Speed Test Research Articles

Influence of strength and power training on the rate of force development, peak force and functional mobility in elderly people with Parkinson's disease: a randomized controlled trial

ObjectiveTo analyze the influence of lower limb muscle strength and muscle power training on rate of force development (RFD) and peak force (PF) in elderly people with Parkinson's disease (PD), as well as the effect of these training sessions influence on the functional mobility (FM) of this population.MethodsThis was a randomized controlled clinical trial and registered on the virtual platform for registration of experimental and non-experimental studies “Registro Brasileiro de Ensaios Clínicos (ReBEC)”. Thirty four elderly people of both genders without and with PD were divided into four groups: strength training control (GSC, n = 8); potency training control (GPC), n = 9; subjects with PD submitted to strength training (GSPD, n = 8); subjects with PD submitted to potency training (GPPD, n = 9). GSC and GPC consisted of with no history of neurological diseases. PF and RFD in the first 50 and 200 milliseconds (ms) were determined. FM was also assessed using the following tests: gait speed test (GS), Timed Up and Go (TUG), Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS); parallel feet on a force platform. Next, the participants underwent lower limbs muscle strength or muscle power training for eight consecutive weeks twice a week and were then re-evaluated.ResultsThe repeated measures ANOVA test showed a significant difference for PF, RFD and FM regardless of training type.ConclusionThe proposed muscle strength and muscle power training protocols influenced the increase in RFD, PF and FM of all participants; however, the increase in RFD in the first 200 ms was more pronounced in the groups submitted to power training and the increase in PF was more pronounced in the groups submitted to strength training.

A multi-dictionary fusion method based on improved dynamic time warping for moveable rail damage localization

Abstract Traditional structural health monitoring (SHM) of rails relies on a fixed single sensor, limited by detection range and noise interference. Therefore, a multi-dictionary fusion method for movable rail damage localization is proposed based on improved dynamic time warping (DTW). The approach combines onboard acoustic emission sensors with peak detection frames to measure the moving distance of the inspection wheels and monitor a wide range of rails. Aiming to enhance the damage information, an innovative DTW-based multi-dictionary sparse representation algorithm is presented for data fusion. The second-order difference of the Mahalanobis distance is employed to optimize the fusion weights from the global property. A two-feature adaptive threshold is designed to precisely detect and localize damage on rails. The effectiveness of this method is verified at laboratory testing speeds less than 0.75 m s−1. The results demonstrate that it can accurately detect 2 mm deep strip and square damage, providing new inspiration for rail SHM.

Effectiveness of rehabilitation in hospitalized hemodialysis patients as compared with rehabilitation in hospitalized patientsnot on hemodialysis: a retrospective cohort study.

The effectiveness of rehabilitation aimed at improving the activities of daily living and physical functions may differ between hospitalized patients undergoing hemodialysis (HD) and not undergoing HD (non-HD). The aim of the present study was to compare the outcomes of rehabilitation between hospitalized HD and non-HD patients. This was a retrospective cohort study of inpatients who underwent rehabilitation. We measured the rehabilitation time (min/day), length of hospital stay (days), and the Barthel index (BI). In addition, at the time of admission and discharge, grip strength, isometric knee extension strength, 10m walking speed, timed up and go test, and short physical performance battery were examined. The outcomes were then compared between the HD and non-HD groups. This study was made up of 902 patients (non-HD group: 765, HD group: 137). Our analysis revealed a lower rehabilitation time [43.3 (0.6) vs. 38.8 (1.2) min/day] and longer hospital stay [48.5 (0.5) vs. 58.1 (2.3) days] in the HD group as compared with the non-HD group (p < 0.05). In addition, the 10m walking speed [0.75 (0.02) vs. 0.66 (0.03) m/s], timed up and go test [20.8 (0.7) vs. 24.3 (1.0) sec], and short physical performance battery [6.3 (0.6) vs. 4.7 (0.6) points] at discharge were also significantly lower in the HD group as compared with the non-HD group (p < 0.05). Rehabilitation efforts for HD patients need to be improved by securing more time for inpatient rehabilitation and promoting mobility function improvement for these patients.

