Search Results (6,058)

In the elderly, the coexistence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and frailty is frequent. Much has been described about pharmacological management and glycemic control goals. However, there is a knowledge gap in terms of the objectives and characteristics of interventions, especially nutritional ones, for this population. A scoping review was performed to document the objectives, characteristics, and results of nutritional interventions in older people with T2DM and frailty. The five-stage framework of Arksey and O’Malley was used, as was the PRISMA extension for scoping reviews. The results stand out for three trends, as follows: (1) experimental studies with multicomponent intervention physical exercise programs and nutritional programs based on educational processes or behavioral intervention; (2) observational studies with an association of the kind of diet assessed by scales and their relation to stages of frailty; (3) a review that updates recommendations on pharmacological and non-pharmacological, diet, exercise, management, as well as glucose control goals for diabetes in frail older persons. Finally, the evidence shows that management of T2DM in older adults with frailty requires goals and interventions tailored to their functional capacity and health condition. The exercise, diet, and education programs reviewed have demonstrated their effectiveness in improving physical performance, reducing the risk of frailty or progression to more advanced stages, and achieving better glycemic control. Full article

Background/Objectives: During the COVID-19 pandemic, children in Japan were restricted from sports and outdoor activities. Regular physical activity is essential for healthy growth and development in children, with recommendations advocating for activities such as strength training. However, the long-term effects of the restrictions have not been fully investigated. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of an “exercise class”, specifically a dance program, designed to improve motor function in elementary school children affected by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, which may have compromised their motor function. Methods: The dance program was developed by a sports science teacher, a professional dancer, and a physical therapist, and it was evaluated in a community-based participatory study. Trained dance instructors conducted one-hour dance sessions in a medical center, held once a week for two months from June to August 2023. A physical therapist and dance instructors led the elementary school children. Outcome measures included grip strength, lower extremity muscle strength, back muscle strength, dynamic balance function during movement, physical activity time, and body fat percentages. Descriptive statistics were used for analysis. Results: Twenty-four children aged 6–9 years participated in the exercise class over a two-month period. Improvement was observed in grip strength, lower extremity muscle strength, and dynamic balance function during movement. However, physical activity time, body fat percentages, and back muscle strength did not change. Conclusions: The results indicated a significant improvement in motor skills. Dance is an inexpensive program that elementary school children can enjoy while improving their motor skills. Full article

Background/Objectives: This review summarizes the current knowledge about factors that affect the physical characteristics of urine. It highlights proper urine sample collection and displays factors like diet, hydration status, and medications that can alter urine color, odor, clarity, specific gravity and pH. Results: Urinalysis is a minimally invasive examination of a patient’s health, especially concerning nephrological and endocrinological abnormalities, as well as dietary habits and stimulants used. Certain deviations in appearance, composition or frequency/pain during urination may indicate an ongoing disease process in the body. Based on laboratory results, further medical treatment is determined. The reason for a change in the color of the urine, for its clouding or intense odor may be a disease, as well as the consumption of food, medication, intensive physical exercise or inadequate hydration of the body. Well-standardized procedures for collecting, transporting, preparing and analyzing samples should become the basis for an effective diagnostic strategy in urinalysis. It is worth noting that pharmacists in pharmaceutical care are often the first people to whom a patient turns for health advice and for the interpretation of simple laboratory tests. Acquiring the ability to interpret the results of laboratory tests and the principles of proper sampling for laboratory tests is indispensable in the process of possible counseling and providing reliable answers to patients’ questions. Conclusions: Although urinalysis is not recommended as a routine screening tool for the general population, it can prove to be a valuable source of patient health data in some cases as the data will be useful to physicians and pharmacists to more effectively diagnose and better care for patients. Full article

