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Cognitive gains and cortical thickness changes after 12 weeks of resistance training in older adults with low and high risk of mild cognitive impairment: Findings from a randomized controlled trial /
No full textBackground In this randomized controlled trial, we assessed the neuroprotective effect of a 12-week resistance training (RT) program on executive control and cortical thickness of the prefrontal, temporal, parietal, and central cortex, regions prone to structural decline in individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Methods Seventy older adults (aged 60-85y old, 38 females and 32 males) were randomly allocated to a 12-week lower limb RT program or a waiting list control group. The Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) was used to stratify participants screened for high (< 26) or low (≥ 26) MCI risk. Cognitive measurements consisted of the two-choice reaction time, Go/No-go, mathematical processing, and memory search tests. Cortical thickness was estimated from 3D T1-weighted MR images. Results Complete randomized controlled trial data was obtained from 50 individuals (24 with high MCI risk). Significant Group x Time interactions were found for response on the Go/No-go task and cortical thickness of the right parahippocampal gyrus [F ≥ 5.3, p ≤ 0.03; η2 p ≥ 0.12]. An inspection of these observations revealed an increase in cortical thickness (+1.18%) and a decrease in response time (-4.35%) in individuals with high MCI risk allocated to the exercise group (both uncorrected p = 0.08). Decreased response time on the Go/No-go task was associated with increased cortical thickness in the right entorhinal gyrus (uncorrected p = 0.01). Conclusions Our study demonstrated that 12 weeks of RT intervention may effectively improve cognitive performance and slow neuronal loss in the hippocampal complex of older adults at high MCI risk. Findings support evidence for the neuroprotective effects of resistance training and its potential role in cognitive health
Įmonės komunikacijos strategijos su mažmenininkais tobulinimas.
No full textRelevance and novelty of the article. Businesses face an increasingly competitive market-place every day, and smooth and strong communication with business partners ensures success and stable relationships. Türkeș et al. (2024) argue that trust, cooperation, and communication strengthen relational ties, and the relative embeddedness of social capital is a key factor. In the retail sector, large retail chains are among the most important in the supply chain, they are the link between the produc-tion company and the consumer, which means that retail chains determine which products reach the audiences and the volumes in which the products are sold. Communication strategy in trade. According to Sparacino et al. (2024), communication is the means through which a company communicates its objectives and achievements through initia-tives. In addition, supermarket chains are strengthening the range of products they offer to the end consumer, they want to present professional and attractive looking products on the shelves of their supermarkets, thus they pay a lot of attention to communicating and maintaining good relationships with the suppliers of the products. This reason may determine the quality of the company’s commu-nication strategy with the retail chains, due to the company’s ability to build strong and long-lasting relationships with its customers. Lacombe et al. (2024) state that communication is a key factor in establishing and maintaining meaningful social relationships. Successful communication with a supplier can lead to greater market positioning and visibility, while retail chains are assured of their partner’s credibility. Karlsson et al. (2023) emphasise that the organisation should strategically man-age its supply chain, and embody the behavioural norms required within the organisation. Thus, fa-vourable conditions are guaranteed for both sides. Siemieniako et al. (2025) stress that when it comes to the co-creation of value, the focus is not only on the value of the customer or the supplier, but also on the overall value. On the other hand, inappropriate communication methods can lead to misunder-standings that can challenge or even disrupt transactions, supply chain processes and long-standing partnerships between parties. According to Yadav et al. (2024), failure to strategically adapt different orientations can lead to reputational risks. Communication strategies must adapt to the dynamic busi-ness environment and evolving consumer demands. Based on Caferra et al. (2025), employees are not only responsible for serving consumers and making them feel comfortable, but also for solving their problems or doubts related to the company. Therefore, analysing and improving a company’s com-munication strategy with supermarkets is one of the most relevant topics for long-term partnerships and competitive excellence in the market. According to Troiville (2024), consumer attitudes towards the retailer and word-of-mouth communication individually and consistently mediate the relationship between the retailer’s brand equity and consumer loyalty to the retailer.Research problem. Despite the importance of supermarkets as a decisive point for business development, most companies do not have a specific approach to improving their corporate com- Laisvalaikio tyrimai: elektroninis mokslo žurnalas, 2025 1(25), 21–33, eISSN 2345-0339; doi:https://doi.org/10.33607/elt.v1i25.162731munication