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The redox enzyme thioredoxin is increased in plasma extracellular vesicles from endurance‐trained females in response to acute exercise /
No full textThe effects of exercise are mediated by molecules secreted into the circulation in response to exercise. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have recently appeared as possible vehicles for some of these molecules, and as mediators of tissue crosstalk during exercise. This study aimed to identify changes in the proteome of EVs released into circulation by endurance running‐trained females after a bout of 60‐min aerobic exercise consisting of incremental treadmill running. Blood samples were collected immediately before and after exercise, and EVs were separated from plasma and characterized by Western blot and electron microscopy. Mass spectrometry‐based proteomics analysis of EV preparations was then performed and showed that the levels of 9 proteins were differentially expressed in response to exercise. Thioredoxin, an enzyme that plays an essential role in the maintenance of redox homeostasis, showed the largest change. The increase in the levels of thioredoxin after exercise was also observed by Western blot analysis. Interestingly, post‐exercise plasma EVs were able to protect cells against oxidative stress. These results support the effect of physical exercise in modulating the levels of molecules involved in the maintenance of redox homeostasis, such as thioredoxin and other antioxidant enzymes, in plasma EVs. Although further studies are needed to fully understand the functional role of these molecules, it is intriguing to consider the protective health effects that exercise‐induced EVs may have against oxidative stressors
A rapid review of mobile technologies and websites for self-management of urinary incontinence and/or bladder health in adults aged 50 and over /
No full textHypothesis / aims of study To analyse mobile technologies and websites designed for the self-management of bladder health (BH) and/or urinary incontinence (UI) in adults aged 50 and over. Study design, materials and methods Rapid review of digital solutions (mobile applications and websites) that include behaviour change techniques (BCTs) and elements of gamification (protocol registered in Prospero CRD42024597624). The search started in July 2024 and updated in January 2025 in: 1) the app market (Google Play Store and Apple App Store in Spain, Lithuania, and the United Kingdom)); 2) websites (80 results in Google for each country); 3) academic databases (PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL, Google Scholar for journal articles, book chapters, and full-length conference papers published in English, Spanish, or Lithuanian). Inclusion criteria: apps or websites that can be used without supervision by a healthcare professional, regardless of cost (e.g., to download or to access in-app functions), with at least one BCT (e.g., training, education, monitoring, prompting), evidence-informed (i.e., have included participants aged ≥50 years in the design or piloting phase or target this group), available in Spain, the UK or Lithuania. The 19-item Mobile App Rating Scale (MARS) was used to assess the quality of the smartphone apps (1). We used the taxonomy of 93 BCTs developed by Michie et al. (2; the total score for each app ranged from 0 to 93, based on the number of considered BCTs. All previous processes and data extraction were conducted in duplicate. Results 21 articles were included, covering 8 smartphone applications and 1 website. Of the 8 applications we identified in the articles, only 2 of them (Tät, UrinControl) were available in Google Play or the Apple App Store. In Lithuania, no apps were found. In Spain, we identified only one app (URinControl), while in the UK, we identified 3 relevant apps (URinControl, URinControl4all, and BladderBoss). BladderBoss was available on both Google Play and the Apple App Store (in different versions), whereas the other apps were only available in one of the stores. Table 1 presents the technological and quality information of the apps. The apps contained a minimum of 7 BCTs, related to goals and planning, feedback and monitoring, shaping knowledge, comparison of behaviour, repetition and substitution and comparison of outcomes the most used (Figure 1). The website search did not identify any platforms with scientific evidence supporting their effectiveness across the three countries. Only one website with scientific evidence was found in a scientific article from the search: www.tät.nu. Interpretation of results Eleven apps were identified from the articles and app store searches. Only 4 applications met the criteria of both scientific validation and mobile availability: URinControl, Tät®, URinControl4all, and BladderBoss. The latter had the highest score for both MARS and BCTs. All applications were assessed as being of acceptable-good quality (between 3 and 4 points). The review found that mobile applications may effectively improve urinary continence and quality of life, with Tät and Tät II showing significant benefits, while outcomes varied based on adherence, personality, routine integration, and prior experience. Barriers include unrealistic expectations and adherence challenges. The main study limitation is the restriction to three countries. Concluding message Only 4 evidence-based applications are available for download in Lithuania, Spain, and the UK. The findings highlight the need for personalised, evidence-based digital interventions to improve adherence, usability, and