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N-acetyl-aspartate and myo-inositol as markers of white matter microstructural organization in mild cognitive impairment: evidence from a DTI-1H-MRS pilot study /
No full textWe implemented a multimodal approach to examine associations between structural and neurochemical changes that could signify neurodegenerative processes related to mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Fifty-nine older adults (60–85 years; 22 MCI) underwent whole-brain structural 3T MRI (T1W, T2W, DTI) and proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS). The regions of interest (ROIs) for 1H-MRS measurements were the dorsal posterior cingulate cortex, left hippocampal cortex, left medial temporal cortex, left primary sensorimotor cortex, and right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. The findings revealed that subjects in the MCI group showed moderate to strong positive associations between the total N-acetylaspartate to total creatine and the total N-acetylaspartate to myo-inositol ratios in the hippocampus and dorsal posterior cingulate cortex and fractional anisotropy (FA) of WM tracts crossing these regions—specifically, the left temporal tapetum, right corona radiata, and right posterior cingulate gyri. In addition, negative associations between the myo-inositol to total creatine ratio and FA of the left temporal tapetum and right posterior cingulate gyri were observed. These observations suggest that the biochemical integrity of the hippocampus and cingulate cortex is associated with a microstructural organization of ipsilateral WM tracts originating in the hippocampus. Specifically, elevated myo-inositol might be an underlying mechanism for decreased connectivity between the hippocampus and the prefrontal/cingulate cortex in MCI
“WOT” do we know and do about physical activity of children and adolescents with disabilities? a SWOT-oriented synthesis of para report cards /
No full textThe purpose was to synthesize information gathered from the interpretation and conclusion sections of the Global Matrix of Para Report Cards on the physical activity of children and adolescents with disabilities. The synthesis was based on the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats framework. The procedure consisted of three stages: (a) the application of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health as the theoretical framework; (b) identifying and aligning Global Matrix indicators and benchmarks with the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health components through a Delphi approach; and (c) using content analysis to identify themes from specific report cards. Outcomes reveal that further attention toward including children and adolescents with disabilities in fitness assessments is needed as well as adapted assessment methods. Program availability, equipment and facilities, and professional training emerged as strengths but need further development to overcome weaknesses. Paralympic inspiration was an opportunity, whereas extreme weather conditions presented potential threats to physical activity participation among children and adolescents with disabilities
Effects of short bout small-sided game training on acid-based balance markers in youth male soccer players /
No full textThis study aimed to compare the effects of 1 × 1 small-sided games (SSGs) with different bout durations on external (ETL) and internal training loads (ITL) in youth soccer players. Twenty U18 players were divided into two groups performing six 1 × 1 SSGs with 30 and 45 s bout durations on a playing field of 10 by 15 m. ITL indices, including the percentage of maximum heart rate (HR), blood lactate (BLa) level, pH, bicarbonate (HCO 3 − ) level, and base excess (BE) level, were measured at rest, after each SSG bout, and 15 and 30 min after the entire exercise protocol. ETL (Global Positioning System metrics) was recorded during all six SSG bouts. The analysis showed that the 45 s SSGs had a greater volume (large effect) but a lower training intensity (small to large effect) than the 30 s SSGs. A significant time effect ( p < 0.05) was observed in all ITL indices and a significant group effect (F 1, 18 = 8.84, p = 0.0082, ƞ 2 = 0.33) in the HCO 3 − level only. Finally, the changes in the HR and HCO 3 − level were smaller in the 45 s SSGs than in the 30 s SSGs. In conclusion, 30-s games, characterized by a higher intensity of training effort, are more physiologically demanding than 45-s games. Secondly during short-bout SSG training the HR and BLa level have limited diagnostic value for ITL. Extending ITL monitoring using other indicators, such as the HCO 3 − and BE levels, appears reasonable
Physiotherapy effect on pain, mobility, core muscles endurance using the neuroforma for patients with non specific low back pain.
