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Health behavior-related correlates of physical and mental health among potential conscripts /
No full textBackground: The nation’s defense relies on a cadre of young individuals with strong physical and mental health. The study aimed to identify health behavior-related correlates of physical and mental health in future conscripts. Methods: This cross-sectional study comprised 676 male school students with an average age of 18.48 (1.15) years. The measures of weekly physical activity, nutrition (Kidmed questionnaire), psychological well-being (WHO-5 Well-Being Index), psychological distress (Kessler scale), cardiorespiratory fitness (20 m Shuttle Run test), weight, and height for calculation of body mass index were taken. Results: Among potential conscripts (17–19-year-old males), 22% have poor cardiorespiratory fitness. More than a quarter of young males have poor psychological well-being. Better cardiorespiratory fitness is related to more recommendations-adherent nutrition (Std β = 0.133 [0.03–0.14], p < 0.05). Engagement in sports is related to better cardiorespiratory fitness (Std β = 0.202 [0.10–0.30], p < 0.05). Higher psychological distress is associated with more time spent passively (Std β = 0.145 [0.12–0.34], p < 0.01); better psychological well-being is associated with more adherent nutrition (Std β = 0.172 [0.14–0.34], p < 0.0001), more hours accumulated in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (Std β = 0.150 [0.30–1.10], p < 0.01), and less time spent passively (Std β = −0.131 [−0.34–−0.11]). Conclusions: Potential conscripts’ physical fitness and mental health are related to better health behaviors. Behavior change practices and policies applied at school could benefit potential conscripts and youth in general in terms of their physical and mental health
Healthy habits, healthy schools: good practices for hand hygiene and menstrual health in schools in the pan-European region /
No full textAccess to safe drinking-water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) in schools is fundamental to protecting children’s health, dignity and educational opportunities. Further, promoting adequate hand hygiene and menstrual health in schools is not only a public health priority but also a driver of gender equality, inclusion and lifelong healthy behaviours. Supported by the Protocol on Water and Health, countries have advanced policies and practices to strengthen WASH in schools, but available data reveal persistent gaps in hand hygiene culture and provisions, alongside considerable unmet menstrual health needs. This publication showcases good practices in promoting hand hygiene and menstrual health in educational settings from across the pan-European region, illustrating how political commitment and international frameworks can be translated into concrete improvements. By sharing these experiences, it seeks to inspire governments, policy-makers, education and public health professionals, schools and communities to advance efforts towards ensuring an enabling environment for hand hygiene and menstrual health in every school, and for all
The impact of digital technology on the physical health of older workers: scoping review /
No full textBackground: Digital technologies are increasingly present in workplaces; however, their impact on the physical health of older workers remains unclear. Objective: This scoping review aims to examine and summarize the scientific evidence on how digital technology affects the physical health of older workers. Methods: Following PRISMA-ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis extension for Scoping Reviews) guidelines, we conducted a scoping review of English-language peer-reviewed studies extracted from MEDLINE, Cochrane, ProQuest, Web of Science, Scopus, APA PsycInfo, and ERIH PLUS. The review followed the population, concept, and context (PCC) framework, including studies on workers aged 50 years or older, any form of digital technology (eg, teleworking and the use of digital tools at work), and its impact on physical health (eg, vision loss and musculoskeletal disorders). Studies that focused only on mental health were excluded. A 13-member research team screened studies in 3 stages, namely title and abstract screening, full-text review, and data extraction. Each study was independently reviewed by at least 2 researchers, and disagreements were resolved through discussion. Data extraction and synthesis were conducted using the web-based systematic review platform Covidence (Veritas Health Innovation Ltd). Results: In total, 18 studies were selected, published between 2012 and 2024, with most conducted in Europe (n=8) and Asia (n=6), followed by North America (n=2), Oceania (n=1), and Africa (n=1). We identified 6 key physical health areas impacted by digital technology in older workers, including eye health, musculoskeletal health, metabolic and cardiovascular health, workplace sound levels, and user experiences of new technologies. Findings showed mixed effects, with notable negative impacts on eye strain, musculoskeletal disorders, and hearing health issues, but positive effects on weight management, cardiovascular health, physical activity, and perceived physical well-being. Conclusions: Digital technology presents both risks and benefits for the physical health of older workers. While prolonged screen use and digital work environments contribute to eye strain, musculoskeletal issues, and hearing concerns, other technologies support better weight management, cardiovascular health, and increased physical activity. These findings also underscore the need for workplace intervention to reduce health risks. International registered report identifier (irrid): RR2-10.2196/59900
Cognitive Motor Dual Tasking as a game-changer in basketball training programs: a new approach to developing elite basketball players /
No full textLong range correlations of stride intervals in uphill and downhill trail running /
No full textINTRODUCTION: Trail running is an increasing popular endurance discipline. The goal of the present study was to investigate long range correlations in stride intervals during a full trail running time trial.
