Activity Restriction Research Articles

An empirical analysis of the effect of economic activity and COVID-19 restrictions on road traffic accidents in Italy

Road traffic accidents are one of the leading causes of death for the young segment of the population. Prevention strategies can mitigate the occurrence of road accidents, and successful actions should take into account the most relevant causes of accidents. We use a comprehensive dataset which reports information from police records on all road traffic accidents with injures and/or deaths in Italy between 2014 and 2020 to explore the relationships among economic forces, driving behaviours and accident frequency and severity. More specifically, the natural experiment setting provided by the 2020 COVID-19-related movement restrictions allows to capture the effect of traffic intensity and other factors on the frequency of serious accidents and mortality. The empirical findings confirm a direct relationship between the level of economic activity and the frequency of accidents, whereas there is no clear link with their severity. Instead, lockdown periods are associated with a relatively higher occurrence of fatal road traffic accidents, due to both riskier driving behaviours at times of reduced traffic, and changes in transportation habits reflected by a higher probability of accidents involving bicycles and motorcycles.

Combined repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation and gut microbiota modulation through the gut-brain axis for prevention and treatment of autism spectrum disorder.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) encompasses a range of neurodevelopmental conditions characterized by enduring impairments in social communication and interaction together with restricted repetitive behaviors, interests, and activities. No targeted pharmacological or physical interventions are currently available for ASD. However, emerging evidence has indicated a potential association between the development of ASD and dysregulation of the gut-brain axis. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), a noninvasive diagnostic and therapeutic approach, has demonstrated positive outcomes in diverse psychiatric disorders; however, its efficacy in treating ASD and its accompanying gastrointestinal effects, particularly the effects on the gut-brain axis, remain unclear. Hence, this review aimed to thoroughly examine the existing research on the application of rTMS in the treatment of ASD. Additionally, the review explored the interplay between rTMS and the gut microbiota in children with ASD, focusing on the gut-brain axis. Furthermore, the review delved into the integration of rTMS and gut microbiota modulation as a targeted approach for ASD treatment based on recent literature. This review emphasizes the potential synergistic effects of rTMS and gut microbiota interventions, describes the underlying mechanisms, and proposes a potential therapeutic strategy for specific subsets of individuals with ASD.

The effect of swimming activity and feed restriction of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) on water quality and fish-plant growth performance in aquaponics.

In this study, we investigated the effects of swimming activity and feed restriction on juvenile rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) in decoupled aquaponic systems. Our focus was on assessing their impact on water quality parameters within the aquaponic setup and evaluating the growth performance of the fish, including final weight (FW), condition factor (K), coefficient of variation (c.v.) in weight, specific growth rate (SGR), total feed intake (g/fish), feed conversion rate (FCR), hepatosomatic index (HSI), and viscerosomatic index (VSI), as well as the growth of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L. var. elmaria). The study involved 108 juvenile rainbow trout with an average initial weight of 26.54 ± 0.36 g and 60 ten-day-old lettuce seedlings, over a period of 42 days. We designed four treatment groups, each with three fish tanks: static ad libitum (SA), where fish were in static water conditions and fed to satiation; static restriction (SR), with fish in static water and a 25% feed restriction; current ad libitum (CA), where fish experienced forced swimming at 1 BL s-1; and current restriction (CR), with swimming exercise at 1 BL s-1 and a 25% feed restriction. Using a flow rate of 1 BL s-1 in the tanks for rainbow trout yielded several benefits. Notably, the fish in the CA group exhibited increased feed intake (60 ± 1.78 g fish-1) and enhanced fish growth with an FW of 91.72 ± 0.91 g, compared to the SA group (55.88 ± 0.88 g fish-1 for feed intake and 89.26 ± 0.81 g for FW). In contrast, the CR group showed a reduced feed intake (39.02 ± 2.78 g fish-1) and a lower FW (67.85 ± 1.49 g) compared to the CA group. In addition, the CA group demonstrated positive contributions to fish development with a reduced HSI (1.26 ± 0.02) in comparison to the SA group (1.56 ± 0.14). Inadequate nutrient provisioning in the SR and CR groups negatively impacted fish growth and system efficiency. Our findings suggest that optimizing water flow and feed benefits fish and plants and enhances system sustainability.