No full textThe purpose of the study: to determine the effect of physiotherapy using an interactive telerehabilitation tool - neuroforma on reducing pain, increasing spine mobility, increasing core muscles static endurance for patients with non-specific lower back pain. Research methods: testing was performed using standardized tests: pain visual analog scale, core muscles static endurance tests - abdominal, side and back muscles, straight leg lift test, slump test, shober test. Microsoft Office Excel 2016 and SPSS Statistic 17.0 software packages were used for statistical data analysis. In the statistical analysis, arithmetic means (X), mean square deviations (SD) and standard errors of the mean were calculated. The reliability of arithmetic mean differences between different measurements and groups was determined using Student's T-test and Wilcoxon's signed-rank test. Conclusions: Results of the study showed that physiotherapy programs that were applied to the intervention and control groups had a positive effect on the participants of both groups. The results of the study changed positively in both groups, but the intervention group - physiotherapy combined with telerehabilitation - showed better results in reducing pain, increasing the static endurance of the core muscles, and flexibility than the control group, which received physiotherapy alone
Coping strategies of footballers who have recovered from COVID-19 in five European countries /
No full textIn the realm of sports performance, coping skills play a pivotal role, particularly within the stressinducing environment of sports. The aim of this research was to explore differences between football athletes who had tested positive for COVID-19 and athletes who had not contracted the virus in terms of their utilization of coping strategies. Additionally, differences among countries were investigated, in the case of football players who had, at some point, battled COVID-19. A total of 147 (one hundred and forty-seven) male football players from five European countries - Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, and Romania – took part in this study. To assess coping skills, we employed the Brief COPE questionnaire, which encompassed fourteen coping strategies, grouped into three categories: emotion-oriented coping strategies, problem/task-oriented strategies, and dysfunctional coping strategies. Using the Dwass-Steel-Critchlow-Fligner pairwise comparison test, the differences between the five countries were scrutinized, starting from the three dependent variables (the grouped coping strategies). Notably, football athletes from Poland and Romania exhibited a higher frequency of employing emotion-focused coping strategies (during the pandemic). Conversely, athletes from Italy leaned towards employing problem-focused strategies more frequently. No significant differences were observed in terms of dysfunctional coping strategies among football players who had battled COVID-19 across the five countries. We discussed the frequency of using coping strategies among football athletes who reported no infection with the SARS-COV-2 virus (up to the 4th wave of the pandemic) and those who had experienced COVID-19. The findings are of considerable interest to specialists, raising awareness on the coping skills employed by footballers during the pandemic
Effects of pelvic floor muscle trаining аnd electrostimulаtion on women's quаlity of life аnd pelvic floor muscle function in stress urinаry incontinence.
No full textReseаrch Problem: Pelvic floor muscle training (PFL) is the most commonly used physical therapy method for women with stress urinary incontinence, but it can also be trained using electrostimulation (ES). Purpose of the study: To determine the effectiveness of pelvic floor muscle trаining in women with stress incontinence. Objectives of the study: 1) To evаluаte the quаlity of life, stаtic endurаnce of trunk muscles аnd PFM function of the subjects who received PFM strengthening exercises before the interventions, аfter 2 аnd 4 weeks. interventions; 2) To evаluаte the quаlity of life, stаtic endurаnce of the trunk muscles аnd PFM function of the subjects who received PFM strengthening exercises аnd electrostimulаtion before the interventions, аfter 2 аnd 4 weeks. interventions; 3) To compаre the effectiveness of both аpplied interventions. Reseаrch hypothesis: based on research (Bø, 2020; Oldham, Herbert, Garnett & Roberts, 2021) we believe that applying pelvic floor muscle training (DDRT) with ES will have a positive effect on the quality of life of women with stress urinary incontinence and will reduce urinary incontinence episodes. Reseаrch methods: The subjects filled out a questionnaire, the international non-adherence counseling questionnaire - short form (TKNK) in Lithuanian. Pelvic floor muscle