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Neck stabilization exercise and dynamic neuromuscular stabilization reduce pain intensity, forward head angle and muscle activity of employees with chronic non-specific neck pain: A retrospective study /
No full textPURPOSE: Previous investigations have associated weakness of neck muscles with a higher likelihood of developing neck pain. However, no previous investigation has examined the influence of neck stabilization exercise (NSE) and dynamic neuromuscular stabilization (DNS) on pain intensity, forward head angle (FHA) and muscle activity.
METHODS: A total of 45 female employees with chronic non-specific neck pain (CNNP) underwent measurements of pain intensity, FHA and electrical activity of muscles in a slump posture, before and after either NSE or DNS.
RESULTS: After both stabilization exercise (SE) and DNS the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) (F (2,39) = 17.61, p = 0.001, partial η² = 0.475) and forward head posture (FHP), (F (2,39) = 5.509, p = 0.008, partial η² = 0.220), had decreased. Both interventions also decreased the activity in the cervical erector spinae muscle (F (2,39) = 5.31, p = 0.009, partial η² = 0.214), the upper trapezius muscle (F (2,39) = 5.41, p = 0.008, partial η² = 0.217) in slump typing posture, but there was no significant effect on the activity in the sternocleidomastoid muscle (F (2,39) = 2.65, p = 0.083, partial η² = 0.120).
CONCLUSION: Both DNS and SE exercises diminished pain intensity, forward head and muscle activity after 6 weeks in patients with CNSNP.
LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level I, randomized controlled trials with adequate statistical power
Microgravity‐induced changes in skeletal muscle and possible countermeasures: What we can learn from bed rest and human space studies /
No full textDespite exercise countermeasures to sustain health and performance in spaceflight, complete maintenance of muscle mass and functions in microgravity is still not possible for most astronauts. The principal cause of the limited effectiveness of existing exercise countermeasures is the difficulty in achieving full loading forces in space. The implementation of countermeasures which require small devices and simulate Earth-like loading forces to maintain muscle mass, strength and endurance is therefore highly desirable. At present, the cellular mechanisms that induce muscle atrophy in weightlessness are not yet fully known; a better understanding of how skeletal muscle cells adapt to microgravity will help in designing more effective countermeasures to sustain the health and operational capacity of the crew during long- and short-duration missions. The 6° head-down-tilt bed rest is a powerful ground-based analogue platform to simulate and study the physiological effects of spaceflight on the human body, and test the effectiveness of countermeasures before they are potentially applied in space. The aims of this narrative review are therefore to provide an overview of (i) the main mechanisms underlining muscle atrophy learnt from space and bed rest studies, (ii) the currently available countermeasures, and (iii) potential suitable countermeasures - such as neuromuscular electrical stimulation that is delivered with light and small portable units - to attenuate muscle wasting in astronauts during spaceflight
Physical activity and functional preservation in older adults with hip osteoarthritis: A comparative analysis of age cohorts in the SHARE study /
No full textBACKGROUND: Hip osteoarthritis (HOA) is a major contributor to functional impairment in older adults. Physical inactivity and comorbidities are commonly associated with declines in functional ability. However, the relationship between physical inactivity and functional outcomes in individuals with HOA, particularly those aged 80 years and older, remains underexplored.
OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the association between physical inactivity and functional limitations in older adults with HOA, focusing on two age groups: 60-79 years and 80-100 years.
METHODS: We analyzed data from Wave 5 of the Survey of Health, Aging, and Retirement in Europe (SHARE), constructing univariate and multivariable logistic regression models. Functional limitations served as dependent variables, with physical inactivity as the primary explanatory variable and number of chronic conditions, body mass index (BMI), gender, education, and depression as covariates.
