Significant Effect Of Time Research Articles

Apomorphine for prolonged disorders of consciousness: a multimodal open-label study

Apomorphine is a dopaminergic candidate therapy to improve recovery in patients with prolonged disorders of consciousness (PDoC). Behavioural improvements were previously described in non-controlled case series, but its efficacy and neural mechanisms remain largely unknown. This open-label controlled study using multimodal outcome measures investigates the action of apomorphine in severely brain-injured patients. Thirteen PDoC patients received 30-day subcutaneous apomorphine treatment (n=6) or standard care (control group, n=7) in a neurological rehabilitation centre between February 2018 and January 2021. The apomorphine group was monitored 30 days before treatment initiation, during treatment and one year after treatment. Primary outcome measure was defined as changes in behavioural diagnosis using the Coma Recovery Scale-Revised (CRS-R). CRS-R index, recovery of new conscious behaviours, DoC-feeling scores, high-density electroencephalography, and fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography were employed as secondary outcome measures. The control group was monitored with repeated CRS-R only. Registration: EudraCT 2018-003144-23; Clinicaltrials.govNCT03623828. Groups (apomorphine vs. control: odds ratio 8.9, 95% CI 3.3-17.8) and study phase (treatment vs. baseline, apomorphine group only: odds ratio 3.9, 95% CI 1.5-10.1) significantly influenced positive changes in behavioural diagnosis. At one-year post-injury, 4/6 patients in the apomorphine group and 1/7 patients in the control group had improved their diagnosis. Similarly, CRS-R index was significantly influenced by study phase (treatment vs. baseline). All items on the DoC-feeling score were rated higher after treatment than before by both family and medical staff. Patients in the apomorphine group recovered more conscious behaviours than control patients. Alpha-band whole-brain connectivity and participation coefficient, as well as alpha-band parieto-temporal connectivity and frontal participation coefficient were higher after treatment than at baseline. Whole-brain metabolism increased by a relative mean of 13.8% after treatment compared to baseline, with a significant effect of timing (pre-vs. post-treatment scans) on regional SUV. Long-lasting consciousness improvements were observed in patients treated with apomorphine, compared to controls and compared to baseline. Changes in brain connectivity and metabolism were observed after treatment, providing insights into possible neurophysiological mechanisms and target areas. This open-label study confirmed the feasibility and safety of apomorphine treatment, which may represent a key therapeutic option for PDoC. University and University Hospital of Liege, Belgian National Funds for Scientific Research, Fund Generet of the King Baudouin Foundation, AstraZeneca Foundation, Leon Fredericq Foundation and NeuroHealing Pharmaceuticals Inc.

A comparison of biofilm and suspension methods in removing heavy metals (chromium) from industrial wastewater with Scenedesmus obliquus and Chlorella vulgaris

The study investigated the factors influencing chromium absorption by the microalgae species S. obliquus and C. vulgaris using an ANOVA approach. The analysis revealed significant independent effects of contact time, temperature, pH, density, algal species, and production methods, as well as notable interactions among these factors. Under standardized conditions of pH 7, 105 minutes of contact time, a temperature of 25°C, light intensity of 3500 lux, and a density of 60, S. obliquus showed the highest chromium absorption. The biofilm production method was consistently more effective than the suspension method for both species. At a pH of 5, C. vulgaris outperformed S. obliquus, achieving maximum absorption rates in both production methods. The study also found that higher temperatures facilitated increased chromium absorption, peaking at 27.5°C for suspension and 26.5°C for biofilm methods, with S. obliquus demonstrating superiority. Significant interactions resulted in the combination of the biofilm method and S. obliquus yielding the best absorption rates at specified conditions. Density trends indicated decreasing absorption rates for both microalgae at densities of 30 and 40, but S. obliquus later exhibited a reversal of this trend, unlike C. vulgaris. Contact time results indicated increased absorption from 60 to 115 minutes, but a decline afterwards, with S. obliquus again leading. The optimal conditions for chromium absorption were identified as pH 5, temperatures around 26–28°C, with particular density levels, highlighting the importance of production method in enhancing absorption rates for both microalgae species.

