Strength Of Upper Limbs Research Articles

Physical Fitness, Executive Functions, and Academic Performance in Children and Youth: A Cross-Sectional Study

The aim of this cross-sectional study was to investigate the relationship between physical fitness, executive function, and academic performance in children and adolescents. A total of 131 students (49% female) aged 10–15 years from a public school in Rio de Janeiro were assessed in executive functions (hearts and flowers, Corsi’s block, and digit span tasks), academic performance (Portuguese, reading, math, and overall school grade), physical tests (touch test disc, agility, lower limb and upper limb explosive strength), and anthropometric measurements. Regression results showed that the composite of sports-related fitness measures was the best predictor of executive functions (β = 0.472; t = −6.075 p < 0.001). Decision tree classifier analysis showed that the combination of factors that discriminated better and worse executive function groups were better performance in hand–eye coordination (TTD), math, and upper limb strength (ULEST). Sports-related fitness is significantly correlated with executive function. Hand–eye motor coordination has been identified as the most important predictor of improved cognitive outcomes, surpassing even academic skills. These findings should be considered in the design of physical activity programs in school settings, which may have a positive impact on child development, reflected in the reduction of academic and socioeconomic disparities.

Effects of a 4–Week Detraining Period After 12 Weeks of Combined Training Using Different Weekly Frequencies on Health–Related Physical Fitness in Older Adults

Background: Detraining refers to the decline in physical fitness that occurs after the cessation of exercise, compromising the adaptations resulting from regular exercise training. To understand how long the benefits acquired from an exercise program can be maintained, the present study evaluated the detraining effects of a 4–week exercise cessation period in older adults who performed combined training at various weekly frequencies for 12 weeks. Methods: This randomized controlled trial assigned participants to one of two training programs: a combined training program twice a week (CT2) or four times a week (CT4) over a period of 12 weeks, followed by a four–week detraining period. The resistance training consisted of six bodyweight exercises, while the aerobic training involved either walking or running. Both the CT2 and CT4 groups completed the same total training volume and overload each week; the only difference was the number of training sessions per week. Assessments were conducted at baseline, after the training period, and after the detraining period, and included the 30–s and five–repetition chair–stand tests, isometric handgrip strength, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, and waist–to–height ratio. Results: Thirty–one participants completed the study (CT2: 17 and CT4: 14). The groups presented similar attendance records during the training period (CT2: 96 ± 18% versus CT4: 94 ± 19%). After the 12–week training period, CT2 and CT4 improved lower limb strength, CT2 improved upper limb strength, and CT4 reduced waist circumference and waist–to–height ratio compared to baseline. After the 4–week detraining period, the lower limb strength remained improved in both groups (CT2: 4 ± 1 repetition; p < 0.001 and CT4: 4 ± 1 repetition; p < 0.001) when compared to the corresponding baseline values. The handgrip strength decreased in CT2 compared to post–training values. And the body composition benefit in CT4 was not sustained after detraining. Conclusions: The effects of 4 weeks of detraining after 12 weeks of training performed two or four times per week are similar on some but not all health-related physical fitness parameters.

Strategies to Reduce Fall Severity after a Perturbation during Ladder Climbing

OCCUPATIONAL APPLICATIONS Falls from ladders remain a significant cause of injuries in workplaces as well as residential settings. While recent research reveals factors related to fall severity from a ladder, strategies that workers can adopt to minimize fall severity are not well understood. Results from our current study indicated that increased upper limb strength, achieving a higher hand hold, and controlled reestablishment of the foot on the rung have summative benefits to reduce fall severity and increase recovery from a misstep perturbation. Ensuring adequate upper limb strength among workers, and training workers to climb ladders leading with hand placement during ascent and foot placement during descent, can facilitate these beneficial strategies to arrest a ladder fall.