therapeutic outcomes among adults aged 50 and over. Figure 1 Table 1. Technological and quality information of the apps for self-managing bladder health (BH) and/or urinary incontinence (UI) in adults aged 50 and over. Figure 2 Figure 1. Behaviour Change Techniques (BCTs) used in the apps for self-managing bladder health (BH) and/or urinary incontinence (UI) in adults aged 50 and over. Funding The KOKU Bladder project received funding from the Research Council of Lithuania (code S-MIP-24-112), the Catalan Board of Physiotherapists (code 004_2024) and AGAUR (Agència de Gestió d’Ajuts Universitaris i de Recerca) through an Industry PhD (2024 DI 00058). Clinical Trial No Subjects Human Ethics not Req'd it is a rapid review (using data from other studies). Helsinki not Req'd it is a rapid review (using data from other studies). Informed Consent No
The benefits of guided imagery on athletic performance: a mixed-methods approach /
No full textIntroduction: Imagery as a psychological skill in sports occupies an essential place in the psychological preparation of athletes and is one of the key factors in realizing an athlete’s potential in competitive sports. It’s role in athlete performance, as well as the differences in its use across various sports and demographic groups, has been a compelling topic in both sports’ science and psychology. This topic has remained relevant in recent years. Aim: This quantitative survey-based and experimental design study aims to first, to determine whether differences in imagery ability profiles, identified through cluster analysis, can characterize differences among athletes with varying levels of athletic achievement. A secondary aim of the study is to evaluate the effect of a guided imagery intervention on imagery abilities and athletic performance. Methods: A total of 500 athletes from different sports, aged M = 21.01 (SD = 2.82), both male and female, completed the Sport Imagery Ability Questionnaire (SIAQ) and provided information regarding their demographics and athletic achievements. In the experimental part of the study, nine alpine skiers were selected to participate in a six-month guided imagery intervention alongside their regular trainings on the ski track to assess the intervention’s impact on performance. Results: The results of K-means cluster analysis on athletic achievements of athletes showed a four-cluster solution that hat emphasized distinctions between the groups and reduced variation within each group. A Multiple Analysis of Covariance revealed that the four cluster groups differ in their imagery abilities. Pre- and post-intervention assessments for the nine alpine skiers were conducted using SIAQ and control training sessions, revealing significant increase in both imagery ability scores and performance indicators (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The research results support recent findings that athletes with higher athletic achievement tend to have stronger imagery abilities. The significant differences observed between the clusters based on athletic achievement levels were confirmed. By using imagery profiling of athletes with an analytical method, this study provides valuable insights into the role of imagery in athletic success, suggesting that tailored imagery training could enhance performance across different levels of athletic achievement
A quantitative analysis of the association between problematic internet use, cognitive ability, and movement proficiency among adolescents in Pakistan :
No full textThe effects of a 48-hour fasting period on metabolic markers during exercise and recovery in male combat sports athletes :
No full textA combination of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) I overexpression and type I interferon induce mitochondrial dysfunction in human skeletal myoblasts /
No full textThe overexpression of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) I on the surface of muscle fibers is a characteristic hallmark of the idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIMs), collectively termed myositis. Alongside MHC‐I overexpression, subtypes of myositis, display a distinct type I interferon (IFN) signature. This study examined the combinational effects of elevated MHC‐I and type I IFNs (IFNα/β) on mitochondrial function, as mitochondrial dysfunction is often seen in IIMs. Human skeletal muscle myoblasts were transfected with an MHC‐I isoform using the mammalian HLA‐A2/K b vector. Mitochondrial respiration, mitochondrial membrane potential, and reactive oxygen/nitrogen species generation were assessed with or without IFNα and IFNβ. We show that MHC‐I overexpression in human skeletal muscle myoblasts led to decreased basal glycolysis and mitochondrial respiration, cellular spare respiratory capacity, adenosine triphosphate‐linked respiration, and an increased proton leak, which were all exaggerated by type I IFNs. Mitochondrial membrane depolarization was induced by MHC‐I overexpression both in absence and presence of type I IFNs. Human myoblasts overexpressing MHC‐I showed elevated nitric oxide generation that was abolished when combined with IFN. MHC‐I on its own did not result in an increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, but IFN on their own, or combined with MHC‐I overexpression did induce elevated ROS generation. Surprisingly, we observed no gross changes in mitochondrial reticular structure or markers of mitochondrial dynamics. We present new evidence that MHC‐I overexpression and type I IFNs aggravate the effects each has on mitochondrial function in human skeletal muscle cells, providing novel insights into their mechanisms of action and suggesting important implications in the further study of myositis pathogenesis