Exploring the effects of a 12-Week functional training program on fundamental motor skills for primary school children aged 6–7

BackgroundFundamental motor skills (FMS) are the foundation of children’s movement. Professional guidance and customised training methods are essential to effectively acquiring and mastering fundamental motor skills. Recently, functional training has gained widespread popularity and is associated with numerous benefits. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the effect of functional training on fundamental motor skills in children aged 6–7. MethodsThis study was conducted at a primary school. One hundred children were randomly selected from 382 who met the criteria and allocated to a functional training or regular physical education group, with 25 boys and 25 girls in each group. The research program lasted 12 weeks, with two weekly sessions, each lasting 40 min. The assessment of fundamental motor skills utilises the Test of Gross Motor Development and Pediatric Balance Scale. The pre-test and post-test data were analysed using generalised estimating equations. ResultsThe data analysis showed statistically significant differences between and within groups. There was a significant interaction effect of time and group on the gross motor quotient (x2 = 51.603, p = 0.001), locomotor subtest standard scores (x2 = 22.259, p = 0.001), object control subtest standard scores (x2 = 29.283, p = 0.001), and PBS balance scores (x2 = 24.881, p = 0.001). Furthermore, the main effect of time was significant for the four variables. However, the main effects of the group varied. Significant effects of the group were observed for the gross motor quotient (x2 = 8.662, p = 0.003) and object control subtest standard scores (x2 = 7.471, p = 0.006), but not for locomotor subtest standard scores (x2 = 2.558, p = 0.110) or PBS balance scores (x2 = 1.188, p = 0.276). Discussion and ConclusionsFunctional training can positively impact the development of fundamental motor skills in children aged 6–7, demonstrating greater effectiveness than regular physical education courses. These findings provide evidence that incorporating functional training into early childhood physical education can be an effective intervention for enhancing the development of fundamental motor skills.

Immediate Effect of Compression Contrast Therapy on Quadriceps Femoris Muscles’ Regeneration in MMA Fighters

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the immediate effect of Game Ready (GR) heat–cold compression contrast therapy (HCCT) on changes in the biomechanical parameters of the quadriceps femoris muscles and tissue perfusion. Methods: Fifteen male MMA fighters were subjected to HCCT on the dominant leg’s thigh and control sham therapy on the other. The experimental intervention used a pressure cuff with the following parameters: time—20 min; pressure—25–75 mmHg; and temp.—3–45°C, changing every 2 min. For the control group, the temp. of sham therapy was 15–36 °C, and pressure was 15–25 mmHg, changing every 2 min. Measurements were taken on the head of the rectus femoris muscle (RF) 5 min before therapy, 5 min after, and 1 h after therapy in the same order in all participants: microcirculatory response (PU), muscle tension (MT), stiffness (S), flexibility (E), tissue temperature (°C), and pressure pain threshold (PPT). Results: The analysis revealed significant differences between the HCCT and sham therapy groups and the measurement time (rest vs. post 5 min and post 1 h) for PU, MT, E, and °C (p < 0.00001) (a significant effect of time was found) in response to GR therapy. No significant differences were found for the PPT. Conclusions: The results of this study prove that GR HCCT evokes changes in the biomechanical parameters of the RF muscles and perfusion in professional MMA fighters.

