Main Effect Of Time Research Articles

Daily blood flow restriction does not affect muscle fiber capillarization and satellite cell content during two weeks of bed rest in healthy young men.

The present study assessed whether single-leg daily blood flow restriction (BFR) treatment attenuates the decline in muscle fiber size, capillarization, and satellite cell (SC) content during 2 weeks of bed rest in healthy, young men. Twelve healthy, young men (age: 24±3 y; BMI: 23.7±3.1 kg/m2) were subjected to 2 weeks of bed rest, during which one leg was exposed to three times daily 5 min of BFR, whereas the contralateral leg received sham treatment (CON). Muscle biopsies were obtained from the M. vastus lateralis from both the BFR and CON leg before and immediately after the 2 weeks of bed rest. Type I and II muscle fiber size, myonuclear content, capillarization, and SC content were assessed by immunohistochemistry. No significant decline in either type I or type II muscle fiber size were observed following bedrest, with no differences between the CON and BFR leg (P>0.05). Type I muscle fiber capillary density increased in response to bed rest in both legs (P<0.05), while other muscle fiber capillarization measures remained unaltered. SC content decreased in both type I (from 7.4±3.2 to 5.9±2.7 per 100 fibers) and type II (from 7.2±3.4 to 6.5±3.2 per 100 fibers) muscle fibers (main effect of time P=0.018), with no significant differences between the BFR and CON leg (P>0.05). In conclusion, two weeks of bed rest has no effect on muscle capillarization, decrease the SC content and daily BFR treatment does not affect skeletal muscle fiber size and SC content in healthy, young men.

Effects of Different Intensities of Post-Activation Performance Enhancement Protocols on Repeated Sprint Ability in Male Soccer Players: A Randomized Crossover Trial

(1) Background: Enhancing repeated sprint ability (RSA) is critical to soccer performance. Post-activation performance enhancement (PAPE) protocols, particularly those utilizing heavy resistance preloading, have shown promise in improving RSA. Yet, the optimal preloading intensity for amateur players is still unknown. This study investigated the effects of two PAPE protocols using different preloading intensities (85% and 90% of 1 RM back squat) on RSA. (2) Methods: A double-blind, randomized, two-period crossover design was used, and 18 amateur male players were included in this study. RSA was assessed using a 6 × 35 m sprint protocol with 10 s rest intervals (RAST). (3) Results: While the main effect of time significantly (p = 0.01, η2 = 0.71) influenced performance decline across all groups, there was no significant (p = 0.65, η2 = 0.01) interaction between time and condition. Individual responses to PAPE varied, highlighting the importance of individual differences. Interestingly, the BS85% group exhibited a less pronounced decline in performance compared to the control group, while the BS90% group only showed significant differences in three sprint levels. (4) Conclusions: Our findings suggest that a lower preload of 85% of 1 RM may be as adequate as a higher preload of 90% of 1 RM in enhancing RSA in amateur soccer players. These results may indicate a potential fatigue-delaying effect of PAPE protocols and emphasize the importance of individualized approaches for optimizing PAPE strategies.

The Effectiveness of Focus of Attention in Static Balance and Functional Ability of Chronic Ankle Instability: A Pilot Study

Objectives: The focus of patients’ attention during the physiotherapy program has been reported to affect the rehabilitation goals. The study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of an external focus of attention (EFA) on static balance and functional ability in individuals with chronic ankle instability (CAI). Methods: Fourteen subjects with CAI, aged from 19 to 25 years, were randomly assigned to two groups: external and internal focus of attention (IFA) group. The outcome measures of the study were static balance and functional ability. A pre-intervention evaluation was performed. Following instructions to an external or an IFA, subjects practiced on a balance board 3 times per week for 4 weeks. At the end of each week, they performed evaluation tests, including a time balance test, foot lift test, side hop test, figure-8 test, and star excursion balance test (SEBT). Parametric (mixed analysis of variance) and non-parametric analysis (the Mann–Whitney and Friedman tests) were performed between measurements and groups. Results: The intervention program showed a statistically significant improvement in static balance and functional ability in both groups. The results indicated the main effect of time (F(2.488, 29.855)=43.880, P&lt;0.001). For the time in balance test, analysis of variance revealed a main effect of time (F(2.571, 30.855)=11.188, P&lt;0.001). Regarding the SEBT, every direction indicated a main effect of time for both groups. No significant differences between the two groups were found in static balance and functional ability. Discussion: Even though there were no statistically significant differences between the two groups, both types of focus of attention contributed to the improvement of static balance and functional ability, which may reveal an increase in motor control and neuromuscular ability of the subjects with CAI.