Background: Identifying the correlates of exercise behavior is essential to combating physical inactivity as a public health concern. The purpose of this study is to identify the correlates of physical activity among urban Chinese adults under the social-ecological theoretical model in order to facilitate targeted interventions to promote physical activity. Methods: Using the socio-ecological model, we conducted a questionnaire survey among 1459 urban residents in Zhejiang and Shaanxi provinces of China, collecting data on individual demographic factors, sociological factors, environmental perception, and exercise behavior. Binary logistic regression models were employed to analyze the relationships between exercise behavior and socio-ecological factors. Results: Male gender (p < 0.01), advanced age (p < 0.001), higher education level (p < 0.05), living independently from parents (p < 0.05), absence of childcare responsibilities (p < 0.01), residence in a county/prefecture-level city (p < 0.001), favorable neighborhood esthetics (p < 0.001), available greenways/parks (p < 0.001), and family support for exercise participation (p < 0.05) were significantly correlated with an increased likelihood of participating in physical activity. Male gender (p < 0.001), advanced age (p < 0.001), absence of childcare responsibilities (p < 0.05), good neighborhood vegetation (p < 0.01), availability of free neighborhood exercise facilities (p < 0.05), and support from friends for exercise participation (p < 0.01) were significantly correlated with an increased likelihood of engaging in physical activity for more than 150 min per week. BMI, community air quality, traffic safety, public safety, and level of social development were not major correlates. Conclusions: To promote exercise behavior, more attention should be paid to individuals who are female, young, have lower levels of education, bear childcare responsibilities, or reside in provincial capitals in China. Improving the habitat environment and providing convenient and affordable facilities should also be considered. Furthermore, support from family and friends can positively reinforce exercise behavior. Full article

Stroke survivors commonly face challenges such as reduced physical activity and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) as well as balance and gait impairments, exacerbating their disability. While high-intensity exercise interventions have demonstrated some potential, their effects on these items remain uncertain. Therefore, our study aimed to investigate the impact of high-intensity training protocols on CRF, gait ability, and balance in stroke survivor populations. Two independent investigators systematically searched five databases for relevant RCTs following the PICO model. Through a systematic review of 25 RCTs published up to 31 May 2023, including adult first-stroke survivors, comparing high-intensity exercise training versus low-to-mild or no exercises, we evaluated outcomes such as the Six-Minute Walking Test (6 MWT), peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak), Ten-Meter Walk Test (10 MWT), Berg Balance Scale (BBS), and Timed Up and Go test (TUG). The protocol was registered in PROSPERO (registration number CRD42023456773). Meta-analyses indicated significant enhancements in CRF, as measured by 6 MWT and VO2peak, following high-intensity exercise interventions. However, no significant differences were observed in BBS, 10 MWT, and TUG. Our findings underscore the potential of high-intensity exercise interventions in ameliorating CRF among stroke survivors, although further research involving standardized protocols and long-term follow-ups is imperative to optimize rehabilitation outcomes. Full article

Background/Objective: Secreted frizzled-related protein 5 (Sfrp5) is an anti-inflammatory adipokine that has been implicated in the pathophysiology of obesity and its metabolic complications. Despite the fact that numerous studies have been carried out in adults, limited data on Sfrp5 exist for youth, especially in relation to overweight and obesity. Methods: In our study, we assessed the concentrations of Sfrp5, total oxidative (TOS) and antioxidative (TAS) status, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), and several cytokines (IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-2, IL-6, IL-8, IL-12, TNF-α) in 120 children and adolescents (mean age ± SE: 11.48 ± 0.25 years; 48 prepubertal, 72 pubertal; 74 males and 46 females) before and 1 year after the implementation of a personalized, structured, lifestyle intervention program of healthy diet, sleep, and physical exercise. Results: Based on the body mass index (BMI), participants were categorized as having morbid obesity (n = 63, 52.5%), obesity (n = 21, 17.5%), overweight (n = 22, 18.33%), or normal BMIs (n = 14, 11.67%), based on the International Obesity Task Force (IOTF) cut-off points. Following the 1-year lifestyle intervention program, a significant improvement in anthropometric measurements (BMI, BMI-z score, diastolic blood pressure, WHR, and WHtR), body-composition parameters, hepatic enzymes, lipid profile, inflammation markers, and the insulin-sensitivity profile (HbA1C, HOMA index) was observed in all subjects. Sfrp5 decreased in subjects with obesity (p < 0.01); however, it increased significantly (p < 0.05) in patients with morbid obesity. Linear regression analysis indicates that TNF-α and systolic blood pressure were the best positive predictors and hs-CRP was the best negative predictor for Sfpr5 concentration at initial assessment and glucose concentration for ΔSfrp5, while TNF-α and TAS were the best positive predictors for Sfpr5 concentration at annual assessment. Conclusions: These results indicate that Sfrp5 is associated with severe obesity and is increased following weight loss in children and adolescents with morbid obesity. It is also related to metabolic homeostasis, as well as inflammation and oxidative status. Full article