Benefits of Yogic Practice on Body Fat Composition in Obese Adults

Obesity is a worldwide concern and is increasing rapidly across the continents. Yoga can be used as a preventive method for obesity. Therefore, current research investigates the effects of a yoga intervention on body composition among male and female participants. A total of 39 obese adults (Female = 21) were randomly assigned to the 12-week yoga intervention. The study utilized paired sample t-tests and repeated measures ANOVA to assess changes over time and explore potential gender differences. Results revealed significant main effects of time across all measured variables, including subcutaneous fat, visceral fat, Body Mass Index (BMI), and Muscle Mass (MM), indicating notable changes in body composition over the intervention period. In males, the effect size (ES) of Fat (subcutaneous) was -0.55 [t = 5.225, (17), p < 0.05], showing moderate degree of effect, while significant but small degree of effects were observed in Fat (visceral) ES = -0.17 [t = 4.016 (17), p < 0.05], and BMI ES was -0.15 [t = 2.592, (17), P < 0.05]. Muscle mass revealed a higher degree of ES 0.95 [t = -5.006, (17), p < 0.05]. In females, yogic intervention showed a significant but small degree of effects noticed in Fat (subcutaneous) ES = -0.39 [ t = 4.464, (20), p < 0.05] and Fat (Visceral) ES = -0.24 [ t = 3.039 (20), p < 0.05] respectively. Training had No significant impact on BMI and muscle mass in female participants. While some gender differences were observed in the main effects, particularly in Muscle Mass, the interaction between time and gender was not statistically significant, suggesting that the intervention's effects were consistent across genders. The study concluded that yoga is an effective means of promoting positive changes in body composition for male participants. However, the results were statistically significant in females, but the degree of effects was small. Further research could explore additional factors influencing these changes and investigate long-term impacts beyond the intervention period.

Metabolic Status Modulates Global and Local Brain Age Estimates in Overweight and Obese Adults

BackgroundAs people live longer, maintaining brain health becomes essential for extending healthspan and preserving independence. Brain degeneration and cognitive decline are major contributors to disability. This study investigates how metabolic health influences brain-age-gap-estimate (brainAGE), which measures the difference between neuroimaging-predicted brain age and chronological age. MethodsK-means clustering was applied to fasting metabolic markers including insulin, glucose, leptin, cortisol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, steady-state-plasma glucose and of body mass index of 114 physically and cognitively healthy adults. The Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance served as a reference. T1-weighted brain MRIs were used to calculate voxel-level and global (G-brainAGE). Longitudinal data were available for 53 participants over a 3-year interval. ResultsK-mean clustering divided the sample into two groups: those with favorable (N=56) and suboptimal metabolic health (N=58). The suboptimal group showed signs of insulin resistance and dyslipidemia (PFDR<0.05) and had older G-brainAGE and L-brainAGE, with deviations most prominent in cerebellar, ventromedial prefrontal, and medial temporal regions (PFWE<0.05). Longitudinal analysis revealed group differences but no significant time or interaction effects on brainAGE measures. ConclusionsSuboptimal metabolic status is linked to accelerated brain aging, particularly in brain regions rich in insulin receptors. These findings highlight the importance of metabolic health in maintaining brain function and suggest that promoting metabolic well-being may help extend healthspan.

Excitation of the bottom-up pathways has no effect on remote muscle fatigue in healthy participants.

The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of induced excitation of the bottom-up pathways at the lateral elbow muscles on local muscle fatigue in the neck region in healthy participants. Eligible participants (n:55) were randomly allocated to an intervention group (n:28) or a control group (n:27). The fatigue of bilateral neck flexor(sternocleidomastoid) and extensor (upper trapezius) muscles was evaluated using surface electromyography, at baseline and immediately post-intervention during a neck flexor and extensor endurance test respectively. Excitation of the bottom-up pathways was performed at multiple lateral elbow muscles in the intervention group by using a temporal summation protocol of mechanical pain, and the pressure pain threshold was determined once in each of the multiple lateral elbow muscles in the control group. Linear mixed model analyses were performed for each outcome measure to evaluate changes over time and within- and between-group differences. No significant "group X time" interaction effects were detected for any of the outcome measures. Significant main effects for time was found for "amplitude over time" of the left upper trapezius (p:0.003) and right sternocleidomastoid muscle (p: 0.013), and for "amplitude changes" of the left upper trapezius muscle (p:0.021). Significant within-group changes were identified in some outcomes in the control group: increased "amplitude over time" of the right sternocleidomastoid muscle (p:0.024) and decreased "amplitude changes" of the left upper trapezius muscle (p:0.024), decreased "normalized median frequency slope over time" of the left UT (p: 0.013). There were no significant within-group changes in the intervention group. No significant between-group differences for any of the outcome measures were found. This study shows no effect of the induction of excitation of the bottom-up pathways at the lateral elbow muscles on the neck muscles' fatigue characteristics compared to a control intervention. Clinical Trial Number: NCT05146960. Date of Registration: December 7, 2021.