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.

Artificial intelligence as a virtual coach in a cognitive behavioural intervention for perfectionism in young people: A randomised feasibility trial

BackgroundWe examined the feasibility and outcomes of Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a virtual coach in guided self-help (GSH-AI) compared to pure self-help (PSH). MethodParticipants (N = 85 undergraduate university students; M age = 20.65 years [SD = 2.38]; 84 % female) were randomised to PSH (N = 42) or GSH-AI (N = 43). The intervention was a brief 11-module online cognitive behaviour therapy for perfectionism intervention completed over 4-weeks. GSH-AI participants were given suggested questions to ask AI for guidance in completing the intervention. Data were collected at baseline, 4- and 8-weeks post-randomisation. ResultsEngagement was good, only one person in each group did not use any modules; module completion was equivalent across conditions (6.67, SD = 3.22 and 6.18, SD = 3.42 respectively). Between baseline and post-intervention people in the GSH-AI condition showed an almost 3.5 times increase in preferring support to be received from AI versus other modes of support. Only 52 % and 22 % of participants completed 4- and 8-week post-randomisation surveys, with no differences in psychological outcomes between the PSH and GSH-AI groups. Main effects of time indicated moderate to large within-group effect size improvements for disordered eating, stress, anxiety, and perfectionism. ConclusionsQualitative feedback indicated that AI was initially acceptable as a guide and became even more acceptable after it had been experienced. Fully powered trials are required to determine the impact of AI guidance on outcomes, and whether type of AI platform (customised versus generic) and type of mental health disorder interact with its effects.

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 &lt; 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 &lt; 0.05], and BMI ES was -0.15 [t = 2.592, (17), P &lt; 0.05]. Muscle mass revealed a higher degree of ES 0.95 [t = -5.006, (17), p &lt; 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 &lt; 0.05] and Fat (Visceral) ES = -0.24 [ t = 3.039 (20), p &lt; 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.

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.

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.

Acute oral digoxin in healthy adults hastens fatigue and increases plasma K+ during intense exercise, despite preserved skeletal muscle Na+,K+-ATPase.