strength and endurance is measured with the Pelvexiser perineometer. The trunk muscle endurance test was performed according to the method of McGill (2002). Study results: Both interventions significаntly reduced urinаry incontinence episodes аnd improved the subjects' quаlity of life. PFM strength improved significаntly аfter the interventions: in the DDRT group from 12.33±3.37 to 19.97±3.38 mmHg, аnd in the DDRES group from 8.31±2.41 to 11.84±2.78 mmHg. PFM endurаnce significаntly improved in the DDRT group from 3.50±1.15 to 4.53±1.12 s аnd in DDRES from 2.92±0.47 to 3.67±0.52 s. Resting vаginаl pressure in the DDRT group improved (p<0.05) (from 5.25±0.85 to 6.44±1.03) аnd wаs better compаred to the DDRES group (from 4.39±0.70 to 6. 14±1.47) with the results аfter the intervention. Conclusions: Both pelvic floor muscle strengthening exercises and their combination with electrostimulation significantly improved women's quality of life, static endurance of trunk muscles, and pelvic floor muscle function. No significant differences were found between the two applied interventions
Riding a mechanical scooter from the inconvenient side promotes muscular balance development in children /
No full textMechanical scooter riding is a popular physical activity among children, but little is known about the differences in muscle loading between the dominant and non-dominant sides during this activity. The objective of this study was to identify the muscle activation patterns in children’s dominant and non-dominant legs as they rode scooters on the convenient and inconvenient sides. The study included nine healthy children aged 6–8. The participants rode 20 m on a mechanical scooter at a self-selected pace using both the convenient and inconvenient sides. Electromyography was used to measure the muscle activity in the dominant and non-dominant legs during the pushing and gliding phases. A 20 m sprint run was used as a control exercise to estimate the typical differences in muscle activation between the dominant and non-dominant legs. In the pushing phase, the symmetry index for five of the eight analyzed muscles exceeded 50% (p < 0.05); four of these muscles were more active in the pushing leg, and one was more active in the standing leg. In the gliding phase, four muscles were more active in the standing leg, and one was more active in the pushing leg (p < 0.05). Upon observing children who changed sides while riding a scooter, it was found that the pattern of muscle activation displayed a reverse trend that resembled the initial pattern. Our study indicated notable differences in muscle activity patterns between the dominant and non-dominant sides of individual leg muscles during children’s scooter riding. These patterns were reversed when children switched sides on the scooter. These findings suggest that using both legs and switching sides while riding a scooter may be a viable strategy for promoting balanced muscular development
Interaktyvios telereabilitacijos įtaka fizinę negalią turintiems žmonėms.
No full textPhysical disability is a condition that affects an individual’s ability to perform daily activities. It can be caused by a range of factors, including genetics, injury, or illness. Individuals with physical disabilities might face significant barriers to engaging in physical activity, leading to an increased risk of physical inactivity and associated health consequences. Physical inactivity is a growing global problem, affecting individuals of all ages and abilities. However, individuals with disabilities are at a higher risk of physical inactivity due to several factors. Telerehabilitation can be an effective approach to address these barriers by providing remote access to rehabilitation services. Telerehabilitation can enable individuals with physical disabilities to engage in physical activity in the comfort of their own homes, reducing the need for travel and increasing accessibility to rehabilitation services. Aims of the study: To evaluate the impact of interactive telerehabilitation on people with physical disabilities. Objectives of the study: 1. Identify the extent and duration of the use of telerehabilitation services. 2. To assess the effectiveness of interactive telerehabilitation. Research Methods: A systematic review of the literature has been carried out. The paper was chosen based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. Results: 1. There exists a significant impact on interactive telerehabilitation. 2. There exist medium to high effectiveness results for the effective use of telerehabilitation methods. Conclusion: Telerehabilitation is a promising method of service delivery for people with a disability and shows a significant effect and impact
Expression of psycho-emotional state of students who are engaged in sports and of those who are not.