Effectiveness of telerehabilitation-based structured exercise program in individuals with unilateral transtibial amputation: a randomized controlled study

Purpose The study aimed to compare the effects of home exercise alone and telerehabilitation combined with home exercise in individuals with transtibial amputation. Materials and methods The telerehabilitation group (n = 24) received telerehabilitation combined with home exercise, while the control group (n = 24) received home exercise alone. Outcomes included the timed up-and-go (TUG) test and the 30-second chair-stand test (30CST), the Activities-specific Balance Confidence (ABC) Scale, the Trinity Amputation and Prosthesis Experience Scales (TAPES), the Amputee Body Image Scale (ABIS), and the Nottingham Health Profile (NHP). The analysis used a 2 × 2 mixed repeated measures ANOVA. Results The group-by-time interactions were significant for TUG (p = 0.002, F[1;41] = 10.74) and 30CST (p = 0.001, F[1;41] = 11.48). The mean difference (6th week-baseline) was −0.49 for TUG and 0.95 for 30CST in the telerehabilitation group and −0.14 for TUG and 0.13 for 30CST in the control group. There were statistically meaningful group-by-time interactions on the ABC (p = 0.0004, F[1;41] = 14.47), the TAPES-activity restriction (p = 0.0001, F[1;41] = 28.96), TAPES-prosthesis satisfaction (p = 0.004, F[1;41] = 9.19), and the NHP (p = 0.0002, F[1;41] = 16.07) favoring the telerehabilitation group. Conclusions Telerehabilitation combined with home exercise can offer greater benefits in improving gait, muscle strength, balance confidence, activity restriction, prosthesis satisfaction, and quality of life compared to home exercise alone for individuals with transtibial amputation. Implications for rehabilitation Exercise helps individuals with lower limb amputation overcome their physical limitations and enables them to use their prostheses effectively. Physiotherapy and rehabilitation after amputation are not at the desired level, and individuals with lower limb amputation encounter various difficulties in accessing physiotherapy. Telerehabilitation has great potential to facilitate access to physiotherapy for individuals with amputation and reduce resource utilization. In a relatively small sample of amputees, this study shows that telerehabilitation-based exercise improves physical health and quality of life.

Effects of a randomized-controlled and online-supported physical activity intervention on exercise capacity, fatigue and health related quality of life in patients with post-COVID-19 syndrome

BackgroundThe Post-COVID-19 syndrome (PCS), which can occur after acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection, leads to restrictions in everyday activity. Our study assessed the impact of an online-guided intervention which intended to facilitate physical activity on the mental and physical capability of PCS patients.MethodsWe randomized 62 patients with PCS (20 male/ 42 female; age: 46 ± 12 years; body mass index: 28.7 ± 6.7 kg/m2) with a score ≥ 22 in the fatigue assessment scale (FAS) to a 3-month exercise-focused intervention (IG n = 30) or control period (CG n = 32). We assessed changes in exercise capacity (bicycle exercise test with measurements of gas exchange), fatigue, markers of health-related quality of life (HrQoL) and mental health.ResultsThe FAS score decreased significantly in both study groups (IG: 35.1 ± 7.4 to 31.8 ± 8.5 points; CG: 35.6 ± 7.4 to 32.6 ± 7.5 points, both p < 0.01). Exercise capacity did not increase in the CG or IG (within-group changes for IG: peak oxygen uptake: 0.9 ± 2.6 ml/min/kg, p = 0.098; peak power output: 6.1 ± 17.8 W, p = 0.076) with no significant changes in HrQoL and work ability. Patients with a FAS score at baseline ≥ 35 (severe fatigue) showed no change in exercise capacity with the 3-month intervention whereas the sub-group of patients with FAS < 35 points (moderate fatigue) showed improvements, independent of the study group.ConclusionsOur 3-month intervention seems appropriate for patients with moderate fatigue, whereas those with more severe fatigue appear to be too restricted with respect to their mental or physical health status to perform exercise at a level which is sufficient to improve markers of physical performance.Trial registrationGerman Clinical Trials Register (registration trial number: DRKS00026245) on September 2 2021.

Rehabilitation at Home With the Development of a Sustainable Model Placing the Person's Needs and Environment at Heart: Protocol for a Multimethod Project.