We investigated acute effects of the Na+,K+-ATPase (NKA) inhibitor, digoxin, on muscle NKA content and isoforms, arterial plasma [K+] ([K+]a) and fatigue with intense exercise. In a randomised, crossover, double-blind design, 10 healthy adults ingested 0.50mg digoxin (DIG) or placebo (CON) 60min before cycling for 1min at 60% then at 95% until fatigue. Pre- and post-exercise muscle biopsies were analysed for [3H]-ouabain binding site content without (OB-Fab) and after incubation in digoxin antibody (OB+Fab) and NKA α1-2 and β1-2 isoform proteins. In DIG, pre-exercise serum [digoxin] reached 3.36 (0.80) nM [mean (SD)] and muscle NKA-digoxin occupancy was 8.2%. Muscle OB-Fab did not differ between trials, whereas OB+Fab was higher in DIG than CON (8.1%, treatment main effect, P=0.001), whilst muscle NKA α1-2 and β1-2 abundances were unchanged by digoxin. Fatigue occurred earlier in DIG than CON [-7.7%, 2.90 (0.77) vs. 3.14 (0.86) min, respectively; P=0.037]. [K+]a increased during exercise until 1min post-exercise (P=0.001), and fell below baseline at 3-10 (P=0.001) and 20min post-exercise (P=0.022, time main effect). In DIG, [K+]a (P=0.035, treatment effect) and [K+]a rise pre-fatigue were greater [1.64 (0.73) vs. 1.55 (0.73), P=0.016], with lesser post-exercise [K+]a decline than CON [-2.55 (0.71) vs. -2.74 (0.62) mM, respectively, P=0.003]. Preserved muscle OB-Fab with digoxin, yet increased OB+Fab with unchanged NKA isoforms, suggests a rapid regulatory assembly of existing NKA α and β subunits exists to preserve muscle NKA capacity. Nonetheless, functional protection against digoxin was incomplete, with earlier fatigue and perturbed [K+]a with exercise. KEY POINTS: Intense exercise causes marked potassium (K+) shifts out of contracting muscle cells, which may contribute to muscle fatigue. Muscle and systemic K+ perturbations with exercise are largely regulated by increased activity of Na+,K+-ATPase in muscle, which can be specifically inhibited by the cardiac glycoside, digoxin. We found that acute oral digoxin in healthy adults reduced time to fatigue during intense exercise, elevated the rise in arterial plasma K+ concentration during exercise and slowed K+ concentration decline post-exercise. Muscle functional Na+,K+-ATPase content was not reduced by acute digoxin, despite an 8.2% digoxin occupancy, and was unchanged at fatigue. Muscle Na+,K+-ATPase isoform protein abundances were unchanged by digoxin or fatigue. These suggest possible rapid assembly of existing subunits into functional pumps. Thus, acute digoxin impaired performance and exacerbated plasma K+ disturbances with intense, fatiguing exercise in healthy participants. These occurred despite the preservation of functional Na+,K+-ATPase in muscle.

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.

Post-Exercise Hypotension after Exercising in Hypoxia with and Without Tart Cherry Supplementation.

Horiuchi Masahiro and Samuel J. Oliver. Post-exercise hypotension after exercising in hypoxia with and without tart cherry supplementation. High Alt Med Biol. 00:00-00, 2024. Background: This study investigated the effects of hypoxic exercise with and without tart cherry (TC) supplementation on post-exercise hypotension (PEH). Method: In a randomized order, 12 healthy young adults (9 men and 3 women) completed cycle exercise to exhaustion (1) in normoxia without any supplementation (Norm), (2) in hypoxia (13% O2) with placebo (Hypo), and (3) in hypoxia with TC supplementation (Hypo + TC). Supplements were supplied for 5 days pre-trial (TC was 200 mg anthocyanin per day for 4 days and 100 mg on day 5). Results: Cycle exercise total energy expenditure was greater in Norm than Hypo and Hypo + TC (p < 0.001) with no difference between Hypo and Hypo + TC (p = 0.41). Mean arterial pressure (MAP) decreased during recovery in all trials (main effect of time, p < 0.001), with no difference in PEH between the trials (p > 0.05, change [Δ] in MAP from pre-exercise at 60 minutes recovery, mean difference, Norm Δ-4.4 mmHg, Hypo Δ-6.1 mmHg, and Hypo + TC Δ-5.2 mmHg). Cardiac baroreflex sensitivity decreased during recovery in all trials (p < 0.001) and was lower in Hypo than Norm and Hypo + TC (main effect of trial, p = 0.02). Conclusion: PEH was not increased after exercise in hypoxia, with or without TC supplementation, compared with exercise in normoxia.

Influence of neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet laser exposure time on cytokine secretion in lipopolysaccharide-challenged rat peripheral blood mononuclear cells

