Search Results (1,834)

Background. Walking is a fundamental human activity, vital for daily living, social connection, employment, etc. Methods. In the current study, we present a mathematical model of it, based on the planar double pendulum system influenced by gravity. For parameters of the pendulum, i.e., the characteristic of the limbs (thigh + shank), we use realistic mass–inertial parameters. The model incorporates anthropometric and inertial data specific to the average Bulgarian, Russian, German, and American male, including segment masses, centres of mass, as well as densities of the segments taken from experimental studies. Results. We derive the corresponding nonlinear differential equations governing the model. We solve them analytically, when possible, and, in the general case, numerically. For moderate initial angles (from the frontal plane) and angular velocities of the thigh and shank, the pendulum exhibits motion closely resembling natural human gait. The results for all nationalities considered are very close to each other. For comparatively slow walking speeds, the model provides realistic results. Conclusions. Our approach highlights how a relatively simple biomechanical model can capture essential features of human locomotion and provides a foundation for further refinement and comparison with more complex gait modelling techniques. Such modifications are outlined. Full article

This randomized crossover study aimed to evaluate the effect of a single session of aerobic exercise on 24 h ambulatory blood pressure (BP) and heart rate variability (HRV) in young adults with a family history of hypertension, FHH⁺ (participant with at least one hypertensive parent). Twenty non-hypertensive individuals (four females, sixteen males, 24.84 ± 4.15 years, 23.97 ± 3.28 kg·m⁻²) underwent a control (non-exercise) and an experimental (aerobic exercise) session in a randomized order, with a minimum interval of 72 h between them. Baseline anthropometric and metabolic parameters included body fat percentage, abdominal circumference, and blood glucose. The aerobic session consisted of 30 min cycling at 50–60% of heart rate reserve (142 ± 5 bpm; 68 ± 22 W). Twenty-four-hour BP and HRV were assessed by ambulatory monitoring. Two-way repeated-measures ANOVA showed a significant main effect of session (exercise vs. control) for systolic (p = 0.026, η² = 0.084) and diastolic (p = 0.022, η² = 0.088) BP, with no session × time (awake vs. asleep) interaction. For HRV indices, there were no significant (p > 0.05) main effects of session, nor any interaction between session and time. In summary, aerobic exercise induced 24 h ambulatory hypotension during both awake and sleep periods in non-hypertensive individuals with FHH⁺, without altering ambulatory HRV. Full article

Limited data are available regarding the physiological profile of youth triathletes. The aim of this study was to characterize the physiological and body composition profile of Hungarian youth triathletes and to examine the relationships between anthropometric characteristics and aerobic performance indicators. Forty-one youth triathletes (20 females and 21 males; age: 15.8 ± 1.7 years), members of the Hungarian national development squad, participated in the study. Anthropometric and body composition parameters were assessed using standardized procedures and multi-frequency bioelectrical impedance analysis. Aerobic performance was evaluated using a graded cardiopulmonary exercise test on a treadmill with breath-by-breath gas analysis. Male athletes demonstrated higher body height, body mass, fat-free mass, and skeletal muscle mass compared with females (p < 0.05). Cardiopulmonary exercise testing revealed high aerobic capacity, with mean VO₂max values of 73.2 ± 5.4 mL·kg⁻¹·min⁻¹ in males and 63.1 ± 5.0 mL·kg⁻¹·min⁻¹ in females. The second ventilatory threshold occurred at approximately 82–86% of VO₂max. Strong positive correlations were observed between anthropometric parameters and absolute oxygen uptake (mL·min⁻¹), particularly for fat-free mass, skeletal muscle mass, and body surface area (r = 0.83–0.95). However, these relationships are influenced by body size and were weaker or inverse when relative oxygen uptake (mL·kg⁻¹·min⁻¹) was considered. Regression analyses further indicated that body composition variables, especially fat-free mass and skeletal muscle mass, were positively associated with aerobic performance, while body fat percentage was not a significant predictor when body size and sex were controlled. These findings are based on cross-sectional associations and should be interpreted as descriptive reference data for this population rather than predictive criteria. The results contribute to the characterization of physiological and anthropometric profiles in youth triathletes and may support future research and athlete monitoring. Full article