RESULTS: The study included 2,088 participants (mean age 73.1 ± 8.5 years; 73.7% female). Physical inactivity was reported by 16.8% (n = 261) of participants aged 60-79 years (n = 1,556; 72.5% female) and 49.6% of those aged 80-100 years (n = 532; 22.5% female). Poor handgrip strength and difficulty rising from a chair were significantly more prevalent among females aged 60-79 years (p < 0.002 for both). A marked decline in both physical activity and functional ability was observed between the two age groups. Physical inactivity emerged as an independent risk factor for reduced functioning across all outcomes, with stronger associations in the 80-100 years age group.
CONCLUSIONS: Physical inactivity is a key predictor of functional decline in older adults with HOA, with its impact being particularly pronounced among those aged 80 years and older. These findings highlight the importance of physical activity to preserve functional abilities in this population
The effect of aerobic exercise on the respiratory and cardiac systems of people with schizophrenia and of schizophrenia in physiotherapy.
No full textResearch problem: How do the cardiovascular and respiratory system and schizophrenia symptoms of individuals with schizophrenia change after completing an aerobic exercise program? Aim of the study: To determine the effects of aerobic exercise on the respiratory and cardiac systems of people with schizophrenia and schizophrenia in physiotherapy. Objectives of the study: 1. To assess the effect of aerobic exercise in the experimental group on the respiratory and cardiac systems and schizophrenia in people with schizophrenia. 2. To assess the effect of aerobic exercise in the control group on the respiratory and cardiac systems and schizophrenia in people with schizophrenia. 3. To compare the effect of aerobic exercise in the experimental and control groups on the respiratory and cardiac systems and schizophrenia in people with schizophrenia. Research hypothesis: We hypothesize that aerobic exercise in people with schizophrenia improves the respiratory and cardiac systems and alleviates the symptoms of schizophrenia. Methodology of the research: SBP assessment, HR assessment, blood oxygen level assessment, respiratory rate assessment, Hench test, assessment of maximal air expiratory, chest excursion assessment, 6 minute walk test assessment, brief clinical assessment scale for schizophrenia. Results: In a study of people with schizophrenia, it was found that participants in the experimental group had a statistically significant increase in blood oxygen levels before aerobic exercise on day 1, it was 96,1±1,2 %SpO₂, and after the intervention on day 20 it was 97,4±1,4 %SpO₂ (p0,05). The data of the control group participants did not differ statistically significantly (p>0,05). When comparing both groups, 3 statistically significant indicators were found in HR measurements (p0,05). Conclusions: It was found that the respiratory system and heart rate improved statistically significantly more in the experimental group than in the control group, and the indicators of the brief clinical assessment scale for schizophrenia were statistically significantly different in the experimental group, but there was no significant difference between the groups
The concept of biophotonic signaling in the human body and brain: rationale, problems and directions /
No full textThis perspective piece presents the concept of the role and mechanisms of cells’ electromagnetic communication. These data deepen the scientific understanding of the fundamental aspects of the phenomenon of human life. A promising model of biophoton signaling as a scientific tool for further developing of biophotonics of the human body is substantiated
Effects of long‐chain n‐3 fatty acids supplementation during caloric restriction on body composition in overweight and obese adults: a systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials /
No full textThis systematic review aimed to determine whether caloric restriction‐induced reduction in body fat and fat‐free mass can be amended by supplementation with long‐chain n‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids. Databases, including PubMed, Google Scholar, Web of Science, and EMBASE, were searched for papers published from the time the databases were created until November 1, 2023. Random‐effects model meta‐analyses were conducted using Review Manager 5.4.1 software. Statistical heterogeneity was assessed using the I 2 . A standardized mean difference with a 95% confidence interval was calculated, and pooled effects were assessed. The initial search identified 1527 articles and 11 studies met the review inclusion criteria with 637 participants included. The participants' ages ranged between 18 and 61 years with a mean body mass index ranging between 27 and 36 kg/m 2 . The changes in fat‐free mass (standardized mean difference = 0.12, 95% CI −0.14 to 0.37, p = 0.36; I 2 :35%) and fat mass (standardized mean difference = − 0.01; 95% CI −0.25 to 0.24; p = 0.96; I 2 : 46%) were not different between intervention and control groups. The current review indicates that long‐chain n‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids supplementation during caloric restriction neither attenuates the decline in fat‐free mass nor enhances the reduction in fat mass. Considering the small number of studies and interventions included, further research is needed to investigate the effectiveness of long‐chain n‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids supplementation during caloric restriction
Specific features and relationships of dual sport athletes' stress coping methods and coach's leadership style.