Evaluating the evening carbohydrate dilemma: the effect of within-the-day carbohydrate periodization on body composition and physical fitness.

To assess the effects of carbohydrate timing and type on body composition and physical fitness. Forty-two healthy, trained male volunteers underwent a four-week intervention, randomly divided into three groups: (i) Sleep Low-No Carbohydrates (SL-NCHO): consuming all carbohydrate intake at regular intervals prior to evening training, (ii) Sleep High-Low Glycemic Index (SH-LGI), and (iii) Sleep High-High Glycemic Index (SH-HGI). In both SH-LGI and SH-HGI, carbohydrates were distributed throughout the day, both pre-(60% of total intake) and post-evening training (40% of total intake). The SH-LGI and SH-HGI groups diverged in evening carbohydrate quality, featuring LGI and HGI foods, respectively. All participants performed a standardized exercise program combining resistance exercise and high-intensity interval training. Body composition was assessed using skinfold measurements and bioelectrical impendence analysis. Physical fitness was assessed by measuring VO2max, Visual Reaction Time (VRT), Countermovement Jump (CMJ), and 1-repetition maximum (1RM) in hack squat, chest press, shoulder press, and lat-pulldown exercises. There was a significant time-effect on both body composition and physical fitness indices. Bodyfat percentage decreased by an average of 1.5% (p < 0.001), fat-mass by 1.4kg (p < 0.001) and fat-free mass increased by 0.9kg (p = 0.006). A time-effect was also observed in VO2max, CMJ, 1RM testing, and VRT (all p < 0.05). There were no significant differences among interventions. A balanced dietary plan with sufficient nutrient and energy intake promotes body composition optimization and physical fitness, independently of carbohydrate type or timing. This study points towards implementing flexible nutrition interventions, emphasizing the potential of tailored dietary strategies to optimize health and physical fitness. The trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT05464342.

Combining practical blood flow restriction with elastic band resistance training neither affects strength nor muscle thickness in young males

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of eight weeks of elastic band resistance training (EBRT) program associated with practical blood flow restriction (BFR) on muscle strength and hypertrophy. Fourteen physically active male participated in an eight-week upper limbs EBRT program, with one limb under BFR and the other with free blood flow (EBRT+BFR). Bilateral and unilateral elbow flexion exercises were performed three times a week, with three sets of 15 repetitions in each upper limb. Blood flow restriction was produced by an extensive band, implementing the pressure stipulated at 25% of the resting upper arm circumference. Significant main effect for time was found in elbow flexors muscle thickness measured with ultrasound to both training conditions, but no significant interactions in the time x group were identified. Relative strength gains measure with a dynamometer were -0.5 ± 10.2 % and 0.5 ± 12.1 % in the arms trained with EBRT and EBRT+BFR, respectively. The relative gains in elbow flexor muscle thickness were 1.8 ± 6.2 % with EBRT training and 5.5 ± 6.7 % in EBRT+BFR (both p &gt; .05). In conclusion, applying BFR to an EBRT was not superior at increasing upper limb muscular strength or hypertrophy in young adults compared to EBRT alone.

Effects of balance training with visual input manipulations on balance performance and sensory integration in healthy young adults: a randomized controlled trial.

Although balance training can improve balance across various populations, the underlying mechanisms, such as how balance training may alter sensory integration, remain unclear. This study examined the effects of balance training with visual input manipulations provided by virtual reality versus conventional balance training on measures of postural sway and sensory integration during balance control. Twenty-two healthy young adults were randomly allocated into a balance training group (BT) or a balance training with virtual reality group (BT + VR). The BT received traditional balance training, while the BT + VR additionally received visual manipulations during the 4-week balance training to elicit sensory conflicts. Static balance was measured in the form of center of pressure (COP) sway speed in trained (eyes open) and untrained (eyes closed) balance conditions. A model-based analysis quantified the sensory integration and feedback characteristics of the balance control mechanism. Herein, the visual weight quantifies the contribution of visual orientation information to balance while the proportional and derivative feedback loop-gains correct for deviations from the desired angular position and angular velocity, respectively. Significant main time effects were observed for the visual sensory contribution to balance (p = 0.002, [Formula: see text] = 0.41) and for the derivative feedback loop-gain (p = 0.011, [Formula: see text] = 0.29). Significant group-by-time interactions were observed for COP sway speed in the untrained task (p = 0.023, [Formula: see text] = 0.23) in favor of BT + VR and in the proportional feedback loop-gain, with reductions only in the BT + VR group (p = 0.043, [Formula: see text] = 0.2). BT + VR resulted in larger performance improvements compared with traditional BT in untrained tasks, most likely due to reduced reliance on visual information. This suggests that the systematic modulation of sensory inputs leads to enhanced capacity for motor adaptation in balance training.