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

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

P0987 Muscle function deficits in Crohn’s Disease patients treated with Infliximab - tertiary single centre experience

Abstract Background Sarcopenia is an important consideration in the management of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), in both prognosis and treatment. Since current data on sarcopenia in IBD are limited and based mostly on muscle quantity, it’s important to incorporate muscle function assessment into the evaluation of sarcopenia and to identify patient groups at increased risk. Methods A cross-sectional study included 84 Crohn’s Disease (CD) patients undergoing Infliximab therapy (64 males, mean age 34). Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (InBody170) was done to estimate body composition parameters (BCP) which were then adjusted for height squared. Muscle strength was assessed by hand grip strength (HGS), measured using a dynamometer and muscle performance by gait speed test. Results Our results revealed that 6% of patients were underweight, 44% had normal body weight, 36.9% were overweight, and 13.2% obese. None of the patients exhibited low skeletal muscle mass index (SMI), however, half showed reduced muscle strength relative to age and sex adjusted norms in the general population. In relation to HGS, we found no significant differences in BCP, except for SMI (p=0.02) and body mass index (p=0.03), which were higher in patients with normal HGS. There were no differences between the groups in terms of physical activity levels, disease phenotype, prior surgeries, extraintestinal manifestations, clinical and endoscopic remission status. We observed significant differences in muscle quantity and quality based on disease localisation. Patients with ileocolonic CD had higher SMI (11.25±1.5 vs. 9.51±1.2 kg/m2, p=0.009) and HGS (41.1±6.6 vs. 31±6.7 kg, p=0.006) compared to those with colonic CD. Patients requiring biologic therapy due to immunosuppressive resistance had higher fat free mass index (19.4±2.4 vs. 18.2±3 kg/m2, p=0.05) and HGS (44.2 (24.9-45.3) vs. 39.3 kg (13.6-54.3), p=0.03), compared to patients on biologic therapy due to corticosteroid dependence or aggressive phenotype requiring top down approach. Patients diagnosed before 16 and after 40 years of age had lower gait speed (p=0.002), reflecting worse muscle performance. Conclusion Disease localisation, age at diagnosis and disease severity, as reflected by the indication for biologic therapy, may influence muscle composition and function. Our results emphasize the need for different and individualized management strategies based on disease localisation, especially in supporting muscle health among patients with isolated colonic CD and need for age-specific interventions, mainly in early and late onset CD, to support physical performance in these populations.

What Is the Clinical Value of Long Head of Biceps Tendon Tests in Distal Supraspinatus Tendon Rupture? A Prospective Multicenter Study.

The purpose of this study was to determine the clinical value of diagnostic tests for the long head of the biceps tendon (LHBT) injuries in the setting of a Patte stage 1 supraspinatus tendon rupture. This was a prospective cohort multicenter study of 361 patients aged 30 to 80 years with Patte stage 1 distal supraspinatus tendon rupture. The LHBT was assessed clinically by palpation of the bicipital groove, the speed test, the Yergason test and the Kibler test. Under arthroscopy, a rigorous static and dynamic analysis of the long head of the biceps tendon was performed in order to define its pathological character, or healthy character, without or with so-called minor injuries. The anterior extension of the supraspinatus tendon rupture was also analyzed, especially with Jobe test. The speed test had the highest sensitivity (74.5%) for diagnosing pathological biceps. When combined with palpation of the bicipital groove, the sensitivity increased to 85%. The Kibler test had the highest specificity (74.7%). Combined in series with the Yergason test, the specificity increased to 87.2%. In case of anterior extension of the supraspinatus tendon rupture and to demonstrate an LHBT lesion, the Kibler test had the highest post-test probabilities with a positive likelihood ratio of 2.030 for pathological LHBT and 1,852 for minor injuries of LHBT. The pathological biceps group had a significantly higher mean age (p < 0.0001), BMI (p = 0.018), diabetes prevalence (p = 0.009), and proportion of supraspinatus tendon lesions with anterior extension (p < 0.0001) CONCLUSIONS: The Kibler test is the most efficient test for the diagnosis of LHBT lesions. Its combination with palpation of the bicipital groove increases its clinical value in the pathological group. The anterior extension of a lesion of the supraspinatus tendon may nevertheless make these tests positive, even though the LHBT is macroscopically healthy. Older age, overweight, and diabetes should be major predictors of LHBT injury.

