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The effect of locomotor training on gait parameters in pediatric patients with cerebral palsy: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
No full textThe aim of research: to evaluate the effect of locomotor training on gait parameters in pediatric patients with cerebral palsy through the scientific literature. Tasks of research: 1) To evaluate the effect of locomotor training on walking speed in pediatric patients with cerebral palsy. 2) To evaluate the effect of locomotor training on cadence in pediatric patients with cerebral palsy. 3) To evaluate the effect of locomotor training on step length in pediatric patients with cerebral palsy. Materials and methods: A systematic review with meta-analysis was performed based on the results of the PubMed (MEDLINE) and CINAHL Ultimate (EBSCOhost) searches for randomized clinical trials. Results: 15 eligible randomized clinical trials involving 375 pediatric patients with cerebral palsy were included. The period of application of locomotor training interventions varied from four to 12 weeks. The frequency of interventions ranged from two to six times per week. The duration of one training session varied from 20 minutes to four hours. The results of the meta-analysis showed that locomotor training interventions, compared to standard cerebral palsy treatment methods, have a small effect on walking speed (Cohen d = 0,15), cadence (Cohen d = 0,15) and step length (Cohen d = 0,18). Conclusions: 1) Complementing standard physical therapy procedures with locomotor training interventions has a small positive and lasting effect on walking speed in pediatric patients with cerebral palsy. 2) Complementing standard physical therapy procedures with locomotor training interventions has a small positive and lasting effect on cadence in pediatric patients with cerebral palsy. 3) Complementing standard physical therapy procedures with locomotor training interventions has a small positive and lasting effect on step length in pediatric patients with cerebral palsy
Suaugusiųjų sveikatos problemos, susijusios su laisvalaikio fiziniu aktyvumu, kūno masės indeksu ir mityba.
No full textResearch problem. There is a lack of research examining how these factors interact to influence health, despite increased interest in the topic and a large body of research on the relationship between physical activity, body mass index, diet, and health problems in adults. There is a lack of knowledge about the complex relationships between leisure physical activity, body mass index, and unhealthy food and their combined effects on adult health. Existing research has focused on individual components and their health effects. Therefore, this study attempts to fill this knowledge gap by examining the combined effects of leisure-time physical activity, body mass index, and diet on health outcomes in adults. It is additionally intended to provide a better understanding how these factors interact and affect health and to identify effective interventions. The aim of this study is to examine the possible predictors of health issues: leisure physical inactivity, increased body mass index and unhealthy food among adults. Research Objectives. To examine the associations between body mass index groups and health issues in males and females; To examine the associations between leisure physical activity groups and health issues in males and females; To examine the associations between leisure physical activity and body mass index groups in males and females; To examine the associations between health issues and unhealthy food and other covariates: age, marital status, employment status; To investigate the predictors of health issues: leisure physical inactivity, increased body mass index and unhealthy food and other covariates (age, gender, marital and employment status) among adults. Methods. In order to survey our participants for this quantitative study, a virtual questionnaire was used. The number of participants in this study was n=228. Results. Obese people were more likely to have health problems compared to people in other BMI groups. More active participants generally maintained a normal body weight for both men and women. Furthermore, the results suggest that age, BMI, unhealthy eating habits, and employment status are positively associated with health problems, whereas leisure physical activity and marital status are negatively associated with health problems. Conclusions. BMI and marital status were the strongest predictors of health issues when controlling for all investigated risk factors. Lower leisure physical activity and unhealthy food also predicted more health issues. Age, gender, employment were excluded variables in the stepwise linear regression as non-significant variables
Naujų reaktyvaus judrumo testų kūrimas krepšinyje.
No full textAim: The aim of this study was to determine the reliability of a newly developed reactive agility tests in youth basketball players. Objectives: 1. Evaluation reliability of agility tests with close-out version in high level youth basketball players. 2. Evaluation reliability of agility tests without close-out action in low level youth basketball players. Research methodology: Players performed reactive test 4 times randomly defined and equally divided on the left and right side for each testing. High level players, during the test were asked to perform basketball-specific actions such as sprinting, shuffling, close-out action and change of direction in a planned fashion or following a visual stimulus in the reactive fashion. The same instructions were asked from low level players except close-out action. The test reliability was assessed using the coefficient of variation (CV), the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and p value with T-Test. Results: CV values were found between 1% and 3.9%, ICC values were found between 0.47 and 1, and T-test results revealed between p=0.11 and p=0.67 respectively in low level youth basketball team. CV, ICC, and T-test values demonstrated acceptable reliability. CV values were found between 2.5% and 4.2%, ICC values were found between 0.49 and 0.74, and T-test revealed p=0.002 and p=0.814 respectively in high level youth basketball team. CV values demonstrated acceptable reliability and ICC values showed moderate reliability. There was significant difference between results (p=0.002) for reactive left test which makes the test not reliable. Conclusions: 1. The reactive and planned tests are reliable in lower level basketball players. 2. The reactive and planned tests are not reliable with raised hand close-out version in higher level basketball players
The effects of sports dancing for expressions of communicative and organizational abilities of adolescents.