Association of Physical Fitness with Leisure Time Physical Activity in Individuals with Spinal Cord Injury

Abstract Background: Physical fitness of persons with spinal cord injury (SCI) is related to their upper limb strength and range of motion. A change in these factors may impact their participation in physical fitness, and consequently leisure time activities. The objective of the study was to examine an association of physical fitness with leisure time physical activity (LTPA) in people with SCI. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional observational study conducted among 30 male and female participants with SCI. Physical fitness and LTPA were assessed using a 6-min push test and physical activity recall assessment for people with SCI, respectively. Spearman’s Rank correlation coefficient was used to estimate the correlation between physical fitness and LTPA in persons with SCI. Results: The mean age of the participants was 33.6 ± 7.73) years. This study found a positive weak to no correlation between physical fitness and LTPA in individuals with SCI (r s = 0.1008) that was statistically nonsignificant (P > 0.596). In this study, 28 (93.33%) participants had good physical fitness, and 19 (63.33%) participants performed LTPA for 20 min or more in a day, whereas 11 (36.67%) performed less than 20 min per day. Conclusion: Though most of the participants had good physical fitness, they performed only exercise-based activities such as walking with orthosis, pushups exercises, and resistance training exercises for upper limb muscles in their leisure time. They did not participate in LTPA such as sports, gardening, swimming, and other recreational activities. Furthermore, studies can be done to understand the perception of physiotherapists and SCI individuals toward the participation of LTPAs.

Effects of variable resistance training within complex training on strength and punch performance in elite amateur boxers.

This study explored the effects of 6 weeks of variable resistance training (VRT) and constant resistance training (CRT) within complex training, on muscle strength and punch performance. Twenty-four elite female boxers from the China National team were divided randomly between an experimental group (VRT) and a control group (CRT). Maximum strength of the upper and lower limbs, countermovement jump (CMJ) performance, and punch performance (single, 10s and 30s continuous) were assessed pre- and post- intervention. VRT and CRT showed significant increases (p < 0.001) in the bench press (ES = 1.79 and 1.07, respectively), squat (ES = 1.77 and 1.10, respectively), and CMJ (ES = 1.13 and 0.75, respectively). The bench press (p < 0.05) and squat (p < 0.05) improved significantly more following VRT compared to CRT. Additionally, single punch performance (speed, force, and power) increased significantly in the experimental group (ES = 1.17-1.79) and in the control group (ES = 0.58-1.32), except for the lead punch force in the control group (p > 0.05, ES = 0.20). 10s continuous punch performance (number, speed, force, and power) increased significantly (both p < 0.05) in the experimental group (ES = 0.52-1.65) and in the control group (ES = 0.32-0.81). 30s continuous punch performance (number, force, and power) increased significantly increased significantly (both p < 0.05). However, no statistically significant differences were found between groups for punch performance. These findings provide evidence that VRT may improve maximum muscle strength in both upper and lower limbs, vertical jump and punch performance in elite amateur boxers.

An Adapted Physical Activity Program for Adolescents with an Intellectual Disability: An International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health Perspective.

The International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) offers a comprehensive bio-psycho-social model for evaluating the multifaceted needs of individuals with disabilities. While its adoption in healthcare settings is widespread, its utilization within the domain of physical activity interventions, particularly for adolescents with intellectual disabilities (IDs), remains insufficiently explored. This study rigorously examines the efficacy of a 6-month ICF-based Adaptive Physical Activity (APA) intervention on the development of fundamental motor skills (FMSs), improvements in physical fitness (PF), and enhancements in quality of life (QoL) among adolescents with ID. A total of thirty-eight adolescents were randomly allocated into either an intervention group (IG), which participated in the tailored APA program, or a control group (CG), which received standard physical education. The findings demonstrated statistically significant improvements in the IG's test of gross motor development (TGMD) total, locomotor, object control, and QOL scores relative to the CG (p < 0.001, η² = 0.330, 0.249, 0.224, and 0.439, respectively). Furthermore, substantial gains were observed in PF measures, including upper and lower limb strength as well as cardiorespiratory fitness (p < 0.001, η² = 0.254, 0.351, 0.176). Strong positive correlations were noted between FMS, PF, and QoL (r = 0.34-0.71, p < 0.05). This study underscores the importance of tailoring physical activity programs for adolescents with ID, offering insights into the relationships between FMS, PF, and QoL, and guidance for future interventions aimed at improving health outcomes in this population.