Multiple investigators have suggested that infrared laser energy facilitates hard and soft tissue wound healing through various mechanisms, including the suppression of inflammation. This study investigated the influence of neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) laser exposure time on pro-inflammatory cytokine/chemokine concentrations in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated rat peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Cultured rat PBMCs were stimulated with various LPS concentrations (0, 10, 100, or 1000 ng/mL) and treated with Nd:YAG laser irradiation for 0 (control), 30, 45, or 60 s. For these experiments, the average power, pulse duration, and repetition rate remained constant at 5 W, 100 &amp;mu;s, and 20 Hz, respectively. Luminex magnetic microsphere immunoassays were used to compare the secretion of 27 inflammatory mediators from LPS-stimulated PBMCs in laser-irradiated versus control groups. Two-way analysis of variance was used to compare the main effects of laser exposure time and LPS concentration on cytokine/chemokine concentrations and evaluate the potential interaction between these factors. Four pro-inflammatory cytokines &amp;ndash; tumor necrosis factor-&amp;alpha;, macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)-1&amp;alpha;, MIP-2, and interferon gamma-induced protein-10 &amp;ndash; exhibited a trend of reduced secretion in laser-irradiated cultures. The effect appeared more pronounced at longer exposure times (45 and 60 s). However, none of the 27 inflammatory mediators exhibited statistically significant reductions in concentrations in laser-irradiated cultures versus control cultures. These observations do not support a robust anti-inflammatory effect of Nd:YAG laser irradiation. Further studies should explore the potential impact of Nd:YAG laser irradiation on cytotoxicity and cellular growth kinetics and extend across a range of irradiation parameters and cell types.

Effects of Toe Tube Training on Intrinsic Foot Muscle Strength and Reactive Strength Index in Runners: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Long-distance runners are known to be at a high risk of lower limb disorders due to a decline in the function of the intrinsic foot muscles (IFMs). The aim of this study was to examine the effects of toe tube training using elastic tubes. First, a crossover study was conducted with 13 healthy adults in three conditions: tube training, short foot exercise, and control. Changes in the IFMs pre- and post-exercise were confirmed using ultrasound echo. Next, 19 university long-distance runners were randomly divided into two groups (tube training or short foot exercise) and underwent a five-week training intervention. The toe grip strength, toe gap strength, and reactive strength index were measured pre- and post-intervention. In a crossover study, the tube training and short foot exercise showed a significant interaction effect on the abductor hallucis brevis (F = 5.63, p = 0.010, partial η2 = 0.32) and flexor digitorum brevis (F = 15.29, p &lt; 0.001, partial η2 = 0.56), confirming an immediate effect of tube training and short foot exercise. In an intervention study with runners, no interaction was observed but a main effect of time was found, with both groups showing significant improvements in toe grip strength (F = 25.64, p &lt; 0.001, partial η2 = 0.60), toe gap strength (F = 11.26, p = 0.004, partial η2 = 0.40), and RSI (F = 4.81, p = 0.042, partial η2 = 0.22). Tube training may be an effective alternative for runners who find short foot exercise difficult and want to adjust the exercise load.

Comparison of Sport Type on the Handgrip Strength Change in Young Athletes.

Whether or not an athlete plays with sports equipment in their hands may influence handgrip strength (HGS) changes during development, but longitudinal studies have not confirmed this. This study compared one-year HGS changes between two sports types (soccer vs. kendo) in children and adolescent athletes. One hundred sixty-eight young athletes (86 kendo boys and 82 soccer boys) had two HGS measurements separated by 1 year. A 2 (sports) by 2 (timepoints 1 and 2) repeated measures ANOVA was used to determine whether HGS changed differently between sports. There was no evidence for a sport × time interaction in HGS (p = 0.14); however, the mean difference and 95% CI were in the direction of favoring a greater change in kendo athletes [difference of 0.6 (95% CI: -0.2, 1.5) kg]. There was a main effect of time and sport. Kendo athletes had a 4.6 (95% CI: 1.8, 7.5) kg greater HGS than soccer athletes. There was no evidence that the change in HGS between sports depended on the initial age of the athlete (p = 0.205). Using sports equipment during play may positively affect HGS.

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.