Background: The increasing use of computed tomography (CT) has led to a substantial rise in population exposure to ionizing radiation, highlighting the need for accurate and individualized dose assessment methods. This study aimed to evaluate a novel dosimetric parameter—the size-specific dose–length product (DLPss)—in low-dose chest CT (LDCT) protocols and to compare its performance with conventional dose metrics. Methods: A retrospective single-center analysis was conducted in a cohort of 221 patients undergoing LDCT of the chest. Anthropometric parameters were used to calculate the size-specific conversion factor (k), enabling determination of SSDE and DLPss. Dose parameters (CTDIvol, DLP, SSDE, and DLPss) were analyzed and compared with data from a standard chest CT cohort (n = 134) from the first study in the series. The contribution of the topogram to total radiation dose was also assessed. All examinations were considered diagnostically adequate in routine clinical evaluations. Results: The mean CTDIvol in the LDCT group was 1.33 mGy, with a DLPss of 61.93 mGy·cm and an estimated effective dose below 0.7 mSv, representing a dose reduction exceeding 82% compared to standard CT. DLPss values were approximately 23% higher than conventional DLP, indicating underestimation of dose by standard metrics. The topogram accounted for 10.23% of total radiation dose in LDCT, significantly higher than in standard CT (1.84%). Significant sex-related differences were observed in CTDIvol, DLP, and DLPss, but not in SSDE. Conclusions: DLPss provides a more comprehensive and individualized assessment of radiation exposure than conventional dose metrics by integrating patient size and scan length. The substantial contribution of the topogram to total dose in LDCT highlights the need for its optimization, particularly in long-term screening programs. From a clinical perspective, implementation of DLPss may improve patient-specific risk stratification and support more precise monitoring of cumulative radiation exposure, especially in populations undergoing repeated imaging, such as lung cancer screening cohorts. Advanced reconstruction algorithms, including deep learning-based methods, may enable further dose reductions and warrant future clinical investigation. Full article

Background: Obesity is a heterogeneous chronic disease in which eating behavior phenotypes may influence treatment response. Yet, anti-obesity medication (AOM) selection is still largely guided by anthropometric and metabolic parameters, with limited use of behavioral phenotyping in routine practice. We evaluated whether multidimensional eating behavior changes, measured by the Brazilian Eating Behavior Phenotype Scale (Escala de Fenótipos do Comportamento Alimentar, EFCA), differ across commonly used AOMs in a real-world cohort. Methods: We conducted a retrospective, observational, real-world study in obesity outpatient care settings in São Paulo, Brazil. Adults with obesity (18–65 years) treated with a single principal AOM for 6 months and paired baseline/6-month follow-up EFCA and anthropometric data were included. Analyses focused on early responders (≥5% total body weight loss at 3 months). Five AOM groups available in Brazil were analyzed: semaglutide (oral or subcutaneous), naltrexone/bupropion, sibutramine, topiramate, and tirzepatide. Outcomes included percent weight loss, EFCA total score, and five EFCA subscales (hedonic, emotional, compulsive, hyperphagic, disorganized). Within-medication behavioral changes were assessed using paired tests and standardized effect sizes (Cohen’s dz, 95% CI), summarized in heatmap form. Results: The analytical cohort comprised 66 early responders with paired EFCA assessments at baseline and 6 months. EFCA profiling revealed distinct behavioral response fingerprints across AOMs. Effect size mapping showed predominantly large behavioral effects (many dz ≥ 0.8) in hedonic, emotional, hyperphagic, and compulsive domains. Strongest signals included emotional eating reductions with naltrexone/bupropion (dz 2.04), tirzepatide (dz 1.77), semaglutide (dz 1.52), and topiramate (dz 1.54); hedonic reductions with tirzepatide (dz 2.06), semaglutide (dz 1.55), and naltrexone/bupropion (dz 1.52); hyperphagic reductions with tirzepatide (dz 1.50) and semaglutide (dz 1.34); and compulsive reductions with topiramate (dz 1.41) and consistent effects across tirzepatide, semaglutide, and sibutramine (≈dz 0.95–0.96). Disorganized eating showed heterogeneous/attenuated responsiveness, from near-null with tirzepatide (dz 0.03) to large but imprecise effects in smaller groups (e.g., topiramate dz 1.24, wide CI). Conclusions: In this responder-enriched real-world cohort, AOMs showed distinct and reproducible EFCA behavioral signatures, supporting a clinically actionable phenotype-informed framework to prioritize, sequence, and monitor obesity pharmacotherapy beyond nonspecific weight reduction, while highlighting disorganization as a potential target for adjunctive behavioral strategies. Full article