Structured-unstructured activity behaviours on preschoolers’ mental and physical health: a compositional and isotemporal reallocation analysis

This study analysed the relationship between the structured and unstructured activities of preschoolers and their mental and physical health, and also investigated the predicted changes in mental and physical health by reallocating activity time. This cross-sectional study was carried out with 324 preschoolers. Video recording and SOPARC activity observation system was used for the division of structured and unstructured activities. An accelerometer sensor was used to measure activity intensity. The SDQ psychological questionnaire was adopted to collect data on internalizing difficulties, externalizing difficulties, total difficulties and pro-social behaviours. Physical indices including body shape (height, weight, BMI), and physical fitness (upper and lower limb strength, flexibility, agility, and balance) were collected using Chinese toddler physical fitness measurement tools. Component data and isotemporal reallocation analyses were conducted using R Studio (Version 4.2). A total of 308 preschoolers (160 boys; aged 4.50 ± 0.93 years) were included in the data analysis. The activities composition, adjusted for sex, area, mental level (for mental indicators), or age (for physical indicators), was significantly correlated with various measurement indicators (p < 0.05). Specifically, structured (β=-0.87, p < 0.05) and unstructured (β=-1.24, p < 0.05) moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) were significantly positive correlated with internalizing difficulties, while structured MVPA was significantly positively correlated with body shape (β = 2.17, p < 0.05). Replacing structured light physical activity (LPA) with 10 min of structured MVPA has a positive effect on internalizing difficulties (SMD=-1.28, 95%CI: -2.30 to -0.27) and body shape (SMD = 1.76, 95%CI: 0.37 to 3.15). When the total replacement time reaches 25 min, the benefits become even more pronounced. Structured and unstructured MVPA are both beneficial to preschoolers’ mental and physical health, with the incorporation of MVPA for over 25 min in structured activities and supplementary unstructured MVPA yielding even greater benefits.

Reallocation of time to moderate-to-vigorous physical activity and estimated changes in physical fitness among preschoolers: a compositional data analysis

BackgroundPrevious research has examined the associations of preschoolers’ 24-h movement behaviours, including light and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (LPA and MVPA), sedentary behaviour (SB), sleep, with physical fitness in isolation, ignoring intrinsically compositional nature of movement data while increasing the risk of collinearity. Thus, this study investigated the associations of preschoolers’ 24-h Movement behaviours composition with physical fitness, estimated changes in physical fitness when time was reallocated between movement behaviours composition, and determined whether associations differ between different genders, using compositional data analysis.MethodsIn the cross-sectional study, a total of 275 preschoolers (3 ~ 6 y) from China were included. SB, LPA and MVPA times were objectively monitored with an ActiGraph GT9X accelerometer for 7 consecutive days. Sleep duration was obtained using parental reports. Physical fitness parameters, including upper and lower limb strength, static balance, speed-agility, and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), were determined with the PREFIT battery. The associations of 24-h movement behaviours composition with each physical fitness parameter were examined employing compositional multivariable linear regression models. The changes following time reallocation among behaviours were estimated employing compositional isotemporal substitution analyses.ResultsGreater MVPA, but not LPA, was significantly related to better upper and lower limb strength, speed-agility, and CRF. Reallocating time from LPA or SB to MVPA was related to better physical fitness. The associations were non-symmetrical: the estimated detriments to physical fitness from replacing MVPA with LPA or SB were larger than the estimated benefits associated with adding MVPA of the same magnitude. The aforementioned associations with lower limb strength, CRF, and speed-agility were observed in boys, while associations with upper and lower limb strength were noted in girls.ConclusionOur findings reinforce the importance of physical activity (PA) intensity for the development of physical fitness in preschoolers. Replacing LPA or SB time with MVPA may be an appropriate strategy for enhancing preschoolers’ physical fitness.

Automotive workers: the role of coordinative and conditional abilities as effectiveness wellness indicator.