Evaluating efficacy and safety of Saffron add-on treatment in improvement of motor and depressive symptoms of patients with Parkinson’s disease: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial

AimEvidence has highlighted neuroprotective effects of saffron in animal models of Parkinson’s disease (PD). The present study investigated the efficacy and safety of add-on saffron on motor and depressive symptoms of patients with PD. MethodsThis study was an 8-week, randomized, double-blind, and parallel-group clinical trial. Known cases of PD with depression were randomized to receive either a routine treatment (levodopa or levodopa-equivalent dose of a dopamine agonist) plus saffron capsule (15 mg bid) or routine treatment plus placebo. All participants were assessed using the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD), Geriatric Depression Scale-30 (GDS-30), item 3 of Movement Disorder Society Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (MDS-UPDRS) part 1, MDS-UPDRS part 3, and H and Y scale at baseline and at week 8. ResultsA total of 52 patients (25 in saffron and 27 in placebo groups) were included. Our results demonstrated that saffron could not improve motor symptoms of PD patients (F=0.53, df=1, p=0.424). However, repeated-measures analysis showed a significant effect of time × treatment (F=8.24, df=1, p=0.006) on HAMD scores, indicating a greater improvement of depressive symptoms in saffron compared to placebo groups. Our study showed nonsignificant findings regarding the secondary outcome measures (GDS-30, item 3 of MDS-UPDRS part 1, and H and Y scale). We showed that treatment with saffron is safe in PD. ConclusionWe substantiated that add-on treatment with saffron significantly improved depression, but not motor symptoms, in PD. Further trials with larger sample sizes and longer follow-ups are needed to confirm our findings.

Mindfulness Meditation Improves Mental Health in Flood Survivors and Disaster Volunteers: A Randomized Wait-List Controlled Trial

Abstract Objectives Being affected by a natural disaster or helping victims can impact mental health. This study aimed to examine whether a digital mindfulness intervention positively affects self-compassion, life satisfaction, and positive affect, and alleviates negative affect, perceived stress, and pathological symptoms in victims and volunteers of the flood disaster in Germany in July 2021. Method Participants were 146 people affected by the flood (via house, n = 88; friends, n = 100; workplace, n = 54) and/or volunteered after the disaster (n = 86). After the randomized assignment, 74 received a 6-week application-based mindfulness intervention, and 72 were allocated to the wait-control condition. The control group received the same intervention 6 weeks later. Before (T1) and after (T2) the intervention of the first group and after the intervention of the control group (T3), participants filled out questionnaires regarding different aspects of mental health. Results We found significant interaction effects of time and intervention for all variables (self-compassion, life satisfaction, positive and negative affect, perceived stress, and pathological symptoms), indicating effectiveness of the digital mindfulness intervention. No deterioration were found between T2 and T3 in the intervention group for any of the variables. Conclusions The 6-week digital mindfulness program positively affected the mental health of both disaster victims and volunteers. Therefore, a digital mindfulness intervention could be a good alternative in situations where group programs or face-to-face meetings are infeasible.