No full textThe literature lacks scientific data on the effects of sports dancing, for the expression of adolescents' communicative and organizational abilities. So far, it is known that sports dancing dancers have higher communicative and organizational skills than non-dancers or dancers who dance other dance styles (Ušpurienė & Sadzevičiūtė, 2019; Ušpurienė & Šniras, 2022). It is true that there is still not a single study that determines for the effects of athletic dance on adolescents. Therefore, it is important to find out what effect sports dancing has on communicative and organizational abilities. Research aim was determine to the effect of sport dances for the expression of adolescents communicative and organizational abilities. Research tasks: 1. Investigate adolescents', communicative and organizational abilities. 2. To assess the change in the levels of dancers' communicative and organizational abilities over a period in six months. Research hypotheses. 1. Six months of sports dance training will positively affect the expression of communicative and organizational abilities of adolescents. 2. The participants of the experimental group will improve their communicative and organizational abilities more significantly during the six-month period than the participants of the control group. Research methods: 1. Analysis of scientific literature. 2. Questionnaire survey. 3. An experiment. The IBM SPSS 28.0 program was used for data processing and systematization. Research results and conclusions: The study was conducted in 2022. January - June a questionnaire by submitting survey in a mixed survey format (written or online): before and after the experiment, which aimed to determine the expression of the subjects' communicative and organizational abilities. 20 couples (20 girls and 7 20 boys) (n=40) from Kėdainiai dance studio "Izzadora", sports dance group (12-14 years old) participated in the survey and experiment. Ten couples trained in the experimental group, three times a week from 2 hours allocated training time, 45 min. devoted to unusual dance-type, but different sports and educational activities. And the other remaining ten couples trained in the control group, their training took place three times a week, for an hour in normal conditions, according to the sports dance program. When assessing or the effects of sports dances on the expression of communicative and organizational abilities of adolescents, the findings of the investigation became clear. 1. Most of the dancers have been found to have very low to moderate communicative and organizational abilities. It was found that in both groups there were mainly "communicative" and "talkative" types of people during both tests. In addition, the experimental group performed slightly better than the control group. 2. Comparing the dancers' communicative and organizational abilities before and after the study, it was noticed that the effect was insufficient. Within 6 months the dancers' communicative and organizational abilities did not improve during the study. Thus, dance training alone can impair social skills. The inclusion of educational activities in dance training promotes the development of dancers' communicative and organizational abilities
Effects of applied physical activity interventions to children, with mild intellectual disability, physical capacity level and cognitive functions.
No full textThe aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of applied physical activity on the level of physical capacity and cognitive functions of children with mild intellectual disabilities. Research methods and organization: The study involved 20 school-age children with mild intellectual disabilities. The subjects were divided into 2 groups: study group I (n = 10) and control group II (n = 10). Children's age (12-17 years). The duration of the study is 6 weeks. The study group participated in a 3 weeks program of applied physical activity based on the recommendations presented by Dimitri and Jones (2020). Classes were held 2-3 times per week for 60 minutes. The program included aerobic exercises and active games. Control group participated in physical education classes. The physical capacity and cognitive skills of both study groups was assessed twice: before and after applied physical activity interventions. Changes in cognitive functions were evaluated with the "MiniCog" test (according to A.J. Larner, 2020). Physical capacity and gross motor skills were tested with a set of European tests "EUROFIT". Research results: The results of the "Mini-cog" and "EUROFIT" tests between the groups are statistically insignificant p>0.05, but the averages of some physical capacity tests before and after the applied physical activity intervention were statistically significant for both groups p<0.05 . Conclusion: Applied physical activity program significantly improved the results of physical capacity tests and cognitive functions skills for children with mild intellectual disabilities
The effects of a single bout of high-intense strength exercise on cognitive function and postural dual-task control in older adults /
No full textIn this study we aimed to test if acute strength exercise would induce cognitive improvements. Secondarily, we examined the relationship between exercise-induced changes in cognitive function and postural dual-task control. Thirty-seven cognitively intact, non-faller older adults (≥60 years) were nonrandomly allocated to strength exercise or control. Strength exercise consisted of Smith machine squats (one session, 3 × 3reps at 90%, 95%, and 100% one-repetition maximum). Control participants held seated rest for 45 min. Cognitive functions, recognition (memory search), working memory (mathematical processing), processing speed (2-choice reaction time), and postural dual-task control were tested before and immediately after exercise or control using the Automated Neuropsychological Assessment Metrics-4 (ANAM4) battery and a mathematical counting task while maintaining a tandem Romberg stance with eyes open on a force plate. Outcome measures were response time and performance index (100 × [accuracy/response time]) on the ANAM4 tests and sway activity and entropy during the postural dual-task. We found a non-significant improvement with moderate effect size in performance index on the mathematical processing task of experimental participants compared to control participants (p = 0.145, (Formula presented.) = 0.060). Improvements in the mathematical processing task over time in the control group were associated with increased sway activity during the postural dual-task. No significant associations were found between changes in cognitive function and changes in postural control in the experimental group. Ultimately, our results may direct researchers and healthcare professionals in designing the optimal exercise treatment to improve cognitive function and postural control in older adults