Noncommunicable diseases are on the rise due to sedentary and unhealthy lifestyles. The World Health Organization (WHO) and the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) recommend maintaining a healthy diet and engaging in regular physical activity, particularly in the workplace. Prolonged and repetitive work tasks can result in extended sick leave and decreased productivity while at work. Therefore, it is important to identify predictive factors that can act as indicators of the health status of employees. Utilizing motor abilities assessment tests can help to identify health issues at an early stage. Promoting preventive health measures is crucial for addressing chronic diseases and enhancing overall occupational well-being. The purpose of the study was to characterize workers' motor abilities and fitness levels and identify potential indicators. A total of 605 workers participated in this study, including 529 male participants with a height of 176 ± 0.09 cm and a body mass of 75.9 ± 14.1 kg and 77 female participants with a height of 162 ± 0.11 cm and an average body mass of 58.9 ± 11.1 kg. These individuals were enrolled during an Italian automotive corporation's mandatory annual medical check-up. The participants were categorized into three groups based on their occupational roles: blue-collar, manager, and white-collar groups. The participants underwent motor abilities assessment tests for upper-limb strength, trunk flexibility, and reaction time. The blue-collar group reported the best results in upper-limb strength (93.3 kgf ± 18.60), but had the worst results in flexibility (21.7 cm ± 7.90), total reaction time (58.8 s ± 4.74); and average intermedium (0.68 ms ± 0.11). The white-collar group reported the best result in flexibility (23.7 cm ± 8.94) and reaction time (48.5 s ± 4.38; 0.64 ms ± 0.09). Despite being frequently used to assess health status, handgrip measurements may not provide accurate differentiations because of the common use of blue-collar workers for tasks that require upper-limb strength. In contrast, reaction time metrics appear more reliable and discriminative in evaluating a worker's physical fitness.

Physiotherapy practices in the clinical assessment of lateral elbow tendinopathy: An international survey.

Understanding physiotherapy practices is important to identify variations from empirical evidence and highlight requirements for training. This survey explored international physiotherapy practices for assessment of lateral elbow tendinopathy (LET). Two hundred ninety-nine surveyed physiotherapists from eight member countries of the International Federation of Manual and Orthopaedic Physical Therapists completed the survey. Respondents rated their frequency of use (never, rarely, sometimes, often, and always) for items related to: patient history; diagnostic tests; grip and upper limb strength; cervical and neurological assessment; and medical imaging. To establish practices, the five response categories were dichotomised into routine practice (often, always) and not-routine practice (sometimes, rarely, never). A response rate of ≥70% for each dichotomy was used to determine whether an assessment item was deemed routine practice or not, with items not meeting either criterion considered neither routine nor not-routine practice. Most respondents were from United States (63%). The 'chair pick up test', 'cervical special tests', and 'plain radiograph' met our criteria for not routine practice (i.e., 70%, 72%, and 71%, respectively). All other assessment items did not meet the criteria to be considered routine or not-routine practice. The chair pick-up test, cervical spine special tests (e.g., Spurling's test), and plain radiography appear to not be routinely used in the assessment of LET. The finding that no assessment technique met the criteria for routine use may imply that physiotherapists adopt a nuanced approach to selecting clinical assessment items as opposed to routinely applying tests.

Grasping rehabilitation using motor imagery with or without neurofeedback after tetraplegia: a study protocol for a bicentric randomised controlled trial

IntroductionTetraplegia causes extensive sensorimotor deficits affecting activity, participation and quality of life. People with C6-C7 tetraplegia can learn to grasp objects by performing wrist extension movement (ie, tenodesis grasp), and...

Associations Between Fundamental Motor Skill Domains and Physical Fitness Components in 5-11-Year-Old Children

High competence in fundamental motor skills (FMS) and adequate physical fitness (PF) levels are a solid foundation for acquiring an active and healthy lifestyle during childhood and adolescence. In this cross-sectional study, we aimed to compare gender and age groups and identify correlations between FMS and PF in young elementary school students. We used a structured questionnaire to gather sociodemographic information from parents, and we characterized the children’s economic profile with the Brazil Social Economic Status Criterion. We collected FMS data using the Furtado-Gallagher Children Observational Movement Pattern Assessment System (FG-COMPASS), and we used the Brazil Sports Project Battery Test to measure PF levels. Statistical analyses involved descriptive data and inferential tests to determine group differences in FMS and PF levels. Hierarchical regression helped identify the associations between FMS and PF, as controlled by sociodemographic factors. Participants were 720 students (and parents) of both genders (383 girls, 337 boys; M age = 8.8, SD = 1.52 years) from grades 1 to 5 in an elementary school in a municipality in the western region of the Paraná state in Brazil. The results showed significant differences in children’s motor skills and PF based on gender and age. The hierarchical regression model showed different combinations of flexibility, abdominal resistance, upper limb strength, agility, speed, and lower limb strength, which explained 33.7% of the variability in the global FMS index, 41% of the variability in manipulative skills, and 12.7% of the variability in locomotor skills. In addition, there was a positive association between FMS and PF related to neuromuscular development for both sexes, regardless of age.