strategy with supermarkets. In Wiktor and Sanak-Kosmowska’s (2021) point of view, competitive strategy is based on the optimal allocation of resources, which allows to gain and main-tain a dominant position in the sector. In many cases, companies do not have a clear plan to ensure consistent and effective communication with their business partners, to provide them with stable and consistent communication, and to ensure a mutually smooth coordination of objectives. Accord-ing to Lundin and Kindström (2023), B2B (business-to-business) companies face new challenges in controlling, managing and creating valuable customer experiences, especially when they rely on dig-ital technologies. This can lead to misunderstandings, delays in business transactions, and highlight the importance of a company’s reputational status in a competitive environment. Poor development of the communication strategy with the large retailers can lead to negative factors towards common objectives, as the retailers may lack clear information, consistency, and strategic knowledge from the company. As Serravalle and Pantano (2023) argue, companies should review the message they send to better communicate the importance they place on consumers and the care they give to both consumers and retail staff. In other words, unprofessional communication between a company and retailers can lead to significant losses, such as not expanding in the business marketplace, deteriorating reputation with other potential business partners, and reducing opportunities for cooperation.The aim of the research was to identify opportunities for improving the company’s commu-nication strategy with retailers, by identifying the main difficulties in cooperation and determining measures to create a more effective communication between business entities.Results. The study revealed that the company’s communication strategy with retail chains is underdeveloped. Various communication channels are used, ranging from emails to face-to-face meetings. Informants identified problems on both the company’s and retail chains’ sides – lack of time, insufficient knowledge, communication often being tactless or informal, and ineffective man-agement of information overload, which reduces efficiency. Proposed solutions include focusing on customer needs, strengthening internal communication, organising live meetings, and adopting more modern communication platforms. It is recommended that the company develop a comprehensive, tailored communication strategy focused on clear objectives and effective interaction with retail net-works. It is advisable to implement customer relationship management (CRM) systems and utilise artificial intelligence to improve customer service, automate processes, and increase productivity. On-going communication training should be organised, and a new department or roles should be estab-lished to engage, train, and motivate employees, ensuring consistent and professional communication both internally and externally
Objektyvių vidinio krūvio matavimų patikimumas ir naudingumas bei jų ryšys su nuovargiu, širdies dažnio kintamumu bei suvokiamo krūvio įvertinimu submaksimalaus nutrūkstamos ištvermės ir atsigavimo testo metu krepšinyje.
No full textAim: To access the reliability and usefulness of objective internal load measures and their association with fatigue, heart rate variability and perceived exertion during a submaximal incremental intermittent court-based test in basketball. Methods: After familiarization, fourteen high-level youth basketball players aged between 15 and 16 years completed the Yo-Yo IR1-sub test in three consecutive weeks. The exercise heart rate (HRex) and recovery heart rate (HRR) measured at the 30, 60, 120 and 180 s after the test were recorded with a HR monitoring system (Polar, Finland). Additionally, Rating of Fatigue (ROF), Heart Rate Variability (HRV) and Rating of Perceived Exertion after the test (RPEtest) were monitored. Statistical analyses were performed using R Studio (RStudio, Inc., Boston, MA; https:// www.256rstudio.com) using tydiverse, RCurl, ez, lme4, car, lmerTest packages and a customized excel spreadsheet (Hopkins). Results: No differences were evident in HRex and each HRR value between the two investigated testing sessions (p > 0.05). All dependent variables reported ICC values ≥ 0.70, indicating good testretest reliability. Moreover, low CV values were found for HRex (2.3%), HRR30 (3.5%) and HRR60 (4.0%), while higher values were found for HRR120 (5.7%) and HRR180 (8.1%). The usefulness of the test was found to be “Marginal” for all the studied variables when comparing TE values with SWC0.2, while “Good” capacity to detect changes were shown when comparing TE values with SWC0.5. Strength and conditioning training session has an impact on HRex and HRR values increasing HRex and slowing the HRR due to increased activation of sympathetic nervous system. Rest day is associated with better fatigue and rating of perceived exertion (at the later measurement stages (HRR60, HRR120 and HRR180)) evaluation. Conclusions: The Yo-Yo IR1-sub demonstrated acceptable reliability (except for HRR120 and HRR180) and can be considered a suitable tool test for detecting moderate-to-large changes in HR objective internal load measures in youth basketball considering the impact of training day, week, player fatigue level and rating of perceived exertion
Comparison of physiological attributes between elite and amateur athletes in the modern pentathlon obstacle course.