A New Smartphone-Based Cognitive Screening Battery for Multiple Sclerosis (icognition): Validation Study.

Cognitive deterioration is common in multiple sclerosis (MS) and requires regular follow-up. Currently, cognitive status is measured in clinical practice using paper-and-pencil tests, which are both time-consuming and costly. Remote monitoring of cognitive status could offer a solution because previous studies on telemedicine tools have proved its feasibility and acceptance among people with MS. However, existing smartphone-based apps include designs that are prone to motor interference and focus primarily on information processing speed, although memory is also commonly affected. This study aims to validate a smartphone-based cognitive screening battery, icognition, to detect deterioration in both memory and information processing speed. The icognition screening battery consists of 3 tests: the Symbol Test for information processing speed, the Dot Test for visuospatial short-term memory and learning, and the visual Backward Digit Span (vBDS) for working memory. These tests are based on validated paper-and-pencil tests: the Symbol Digit Modalities Test, the 10/36 Spatial Recall Test, and the auditory Backward Digit Span, respectively. To establish the validity of icognition, 101 people with MS and 82 healthy participants completed all tests. Of the 82 healthy participants, 20 (24%) repeated testing 2 to 3 weeks later. For each icognition test, validity was established by the correlation with its paper-and-pencil equivalent (concurrent validity), the correlation and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) between baseline and follow-up testing (test-retest reliability), the difference between people with MS and healthy participants, and the correlation with other clinical parameters such as the Expanded Disability Status Scale. All icognition tests correlated well with their paper-and-pencil equivalents (Symbol Test: r=0.67; P<.001; Dot Test: r=0.31; P=.002; vBDS: r=0.69; P<.001), negatively correlated with the Expanded Disability Status Scale (Symbol Test: ρ=-0.34; P<.001; Dot Test: ρ=-0.32; P=.003; vBDS: ρ=-0.21; P=.04), and showed moderate test-retest reliability (Symbol Test: ICC=0.74; r=0.85; P<.001; Dot Test: ICC=0.71; r=0.74; P<.001; vBDS: ICC=0.72; r=0.83; P<.001). Test performance was comparable between people with MS and healthy participants for all cognitive tests, both in icognition (Symbol Test: U=4431; P=.42; Dot Test: U=3516; P=.32; vBDS: U=3708; P=.27) and the gold standard paper-and-pencil tests (Symbol Digit Modalities Test: U=4060.5, P=.82; 10/36 Spatial Recall Test: U=3934; P=.74; auditory Backward Digit Span: U=3824.5, P=.37). icognition is a valid tool to remotely screen cognitive performance in people with MS. It is planned to be included in a digital health platform that includes volumetric brain analysis and patient-reported outcome measures. Future research should establish the usability and psychometric properties of icognition in a remote setting.

Gait speed assessment in confined spaces: Development of a novel automated 4-m static-start test to measure dynamic-start gait speed.