Each year, more than 1.5 million people in Europe have a stroke, and many experience disabilities leading to activity and participation restrictions. Home-based rehabilitation is the recommended approach for stroke rehabilitation, in line with the international shift to integrated care. Despite this, rehabilitation often focuses on the person's physical functions, not the whole life situation and opportunities to live an active life. Given that rehabilitation today is often provided in the person's home, there is a need to develop new models that consider the rehabilitation process as situated in the everyday living environment of persons with stroke. This project is grounded in experiences from our ongoing research, where we study the importance of the home environment for health and participation among persons with stroke, rehabilitated at home. This research has shown unmet needs, which lead to suboptimal rehabilitation outcomes. There is a need for studies on how to use environmental resources to optimize stroke rehabilitation in the home setting. The overarching objective of the project is to develop a new practice model for rehabilitation where the needs of the person are the starting point and where the environment is considered. The project will be conducted in partnership with persons with stroke, significant others, health care professionals, and care managers. Results from a literature review will form the base for interviews with the stakeholders, followed by co-designing workshops aiming to create a new practice model. Focus groups will be held to refine the outcome of the workshops to a practice model. This 4-year project commenced in January 2023 and will continue until December 2026. The results of the literature review are, as of April 2024, currently being analyzed. The ethics application for the interviews and co-design phase was approved in October 2023 and data collection is ongoing during spring 2024. We aim to develop a practice model with stakeholders and refine it together with care managers and decision makers. The outcome is a new practice model and implementation plan, which will be achieved in autumn 2026. The project contributes with a prominent missing puzzle to optimize the rehabilitation process by adding a strong focus on user engagement combined with integrating different aspects of the environment. The goal is to improve quality of life and increase reintegration in society for the large group of people living with the aftermath of a stroke. By co-designing with multiple stakeholders, we expect the model to be feasible and sustainable. The knowledge from the project will also contribute to an increased awareness of the importance of the physical environment for sustainable health care. The findings will lay the foundation for future upscaling initiatives. DERR1-10.2196/56996.

Return to Sport After Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty and Patello-Femoral Arthroplasty

BackgroundData on sports/physical activity participation following unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) and patello-femoral arthroplasty (PFA) is variable and limited. The purpose of this study was to assess participations, outcomes, and limitations in sports following UKA and PFA. MethodsPatients who underwent UKA and PFA at a single institution from 2015 to 2020 were surveyed on sports participation before and after surgery. Data was correlated with perioperative patient characteristics and outcome scores. Among 776 patients surveyed, 356 (50%) patients responded. Of respondents, 296 (83.1%) underwent UKA, 44 (12.6%) underwent PFA, and 16 (4.5%) underwent both UKA/PFA. ResultsActivity participation rates were 86.5, 77.3, and 87.5% five years prior, and 70.9, 61.4, and 75% at one year prior to UKA, PFA, and UKA/PFA, respectively. Return to sports rates were 81.6, 64.7, and 62.3% at mean 4.6 years postoperatively, respectively. The most common activities were recreational walking, swimming, cycling, and golf. Patients returned to a similar participation level for low-impact activities, whereas participation decreased for intermediate- and high-impact activities. Patients participating in activities had higher postoperative Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score Joint Replacement (P < .001), 12-Item Short Form Physical Component Score (P = .045) and Mental Component Score (P = .012). Activity restrictions were reported among 25, 36.4, and 25% of UKA, PFA, and UKA/PFA patients, respectively, and were more commonly self-imposed than surgeon-directed. ConclusionsThough UKA patients’ postoperative sports participation may improve compared to one year preoperatively, participation for patients surgically treated for isolated osteoarthritis is decreased compared to 5 years preoperatively and varies among patient subsets.

The moderated mediating effect of physical activity restriction in the relationship between chronic disease, depression, and quality of life in middle age: – 2020 National Health and Nutrition Survey Data -