No full textResearch problem: obstacle course is a new discipline in modern pentathlon, therefore, there is a lack of research analysing what physiological attributes are required for successful high-level performance. Study aim: to determine the differences in physiological attributes between different level male and female athletes, in order to identify specific attributes that allow for successful performance in modern pentathlon obstacle course. Tasks: 1. Measure and compare the physiological attributes of elite and amateur male and female modern pentathlon athletes. 2. Determine most important physiological attributes and their interaction with obstacle course completion time. Hypothesis: we hypothesize that endurance, strength, and speed will have a significant impact on the 70-meter modern pentathlon obstacle course performance. Methods: body composition analysis; testing. Results: Study results showed better performance in the elite group in all measured physiological attributes (p<0,05). Compared to amateurs, elite men demonstrated 12,3% (p<0,05) shorter 70 m sprint time, 72,6% (p<0.001) longer dead hang time, 71,1% (p<0.001) higher pull-up count, 15,6% (p<0,05) higher vertical jump, and 35,7% (p<0,01) greater right and 29,5% (p<0,01) left hand grip strength. Elite women outperformed amateur women demonstrating 10,7% (p<0,05) shorter 70 m sprint time, completing 145,8% (p<0.001) more pull-ups, and showing 26,2% (p<0,01) greater right and 22,5% (p<0,001) left hand grip strength. Obstacle course completion time was significantly shorter in elite groups compared to amateurs: by 38,9% (p<0,001) between men, and by 36,9% (p<0,001) between women. Regression analysis revealed that greatest influence of 70 m sprint and dead hang time had to result in men, and maximum pull-ups as well as grip strength in women. Conclusions: 1. Elite athletes show better 70 m obstacle course completion time and physiological attributes than amateurs. Men group showed better 70 m sprint, pull-up, vertical jump, grip strength, and dead hang time results; women – 70 m sprint, pull-up, and grip strength results. 2. Regression analysis revealed different most important physiological attributes affecting 70 m obstacle course completion time differed between men and women. In the men groups 70 m sprint and dead hang time had the greatest influence, and in women it was maximum pull-ups and grip strength. Speed and strength-endurance attributes had the greatest influence to results in men, and strength and strength-endurance attributes in women
Polish pupils from the Alpha generation and their lifestyle /
No full textThe present study explores the emerging interest in the phenomenon of the Alpha generation, a subject on which there is a paucity of both theoretical and empirical works. To date, there has been no organised attempt to synthesise the extant knowledge on the lifestyles of today’s youngest generation of students from different countries worldwide. The present paper thus aims to address this knowledge gap by presenting a concise overview of the lifestyles of Polish students of the Alpha generation. The paper addresses the main factors shaping health in this age group by referring to diet and eating habits, mental health, physical activity, and sleeping, with particular attention given to problems resulting from excessive use of digital media and minimising physical activity. It was concluded that, in Polish schools, for the sustainable development of students of the Alpha generation, there is a need to introduce health education and close intersectoral cooperation
Dietary intake in healthy older individuals is associated with lipopolysaccharide binding protein a biomarker of gut function: an exploratory cross-sectional study /