Принципи спілкування глухих у секторі послуг дозвілля.
No full textThe main organs of human senses: eyes, nose, ears, mouth, skin, thanks to which we know the world by touching, tasting, smelling, hearing and seeing it. Each sense helps to receive a wealth of information from the environment around us, thus forming a person as an independent personality. When one of these senses is disturbed, negative phenomena are observed. It is difficult to adapt to the environment, to form a personality, to be safe, etc. (Gutierrez-Sigut, et al., 2022; Kilimonytė, 2009). Hearing is especially important, it plays an important role in communication. Unlike hearing people, deaf people constantly face problems of communication and integration into society as equal members, which are determined by hearing impairment. Access to society is also severely limited by prejudice (many people feel uncomfortable trying to communicate with deaf or hard of hearing people) and lack of understanding of deaf language and culture. A particularly big problem for the deaf is communication with service sector personnel. The lack of communication between the staff in this area and the deaf greatly complicates the provision of opportunities for users of such services. The problems of deaf people’s communication with service providers, the possibilities of help are little studied, which makes this topic relevant and new. It is known that in many cases, the client’s own communication skills depend greatly on the social environment, cultural sophistication, and the time of the onset of the disorder, so each communication is very specific and individual (Amadeo, et al., 2022; Butkevičienė, 2008), which complicates the possibilities of communication, and encourages researching the analyzed topic in principle. As a result of hearing impairment, the communication capabilities of individuals deteriorate, and it is extremely difficult for service companies to understand the needs of such customers. Sometimes there are situations when the client needs information, and for its optimal provision it is important to properly collect the material. Knowing more about the client’s needs will depend on the professionalism of the service provided and the satisfaction of the client’s expectations. The choice of this topic was influenced by the fact that those working in the leisure service sector are not specially trained to communicate with the deaf and this creates many problems for both parties. The literature analysis and research was based on scientific literature Francisco & Mesquita, (Eds.) (2023); Hallahan and Kauffmam (2003); Butkevičiene (2008); Duthey (2013); Ališauskas (2003); Kelleher (2011) et al. The aim of the work: to analyze the principles of communication between the deaf and organizers of leisure services. Problematic questions: 1. What are the main accents of verbal and non-verbal communication between service providers and deaf people when providing services? 2. What emotional states are expressed by workers and deaf people? The rule of successful communication is to convey information in such a way that it is understood properly and correctly. Deaf customers face difficulties when information about services is oriented towards the hearing community. Deaf people’s understanding of information is determined by the way service providers communicate, sincerity, shown empathy, favor, empathy, respect, care – all elements are closely related. Each case of communication with a deaf person is different, but consists of the same basic components of communication: attentiveness and genuine interest. Verbal communication includes spoken language symbols, written text, while non-verbal communication takes place by conveying information through images, gestures, facial expressions, and similar methods. In order to improve communication both for the deaf and for employees, the first aid tool is a Lithuanian sign language interpreter, which would ensure a smooth flow of the conversation. If you do not have the opportunity to communicate with an interpreter, you can use literature for help, for example: a dictionary of Lithuanian sign language, as well as use the advice given by deaf people: stand in a clearly visible place near the client, speak slowly, do not fill out documents when communicating. Deaf clients feel tension, fear about their health condition, and because of communication difficulties. Service providers face various difficulties in performing service steps, assessing customer needs, providing information and ensuring a smooth service process. Employees who provide information to deaf people experience stress, confusion and frustration due to not being able to communicate with the customer. By using the complex aspects of communication and the help of Lithuanian sign language interpreters, a safe environment is created for deaf clients that removes the negative emotions experienced. Research methods. Using the method of theoretical analysis, scientific literature on the subject of communication is analyzed, communication conditions, methods, etc. are discussed. in the service provision process
Effects of functional electrical stimulation and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation on spasticity and muscle properties in spinal cord injured individuals.