No full textThis study examines the characteristics and interrelationships between stress coping techniques and coaching style in dual sport athletes. The research problem is whether the coach's leadership style and the athlete's coping methods are related? The aim of the study was to determine the characteristics and relationships between the stress coping methods of dual sport athletes and the leadership style of the coach. The objectives of the study are: 1) to identify the characteristics of dual sport athletes' stress coping; 2) to identify the characteristics of dual sport coaches' leadership style; 3) to identify the relationship between dual sport athletes' stress coping methods and coach's leadership style. The research used the Stress Coping Questionnaire (four-factor model) (Grakauskas & Valickas, 2006), the Lithuanian version of the Leadership in Sport Scale (LSS) (Sabaliauskas, 2017), and the methodology of J. Chanin "Coach - Educator" (cited in Meidus, 2004; Miškinis & Skyrius, 2005). The target sample is athletes from 18 years of age. The sample consisted of 113 subjects. The mean age of the participants was 29.02±9.42 years, and the mean years of sport experience was 9.97±7.28 years. 78% of the subjects were male and 22% were female. The subjects were divided into two groups according to the highest sports performance achieved, for further generalisation of the results. One group consisted of athletes in duathlon sports who won prizes in competitions in Lithuania, participants and prize winners in international competitions (53.0%), and the other group consisted of the remaining athletes who did not win prizes in competitions (47.0%). The study found that athletes in duathlon sports most often use social support and problem-solving strategies to cope with stress, and least often use blame (emotional unloading). Female athletes are more likely than male athletes to use social support-related coping strategies (p<0.05), while emotional unloading ( blame) is more common in lower-skilled athletes than in higher-skilled athletes (p<0.05). The predominant perceived coaching style of dual-sport athletes is coaching and instruction and positive feedback. The lowest rating on the coaches' leadership scale was autocratic behaviour . The higher-performing athletes rated the leadership styles social support and positive feedback higher than the lower-performing athletes studied (p<0.05). The athletes rated the behavioural component of coaching highest and the emotional component lowest. There was a direct statistically significant weak correlation between the social support of the athletes' stress coping strategy and the democratic behaviour of the coaches' leadership scale. The athletes' coping strategy emotional discharge ( blame) has a direct statistically significant correlation with coaches' leadership style autocratic behaviour. Coaches' subject matter competence, pedagogical mastery and leadership scales in coaching and instruction and positive feedback have a statistically significant moderate correlation
The effect of physical training on snowboarders' balance and jump performance.