No full textDiet, physical function and gut health are important modifiable factors in ageing. However, it is unclear how ageing affects various domains of gut function. Aims of this cross-sectional study were to explore relationships between nutrient intake, physical function, and biomarkers of gut function in older individuals. Healthy participants (n = 94, mean age 71.1 years SD 5.10, 56% female) were recruited to investigate the relationship between nutrient intake (protein, fibre, carbohydrate, fat), physical function (chair rise time, handgrip strength) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) binding protein (LBP); a marker of gut permeability. Linear regression models, adjusted for age, fat mass/fat free mass ratio, weight and gender, reported LBP changed by; -161.9 ng/mL (95% CI -323.0, -0.8) for every 1 g increase in daily fibre/1,000 kilocalories; 80.5 ng/mL (6.7, 154.2) for 1% increase in daily energy intake as fat; and -88.1 ng/mL (-146.7, -29.6) for 1% increase in daily energy as carbohydrates. When further adjusted for C-reactive protein (CRP), a marker of inflammation, LBP decreased by an additional 6.9 ng/mL for fibre, increased by an additional 4.0 ng/mL for fat and decreased by an additional 3.7 ng/mL for carbohydrate. These findings suggest that in healthy older adults' nutrient intake is associated with LBP, and CRP appears to slightly modify these associations. There were no associations between LBP and handgrip strength or chair rise time. Results suggest that fibre, fat, and carbohydrates are important for maintaining gut function, potentially mediated by inflammation in older adults, although further research is needed to explore the implications for physical function and CRP as a mediator
Associations between technology use, knowledge and inclusive physical education teacher-efficacy among European primary school teachers /
No full textAcross many countries, an increasing number of schools include children with and without disabilities in the same environment, learning in the same class which can be challenging for primary school teachers when teaching physical education (PE). The purpose of this study was to investigate the use of technology for inclusive PE by primary school teachers in Northern European countries. A convenience sample of primary school teachers was asked to complete an online survey with measures on (technological pedagogical and content knowledge, PE version (TPACK-21-PE), inclusive PE teacher efficacy, and the use of technology for teaching. Mediation analyses were conducted to explore TPACK-21-PE on the association between technology use and teacher efficacy. Teachers in general (n = 119) and special education classes or schools (SECS; n = 90) responded to the survey, with the most common technologies including videos, and integration into PE. Teachers in general schools reported more use of technology and had a higher TPACK-21-PE score than SECS teachers. Teacher efficacy was highest for students with intellectual disabilities and lowest with visual impairments and was highest among SECS teachers. TPACK-21-PE mediated teacher-efficacy for all three types of students, but negatively for TPK for students with physical disabilities. This study has highlighted the important role of building pedagogical competencies in teachers using technology in PE. More training is needed to build on this knowledge so that technology can enhance teachers’ abilities, and thus the learning outcomes of students in their class, particularly for children with disabilities
Dviejų valandų protinio darbo poveikis kognityviniam nuovargiui ir motoriniam mokymuisi.