Bilateral decompressive craniectomy as a damage control strategy for a preschooler multilobar bihemispheric firearm injury: a case report and systematic review.

The absence of guidelines for managing gunshot wounds to the head (GSWH) with bihemispheric lesions in pediatric patients highlights the need for prompt and diverse damage control strategies. This article aims to systematically evaluate the evidence surrounding the management of GSWH in preschoolers and to report a novel approach. We present a case of a 4-year-old girl who sustained a gunshot wound to the left parietal region. She was admitted to a level 1 trauma center 90min post-injury with stable vital signs, a Glasgow coma scale (GCS) of 12 (E3, V3, M6), and grade III hemiparesis in her right upper limb. Initial surgical management included left hematoma decompression and right frontotemporoparietal decompressive hemicraniectomy in two stages under the same anesthesia. Due to massive brain swelling during the left-sided procedure, it was converted to a left frontotemporoparietal decompressive hemicraniectomy. Both procedures included autologous pericranium augmentation duraplasty and watertight suturing. A right-side decompressive hemicraniectomy followed without exploring bullet lodging, using bilateral Kempe incisions. Bone flaps were stored under cryopreservation. During a 30-day hospital stay, neurological assessments showed a gradual recovery of right upper limb strength to grade IV + , with no other deficits or operative complications. Postoperative CT scans at 7, 14, and 28days showed minor pseudomeningoceles and a reduction of intraparenchymal edema. Multidisciplinary care continued throughout the stay. The patient showed no signs of endocrinological, infectious, or residual neurological issues and underwent bilateral autologous cranioplasty on day 35. She was discharged on day 38 with a GCS extended of 8 (full recovery/minor deficits not affecting daily activities) and minor right upper limb apraxia. A systematic review identified nine patients under 6years old with GSWH, with only one previously reported case of a 3-year-old patient with bihemispheric lesions undergoing bilateral craniectomies and achieving positive outcomes. Our case and the review suggest that bilateral decompressive hemicraniectomy is a feasible strategy for managing multilobar bihemispheric GSWH in preschoolers. However, the evidence of management for this population remains of low quality, highlighting the need for further research, and justifying this case report.

Effect of the ACTN3 R577X Polymorphism on Serum Creatine Kinase and Interleukin-6 Levels after Maximal Eccentric Exercise.

This study explored the interaction among ACTN3 R577X polymorphism, muscle damage, and post-exercise inflammatory response by assessing changes over time in serum creatine kinase and interleukin-6 levels. Ninety-five active Japanese participants (50 men and 45 women: 22.2 ± 2.3 years) who did not perform daily upper limb strength exercises were enrolled. Participants executed five sets of six maximal eccentric elbow flexion exercises. The exercise duration was 9 min, including rest between sets (90 s). Maximum voluntary isometric contraction, range of motion, muscle soreness, and serum creatine kinase and interleukin-6 levels were assessed pre and post and 1, 2, 3, and 5 d after exercise. Genotype groups were classified as RR + RX and XX based on the absence of ACTN3 expression. A significant time and group interaction (p = 0.045) on creatine kinase levels was observed between the groups, indicating that the absence of ACTN3 significantly affects creatine kinase changes. Conversely, no significant interaction on change in interleukin-6, maximum voluntary isometric contraction, range of motion, and muscle soreness was observed between groups. The results highlight an interaction on creatine kinase activity post-exercise by ACTN3 R577X polymorphism, with elevated activity in the XX genotype.

Assessment of the Impact of Sensor-Based Ischemic Preconditioning with Different Cycling Periods on Upper Limb Strength in Bodybuilding Athletes.