No full textThe physical characteristics of snowboarders and methods of their improvement are not widely described in the scientific literature. Snowboarding is less studied compared to alpine skiing. Most research on snowboarding is limited by athlete injuries and biomechanical factors. Aim - to determine the effects of a balance-specific training program on snowboarders’ balance and jump performance indicators. Objectives: 1. To explore and analyze changes in balance and jump performance before and after the intervention; 2. To compare the performance of men and women before and after the intervention; 3. To determine the impact of a specific training program designed to improve snowboarders' balance and stability. Hypothesis - after a two-month physical fitness training, balance and jump performance indicators will show statistically significant improvement. Methods: analysis of scientific literature, testing of subjects (n = 15), who were active amateur athletes who regularly train during the winter season and participate in competitions, with the Biodex Balance System, Y-Balance, CMJ and DJ tests before and after the 8-week intervention; statistical analysis of the data with the JASP 0.19.3 software. Results - significant improvement were found in dynamic balance after the intervention in both male and female groups. Stability and sway indexes also improved in the male group. In the female group, significant changes were recorded in the changes of the Drop Jump test results. In the male group, there was only a slight change in the parameters of the Drop jump test results, with a significant change in the results of the maximal force. No significant changes were found in the Countermovement jump test. Conclusions: 1. After 8 weeks of the physical training programme, the snowboarders' balance parameters improved significantly and the jump results showed a partial positive change with a significant improvement in the Drop Jump test, such as jump height, maximum force and rebound velocity, but the results of the CMJ test did not reach statistical significance. 2. In both male and female groups, an improvement in balance performance was recorded, but males showed a greater progress in balance performance, while females showed a greater improvement in jumping ability. 3. A specific training programme aimed at improving balance and stability over a period of 8 weeks had a positive effect on the snowboarders' balance abilities, with a particular improvement in dynamic and static balance, confirming the effectiveness of the programme
Motor reaction time & movement frequency indicators as indices functional state of CNS during preparation to compete in the Paris Olympic Games (case study).
No full textObjective -To evaluate the characteristics of training loads and the monitoring of the functional state of the central nervous system (CNS) in Lithuanian men’s pair rowing crews during preparation for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. Methods – Data from the athletes' training load logs were analyzed. Two main tests were used to assess CNS functional state: motor reaction (MR) testing and a 60-second tapping test. Changes in training load between the 2023 and 2024 seasons were calculated as percentage differences. Correlation analysis was performed by constructing parallel numerical time series, between which the strength of the correlation was determined. The Cohen’s d formula was applied to evaluate the effect size of the training process. Results – The most significant changes in training load volume and quality occurred during the preparatory competition mesocycle—general physical training loads decreased, while specific (rowing) training loads increased. Both tests reflected CNS state changes, as data analysis revealed varying degrees of correlation between MR and tapping test indicators: r=0.32 for average reaction time; r=0.02 for maximum motor reaction time; r=0.34 for shortest MR duration; r=0.46 when excluding the best and worst trial values. Conclusions: 1. The motor reaction (MR) test is a suitable method for monitoring CNS state changes during training, but the data processing method significantly affects objectivity. Evaluating MR based on averaged or worst-performing trial values is not recommended. The most stable and reliable approach is to exclude the best and worst trial results when assessing MR changes. 2. When using the classic tapping test to assess CNS state, changes in wrist movement frequency may be misinterpreted if methodological requirements are not strictly followed. During the 60-second tapping test, movement frequency increases after 40 seconds, likely due to compensatory movements involving other hand and body muscles
A pilot study exploring the optimization of warm-up strategies: modern cognitive warm-up with open-skill demands vs. traditional closed-skill warm-up in basketball /
No full textWarm-up protocols are essential in high-intensity sports such as basketball, in which explosive power and rapid decision-making are critical for performance. This study examined the immediate effects of a modern cognitive warm-up, incorporating open-skill demands and cognitive-motor dual tasks, compared to a traditional closed-skill warm-up in youth basketball players. Twelve male players (ages 15–16) from an elite Israeli youth basketball club participated in the study and performed performance assessments post-warm-up. Sprint performance was evaluated using a closed-skill test (CST: 5-m and 10-m sprints without external stimuli) and an open-skill test (OST: 5-m and 10-m sprints with a reaction-based stimulus). The modern cognitive warm-up integrated advanced sports technology, and all performance assessments were conducted using reliable measurement technologies. The results demonstrated that the modern cognitive warm-up significantly enhanced sprint performance in both OST (p < 0.01) and CST (p < 0.05 for 5 m sprint), with no significant difference in the 10 m CST. Reaction times were also significantly improved (p < 0.01), emphasizing the effectiveness of cognitive warm-ups in enhancing perceptual-motor readiness. These findings suggest that integrating cognitive-motor dual tasks and open-skill elements into warm-up routines may enhance both readiness and focus for explosive performance, as well as improve players’ reactive abilities