No full textAim of the study: to analyse peculiarities and differences of psycho-emotional state of students who are engaged in sports and of those who are not. Tasks of the study: 1. To analyse peculiarities of psycho-emotional state of students who are engaged in sports in terms of gender and age. 2. To analyse peculiarities of psycho-emotional state of students who are not engaged in sports in terms of gender and age. 3. To identify differences in psycho-emotional state in groups of students who are engaged in sports and of those who are not. Problem of the study: Health effects of daily physical activity are based on abundant results of research, and positive effects of sport are primarily achieved through physical activity, which is beneficial for both health indicators and psychosocial and personal development (Volbekienė, Emeljanovas, Rutkauskaitė and Trinkūnienė, 2008; Malm, Jakobsson, & Isaksson, 2019). Some students attend various extracurricular sports clubs of non-formal education. However, the question is, what is the effect of sports on their psycho-emotional state? Does the expression of psycho-emotional state of students who are engaged in sports and those who are not differ? Hypothesis of the study: the psycho-emotional state of students who are engaged in sports is better than that of those who are not. Methods of the study: analysis of scientific literature, anonymous questionnaire survey and statistical data analysis. Results of the study: symptoms of sociality and emotional difficulties differ significantly (p0,05). In the group of students not engaged in sports differences were found between social difficulties and emotional difficulties (p0,051). In the groups of students who are engaged in sports and of those who are not, statistically significant differences exist in assessing emotional difficulties (p<0,001) and behavioural problems (p<0,007). Findings of the study: 1. Social adaptation is better among the girls who are engaged in sports. However, they experience greater emotional difficulties. 2. Social adaptation is also better among the girls who are not engaged in sports. However, they experience greater emotional difficulties. In terms of age, it has been found out that older students experience greater emotional difficulties than younger ones. 3. Difficulties of emotional symptoms are greater in the group of students who are not engaged in sports. However, difficulties of behavioural problems are greater among the students who are engaged in sports
Dietos kompozicijos poveikis vyresnio amžiaus pelių medžiagų apykaitai ir aktyvumui svorio metimo metu ir jam pasibaigus.
No full textIntroduction: Weight regains after weight loss is a frequent problem that people with obesity or athletes of weight-making sports face (Fothergill et al. 2016). It is suggested that diets high in carbohydrates or protein decrease or increase energy expenditure, respectively, and thus affect energy balance and the success of weight maintenance (Oliveira et al. 2021; Ebbeling et al. 2018). Our goal is to examine the role of diet composition on weight maintenance and energy metabolism in aged mice during caloric restriction (CR) and post-caloric restriction (P-CR). Methods: Males of C57BL/6J mice strain were grown until 18-month-old and then mice with overweight were selected and divided into 4 groups matched by body mass: low-fat (LFD; 20, 20, 60% of kcal from fat, protein, carbohydrate), low-carbohydrate (LCD; 60, 20, 20%, respectively), high-protein (HPD; 30, 35, 35%, respectively) and control (regular chow diet) (n=9-11 each). Mice were subjected to 30% CR for 4 weeks followed by ad libitum P-CR feeding for 4 weeks using the same diets. Controls were fed chow diet ad libitum all the time. Body mass and 23-h indirect calorimetry in the metabolic cage (energy expenditure, respiratory quotient, physical activity levels) were assessed during CR and P-CR. Results: Weight reduction was similar between the diet groups during CR (P > 0.05) but only LCD group regained more weight in P-CR than had initially prior CR. Energy expenditure did not change between diet groups neither during CR nor P-CR (P > 0.05) but was lower in CR and higher in P-CR compared to controls. Energy expenditure normalized to body mass was similar between diet groups during CR but lower in LCD group during P-CR compared to HPD and especially LFD group (P 0.05). Respiratory quotient was significantly lower in LCD group compared to all groups during both CR and P-CR (P < 0.001). Conclusion: Low-carb but high-fat diet is associated with greater weight regain and lower relative energy expenditure after previous weight loss compared to other types of diets in aged mice. Low respiratory quotient during this diet indicates overall fat metabolism and oxidation but is not a good predictor of burned body fat