Objective: This study designed experiments to explore the effects of ischemic preconditioning (IPC) intervention with different cycling periods on the upper limb strength performance of college male bodybuilding athletes. Methods: Ten bodybuilding athletes were recruited for a randomized, double-blind, crossover experimental study. All subjects first underwent pre-tests with two sets of exhaustive bench presses at 60% of their one-repetition maximum (1RM) to assess upper limb strength performance. They then experienced three different IPC intervention modes (T1: 1 × 5 min, T2: 2 × 5 min, T3: 3 × 5 min), as well as a non-IPC intervention mode (CON), followed by a retest of the bench press. An Enode pro device was used to record the barbell's velocity during the bench press movement (peak velocity (PV), mean velocity (MV)); power (peak power (PP), mean power (MP)); and time under tension (TUT) to evaluate upper limb strength performance. Results: PV values: T1 showed significant increases compared to pre-tests in the first (p = 0.02) and second (p = 0.024) tests, and were significantly greater than the CON (p = 0.032); T2 showed a significant increase in PV in the first test (p = 0.035), with no significant differences in other groups. MV values: T1 showed a significant increase in MV in the first test compared to the pre-test (p = 0.045), with no significant differences in other groups. PP values: T1 showed a highly significant increase in PP in the first test compared to the pre-test (p = 0.001), and was significantly higher than the CON (p = 0.025). MP values: T1 showed highly significant increases in MP in both the first (p = 0.004) and second (p = 0.003) tests compared to the pre-test; T2 showed a highly significant increase in MP in the first test (p = 0.039) and a significant increase in the second test (p = 0.039). T1's MP values were significantly higher than the CON in both tests; T2's MP values were significantly higher than the CON in the first (p = 0.005) and second (p = 0.024) tests. TUT values: T1 showed highly significant increases in TUT in the first (p < 0.001) and second (p = 0.002) tests compared to the pre-test, and were significantly higher than the CON. Conclusions: (1) Single-cycle and double-cycle IPC interventions both significantly enhance upper limb strength performance, significantly improving the speed and power in exhaustive bench press tests, with the single-cycle IPC intervention being more effective than the double-cycle IPC intervention. (2) The triple-cycle IPC intervention does not improve the upper limb strength performance of bodybuilding athletes in exhaustive bench presses.

Longitudinal Relationships of Physical Activity, Sedentary Time, Cardiorespiratory Fitness, and Muscular Fitness with Body Fatness in Preschoolers.

There is still insufficient knowledge about the potential benefits of physical activity and fitness or the adverse impact of sedentary behaviours on body composition at preschool age. Therefore, we aimed to study the relationships of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), sedentary time (ST), cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), and muscular fitness (MF) with body fat percentage (BF%) in boys and girls. Participants were investigated twice: in the final year of kindergarten, when the boys' median age was 7 years and the girls' median age was 6 years (p = 0.240), and again in the first grade of school. MVPA and ST were measured with an accelerometer, BF% was derived from skinfold thicknesses, CRF was measured with a 20 m shuttle run test, and MF was represented by the mean z-scores from standing long jump and relative upper-limb strength. In girls, higher ST (β = 0.587, p = 0.021) and lower MF (β = -0.231, p = 0.009) at preschool age were related to higher BF% in the first grade of school after adjustment for confounders. MVPA and CRF in preschool children were unrelated to BF% in school among boys and girls. In conclusion, sitting less and having greater muscular fitness at preschool age appear to be beneficial for lower body fatness in the first grade among girls, but not in boys. MVPA and CRF at preschool age are unrelated to body fatness at school age in boys and girls. Our results indicate that girls may especially benefit from decreasing sedentary behaviours and increasing upper- and lower-limb muscular strength at preschool age for a healthy weight profile in the first grade of school.

Cortical inexcitability in ALS: correlating a clinical phenotype

BackgroundCortical inexcitability, a less studied feature of upper motor neuron (UMN) dysfunction in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), was identified in a large cross-sectional cohort of ALS patients and their demographic...