Effects of cryo-facial mask on running performance in amateur middle-distance runners

The excess heat accumulated during exercise can lead to stress-induced fatigue, possibly impairing athletic performance. Various precooling techniques have been applied to enhance thermal comfort, reduce perception of effort, and improve endurance. In this randomized crossover study, twelve male amateur middle-distance runners (age: 33.69 ± 5.9 years; body mass: 71.9 ± 4.4 kg; height: 178.4 ± 5.6 cm; V˙O2 peak: 63.3 ± 5.6 mL min−1·kg−1) wore a facial cooling mask before a time-to-exhaustion (TTE) test on a treadmill, under cryostimulation or control conditions. The running performance comprised also two constant load trials, one conducted before and another after wearing the mask, both performed at the velocity of the first ventilatory threshold. Under cryostimulation condition, the TTE was 13 % higher than the control condition (p = 0.0049; d = −0.19) with a significant main effect of time for both ratings of perceived exertion (F1, 22 = 50.10; p < 0.0001; η2p = 0.69) and heart rate (F1, 22 = 31.53; p < 0.0001; η2p = 0.59). A significant interaction “condition × time” was found for facial skin temperature (F2, 44 = 36.93; p < 0.0001; η2p = 0.63) and for heart rate during the constant load trial after wearing the mask (F1, 22 = 5.90; p = 0.0238; η2p = 0.21). The localized cryostimulation provided by the mask lowered the skin temperature on the face, potentially mitigating the negative effects of heat stress during running. Incorporating the cryo-facial mask as part of a pre-exercise routine for runners may offer a practical and convenient method to optimize performance and enhance overall training outcomes.

The role of football video games in boosting cognitive abilities critical to football performance

Background and Aim: Football requires rapid decision-making and quick reaction times, crucial cognitive abilities that traditionally develop through physical training. This study explores whether football video games, which simulate real game scenarios, can enhance these cognitive abilities among college-level male football players. Materials and Methods: The study involved 51 football players from SRM Group of Institutions, divided into three groups: regular video game players (Group A), occasional players (Group B), and non-players (Group C). A mixed-methods approach was used, combining quantitative cognitive abilities tests (decision-making, reaction time, situational awareness). The video game used in the study was eFootball 2024 with participants engaging in gameplay over a period of 6 weeks. Tests were conducted before and after a set period of video game engagement. Data were analyzed using mixed-design ANOVA and Pearson’s correlation. Results: Significant improvements were observed in Group A across all cognitive abilities tested. Decision-making showed notable group and time effects (F (2, 48) = 5.76, p = 0.005, η² = 0.17; F (1, 48) = 12.54, p &lt; 0.001, η² = 0.25), with interaction effects indicating substantial enhancements over time (F (2, 48) = 3.45, p = 0.035, η² = 0.08). Reaction time and situational awareness followed similar patterns, with significant group, time, and interaction effects. Correlation analysis revealed strong interrelations between the cognitive abilities, indicating that improvements in one area positively influenced others. Conclusion: Regular engagement with football video games significantly enhances cognitive abilities essential for football performance. These findings suggest that integrating video games into training programs could complement traditional methods, offering a valuable tool for cognitive development in sports.

A comprehensive nurse-led aftercare programme addressing post-burn sexual well-being of adult burn survivors: a randomised controlled trial

BackgroundSexual well-being is a key part of being human yet often remains shrouded in secrecy and poorly addressed in the clinical setting. The impact of burns and its long-term sequelae often lead to concerns regarding body image disturbance, self-esteem issues, and interpersonal challenges which can impact on an individual’s sexual well-being. However, existing post-burn rehabilitation programmes usually lack components addressing concerns regarding sexual well-being. As a part of a larger project, we developed a nurse-led aftercare programme, and this study sought to examine the effects of the programme in addressing the post-burn sexual well-being of adult burn survivors.MethodsA randomised controlled trial approach was used. Sixty burn survivors aged ≥ 18 years with burn size ≥ 10% total burn surface area were assigned to intervention and control groups. Participants in the intervention group underwent the nurse-led aftercare programme which involved pre-discharge support and proactive follow-up support over 8 weeks. The sexuality subscale of the Burn Specific Health Scale-Brief was used to evaluate the outcome of interest. Data were collected at three timepoints: baseline (T0), post-intervention (T1), and follow-up (T2).ResultsUsing a corrected p value of 0.017, the study observed only statistically significant time effect at both T1 and T2. Both group and interaction effects were statistically insignificant for this outcome.ConclusionIssues regarding sexual well-being are often considered sacred and may be challenging to discuss. Thus, a longer duration of the intervention may be considered with ongoing training of practitioners to identify and resolve emerging challenges. Despite the non-significant interaction and group effects, including sexual well-being support in post-burns rehabilitation programmes will facilitate access to and utilisation of the service among burn survivors who may need it.Trial registrationProspectively registered on 14th August 2020. ClinicalTrials.govNCT04517721.