The prevalence of sexual harassment and abuse in school sport, specifically by coaches against their athletes, remains a concerning and pervasive issue. In an attempt to better understand and prevent specific coach-behaviours associated with such sexual misconduct, researchers have developed the Sexual Violence Questionnaire in Sport. While the reliability of this measurement tool has been tested in Anglo-Saxon cultural contexts, it is not known whether the questionnaire is applicable to other cultural contexts. This study aimed to analyse the internal consistency and reliability of the questionnaire on sexual harassment in sport, originally designed and developed in English. A sample of 146 (52 female, 94 male) undergraduate students from a university in the Basque Country participated in this cross-sectional study. The questionnaire was administered twice over a two-week period to assess test–retest reliability. The internal consistency of the Sexual Violence Questionnaire in Sport was high, with Cronbach’s alpha values of 0.891 for perceptions and 0.813 for experiences across all participants. Gender-specific analysis showed similar reliability, with females having slightly lower alpha values for perceptions. Although significant differences were observed between the test and the retest on eight perception items and one experience item, Cohen’s kappa analysis indicated agreement on all items; however, some of them were low (e.g., 0.13). In conclusion, the study highlights the questionnaire’s overall reliability and suggests its effectiveness as a tool for measuring sexual violence in sport within the Spanish context. Nonetheless, the findings of this study underscore the need for further research to enhance the instrument’s stability and to better understand gender differences in perceptions and experiences of sexual violence in sport contexts. Full article

Background and Objectives: Defining the exercise habits of individuals with Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) may help to determine optimal rehabilitation programs. This study aimed to investigate the physical and psychological parameters associated with exercise barriers in older individuals with AD, with the goal of informing more effective rehabilitation programs. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional prospective study was conducted with 50 individuals with AD. The individuals were evaluated with the Exercise Benefit/Barriers Scale (EBBS), the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), the Five Times Sit to Stand Test (FTSTS), the Barthel Index (BI), the Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia (TSK), and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Results: There was a significant positive correlation between age with EBBS-Exercise Barriers (r = 0.308; p = 0.029) and EBBS-Total Score (r = 0.295; p = 0.038). There were significant negative correlations between the time of diagnosis with EBBS-Exercise Benefits (r = −0.569; p = 0.000), EBBS-Exercise Barriers (r = −0.324; p = 0.022), and EBBS-Total Score (r = −0.508; p = 0.000). There was a positive correlation between MMSE and EBBS-Exercise Benefits (r = 0.465; p = 0.001), EBBS-Exercise Barriers (r = 0.471; p = 0.001) and EBBS-Total Score (r = 0.519; p = 0.000). There were significant positive correlations between FTSTS and EBBS-Exercise Barriers (r = 0.340; p = 0.016), and EBBS-Total Score (r = 0.280; p = 0.049). There were positive correlations between BI and EBBS-Exercise Benefits (r = 0.362; p = 0.010), EBBS-Exercise Barriers (r = 0.377; p = 0.007), and EBBS-Total Score (r = 0.405; p = 0.004). Conclusions: Exercise barriers/benefits were associated with cognition and post-diagnosis duration in individuals with AD. Individuals with lower physical function had lower exercise perception. In addition, living with relatives or caregivers led to better exercise benefit scores. Full article