Aquatic high-intensity interval training improves cardiometabolic profile and physical fitness in active middle-age and older adults: quasi-randomized clinical trial study

Introduction: aquatic exercises have been increasingly suggested to the population. Despite evidence on the benefits of high-intensity interval training in aquatic environments, scientific production still needs to be improved. Research involving middle-aged and older individuals usually seeks physiological responses from the assumption that they are sedentary. Objective: to assess the physical fitness, lipid profile, and glycemic control of active middle-aged and older adults undergoing aquatic high-intensity interval training associated or not with intense water walking. Methods: it is a quasi-randomized clinical trial composed of 45 active middle-aged and older adults subdivided into two groups with aquatic high-intensity interval training in the absence (AHIIT) or presence (AHIITW) of intense water walking. Participants were dosed with biochemical parameters, bioimpedance analysis, and physical and cardiopulmonary tests at the intervention’s beginning and end. Results: both groups showed increased HDL, reduced LDL, and hemoglobin glycated, with increased endurance and strength of upper and lower limbs. The AHIIT group showed a lean mass gain and fat mass decline compared to the AHIITW. The intense walking promoted an increase in oxygen ventilatory equivalent, maximum oxygen consumption, and the task metabolic equivalent at values like the AHIIT. Conclusion: our findings indicate that high-intensity aquatic training holds the potential to enhance the lipid profile of individuals. However, the incorporation of pool walking into the training regimen did not lead to any notable differences in this regard. Conversely, the inclusion of pool aquatic exercises did result in improved functional capacity among participants. Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials (ReBEC): #RBR-99b6jr6

Influencing Factors and Training Strategies for Boulder and Lead Athletes' Competitive Performance: A Narrative Review

ABSTRACT With the introduction of sport climbing in the Olympics, there have been increased opportunities for refining and enhancing the sport. Improving competitive performance is a crucial objective of national development strategies. This narrative review aims to analyze the influencing factors and training strategies for the competitive performance of boulder and lead athletes, providing a reference for improving their competitive performance. Conditioning for boulder and lead involves physical, psychological, and technical training. The competitive performance of boulder and lead athletes is primarily influenced by upper-limb strength, endurance, aerobic capacity, climbing efficiency, route previewing, and psychological elements like confidence, anxiety, and focus. To improve physical fitness and competitive performance, athletes should prioritize enhancing upper-limb strength and endurance. Athletes can enhance their climbing skills and progress by engaging in various international standard climbing routes with varying levels and styles of difficulty, thereby expanding their repertoire of techniques. In addition, there should be an increased emphasis on providing psychological counseling to athletes before competition. In future research, the differences between varying training methods for athletes of different levels and genders should be further explored, along with investigating training and recovery strategies.

Longitudinal assessment of physical function in adults with X-linked hypophosphatemia following initiation of burosumab therapy.

X-linked hypophosphatemia (XLH) is a rare genetic disorder of phosphate metabolism. Burosumab is a monoclonal antibody treatment shown to improve phosphate homeostasis and improve symptoms as well as fracture healing when used as a therapy for XLH in adults. However, little is known about its effects on the large deficits in multiple components of physical function previously reported in XLH. Ten adults (6 females, age 41.1 ± 15.7 y) were recruited from specialist centres in London and Bristol. During clinical visits for initial burosumab treatment and at 6-month and 12-month follow-up, physical function, and physical activity (PA) assessments were performed. In detail, lower limb power was assessed by mechanography via a countermovement jump, mobility by short physical performance battery (SPPB), functional capacity by 6-min walk test (6MWT), upper limb strength by hand grip dynamometry, and PA via an International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). Differences between baseline and 6-month follow-up, and in a subset of 5 patients between 6- and 12-month follow-up, were assessed. Lower limb power increased by 9% (P = 0.049) from baseline to 6 months, as did SPPB score (+ 1.2 points, P = 0.033) and total PA (+ 65%, P = 0.046) although hand grip and 6MWT did not differ. Only for hand grip was a significant improvement (+ 10%, P = 0.023) seen between 6 and 12 months. Burosumab treatment is associated with improved lower limb function and mobility at 6 months, with improvement in hand grip strength at 12 months. Future studies should explore the underlying mechanisms and describe on function and other patient outcomes.