The efficacy of ultrasonography-guided oxygen-ozone therapy versus corticosteroids in patients with knee osteoarthritis: A multicenter randomized controlled trial.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a widely-known disease distinguished by the breakdown of joint cartilage, leading to pain and morning stiffness. In this context, the role of corticosteroids is well known, but there is still a gap of knowledge on the duty of oxygen-ozone therapy (O2-O3). To evaluate for effectiveness of ultrasound-guided O2-O3 injections compared with corticosteroid injections among patients diagnosed with knee OA. This randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted on participants with knee OA who were randomly sorted into two groups: group A, undergoing corticosteroid group (n= 47) and group B, undergoing O2-O3 (n= 49) were injected within the knee joint under ultrasound guidance. The primary outcome measure was the change in the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis (WOMAC) score between baseline and 12-weeks post-injection. Secondary outcome measures included visual analog scale scores, joint effusion and a knee flexion ROM. Assessments were recorded at baseline and 4-weeks and 12-weeks post-injection. For the examination of intra- and inter-group variations at various time points, a repeated-measure analysis of variance (two-way ANOVA) was employed. Ninety-six participants completed this study. Based on repeated measurement analysis of variance, a significant effect of time was found for all outcome measures in both groups. Both groups showed clinically significant improvements in knee pain, quality of life and, function. Baseline, 4-week post-injection and 12-week post-injection WOMAC scores (mean ± standard deviation) were 72.54 ± 18.89, 45,95 ± 13.30 and 37.10 ± 19.87 (p= 0.00, p= 0.00, p= 0.00; respectively) in the corticosteroid group, respectively and 68.23 ± 20.18, 42.99 ± 18.67, and 33.43 ± 18.24 (p= 0.00, p= 0.00, p= 0.00; respectively) in the ozone group, respectively. However, no significant group × time interaction was determined regarding all outcome measures. The study demonstrates the efficacy of O2-O3 compared to steroid injections regarding functioning and pain relief among patients with diagnosed knee OA.

Empowering Student Engagement and Academic Achievement in Physical Education Classes After COVID-19: Integration of Three Teaching Models

This study aims to analyze the effects of tactical game model (TGM) and peer teaching model (PTM) in increasing student engagement and academic achievement. The true experimental method with a 10-week randomized controlled design was adopted in this study. 54 students were allocated into experimental class 1 (TGM, n = 18, 19.60 ± 1.17 years), experimental class 2 (PTM, n = 18, 20.00 ± 1.05 years) and control class (traditional, n =18, 19.40 ± 1.43 years). The instrument in this research used the student engagement questionnaire to assess student engagement in PE classes, while semester exam scores were used as academic achievement instruments. The results of the Student's paired t-test, we observed that participants in TGM, PTM and CC experienced significant differences from pre- to post-test scores on student' engagement and academic achievement (all, p &lt; 0.05). Meanwhile, the results show that there is a significant effect of time, group and time*group interaction on student' engagement (all, p &lt; 0.05), and academic achievement (all, p &lt; 0.05). Conclusions: Thus, we highlight the application of TGM and PTM in PE classes is important to improve students' levels of engagement and academic achievement.

Antioxidative Status and Meat Quality Traits as Affected by Dietary Supplementation of Finishing Pigs with Natural Phenolics.