To promote standardization and feasible measurements of gait speed across the field, we developed a device that used light detection and ranging (LiDAR) technology to measure gait speed from a standing-start testing procedure conducted on a 4-m total walkway. We compared this automated (LiDAR-based) standing-start 4-m gait speed test (AS-4MG) with automated and manual (stopwatch-based) dynamic-start 4-m gait speed tests (AD-4MG and MD-4MG, respectively) on between-method agreement, measurement repeatability, and predictive validity with functional outcomes. A sample of 48 community-dwelling adults (mean [SD], 69 [9] years) participated in this method comparison study. Participants completed a survey and a physical function assessment, from which self-reported stair difficulty, handgrip strength, sit-to-stand performance, and gait speed (AS-, AD-, and MD-4MG) were measured. Mean AS-4MG, AD-4MG, and MD-4MG were 1.12, 1.13, and 1.14 m/s, respectively, with a strong correlation (r = 0.94) and no systematic bias observed between AS-4MG and the referent AD-4MG. In the analyses of repeated gait measurements, coefficients of repeatability were <0.20 m/s for the automated tests (0.16 and 0.18 m/s for AS-4MG and AD-4MG, respectively) but not for MD-4MG (0.22 m/s). Correlations between gait speed and functional measures ranged between 0.44 and 0.68 (Ps < 0.01). Correlations for the automated tests were comparable, while AS-4MG correlations tended to exceed MD-4MG correlations. In community-dwelling adults, the AS-4MG test was unbiased when compared with the AD-4MG, encompassing a 9-m walkway, with both tests showing equivalence of measurement repeatability and predictive validity. The AS-4MG potentially allows gait measurements in confined spaces (e.g., doctor's office) where the gait speed test was previously unfeasible. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2025; ••: ••-••.

Characteristics of patients diagnosed with psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES) who request reinstatement of their driving privileges.

Patients who experience seizures, including PNES, are usually advised to discontinue driving, or have their driving privileges revoked until a determined period of seizure-freedom is achieved. In this retrospective study, patients with PNES who requested driving privileges or reported having resumed driving were compared to those who did not on measures of depression, anxiety, PTSD, and cognitive flexibility/motor speed. DiagnosisofPNESwasconfirmedwithvideo-EEG.Demographicand clinical dataand requests for reinstatement of driving privileges (requiring 6 or more months seizure freedom) and reports of decisions to resume driving were noted. Tests of motor speed and hand eye coordination and self-report questionnaires of depression, anxiety and PTSD administered as part of neuropsychological assessment were analyzed. A total of 403 patients with PNES evaluated in 2010-2020 were identified. Of those, 365 patients were eligible for inclusion, and of those, 60 applied for driving privileges or reported that they resumed driving. When the two groups were compared, the group that applied for driving privileges or decided to resume driving was significantly less depressed (p=0.001) when tested than the group that did not. Furthermore, a significant difference was seen in measures of motor performance between those who requested to resume driving and those who did not (DKEFS T1, p=0.006, DKEFS T2, p=0.001, DKEFS T3, p=0.002, DKEFS T4, p=0.001; GPT dominant, p=0.05, GPT non-dominant, p=0.003). Driving a motor vehicle is a useful measure of improvement for PNES because patients with seizures are required to discontinue driving until seizure-freedom is achieved. This study revealed that lower levels of depression and better fine motor functioning were associated with reported seizure-freedom and driving resumption. Depression is commonly associated with diminished performance (slower motor response times and impaired fine motor movements) on tests of motor functioning, both of which may result in less interest in pursuing permission to resume driving. These findings suggest that mood symptoms (and associated performance on measures of motor speed and coordination) may have prognostic significance in patients diagnosed with PNES. This also suggests that timely treatment of depression in newly diagnosed patients with PNES may be indicated.

The association between sarcopenic obesity, sarcopenia and functional dependence, malnutrition, and mortality: the phenomenon of obesity paradox in sarcopenic obesity.

The aim of this study is to investigate the association between four phenotypes of sarcopenia/obesity in older individuals and functional disability, malnutrition, and all-cause mortality. This study is a cross-sectional study, survival is 3years. A total of 487 Chinese older adults were included with 283 (58.1%) females, a median age of 77 (69, 99) years. Sarcopenia was diagnosed according to skeletal muscle mass index, grip strength (GS), 5-time chair stand test, and gait speed test; obesity was diagnosed according to waist circumference, body mass index (BMI), and the percentage of body fat (PBF). Nutritional status was estimated with the Mini Nutritional Assessment short-form (MNA-SF) and functional health status was assessed using the Barthel Index (BI). The binary logistic regression analysis and the multivariate Cox regression analysis were utilized to investigate the association between sarcopenic/obesity phenotype and functional impairment, nutritional deficiency, and all-cause mortality. In the final-adjusted model, compared to patients with non-sarcopenic non-obesity phenotype, sarcopenic obesity is significantly associated with functional dependence (odds ratio [OR]: 3.83, 95% CI 1.47-9.97; P = 0.006), malnutrition (OR: 0.48, 95% CI 0.24-0.99; P = 0.047), and all-cause mortality (hazard ratio[HR]: 2.78, 95% CI 1.57-4.94; P = 0.001); sarcopenia is significantly associated with malnutrition (OR: 2.48, 95% CI 1.09-5.65; P = 0.030), and all-cause mortality (HR:3.06, 95% CI 1.69-5.56; P < 0.001); obesity is significantly associated with malnutrition (OR:0.11, 95% CI 0.05-0.22; P < 0.001). Consequently, it is advisable to incorporate sarcopenia and sarcopenic obesity into the screening and treatment protocols for older adults in the community to effectively mitigate the adverse health consequences.

