technology in physical education is significantly influenced by students’ acceptance. The study concludes that wearable IoT devices can effectively enhance physical education outcomes among college students, with user acceptance playing a crucial mediating role. This underscores the importance of considering user acceptance in the integration of technology in educational settings. The findings provide valuable insights for educators and technologists in designing and implementing technology-integrated curricula.

Relationship between Body Composition and Physical Performance by Sex in Professional Basketball Players

Relationship between Body Composition and Physical Performance by Sex in Professional Basketball Players

Effectiveness of community-based Baduanjin exercise intervention for older adults with varying frailty status: a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundDue to poorer exercise tolerance, it may be challenging for frail older adults to engage in moderate- or vigorous-intensity exercise. While low-intensity exercise interventions may be more feasible, its effectiveness for such population group remains unclear. We examined the effectiveness and implementation of community-based Baduanjin Qigong, a low-intensity exercise program in older adults with varying frailty status.MethodsA two-arm, multicenter assessor-blind parallel group randomized controlled trial was conducted at three local senior activity centers. Fifty-six community-dwelling older adults with low handgrip strength were randomly allocated to either the intervention (IG) or wait-list control (CG) group. The IG underwent a supervised 16-week Baduanjin exercise program at a frequency of 2–3 × 60 min sessions/week. The CG was instructed to maintain their usual activity and received a monthly health education talk. The primary outcome measures were knee extension strength, vital exhaustion, and fear of falling. Secondary outcome measures include physiological falls risk, handgrip strength, gait speed, timed up and go test, 30-second sit-to-stand, quality of life, depression, and frailty. All outcome measures were assessed at baseline and 4-month follow-up.ResultsOverall, there were no statistically significant differences in all outcome measures between CG and IG at 4-month follow-up. However, in exploratory compliance analysis, a statistically significant group x time interaction was found for vital exhaustion (B = -3.65, 95% CI [-7.13, -0.16], p = .047) among participants with at least 75% attendance. In post-hoc within-group comparisons, IG showed improved vital exhaustion by 4.31 points (95% CI [1.41, 7.20], d = 0.60). The average participant attendance rate was 81.3%. No major adverse events occurred, and all participants reported positive experiences with the exercise intervention.ConclusionsOur study demonstrated that Baduanjin is a safe, feasible, and acceptable exercise program that can be successfully implemented in community settings for older adults with varying frailty status. With good adherence, Baduanjin exercise could potentially be effective in alleviating vital exhaustion. However, the effectiveness of Baduanjin on physical performance, psychological measures and frailty in community-dwelling older adults remains equivocal.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov NCT04549103. Registered September 16, 2020.