This work investigated the effect of a plant-based phenolic supplement on the color, myoglobin forms, lipid oxidation, and antioxidative status of fresh and stored (10 days at 4 °C) meat (Longissimus thoracis et lumborum), as well as the antioxidative status of the blood and liver. The sensory quality of the meat was also evaluated for color, aroma, texture, juiciness, and palatability. Twenty-four finishing pigs, divided into two groups, were fed a basal diet and a diet with a phenolic supplement (0.1%). The supplementation increased the redness of the meat (+36% for a* and +28% for redness index), the myoglobin (Mb) content (+7%), the antioxidant activity, and the juiciness. The treatment increased the antioxidant status of meat, reflected by superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and total glutathione (GSH + GSSG). The catalase and SOD activities and GSH + GSSG of the blood and liver were also elevated in the supplemented samples when compared to the control group. A significant effect of time was observed for all tested parameters (pH, color attributes, Mb forms, the antioxidant activity, lipid oxidation) except for the Mb content. For the stored samples, only TBARSs (thiobarbituric acid reagent substances) were affected by the diet. The slope of the plot for TBARS changes with time was significantly different between the control and treated groups (p = 0.017), which indicated a significant effect of dietary supplementation. A higher rate of lipid oxidation was observed in the control samples.

A retrospective analysis of a clinician-initiated high-intensity locomotor training implementation project in an inpatient rehabilitation facility.

The Academy of Neurologic Physical Therapy's Intensity Matters campaign recommends the implementation of high-intensity locomotor training for all patients with neurologic dysfunction with goals to improve walking. Retrospectively determine the effectiveness of a clinician-initiated implementation project on the adoption, reach, and fidelity of high-intensity locomotor training for patients with stroke during inpatient rehabilitation and, determine whether the project led to changes in patient outcomes. Retrospective analysis of electronic medical records from 1 year before and after the project. Patients admitted with a stroke diagnosis were included. Demographic information, the number of high-intensity sessions, the percentage of time spent in the target heart rate zone, standardized assessment scores for motor function, functional mobility, balance, gait speed and endurance, and discharge destination were extracted for descriptive and linear mixed model analysis. Clinician reach was 75%, and adoption of high-intensity training varied between clinicians from 47.1% and 83.3%. Of eligible patients, 55% received the target intervention at least once, reflecting the patient reach. Implementation fidelity was 18.84%. Linear mixed effects modeling revealed a statistically significant effect of time (p < .001) but not group allocation or group × time interaction. Although statistically significant differences in patient outcomes compared to pre-implementation were not found, results highlight the limitations associated with adopting high-intensity locomotor training for patients post-stroke in this setting .It remains unclear whether the implementation fidelity achieved was sufficient to impact patient outcomes. Further research is needed to establish fidelity targets and identify barriers to successful implementation projects by clinicians.

Physical Characteristics, Moisture Content and Organoleptic Properties of Afkir Laying Hen Meat with Different Marination Durations in Pineapple Crown Extract

Afkir laying hen meat has a tough texture, making it less desirable to consumers. Pineapple crown extract is known to improve the texture of spent laying hen meat due to its bromelain enzyme content. This study aims to determine the effect of marination duration using pineapple crown extract on the pH, cooking loss, water content, water holding capacity, texture, and organoleptic value of spent laying hen meat. The study was conducted using a Completely Randomized Design with 4 treatments (different marination times of 0, 2, 4, and 6 hours) and 5 replications. The parameters observed in this study included pH, cooking loss, water content, water holding capacity, texture, and organoleptic values. Test data were analyzed statistically using Analysis of Variance with a 5% significance level, and if significant effects were found, the analysis was followed by Duncan’s Multiple Range Test. Organoleptic test data were analyzed with the Kruskal-Wallis method, and if there were significant effects, further analysis was conducted using the Mann-Whitney test. The results showed a significant effect (P&lt;0.05) of marination time using pineapple crown extract on the pH, water content, and organoleptic parameters, including taste, texture, color, and overall preference, with no significant effect (P&gt;0.05) on cooking loss, water holding capacity, or the aroma attribute in the organoleptic test. Marination time also decreased the toughness of afkir laying hen meat texture, as analyzed descriptively. Marination for 2-6 hours decreased pH and water content, tenderized the texture, and improved meat preference. Keywords: Afkir laying hen; bromelain; tenderness; pineapple crown; marination