No full textResearch problem: Does two hours of mental fatigue affect motor learning efficiency and cognitive functions? The aim of this study was to test that two hours of mental fatigue affect motor learning efficiency and cognitive functions. Research objective: To evaluate the effects of two hours of cognitive fatigue on the learning efficiency and cognitive functions of fast and precise movements. Objectives: 1.To assess the impact of cognitive fatigue on the effectiveness of learning stable, fast, and accurate movements. 2.To assess the impact of cognitive fatigue on the effectiveness of learning variable, fast, and accurate movements. 3.To assess the impact of cognitive fatigue on cognitive functioning. . Research methods: The study involved 10 healthy participants aged 18–35, divided into two groups: experimental group (n=5) that performed a 2-hour Go/No-Go task to induce cognitive fatigue and a control group (n=5) that engaged in neutral activities. Testing before and after the intervention measured motor control with a DPA-1 movement analyzer and cognitive performance through an auditory Go/No-Go task and visuospatial tasks using OpenSesame software. Main findings: Evaluating motor learning through a stable, precision-based motor task, the experimental group showed no statistically significant changes in performance parameters after two hours of continuous cognitive effort. Reaction time, average speed, and time to target remained consistent across learning and retention sessions (p > 0.05). In contrast, the control group demonstrated statistically significant improvements in average speed (p = 0.026) and reaction time variability (p = 0.035), suggesting performance benefits following rest. No significant retention effects were observed in either group one hour after learning, indicating task stability and resistance to short-term fatigue. Further analysis of cognitive performance through the Go/No-Go and auditory tasks revealed that both the experimental and control groups did not show significant changes in reaction time or accuracy after the cognitive tasks. In the Go/No-Go test, reaction time showed no significant difference between Before and After sessions for either group (p > 0.05), confirming that cognitive fatigue did not impair performance. Similarly, the auditory test showed no significant changes in accuracy or reaction time, with both groups maintaining similar levels of performance across sessions (p > 0.05) Conclusions: 1.Cognitive fatigue prevented improvement in the learning of stable, fast, and accurate movements. Despite undergoing two hours of continuous cognitive effort, the experimental group maintained consistent performance in reaction time, average speed, and time to target across both the learning and retention phases, whereas the control group demonstrated improvements. 2.Cognitive fatigue prevented improvement in the learning of variable, fast, and accurate movements. While the control group, which did not experience prior cognitive load, demonstrated improvements in average speed and reduced reaction time, the experimental group showed no significant changes across the learning and retention phases. 3.Cognitive fatigue had no significant impact on cognitive functioning, as measured by reaction time and accuracy in the Go/No-Go visual and auditory task
Psychosocial prerequisites of a sustainable diet.
No full textResearch problem: Modern dietary challenges are increasingly associated not only with health and the environment, but also with social and psychological factors. Although interest in sustainable diet principles is growing, practical implementation is often hindered by a lack of knowledge, prevailing social norms, or unfavorable sociodemographic conditions. Psychosocial factors such as attitudes, motivation, skills, and perceived social support may shape sustainable dietary behaviors. Research aim: To determine the associations between psychosocial factors and indicators of a sustainable diet. Objectives: 1. To assess the prevalence of sustainable dietary practices and compare them across sociodemographic groups (by gender, age, marital and financial status, and education). 2. To examine attitudes toward sustainable diet, knowledge and skills related to sustainable eating, and intentions to promote sustainable diet, and to compare these across sociodemographic groups. 3. To identify associations between sustainable diet and dietary skills, attitudes, knowledge, and intentions. Hypotheses: 1. Greater knowledge about sustainable diet and stronger sustainable diet skills are associated with more sustainable dietary choices among adults. 2. Stronger perceived social norms and more favorable attitudes toward sustainable diet are linked to more sustainable eating behavior. Methods: A cross-sectional quantitative study was conducted involving 301 voluntary participants. Validated questionnaires were used: the Sustainable and Healthy Eating (SHED) Index (Tepper et al., 2021) assessed the sustainable diet index, plant-based food consumption, healthy eating habits, and organic food use. The Sustainable Diet Literacy Questionnaire (Chih-Ching et al., 2022) measured knowledge, skills, attitudes, and intentions related to sustainable eating. Social norms related to sustainable diet were evaluated using the questionnaire by Coker et al. (2022). Additionally, the Food Choice Motives Questionnaire (Marty et al., 2021) was used. Results were considered statistically significant at p 0.05). Conclusions: 1. Women and older adults are more likely to adhere to sustainable diet principles, exhibit better healthy eating habits, possess stronger sustainable diet skills, and express greater intentions. No significant differences were found by education level, marital status, or income. 2. Women and older individuals demonstrate higher knowledge levels, better dietrelated skills, stronger intentions to promote sustainable diet, and greater perceived social support. Younger participants, however, express more favorable attitudes toward sustainable diet. 3. Sustainable dietary behavior is most strongly associated with intentions, skills, and perceived social support. Although knowledge and attitudes are important, their associations with behavior are weaker