Background: Several studies have shown that pulmonary telerehabilitation (PTR) improves respiratory capacity. However, there is little evidence of its effectiveness in youth with post-COVID-19 conditions (PCC). This study analyzed the effects of a PTR program on young adults with PCC. Methods: Sixteen youths were randomly assigned to a control group (CG) or an experimental group (EG), with eight participants each. The EG participated in a PTR program that included twelve remote, asynchronous four-week sessions with diaphragmatic breathing and aerobic exercises. Vital signs (SpO₂, HR, RR, BP), physical capacity (sit-to-stand test), cardiorespiratory capacity (6-Minute Walk Test), and perceived exertion (Borg scale) were assessed in both groups. Results: Statistical analyses showed a significant decrease in RR and HR (p < 0.012) and an increase in SpO₂ (p < 0.042), physical (p < 0.012), and respiratory (p < 0.028) capacity. Perceived effort decreased significantly in both groups (CG: p < 0.006; EG: p < 0.001) only for physical but not for cardiorespiratory capacity (p < 0.106). There were no statistical changes registered in BP (p > 0.05). Conclusions: The PTR program, which includes respiratory and aerobic exercises, is feasible and effective in improving physical and cardiorespiratory capacity in young people with PCC, as well as reducing HR, RR, and dyspnea. Full article

Marginal vitamin B6 (B6) deficiency is common in various segments worldwide. In a super-aged society, sarcopenia is a major concern and has gained significant research attention focused on healthy aging. To date, the primary interventions for sarcopenia have been physical exercise therapy. Recent evidence suggests that inadequate B6 status is associated with an increased risk of sarcopenia and mortality among older adults. Our previous study showed that B6 supplementation to a marginal B6-deficient diet up-regulated the expression of various exercise-induced genes in the skeletal muscle of rodents. Notably, a supplemental B6-to-B6-deficient diet stimulates satellite cell-mediated myogenesis in rodents, mirroring the effects of physical exercise. These findings suggest the potential role of B6 as an exercise-mimetic nutrient in skeletal muscle. To test this hypothesis, we reviewed relevant literature and compared the roles of B6 and exercise in muscles. Here, we provide several pieces of evidence supporting this hypothesis and discuss the potential mechanisms behind the similarities between the effects of B6 and exercise on muscle. This research, for the first time, provides insight into the exercise-mimetic roles of B6 in skeletal muscle. Full article

Background/Objectives: Extracellular vesicles (EVs) play a key role in intercellular communication by transferring miRNAs and other macromolecules between cells. Understanding how diet and exercise modulate the release and content of skeletal muscle (SM)-derived EVs could lead to novel therapeutic strategies to prevent age-related muscle decline and other chronic diseases, such as sarcopenia. This review aims to provide an overview of the role of EVs in muscle function and to explore how nutritional and physical interventions can optimise their release and function. Methods: A literature review of studies examining the impact of exercise and nutritional interventions on MS-derived EVs was conducted. Major scientific databases, including PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science, were searched using keywords such as ‘extracellular vesicles’, ‘muscle’, ‘exercise’, ‘nutrition’ and ‘sarcopenia’. The selected studies included randomised controlled trials (RCTs), clinical trials and cohort studies. Data from these studies were synthesised to identify key findings related to the release of EVs, their composition and their potential role as therapeutic targets. Results: Dietary patterns, specific foods and supplements were found to significantly modulate EV release and composition, affecting muscle health and metabolism. Exercise-induced changes in EV content were observed after both acute and chronic interventions, with a marked impact on miRNAs and proteins related to muscle growth and inflammation. Nutritional interventions, such as the Mediterranean diet and omega-3 fatty acids, have also shown the ability to alter EV profiles, suggesting their potential to improve cardiovascular health and reduce inflammation. Conclusions: EVs are emerging as critical mediators of the beneficial effects of diet and exercise on muscle health. Both exercise and nutritional interventions can modulate the release and content of MS-derived EVs, offering promising avenues for the development of novel therapeutic strategies targeting sarcopenia and other muscle diseases. Future research should focus on large-scale RCT studies with standardised methodologies to better understand the role of EVs as biomarkers and therapeutic targets. Full article