Relationship between social determinants of health and cognitive performance in an older American population: a cross-sectional NHANES study

ObjectiveThis study aims to investigate the influence of social determinants of health (SDoH) on cognitive performance.MethodsThis study surveyed a sample of older adults aged 60 years and older from the 2011–2014 cohort of participants in the U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Data were collected during each survey cycle on self-reported domains of SDoH, which included eight subscales: employment, family income-to-poverty ratio, food security, education level, health insurance coverage, type of health insurance, home ownership, and marital status. Cognitive performance was evaluated using three tests: the Digit Symbol Substitution Test (DSST) for processing speed, the Animal Fluency Test (AFT) for executive function, and a subtest from the Coalition to Establish an Alzheimer’s Disease Registry (CERAD) for memory. Multifactorial linear regression modeling was employed to explore the association between SDoH and cognitive performance.ResultsA total of 2,819 elderly subjects were included in this study for analysis, with a mean age of 69.14 ± 0.19 years, 54.36% female and 45.64% male. The study found a negative association between the accumulation of unfavorable SDoH factors and cognitive performance. Similarly, certain unfavorable SDoH domains were negatively associated with cognitive performance.ConclusionThe findings suggest that unfavorable SDoH domains, particularly when unfavorable SDoH factors accumulate, are linked to decreased cognitive performance. Actively investigating the relationship between these factors may be a crucial strategy for delaying dementia onset.

Mechanical Characterization and Computational Analysis of TPU 60A: Integrating Experimental Testing and Simulation for Performance Optimization.

This study investigates the mechanical properties of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) 60A, which is a flexible material that can be used to produce soft robotic grippers using additive manufacturing. Tensile tests were conducted under ISO 37 and ISO 527 standards to assess the effects of different printing orientations (0°, 45°, -45°, 90°, and quasi-isotropic) and test speeds (2 mm/min, 20 mm/min, and 200 mm/min) on the material's performance. While the printing orientations at 0° and quasi-isotropic provided similar performance, the quasi-isotropic orientation demonstrated the most balanced mechanical behavior, establishing it as the optimal choice for robust and predictable performance, particularly for computational simulations. TPU 60A's flexibility further emphasizes its suitability for handling delicate objects in industrial and agricultural applications, where damage prevention is critical. Computational simulations using the finite element method were conducted. To verify the accuracy of the models, a comparison was made between the average stresses of the tensile test and the computational predictions. The relative errors of force and displacement are lower than 5%. So, the constitutive model can accurately represent the material's mechanical behavior, making it suitable for computational simulations with this material. The analysis of strain rates provided valuable insights into optimizing production processes for enhanced mechanical strength. The study highlights the importance of tailored printing parameters to achieve mechanical uniformity, suggesting improvements such as biaxial testing and G-code optimization for variable thickness deposition. Overall, the research study offers comprehensive guidelines for future design and manufacturing techniques in soft robotics.