BackgroundSince middle-aged adults comprise the largest portion of the Korean population, improving their quality of life can be related to the quality of life of the entire population. This study aimed to investigate the moderated mediating effect of physical activity restrictions on the relationship between chronic disease, depression, and quality of life in middle-aged Koreans. MethodsSecondary data analysis was conducted on the dataset of the 2020 National Health and Nutrition Survey. Data from 1,487 of the original 7,359 participating middle-aged Koreans aged between 40 and 59 years were included. Descriptive statistical analysis, correlation analysis, and mediating, moderating, and moderated mediating effect analyses were performed. ResultsDepression had a mediating effect on the relationship between chronic disease and quality of life in middle-aged Koreans. Physical activity restrictions had a moderating effect on the relationship between chronic disease and depression. Finally, a moderated mediating effect of physical activity restrictions on the mediating effect of depression was observed. LimitationsThe study did not control demographic variables such as gender, age, income level, marital status, education level, and occupation. Response bias may have influenced the questionnaire data. The variables were only measured using a cross-sectional survey design. ConclusionsThis study is the first to use large-scale research data to identify a specific path to the quality of life in middle-aged Koreans. The findings provide a basis for implementing the necessary intervention measures to support middle-aged Koreans’ quality of life.

Analisis Pengaruh Kebijakan Pembatasan PPKM terhadap Harga Saham pada Perusahaan Makanan dan Minuman serta Perusahaan Ritel yang Terdaftar di BEI pada Tahun 2020-2021

This research aims to analyze and identify the impact of the Community Activity Restrictions (PPKM) policy on share prices in food and beverage and retail companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange (BEI) during 2020-2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic. This research uses quantitative analysis methods on the population of food and beverage and retail companies listed on the IDX during that period. From the survey sample selection criteria, four food and beverage companies and four retail companies were selected to be included in the survey. The results of the analysis and discussion show several conclusions, namely; (1) There are differences in share values in consumer goods companies in Indonesia before and after the PPKM announcement. Based on analysis, the average share value of the food and beverage sector and retail companies listed on the IDX has decreased after the announcement of PPKM in Indonesia. (2) Descriptive data shows that the difference in share value indicates that information related to PPKM policies can significantly influence share value.

ANOMALI DEMOKRASI INDONESIA: Kontroversi Peningkatan Partisipasi Politik pada Pemilihan Kepala Daerah dalam masa Pandemi Covid-19

This study discusses the implementation of regional head elections in Indonesia which took place during the Covid-19 pandemic. The study focuses on explaining the high level of voter turnout when Covid-19 hit Indonesia in 2020 which exceeded the turnout rate in normal situations and contrary to the trend of declining global voter turnout. This research uses descriptive qualitative methods with secondary data obtained from official government institutions (especially the election commission and Ministry of Health), mass media both newspapers and other social media, as well as the results of research conducted by other researchers. The results showed that the high level of voter turnout during the Covid-19 pandemic was an anomaly of democracy in the midst of activity restrictions and the trend of declining global voter turnout. The high voter turnout during the Covid-19 pandemic was inversely proportional to the economic downturn and public confidence in government. This study found that the main factor for increasing voter turnout during the Covid-19 pandemic was the massive mobilization of social assistance funds from the government. Theoretically, this is a synthesis of the mobilization model and the general incentives model of participation in a pragmatic context.

Awakening Aroma: Weathering the Covid-19 Storm in Aceh's Coffee Culinary Tourism and Farming Community

The potential and popularity of coffee culinary tourism, particularly Arabica Gayo coffee, have garnered recognition both locally and internationally for its unique aroma and flavor profile. However, the widespread impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the tourism sector in Indonesia has posed serious challenges, including to the coffee culinary tourism industry in Central Aceh. Decreased tourist visits have disrupted various aspects of the business. Hence, research is conducted to identify these impacts and find suitable solutions to revitalize this industry. Through research methods involving observation, in-depth interviews, and group discussions, efforts are made to optimize the potential of coffee culinary tourism in the region. The analysis reveals that operational hour restrictions on coffee culinary businesses are among the major impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic in Central Aceh, resulting in revenue decline and export difficulties. Nevertheless, the tourism potential in the area remains high despite the decrease in tourist numbers due to activity restrictions.

Early Wound and Sternal Management Following Pediatric Cardiac Surgery.