Proprioceptive Training Improves Postural Stability and Reduces Pain in Cervicogenic Headache Patients: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Background: Headache is one of the leading causes of disability in the world. Neck proprioception, pain, and postural control are interconnected in both healthy individuals and those with chronic neck pain. This study examines the effects of proprioceptive training using a gaze direction recognition task on postural stability and pain in cervicogenic headache patients. Methods: Patients with cervicogenic headache (n = 34, age: 35-49 y) were randomized into a control group (CON), receiving only selected physical therapy rehabilitation or to an experimental group (EXP), performing proprioceptive training using a gaze direction recognition task plus selected physical therapy rehabilitation. Both programs consisted of 24, 60 min long sessions over 8 weeks. Postural stability was assessed by the modified clinical test of sensory integration of balance (mCTSIB) and a center of pressure test (COP) using the HUMAC balance system. Neck pain was assessed by a visual analog scale. Results: In all six tests, there was a time main effect (p < 0.001). In three of the six tests, there were group by time interactions so that EXP vs. CON improved more in postural stability measured while standing on foam with eyes closed normalized to population norms, COP velocity, and headache (all p ≤ 0.006). There was an association between the percent changes in standing on foam with eyes closed normalized to population norms and percent changes in COP velocity (r = 0.48, p = 0.004, n = 34) and between percent changes in COP velocity and percent changes in headache (r = 0.44, p = 0.008, n = 34). Conclusions: While we did not examine the underlying mechanisms, proprioceptive training in the form of a gaze direction recognition task can improve selected measures of postural stability, standing balance, and pain in cervicogenic headache patients.

Looking back at Covid-19 government restrictions: were local lockdown regions with tighter restrictions less adherent before the restrictions and more adherent after?

It is assumed that increases in Covid-19 cases are caused by people not adhering to advised individual transmission-reducing behaviours. Upon the implementation of restrictions, the hypothesis is that those individuals will change their behaviour. We aimed to retrospectively explore adherence to physical distancing before and after restrictions (e.g., lockdowns) were implemented in a region of Scotland. We assessed adherence, intention, and self-efficacy to physical distancing in a series of cross-sectional telephone surveys of a representative sample of adults in Scotland. We included data from before regional restrictions and after restrictions and examined whether regions with and without restrictions differed in adherence. A total of 1724 Scottish adults (675 men, M age = 52.79 years, SD = 17.92) participated (879 (51.0%) pre-restriction, 466 (27.0%) from a restricted region). ANOVA showed that none of the main effects (for region or time) nor the interaction effect were significant. There was a main effect of time on self-efficacy, such that self-efficacy was lower post-restriction measures (M = 4.13, SD = 0.81) compared to pre-restriction time (M = 4.22, SD = 0.79). There was no evidence that adherence was weaker before restrictions were implemented in regions with higher case rates. Nor was there evidence that imposing restrictions increased adherence. In a future pandemic, it is advisable to assess behaviour and beliefs about Covid-19, risk, and behaviours on an ongoing basis and to use that as indicators of the need for intervention even before cases rates start to go up.

Efficacy and safety of low-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation in adolescents with first-episode major depressive disorder: A randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled pilot trial

BackgroundA few sham-controlled studies have examined the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of low-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (LF-rTMS) in adolescents with first-episode major depressive disorder (FE-MDD). MethodsForty adolescents (aged 13–17 years) with FE-MDD were randomly assigned to receive active rTMS (n = 20) or sham rTMS (n = 20) for 10 sessions over two weeks. The severity of baseline depressive symptoms and their improvement on the day immediately after the second, fourth, sixth, eighth, and tenth sessions were assessed with the 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD-17). Results: After completing 10 rTMS treatment sessions, there was no significant difference in antidepressant response (70.0 % vs. 60.0 %, p > 0.05) and antidepressant remission (55.0 % vs. 35.0 %, p > 0.05) between rTMS groups. The linear mixed model analysis did not show a significant group-by-time interaction (F = 1.26; p > 0.05) in the HAMD-17 scores. There was a significant time main effect on the speed of processing (F = 13.61; p < 0.05), but this did not differ significantly between groups (p > 0.05). There were no other main effects and group-by-time interactions in the other MATRICS Consensus Cognitive Battery domains (all p > 0.05). All adverse event categories, such as fatigue and headache, were similar in the two groups (all p > 0.05). ConclusionsIn this study that compared a combination of LF-rTMS + medication with sham + medication, LF-rTMS had higher response and remission rates than a sham procedure in adolescents with FE-MDD, but the change was not statistically significant. LF-rTMS is generally safe, with mild adverse effects and no negative impact on neurocognitive performance for adolescents with FE-MDD. Registration numberChiCTR2000037878.