METHODS: Adopting an exploratory approach, it was hypothesized that the strength of such correlations would differ between uphill and downhill sections and between the initial and final stage of the race (incline and stage as independent variables). Twenty participants were recruited to run a solo all-out time trial equipped with inertial sensors to calculate stride intervals. The strength of long range correlations in stride intervals was quantified by means of Detrended Fluctuations Analysis alpha exponents (DFA-alpha). Differences across conditions were tested by means of linear mixed effect models.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: A significant main effect for incline was found, with higher values of DFA-alpha in downhill sections (resulting from less tight control) with respect to uphill. This is likely due to the higher technical difficulty running at high speed on an uneven surface. A significant main effect was found for race stage, with stronger correlations in the second race half as compared to the first one, most likely resulting from the difficulty to regulate running cadence in presence of acute fatigue. A significant interaction between incline and race stage was found as well, indicating that the strength of long range correlations in the second half of the race increased in both uphill and downhill sections, but the increase was significantly larger in uphill sections. This is likely due to the increase in physical fatigue which is prevalent in uphill sections, whilst the technical difficulty of downhill section remains constant. The present study shows that DFA-alpha is a sensitive quantity to discriminate between more and less challenging motor control scenarios. Incorporating such DFA-alpha among the metrics provided by wearables may aid runners in choosing a pacing strategy aiming to minimize fall and injury risks
Vokalinių ir kvėpavimo pratimų poveikio moterų plaučių funkcijai ir liemens stabilumui atsitiktinių imčių tyrimas.
No full textBackground. The effects of breathing exercises and vocal exercises on respiratory function and trunk stability in women remain unclear. Aim. To compare the effects of vocal exercises and breathing exercises on respiratory function and core stability in women. Methods. Fifty women participated in this randomised study. Respiratory function was assessed using thoracic excursion (Th3–4, Th7–8, Th11–12), breath-holding tests, and spirometry (PEF, FVC, FEV1). Trunk stability was evaluated using dynamic neuromuscular stabilisation (DNS) tests and trunk stability assessments with the Stabilizer Pressure Biofeedback device. Participants were randomly assigned to a breathing exercise group or a vocal exercise group. Results. In the breathing exercise group, statistically significant improvements were observed in breath-hold duration, thoracic excursion at Th3–4, Th7–8, and Th11–12, PEF, DNS head, neck, and trunk flexion tests, and trunk stability with right-leg flexion using the Stabilizer device. In the vocal exercise group, significant improvements were observed in thoracic excursion, spirometry parameters (PEF, FVC, FEV1), breath-holding tests, DNS assessments, and trunk stability with left-leg flexion using the Stabilizer device. Between-group comparisons indicated that the vocal exercise group achieved significantly greater improvements in FVC, FEV1, and trunk stability with left-leg flexion. Conclusions. Vocal exercises improved respiratory function, enhanced respiratory muscle strength and endurance, and supported trunk stability in women. Breathing exercises also improved respiratory function, muscle strength, and endurance. While vocal exercises demonstrated a superior effect on lung function (FVC and FEV1) compared to breathing exercises, both interventions had comparable effects on respiratory muscle strength, endurance, and trunk stability. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT07175844 Keywords: breathing exercises; vocal exercises; respiratory system; core stability
Magnetoelectrochemical theory of metabolism and life is a new trend in complexity in health sciences /
No full textIn 2018, research was initiated to investigate the role of electromagnetic processes in human metabolism. This theoretical research is part of the research work of the Department of Internal Medicine and Emergency Medicine of Poltava State Medical University (23, Shevchenko St., 36011, Poltava, Ukraine) on “Development of algorithms and technologies for implementing a Healthy Lifestyle in patients with Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) based on the study of functional status” (state registration number 0121U108237: UDC 613 616-056-06: 616.1/9-03). The results of this work were embodied in the conceptualization of the Magnetoelectrochemical Theory of Metabolism and Life. The purpose of this article is to present to the academic community brief information about the results of the research work carried out in this direction for the further development of these scientific ideas and their integration into the scientific paradigm. Conclusions: 1) Magnetoelectrochemical Theory of Metabolism and Life is a new trend in Complexity in Health Sciences. 2) The biophysical direction of development of modern medicine opens up new ways to solve the problems of diseases of internal organs. 3) Knowledge of the fundamental aspects of electromagnetic communication of cells of the human body is a new basis for deepening the fundamental knowledge of the pathogenesis of diseases of internal organs, and this is a new promising direction for further research. 4) Bioelectronic Medicine, as a new component of medical science, is based on and directs therapeutic influence on the quantum levels of the structure and functioning of the human body. 5) The initiative educational and scientific project “Bioelectronic Medicine or Look at Medicine Differently” is a practical attempt in the conditions of the scientific present to find a way to change the scientific paradigm and popularize the latest knowledge among the academic community of the biomedical direction. 6) The practical application of this knowledge opens up new avenues for the further development of Magnetobiology, Internal Medicine, Microbiology, and Traditional Medicine. It can ensure progress in the treatment of diseases of internal organs, whether infectious or non-infectious in origin