The university population is at a vital stage of human development for acquiring an active lifestyle. Following this lifestyle will bring benefits in adulthood. This study seeks to analyse the relationship between physical activity and bodily pain, mental hyperactivity, and sleep quality as a function of the intensity of physical activity. A comparative, descriptive, and exploratory study is presented in a sample of 506 university students. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire, the Chronic Pain Grade Questionnaire, the Mental Hyperactivity Questionnaire, and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index were used. The proposed model analyses the relationships of physical activity to bodily pain, mental hyperactivity, sleep disturbances, and time to fall asleep. The fit of the different adjustment indices is satisfactory (X² = 0.47, df = 1, pl = 0.48, IFI = 0.99, CFI = 0.97; NFI = 0.91; RMSEA = 0.01). The relational analysis shows a positive relationship of physical activity to bodily pain (r = 0.02; p < 0.01), mental hyperactivity (r = 0.054; p < 0.01), sleep disturbances (r = 0.029; p < 0.01), and time to fall asleep (r = 0.047; p < 0.01). Multi-group structural equation analysis indicates that there are differences in the causal relationships of physical activity to sleep quality, mental hyperactivity, and bodily pain as a function of exercise intensity. The conclusion is that the intensity at which physical activity is performed plays a key role in mental and physical health. Full article

(1) Background: In a society with an advancing aging rate, medical systems are coming under pressure due to an increasing flow of older patients with multiple somatic diseases, exacerbated by their psychological and sociological backgrounds. We aimed to investigate the relationship between frailty and loneliness in older adults and to provide a holistic perspective on these concepts. Our research question was “Is there a link between the loneliness and frailty in older people?” (2) Methods: To assess the link between loneliness and frailty, we conducted a search accessing Index Medicus and PubMed; the timeframe of our research was from 2013 until 2023. Data regarding the study population, as well as loneliness and frailty assessments and approaches, were extracted. (3) Results: A positive relationship between loneliness and the appearance and progression of frailty in older adults is argued for. (4) Conclusions: Frailty and loneliness in older adults are often interconnected and can have a significant impact on their overall well-being. Early identification of frailty by assessing risk factors (including loneliness and/or social isolation) should become a standard of care for older patients. Appropriate combined interventions that effectively address both frailty and loneliness (physical exercises, psychological support, and social engagement) can promote healthier aging, prevent health deterioration, maintain independence, and reduce healthcare costs. Full article

We present an optimized version of the skin calorimeter for measuring localized skin thermal responses during physical activity. Enhancements include a new holding system, more sensitive thermopiles, and an upgraded spiked heat sink for improved efficiency. In addition, we used a new, improved calorimetric model that takes into account all the variables that influence the measurement process. Resolution in power measurement is 1 mW. Performance tests under air currents and movement disturbances showed that the device maintains high accuracy; the deviation produced by these significant disturbances is less than 5%. Human subject tests, both at rest and during exercise, confirmed its ability to accurately measure localized skin heat flux, heat capacity, and thermal resistance (less than 5% uncertainty). These findings highlight the calorimeter’s potential for applications in sports medicine and physiological studies. Full article

This paper proposes a design framework to create individualised finger actuators that can be expanded to a generic hand. An actuator design is evaluated to help a finger achieve tendon-gliding exercises (TGEs). We consider musculoskeletal analysis for different finger sizes to determine joint forces while considering safety. The simulated Finite Element Analysis (FEA) response of a bi-directional Pneumatic Network Actuator (PNA) is mapped to a reduced-order model, creating a robust design tool to determine the bending angle and moment generated for actuator units. A reduced-order model is considered for both the 2D plane-strain formulation of the actuator and a full 3D model, providing a means to map between the results for a more accurate 3D model and the less computationally expensive 2D model. A setup considering a cascade of reduced-order actuator units interacting with a finger model determined to be able to achieve TGE was validated, and three exercises were successfully achieved. The FEA simulations were validated using the bending response of a manufactured actuator interacting with a dummy finger. The quality of the results shows that the simulated models can be used to predict the behaviour of the physical actuator in achieving TGE. Full article