Mental preparation of karateka for sports competition in kata /
No full textMental preparation for sports competition in karate is significant, as it is deeply embedded in the philosophical and ethical values that underpin this combat method. In practice, the mental preparation of karateka varies depending on the type of competition, for example preparation for kata (forms) and kumite (fights). Thus, this perspective offers a concise account of the authors' viewpoint on the leading mental skills required of kata competitors. It is argued that self-esteem, inner speech, imagination, visualisation, values and personality play a significant role in the development of confidence. In addressing stress, attention was directed towards the role of arousal, coping strategies, Jacobson's progressive relaxation, Schultz's autogenic training, biofeedback, schemas and scripts. Effective management of anxiety relies on the utilisation of mindfulness and desensitisation techniques. In maintaining attention, effective attention management, attention styles, the ability to filter out distractions, mantras and affirmations are significant. Conversely, practicing tasks that induce a Stroop effect can improve executive function skills. The above elements of mental preparation for kata competitors are universally applicable to all competitors in this field, yet they are not the sole elements that may be employed. Given the individual predispositions of kata competitors, other mental training techniques may also be applicable
Acute concurrent exercise improves inhibitory control without mediating the role of lactate: an event-related potential study /
No full textConcurrent exercise (CE), an emerging exercise modality characterized by sequential bouts of aerobic (AE) and resistance exercise (RE), has demonstrated acute benefits on executive functions (EFs) and neuroelectric P3 amplitude. However, the effect of acute CE on inhibitory control, a sub-component of EFs, and P3 amplitude remains inconclusive. Moreover, exploring the mechanisms underlying the effects of acute exercise on EFs contributes to scientific comprehension, with lactate recognized as a crucial candidate positively correlated with EFs. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the effects of acute CE on inhibitory control via behavioral and event-related potential approaches and to examine its potential mediational role on lactate
Finnish parents’ perception of the impact of COVID-19 on the lives of autistic adolescents /
No full textThe COVID-19 pandemic impacted autistic adolescents differently, but less is known about what aspects of their lives were the most affected. In this paper, we used a convenience sample (n = 323) of Finnish parents of autistic adolescents who reported the perceived impact of COVID-19 on the lives of their autistic children. Data were analysed with content analyses and four themes emerged; studies, everyday life, interaction, and personal matters. The impact was considered to have been more negative (69%) than positive (31%). There were some mixed feelings towards the impact of COVID-19 and these were targeted particularly towards the way studies were carried out. Parents reported temporal negative impact of the pandemic such as, overall quality of schooling, changes to daily routines, lack of friendships, and reduced mental health. These areas should be monitored post-pandemic. In addition, parents reported their autistic adolescents were able to learn in an undistracted way, were supported by their family, had less exposure to stressful stimuli. The parents appreciated the opportunity to see their autistic child thrive. These were important learnings for designing personalised education for autistic adolescents, such as hybrid schooling and flexible supportive environments in a post-COVID-19 lockdown world
Vascular reactivity characterized by PPG-derived pulse wave velocity /
No full textVascular reactivity is the capacity of the blood vessels to adapt under physiological and environmental stimuli. Heat stress causes changes at vascular level affecting pulse wave velocity (PWV), which can be non-invasively obtained using pulse photoplethysmography (PPG). The study aim is to characterize non-invasive and reliable PPG-derived PWV surrogates that are able to assess vascular reactivity, using data from fifteen healthy male volunteers under heat stress conditions. Pulse arrival time (PAT) is a recognized PWV surrogate measure, but our study explores further by including pulse transit time difference (PTTD) and pulse wave decomposition analysis (PDA). Our results indicate a significant linear decrease in PAT and PDA under heat stress, with an approximate 15% reduction compared to the relax phase, closely correlating with heart rate (HR) alterations. This correlation is likely influenced by factors such as the pre-ejection period or stroke volume changes. In contrast, PTTD demonstrates a distinct pattern: it exhibits significant and rapid changes during the initial exposure to heat stress, with an approximate 30% reduction, yet shows minimal intra-stage variations (around 0 ms/min compared to 2.5 ms/min in PAT). This suggests that PTTD, in measuring acute sympathetic activation responses, effectively minimizes the impact of HR-related phenomena that significantly influence PAT and PDA measurements. Our study highlights PTTD as an underexplored yet promising measure for accurately assessing vasoconstriction and vascular reactivity