Bimanual Arm Trainer Versus Traditional Occupational Therapy Services in Upper Extremity Function.

Upper extremity (UE) dysfunction resulting from stroke significantly affects a person's ability to complete self-care activities, consequently diminishing functional independence. Effective interventions that improve UE function in persons with stroke are needed. To explore the effectiveness of the Bimanual Arm Trainer (BAT) compared with traditional occupational therapy treatment sessions (i.e., a control group) on improving UE function after acute ischemic stroke. Clinical trial, two-group, nonrandomized repeated-measures design. Inpatient rehabilitation facility. Twenty-seven persons with ischemic stroke and an Action Research Arm Test (ARAT) score ≤17. Minimum of three 10-min sessions on the BAT. ARAT, Upper Extremity Fugl-Meyer Assessment of Motor Recovery after Stroke (FMA-UE). Both the intervention and control groups showed significant improvement on the ARAT from evaluation to discharge (main effect of time: p = .02). There was no statistically significant main effect of group and no significant Time × Group interaction (p = .63). FMA-UE scores also improved significantly in the intervention group from evaluation to discharge (p < .001). FMA-UE scores were not available for the control group. Both the intervention and control groups demonstrated significant improvements in UE function from evaluation to discharge. There were no statistically significant differences between groups, indicating that the BAT results in similar improvements in UE function, as would be expected in traditional occupational therapy. Further research is warranted to examine additional BAT programs, use different outcome measures, and assess participants over a longer time span. Plain-Language Summary: The Bimanual Arm Trainer (BAT) is a novel device that can be used in occupational therapy to improve arm function among stroke patients. There is limited research on BAT's effectiveness in improving arm function among stroke patients. In an acute inpatient rehabilitation setting, we compared outcome scores of patients who received traditional occupational therapy services with those who also used the BAT. Both groups achieved significant improvements in arm function from evaluation to discharge. We found that the addition of the BAT interventions did not significantly affect the outcome measure scores for either group. We conclude that more research is needed to examine additional BAT programs, use different outcome measures, and assess participants over a longer period of time.

Effects of Plyometric Training on Running Biomechanics and Jumping Ability of U14 Athletes.

Cardiel-Sánchez, S, Rubio-Peirotén, A, Molina-Molina, A, García-Cebadera Gómez, C, Almenar-Arasanz, A, Ráfales-Perucha, A, Roche-Seruendo, LE, and Cartón-Llorente, A. Effects of plyometric training on running biomechanics and jumping ability of U14 athletes. J Strength Cond Res 38(11): e656-e663, 2024-Children under the age of 14 years (U14) are particularly susceptible to musculoskeletal disorders because of growth spurts. Plyometric training has been shown to be beneficial for both injury reduction and performance enhancement. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of plyometric training on the jumping ability and running biomechanics of U14 track-and-field athletes. A single-blind randomized controlled trial was conducted. Thirty-five (18 female and 17 male) U14 athletes (age: 12.5 ± 1.2 years; height: 152.3 ± 7.7 cm; body mass: 47.3 ± 6.9 kg) were randomized into experimental and control groups. All subjects completed their usual training for 4 weeks, and those in the intervention group added a low-volume plyometric program twice a week. Preintervention and postintervention assessments included a countermovement jump (CMJ) to determine maximum jump height, 10-second repeated jumps to assess reactive strength index (RSI), and a 3-minute run at 12 km·h -1 to analyze running kinematics contact time, flight time, step length (SL), step frequency (SF), mean power output, vertical spring stiffness, and leg spring stiffness (LSS). The results revealed no main effect of time for any of the variables. A group-by-time interaction was found for RSI ( p = 0.045) in the intervention group, whereas a significant increase in LSS was also found after the intervention ( p = 0.031). However, no changes in CMJ height or other running parameters were observed. The significance level for the study was set at ρ ≤ 0.05. Plyometric-jump training may improve the stretch-shortening cycle in U14 athletes by increasing RSI and LSS. Athletes and coaches in running-related sports should be aware of these short-term effects when aiming to optimize the energy storage and release mechanism.