Effectiveness of Virtual Reality Training in Improving Outcomes for Dialysis Patients: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Virtual reality (VR) training uses computer-generated simulations that enable users to engage with immersive virtual environments, simulating real-world activities or therapeutic exercises. This technology is increasingly recognized as a promising intervention to address the physical and psychological challenges faced by dialysis patients, who frequently experience diminished physical function, social isolation, and emotional distress associated with prolonged treatment regimens. Given the increasing prevalence of dialysis patients and the limitations of conventional rehabilitation approaches, VR presents a novel, interactive method that has the potential to enhance patient well-being and improve quality of life. This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of VR training interventions for dialysis patients, with a focus on assessing their impact on motor abilities, psychological symptoms (specifically anxiety and depression), social functioning, and self-efficacy. This analysis also explores whether VR can offer comprehensive benefits to support both the physical and mental health of dialysis patients. The meta-analysis was conducted following Cochrane guidelines. Comprehensive searches were performed across major databases, including China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang database, China Science and Technology Journal Database, China Biomedical Literature database, Cochrane library, Web of Science, PubMed, and Embase, encompassing all studies up to December 2023. Inclusion criteria targeted studies assessing VR's impact on motor performance, psychological well-being, social functioning, and self-efficacy in dialysis patients. Two reviewers independently extracted data and assessed methodological quality using Cochrane's risk of bias criteria, ensuring data synthesis reliability. A total of 12 studies, involving 625 dialysis patients in total, met the inclusion criteria. The meta-analysis demonstrated that VR training led to significant improvements across multiple domains. VR interventions were associated with improved physical capacity, evidenced by higher scores in the 6-minute walk test (standardized mean difference [SD]=29.36, 95% CI 14.32-44.4, P<.001, I2=46%). VR training was associated with significant reductions in depression (SD=-6.30, 95% CI -7.14 to -5.47, P<.001, I2=96%) and anxiety (SD=-8.91, 95% CI -9.69 to -8.14, P<.001, I2=95%). In addition, VR interventions enhanced social functioning (SD=16.20, 95% CI 14.49-17.9, P<.001, I2=72%), and improved self-efficacy (SD=20.47, 95% CI 18.55-22.39, P<.001, I2=99%). However, VR training did not yield significant differences in gait speed, balance, or functional tests (Ten Sit-to-Stand Test, Five Sit-to-Stand Test, Sixty Sit-to-Stand Test, Timed Up and Go Test, and fatigue) compared with control groups. The findings suggest that VR training is a promising intervention for dialysis patients, providing benefits in physical endurance, social engagement, and psychological well-being. Despite these advantages, VR remains underused among peritoneal dialysis patients compared with hemodialysis patients. Further studies with larger sample sizes and more refined experimental designs are recommended to validate these results and support VR as a complementary tool in the holistic care of dialysis patients.

Indonesia rupiah currency detection for visually impaired people using transfer learning VGG-19

People with visual impairments often face difficulties in determining the authenticity of paper money, which is a crucial skill to avoid fraud. The limitations of traditional methods, like blind codes for visually impaired people, require a more advanced and efficient solution. Previous methods of currency detection using Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) techniques, including the VGG-19 architecture, have often encountered challenges, particularly the long training times required. Therefore, we propose using transfer learning techniques and modifying the top layers of the VGG-19 model, known as fully connected layers, within a mobile application with audio feedback built using Android Studio. These modifications involve substituting the three fully connected layers with dense and flattened layers. We also implemented hyperparameter tuning, including adjusting the batch sizes and setting the number of epochs. The datasets used Indonesian Rupiah paper currency from the 2022 emission year, specifically Rp 50,000 and Rp 100,000 denominations. The best transfer learning VGG-19 model achieved a batch size of 32 and an epoch of 50, resulting in a high accuracy of 88%. Response speed testing with performance profiling on Android Studio showed an overall average response time of 458 ms. The main advantage of using transfer learning with the VGG-19 model is that it significantly reduces training time while still achieving high accuracy, differentiating this work from previous studies that relied on training from scratch, which is more time-consuming and resource-intensive. Therefore, this mobile app can be categorized as having a fast response time.