Early postoperative wound management following congenital heart surgery remains an area without equipoise. Precautionary restrictions can impact quality of life, development, and delay access to other needed care. The influence of different practices on wound healing and complications is unknown. We surveyed Pediatric Acute Care Cardiology Collaborative member centers regarding postoperative wound closure, wound vacuum-assisted closure (VAC) use, sternal precautions, and restrictions in the early postoperative period. We analyzed responses using descriptive statistics. Responses were submitted by 35/46 (76%) centers. Most centers perform primary skin closure with subcutaneous sutures. Wound covers are removed after 48 h at 43% (15/35) of centers and after ≥72 h at 34% (12/35) of centers. For delayed sternal closure, 16 centers close skin with interrupted, externalized sutures, 5 utilize wound VAC-assisted closure, and 12 use variable practices. Generally, 33 centers use wound VACs for wound care. Patient selection for VAC use and length of therapy varies. We found great variability in duration of sternal precautions and in activity, bathing, and submersion restrictions. Finally, 29 centers require a waiting period between cardiothoracic surgery and other surgeries such as tracheostomy or gastrostomy tube placement. Postoperative wound and sternal management lack consistency across North American pediatric heart institutes. Some restrictive practices may prolong length of stay and/or negatively impact quality of life and neurodevelopment. Practices may also impact wound infection rates. Research linking practices with clinical outcomes is needed to better define standards of care and reduce potential negative consequences of overly conservative or aggressive practices.

DIJITALISASI E-COMMERCE WARUNG SAYUR IBU ECIH BERBASIS ANDROID

Warung Sayur Ibu Ecih, situated in Kp. Kambing RT01/06, Karang Asem Barat, Citeureup, Bogor, is among the food stalls offering a diverse range of vegetables, meats, culinary spices, and more. Customer traffic at the Warung Sayur Ibu Ecih has dwindled due to growing vegetable stalls near Kp. Kambing and the impact of the government-imposed Community Activity Restrictions, which encourage residents to avoid congregating outside their homes. Therefore, a solution is imperative to rekindle buyer interest in the Warung Ibu Ecih and to devise strategies for mitigating shopping crowds. Given this context, the concept of developing an Android-based e-commerce application prototype for the Warung Sayur Ibu Ecih stall has surfaced to lure back customers and circumvent crowding while still adhering to the regulations associated with the government's Community Activity Restrictions. Envisioned as a remedy to attract patrons, this prototype holds the potential to enable convenient vegetable shopping that arises from crowded shopping environments.

Influence of Physical Activity and Cup Orientation on Metal Ion Release and Oxidative Stress in Metal-on-Metal and Ceramic-on-Metal Total Hip Arthroplasty.

Metal-on-metal (M-M) total hip arthroplasty (THA) has shown adverse reactions to metal debris, abnormal soft-tissue reactions, and high blood metal ion levels. This study aims to: (1) assess whether the toxicity of high levels of ions is related to altered oxidative stress and (2) evaluate tribological factors related to increased blood levels of chromium (Cr) and cobalt (Co) ions. A cross-sectional analytical descriptive study was conducted on 75 patients. A total of 25 underwent M-M THA, 25 ceramic-on-metal (C-M) THA, and 25 were on the THA waiting list. Ion metallic levels in blood, oxidative stress, physical activity, and implant position were compared. In the M-M group, Co and Cr levels were significantly higher than those found in the C-M group and the control group (p < 0.01). We found no differences in terms of oxidative stress between the groups. Also, we did not find a correlation between metal blood levels and oxidative stress indicators, the physical activity of the patients or the position of the implants between groups. The use of M-M bearing surfaces in THA raises the levels of metals in the blood without modifying oxidative stress regardless of the physical activity levels of the patients. Therefore, although patients with M-M bearings require close monitoring, it does not seem necessary to recommend the restriction of physical activity in patients with M-M or C-M arthroplasties.

Association of Case Duration with Late vs. Early Physical Therapy Initiation in Treatment of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Injuries: A Retrospective Analysis

Background:Occupational medicine providers treat patients who are injured while working. Conservative management with over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medicines, physical modalities (ice/heat), and activity restrictions are first-line treatment strategies. Physical therapy (PT) is often added to assist with patients’ return to baseline through symptom reduction and restoration of function. PT efficacy on outcomes and healthcare costs has been described in other patient populations but less described in injured worker populations. This study focused on associations between PT timing and case duration for treating musculoskeletal injuries in a regional injured workerpopulation.&#x0D; Methods:A retrospective chart review of 795 patients receiving care at Parkview Occupational Health (POH) for musculoskeletal injuries from 2017-2023 was conducted to determine if early PT was associated with case duration. Patients employed in Indiana and referred to PT within Parkview were included in the study. Age, BMI, and case duration were compared between early vs. late PT groups using two-sampled t-test. Race, sex, smoking status, and injury type were compared using chi-squared tests.&#x0D; Results:The mean case duration (73.41 days) when PT was initiated early (≤ 30 days after date of injury, DOI) was significantly shorter compared to the mean case duration (104.21 days) when PT was initiated late (p&lt;0.0001). Case duration was even shorter (67.61 days) when early PT was defined as ≤14 days after injury (p=0.001). There was no significant difference in case duration (mean difference=9.5 days) between patients initiating PT within 14 days and within 15-30 days (p=0.15). Injury type (back vs. other musculoskeletal injuries) was significantly associated with PT timing (p=0.002).&#x0D; Conclusion/Implications:Future analysis should compare case duration, days of restricted work, advanced imaging utilization, and specialist referral rate between patients with early and late PT initiation. This comparison will aid in development of best practice guidance for treatment of work-related musculoskeletal injuries at POH.