No full textThe goal is to investigate and evaluate the effects of FES and TENS, individuals who have suffered spinal cord injury, spasticity of paresis or plethora leg muscles, and muscle characteristics. The study was conducted in the homes of the persons. Before and after stimulation, spasticity and muscle properties were measured using the myotonometer “Myoton”. Using Compex Cefar and Compex Mini stimulants, 30 min. FES was applied to the left leg and 30 min. of the TENS program to the right leg. The study involved 10 individuals who suffered spinal cord injury. Tens showed a statistically significant increase in the elasticity of the quadriceps thigh muscle (p 0.05). No statistically significant difference was also found between the FES and TENS groups (p > 0.05). Although FES and TENS did not have a statistically significant impact on elasticity and muscle tone, tens had a statistically significant deterioration in the muscle property of elasticity, which means that spasticity increased
Body fat and components of sarcopenia relate to inflammation, brain volume and neurometabolism in older adults /
No full textObesity and sarcopenia are associated with cognitive impairments at older age. Current research suggests that blood biomarkers may mediate this body-brain crosstalk, altering neurometabolism and brain structure eventually resulting in cognitive performance changes. Seventy-four older adults (60-85 years old) underwent bio-impedance body composition analysis, handgrip strength measurements, 8-Foot Up-and-Go (8UG) test, Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), blood analysis of interleukin-6 (IL-6), kynurenine, and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), as well as brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS), estimating neurodegeneration and neuroinflammation. Normal fat% or overweight was associated with larger total gray matter volume compared to underweight or obesity in older adults and obesity was associated with higher N-acetylaspartate/Creatine levels in the sensorimotor and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. Muscle strength, not muscle mass/physical performance, corresponded to lower kynurenine and higher N-acetylaspartate/Creatine levels in the dorsal posterior cingulate and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. The inflammatory and neurotrophic blood biomarkers did not significantly mediate these body-brain associations. This study used a multimodal approach to comprehensively assess the proposed mechanism of body-brain crosstalk
Pelvic floor muscle training versus functional magnetic stimulation for stress urinary incontinence in women: a randomized controlled trial /
No full textBackground: There is strong evidence that specific pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) reduces stress urinary incontinence (SUI), but the application of functional magnetic stimulation (FMS) is still under discussion. Objective: To evaluate and compare the effects of FMS and PFMT on pelvic floor muscle function, urinary incontinence symptoms and quality of life (QoL) in women with SUI. Methods: A randomized controlled, parallel-group trial was executed in an outpatient physical medicine and rehabilitation centre. The study included 68 women and was fully completed by 48 women (n = 24 in each group) aged 29–49 years, with SUI, who were randomly assigned to PFMT and FMS groups. The symptoms of urinary incontinence and their impact on quality of life were assessed with two questionnaires: the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire–Short Form (ICIQ-SF) and the Incontinence Impact Questionnaire–Short Form (IIQ-7). Perineometer (Pelvexiser) was used to measure the resting vaginal pressure, pelvic floor muscle (PFM) strength and endurance. All outcome measures were taken at baseline and after 6 weeks of interventions. Cohen’s effect size (d) was calculated. Results: A significant improvement (p < 0.05) of ICIQ-SF and IIQ-7 was observed in both groups with a high effect size in the PFMT group (d = 1.56 and d = 1.17, respectively) and the FMS group (d = 1.33 and d = 1.45, respectively). ICIQ-SF and IIQ-7 scores did not differ significantly between groups after the 6-week treatment period. Resting vaginal pressure, PFM strength and endurance increased (p < 0.05) in both groups with a medium (d = 0.52) to large (d = 1.56) effect size. Conclusion: No significant difference between groups was found in any measurement of perineometry. PFMT and FMS significantly improved SUI symptoms and the quality of life of the study participants. None of the applied interventions was superior to the other in the short-term effect