Horndeski speed tests with scalar-photon couplings

We revisit multi-messenger constraints from neutron star mergers on the speed of propagation of gravitational and electromagnetic waves in Horndeski and beyond Horndeski theories. By considering non-trivial couplings between the dark energy field and the electromagnetic sector, the electromagnetic wave can propagate through the cosmological background at non-unit speed, altering the phenomenological constraints on its gravitational counterpart. In particular, we show that recent models derived from a Kaluza-Klein compactification of higher dimensional Horndeski models fall into a broader class of theories disformally related to those whose gravitational waves propagate with unit speed. This disformal equivalence can, however, be broken by the gravitational couplings to other sectors with interesting phenomenological consequences. We also consider higher order couplings between the scalar and the photon with second order field equations, and show that they are not compatible with constraints coming from multi-messenger speed tests and the decay of the gravitational wave.

Cognitive Performance of Latino and White Non-Latino Individuals With Parkinson's Disease.

Cognitive impairment is a common nonmotor symptom in Parkinson's disease (PD). Individuals of Latino background are traditionally underrepresented in research on PD. Despite the fact that Latinos comprise 18% of the U.S. population, they commonly make up less than 5% of samples in studies of PD. Emerging evidence suggests that Latino individuals with PD may experience disparities relative to White non-Latinos in terms of having more severe motor symptoms, more severe depressive symptoms, and worse health-related quality of life. The purpose of the present study was to investigate differences in cognitive performance between Latino and White non-Latino individuals with PD and examine correlates of cognitive performance. Data were obtained from the Parkinson's Progression Markers Initiative. Participants included 60 Latino individuals with PD and 1,009 White non-Latino individuals with PD, all of whom were followed annually for up to 5 years. Participants completed neuropsychological tests of attention and working memory, processing speed, visuospatial functioning, verbal fluency, and immediate and delayed memory and recall. Relative to White non-Latino individuals with PD, Latino individuals with PD had significantly lower scores on the global measure of cognitive functioning, a test of processing speed, and tests of working memory and attention. Years of education was the strongest correlate of performance in these three cognitive domains among individuals in the Latino group. These findings provide initial evidence of disparities in cognitive functioning among Latino individuals with PD. Educational disadvantages may be one potential driver of these disparities.

Computerized cognitive testing to capture cognitive decline in Alzheimer's disease: Longitudinal findings from the ARMADA study.

Timely detection and tracking of Alzheimer's disease (AD) -related cognitive decline has become a public health priority. We investigated whether the NIH Toolbox for Assessment of Neurological and Behavioral Function-Cognition Battery (NIHTB-CB) detects AD-related cognitive decline. N=171 participants (age 76.5±8; 53% female, 34% Aβ-positive) from the ARMADA study completed the NIHTB-CB at baseline, 12 months, and 24 months. Linear mixed-effect models correcting for demographics were used to examine cross-sectional and longitudinal NIHTB-CB scores in individuals across the clinical AD spectrum. Compared to Aβ-negative healthy controls, Aβ-positive individuals with amnestic MCI or mild AD performed worse on all NIHTB-CB measures and showed an accelerated decline in processing speed, working memory, and auditory word comprehension tests. These findings support the use of the NIHTB-CB in early AD, but also imply that the optimal NIHTB-CB composite score to detect change over time may differ across clinical stages of AD. Future directions include replication of these findings in larger and more demographically diverse samples. We examined NIH Toolbox-Cognition Battery scores across the clinical AD spectrum.All NIH Toolbox tests detected cross-sectional cognitive impairment in MCI-to-mild AD.Three NIH Toolbox tests captured further decline over time in MCI-to-mild AD.The NIH Toolbox can facilitate timely detection of AD-related cognitive decline.

Sequencing effects of small-sided games and high-intensity interval training on physical and physiological performance of young soccer players during pre-season