Cardiovascular diseases: searching for alternative solutions to the problem from a biophysical perspective /
No full textAbstract. Modern cardiology is rapidly developing, driven by the achievements of the technical revolution. Progress in cardiology over the past 50 years has been tremendous and obvious. The expansion of visualization's technical capabilities and the possibility of using artificial intelligence play significant roles in successfully transforming cardiology. These innovations provide diagnostic accuracy and advances in interventional cardiology. However, cardiovascular diseases continue to be a serious global medical problem. Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of death worldwide and rank first in the structure of chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Because the incidence of CVDs and NCDs has reached the level of a pandemic worldwide, the search for new and alternative solutions to solve the problem continues and is relevant. CVDs continue to be a challenge for modern scientists in the biomedical field. The review is devoted to the search for new directions for solving the problem of cardiovascular diseases in the future. The aim of this study is to briefly describe the current state of development of interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary knowledge that can become the basis for further scientific research on this topic. Materials and methods. General scientific and theoretical methods were used during the theoretical research. The review describes new areas such as quantum cardiology, magneto cardiology, the concept of biophoton signaling, and the influence of the Earth's electromagnetic fields on the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases. Conclusions: 1) The biophysical direction of cardiology's development is an invariant and important direction for deepening the medical paradigm, which opens up new ways of solving the problem of cardiovascular diseases. 2) Research into the features of electromagnetic communication in cardiovascular system cells is an important task and challenge for modern scientists. This research will reveal the mechanisms of cellular integration into a single organism. 3) Knowledge of the fundamental aspects of electromagnetic communication of cells of the cardiovascular system and the whole organism will become a new basis for deepening the paradigm of the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases and chronic non-communicable diseases. They will allow us to reveal aspects of the electromagnetic influence of the heart on other internal organs and tissues, as well as on the mutual electromagnetic exchange of energy and information at the level of the entire organism. 4) Knowledge of the fundamental aspects of electromagnetic communication between the cells of the cardiovascular system and the entire organism will make it possible to understand how exactly the electromagnetic parameters and mechanisms of functioning in the human body are connected with the electromagnetic parameters and chronobiological dynamics of the Earth’s electromagnetic field
Enhancing enjoyment and inclusion in physical activity for older adults by co-creation of the JOIN4JOY approach: a qualitative study across five European countries :
No full textPurpose: This study aimed to co-create an innovative approach to increase physical activity (PA) and reduce sedentary behaviour (SB) among older adults living in community and nursing homes. Methods: This qualitative study followed COREQ guidelines and is part of a registered mixed-methods project (NCT06100835). Thirteen face-to-face focus groups and three online interviews were conducted with 98 participants (51 older adults, 5 caregivers, 29 professionals, 3 students, and 10 policymakers) in Spain, Denmark, Germany, France, and Italy. We explored diverse perspectives of participants to understand their barriers and motivators for PA, and design features for the programme that enhance enjoyment and social inclusion. The Octalysis framework served as a practical tool for exploring behavioural motivators, guiding the co-creation of programme elements that enhance enjoyment and adherence. Data were collected using semi-structured guides, then transcribed, translated, and analysed following Braun and Clarke’s method for reflexive thematic analysis to identify key themes. Results: Five main topics were identified: 1) Varied experiences and meanings of PA, often extending beyond structured exercise to daily movement; 2) Personal motivators (enjoyment, social interaction, and maintaining function) and individual barriers (pain, fear of injury, and bad surrounding conditions) to engage in PA; 3) Systemic and environmental barriers, such as staffing limitations and inadequate facilities; 4) Strategies for enjoyable programmes, emphasising skilled and adaptive facilitators, personalisation, and group dynamics; 5) Approaches to social inclusion, highlighting the need for cultural sensitivity and support for cognitive impairment. These findings informed the design of the JOIN4JOY intervention for pilot testing. Conclusion: This study shows the potential of co-design and gamification to create PA programmes that are both engaging and inclusive for older adults. By tailoring interventions to personal preferences and local contexts, this approach enhances participation and helps overcome structural and social challenges. The findings have implications for future practice and development of effective, context-sensitive programmes for active and healthy ageing across Europe. Support/Funding Source: This research is part of the JOIN4JOY project, co-funded by the European Commission under the Erasmus+ Sport programme (Grant Number 101050505)