The Dualism Phenomenon of Covid-19 Prevention Policy at Entikong Border, West Kalimantan Province: A Government Communication Study

Entikong District, Sanggau Regency, West Kalimantan Province, is one of the border areas of Indonesia and Malaysia. Among several Cross-Border Posts (PLBN) in the Indonesian territory, one of them was established in Entikong Sub-district, Entikong PLBN. The Entikong area was equally impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic. Aiming to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus in Entikong, the government issued two policies. The first policy was to close the border. Despite being closed, the border remained accessible for Indonesian citizens intending to return to Indonesia and foreign nationals with visas according to certain conditions. The second policy was the Enforcement of Micro-based Community Activity Restrictions (PPKM). Both emerged as two conflicting policies where the border was closed but accessible for Indonesian citizens, such as returning Indonesian migrant workers and foreigners with certain visas. However, on the other hand, PPKM restricted the mobility of the Entikong community. It is certain that these two policies greatly impacted the community residing in the Entikong border area due to the absence of socialization and intense communication for the community in West Kalimantan, which possesses a number of border entry points.

Comparison of neurological assessment and general movements of infants at risk at different time points

Background: Brain development is a constant interaction between genetic, biological, and environmental factors. Its maturation process is extremely sensitive, and if it does not occur in sync, brain damage can occur in the immature brain, triggering a set of permanent movement and posture disorders. Thus, early diagnosis of developmental changes is essential for intervention to begin as soon as possible, optimizing results, improving functional skills, and reducing the damage to the future life of these babies, and serve as a basis for the actions of professional teams dedicated to stimulation and monitoring of child development. Objectives: To compare the neurological assessment and general movements of infants at risk at 40, 52, and 64 weeks of gestational age (GA). Methods: Infants at risk born in a reference maternal and child hospital were assessed for their neuromotor behavior using the "Hammersmith Neonatal Neurological Examination (HNNE)", "Hammersmith Infant Neurological Examination (HINE)" and "General Movements Assessment (GMA)" scales at 40, 52, and 64 weeks gestational age. Data will be correlated and analyzed descriptively. Results: 33 infants at risk were assessed at 40, 52 and 64 weeks, i.e., up to six months of corrected age. Male gender (75.8%), a cesarean delivery (51.5%), and white race (60.6%) predominated. The Median Apgar score was nine, mean of five prenatal visits, and a mean GA of 35.8 weeks. Prematurity and congenital syphilis were the main diagnoses found. 30.3% of the patients underwent neuroimaging exams, especially brain ultrasounds, with normal results. There was a predominance of "altered evaluation" in HNNE and HINE at the three evaluative moments for term babies, especially for babies with congenital syphilis, and "adequate" for premature babies. In the GMA evaluation and regarding the presence of fidgety, there was a higher frequency of the "suboptimal" classification and most presented fidgety. In the longitudinal comparison between the three moments assessed using the HNNE/HINE scales, it was found that there was a significant difference between the first and the third evaluative moment (p = 0.029), where babies improved their classification. There were positive associations of results between the HNNE/HINE scales with scores in different variables. Conclusion: Infants at risk had altered scores on neurological assessments, indicating developmental delay. Children at risk or with delayed neurological development may present restrictions in activities and participation with compromised quality of life and even school learning. Therefore, it is extremely important to include standardized scales during neonatal screening in the routine of the Neonatal Intermediate Care Unit (NICU), as they are highly reliable and low-cost, so that early identification of neurological changes can be enabled, and thus intervene early, enhancing development.