Abstract Study aim: This experimental study investigated the sequencing effects of a small-sided games (SSG) protocol and highintensity interval training (HIIT) on the physical and physiological performance adaptation of soccer players, conducted over a fourteen-week of the pre-season. Materials and methods: Twenty-three young (aged 14 ±0.1 years) male soccer players from a club participating in nationallevel competitions were randomly divided into two groups (SSG + HIIT, n = 11 and HIIT + SSG, n = 12). The first group completed SSGs (5 vs. 5 + goalkeeper, 36 × 30 m) followed by HIIT (long interval at 60 to 75% of final velocity during 30–15 intermittent fitness test) training, while the second group performed HIIT training and then SSGs. Assessments were conducted at baseline and post-intervention for 10 m linear sprint, body fat percentage, countermovement jump (CMJ), change of direction speed (CODS), squat jump (SJ), and Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test (Yo-Yo IR). Results: A significant main effect of time was reported for 10 m linear sprint, CMJ, CODS, SJ, and Yo-Yo IR (p ≤ 0.001–0.010, ηp 2 = 0.32–0.74). However, no significant group × time interaction were reported for any dependent variables (p = 0.433–1.000, ηp 2 ≤ 0.01–0.03). Conclusion: The sequencing order of HIIT and SSG does not affect the performance outcomes in young male soccer players. Moreover, similar improvements can be expected in the 10 m linear sprint, CMJ, CODS, SJ, and Yo-Yo IR, irrespective of the exercise order. However, caution should be taken when interpreting the within-group improvements, as the study did not include a control group.

Effects of non-invasive brain stimulation over the supplementary motor area on motor function in Parkinson's disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Motor dysfunction profoundly affects individuals with Parkinson's disease (PD). Non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) targeting the supplementary motor area (SMA), a critical region for movement-related processing, offers a promising approach to enhance motor function for PD. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to evaluate the efficacy of NIBS over the SMA (SMA-NIBS) in alleviating motor symptoms in PD. We conducted literature searches in MEDLINE, EMBASE, Physiotherapy Evidence Database, Web of Science, the Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure, and Scopus. The meta-analysis utilized an inverse variance method and a random-effects model. Subgroup analyses were performed based on stimulation types (e.g., TMS and tDCS), stimulation protocols (e.g., facilitatory and inhibitory stimulation), and medication status during stimulation. Twenty randomized control trials involving 442 individuals with PD were included. Compared to sham stimulation, SMA-NIBS significantly improved motor function as measured by the motor section of Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS-III) (mean differences [MD]: -3.45, 95% confidence interval [CI]: -5.65 to -1.26). Subgroup analysis revealed that only TMS (MD: -3.62, 95%CI: -6.15 to -1.08), not tDCS (MD: -2.47, 95% CI: -5.03 to 0.08), has significant effect on motor function. Both facilitatory (MD: -2.59, 95% CI: -3.37 to -1.82) and inhibitory stimulation (MD: -4.98, 95% CI: -9.29 to -0.66) significantly improved the UPDRS-III score. Effectiveness was observed only during ON medication. Statistically significant effects of SMA-NIBS were reported on Freezing of Gait Questionnaire, not timed up and go test and walking speed. SMA-NIBS is a promising approach to enhance motor function in PD.

Impact of Physical Performance on Haemodynamic and Cognitive Status in Romanian Older Adults

Background: Frailty is a major challenge for the aging population, increasing the risk of falls, disability, hospitalization, and death. It's common with age, and often linked to reduced physical activity and poor diet, especially in those prone to sarcopenia. Gait speed tests are frequently used to assess mobility in older adults. Materials and methods: This six-month study at "Sfântul Luca" Chronic Disease Hospital involved 143 patients over 65 (mean age 72.85 ± 10.07), 113 of whom were women. The Tensiomed Arteriograph measured heart rate, pulse wave velocity, and central aortic blood pressure to assess acute vascular stiffness. Results: As patients aged, their physical circumstances changed: in the age group 75-84 years (“Very elderly”) only 39% of the subjects achieved medium- and good-physical performance, while 56% of them were characterized by low-physical activity (Chi-square test, p 0.001). The mean Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) values of individuals with inadequate physical activity were significantly lower (21.02 ± 4.68 points) than those with adequate physical activity (Student t-test, p 0.001). Conclusion: Regular physical activity has been shown to improve hemodynamic factors and potentially slow down arterial aging, thus promoting healthy aging. It is imperative for healthcare professionals to promptly evaluate whether older, frail patients can benefit from rehabilitation, enabling swift recovery through multidisciplinary care.