Increasing demand for urban community gardening before, during and after the COVID-19 pandemic

Community gardens are growing in popularity worldwide, especially in densely populated urban areas. They provide semi-public spaces for joint gardening activities and serve as social and ecological retreats. The COVID-19 pandemic and associated restrictions in movement and leisure activities led to a changed demand for urban green spaces, but it remains unclear how it affected the overall trend in demand for community gardens. We measured interest to participate in community gardening between 2018 and 2022 based on a combination of counted application numbers and qualitative responses from garden coordinators. Out of 373 contacted community gardens, 70 replied, distributed across 43 cities in Switzerland, Germany, UK, USA, Canada and New Zealand. We find an increase in demand for participation in community gardens from 2018 to 2022, both based on counted application numbers and memory-based interest in participation. A generalized linear mixed model shows significant increases in applications from 2018 to 2019 (19 %), 2020 to 2021 (25 %) and 2021 to 2022 (16 %), but not from 2019 to 2020 (−0.32 %). These results confirm an ongoing trend of increasing demand for community gardens, with momentary reduced activity during 2020 due to COVID-19 restrictions, followed by a subsequent surge in demand. The peak increase in application numbers in 2021, along with the overall rise from 2018 to 2022, underscores the crucial role of community gardens in an urbanizing world, especially during challenging times. It is essential for urban planners to prioritize meeting this increasing demand as part of their efforts to make cities more sustainable.

Who remained happy despite the pandemic?: the impact of changed life situations and mobility and perceptions and attitudes toward the altered lifestyle during COVID-19

ABSTRACT This study explored the determinants of happiness during the COVID-19 pandemic by emphasizing a broad range of factors, including individual (i.e. socio-demographic status, life situations, attitudinal and perceptual characteristics) and policy restrictions. In particular, the study delved into the impact of changes in life situations and mobility, as well as perceptions and attitudes toward the altered lifestyle during COVID-19, on happiness. By analyzing data with 75 items from a U.S. nationwide survey in 2020, this study found that socio-demographic factors played a significant role in increasing happiness specifically when income increased and individuals transitioned from unemployment to employment or sustained employment during the pandemic. Happiness was also significantly reduced by COVID-19 altered attitudinal and perceptual changes such as restricted social interactions and activities, perception of infection risk, avoidance of online alternatives, perceived infection risk from close relationships, and a preference for compactness. Individuals who were users of public transportation before COVID-19 reported lower levels of happiness during the pandemic. This comprehensive exploration underscores the multifaceted nature of happiness during the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting the intertwined roles of socio-demographic factors, changes in life circumstances, and attitudes and perceptions to new life style.

Association between Perceived Activity Restriction Due to People's Perception of Aging and Unmet Medical Needs among Middle-Aged and Elderly People: A Population-Based Study.

Background and Objectives: The older members of a population might experience unmet medical needs, despite desiring medical care due to activity limitations driven by their perception of aging. This study conducted a cross-sectional analysis of the association between perceived activity restriction (PAR) due to people's own perception of aging and unmet medical needs (UMN) in late middle-aged and older Koreans based on the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES). Materials and Methods: The 2016-2020 KNHANES was used to analyze a total of 2008 participants among groups aged 45 years or older by applying individual weights imposed from the raw data. The independent variable of PAR was assessed using self-reported questionnaires based on the global activity limitation indicator. Also, the dependent variable of UMN, referring to the state in which a patient's medical care or service was insufficient, inadequate, or lacking, was assessed using a single question. After excluding missing values, the data on 2008 individuals were analyzed using a chi-square test, weighted logistic regression, and a stratified analysis of gender, age, and the presence of chronic illnesses. Results: The group that experienced PAR had an OR 2.13 higher (odds ratio [OR]: 2.13; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.27-3.56) to present UMN than the group that did not experience PAR. Furthermore, the results of the stratified analysis indicated that, in the group of female participants with chronic illness and in the group of elderly people, experiencing PAR was associated with a higher experience of UMN. Conclusions: There was a close association between PAR and UMN. In particular, when PAR occurred in the group of female participants with chronic illness and in the group of elderly people, the incidence rate of UMN was also found to be high. This finding highlights the need for policies and institutional measures to reduce UMN within vulnerable groups with an increased risk of medical inaccessibility due to activity restriction.