The rapid aging of the agricultural workforce underscores the need for technologies that ensure both productivity and usability. This study introduces an AIoT-enabled elderly-friendly greenhouse that integrates ergonomic and agronomic parameters into a unified optimization framework. Experiments with ten elderly participants (60–75 years) combined anthropometric assessments, environmental monitoring, and machine learning–based irrigation modeling. Results showed that an optimal planting table height of 75 cm maximized comfort (4.44 ± 0.34) and minimized fatigue (1.89 ± 0.66). Work–rest scheduling identified early morning (06:00–09:00) and late afternoon (15:00–18:00) as periods with reduced heat strain. Ventilation at 60% fan speed-maintained comfort ranges while stabilizing microclimate conditions. For irrigation, Random Forest Regression achieved the best accuracy (R² ≈ 0.75), with soil moisture as the dominant predictor. A Genetic Algorithm (GA) further improved outcomes, increasing comfort scores by 30% and reducing water use by 20%. By embedding ergonomic (X_opt, T_comfort, V_comfort) and agronomic (W, I, θ_opt) variables as objectives, the system creates greenhouses that are both “user-aware” and “plant-aware.” This dual approach enhances productivity, sustainability, and usability, offering practical insights for AIoT-enabled smart greenhouses in aging societies. Full article

Objectives: This study aimed to examine the structure of anthropometric characteristics, motor skills and specific motor skills in young football players. Methods: Study participants (427 male football players) were divided into pre-pioneers (11–13 y), n = 133; pioneers (13–15 y), n = 160; and cadets (15–17 y), n = 134. The entire sample of subjects was evaluated using 13 anthropometric and seven motor variables. The factor structure for each chronological age group was determined using Hotelling’s method. Results: Anthropometric characteristics showed three extracted factors in the pre-pioneers group, four factors in the pioneer group and two factors in the cadet group. Motor skills displayed three factors for the youngest group, two factors for the pioneers and three factors for the cadet group. Four factors were determined for specific motor skills in pre-pioneers, four in pioneers and three in cadet age. Conclusions: This study revealed structural variability and non-uniformity in the latent dimensions across age groups, with the total number of factors fluctuating between two and four. This study revealed two consistent latent dimensions in anthropometric data across all age groups: general morphological parameters and subcutaneous fat tissue. In motor skills, an initial universal factor is separated into central and energetic regulation of movements. Finally, specific motor skills demonstrated a transition from a highly differentiated four-factor structure in younger players toward a more integrated functional system in the oldest cohort, comprising intermuscular coordination, running speed with and without a ball; segmental speed of the lower extremities with a ball; and explosive force in hitting a ball with the foot and head. Full article

Background: Albania has undergone a rapid demographic transition characterized by pronounced population aging. Comprehensive geriatric assessment—functional performance, validated nutritional screening tools, and systematic evaluation of morbidities—is essential for accurately characterizing frailty and identifying the risk of malnutrition in its early stages. The objective of the present study was to improve the assessment of the health status of Albanian older adults, both community-dwelling and residing in long-term care facilities, by addressing both functional and nutritional components. Methods: This observational study included Albanian older adults aged ≥ 65 years, both institutionalized and community-dwelling. Frailty and nutritional status were assessed using validated questionnaires (Grauer Geriatric Functional Evaluation and Mini Nutritional Assessment—MNA), alongside body composition analysis performed by bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). Results: Data for 123 older adults were analyzed (56.9% female; mean age 71.3 ± 7.4 years; 54.5% institutionalized vs. 45.5% community-dwelling). A high prevalence of frailty and multimorbidity was observed, particularly among institutionalized older adults. With regard to nutritional status, marked age-related differences were identified among females, with a pronounced deterioration in those aged over 75 years. Body-composition-derived parameters identified a substantially higher proportion of individuals at risk of malnutrition compared with other conventional anthropometric measures. Low body cell mass index (BCMI) and institutionalization were the factors with the strongest independent associations with frailty (AOR 5.02, 95% CI 1.69–14.87, p = 0.004, and AOR 5.71, 95% CI 1.76–18.54, p = 0.004, respectively), while low BCMI was the only variable associated with an increased risk of malnutrition (AOR 4.88, 95% CI 1.78–13.40, p = 0.002). Conclusions: These exploratory findings suggest that incorporating body composition parameters into geriatric assessment may provide complementary information alongside traditional screening tools to support the development of targeted preventive and therapeutic strategies. Full article

Background and Objectives: Pregnancy causes various physiological and hormonal changes that disrupt sleep architecture and modify respiratory patterns, increasing the risk of sleep-related breathing disorders (SBDs) such as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and potentially exacerbating pre-existing conditions. These disorders have been linked to adverse maternal and fetal outcomes. However, current screening tools remain inadequate, and data, including from Portugal, remain limited. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of SBD symptoms suggestive of sleep-disordered breathing during pregnancy, characterize the population, and explore associations with demographic and anthropometric parameters. Materials and Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted from July to December 2024 at Hospital da Luz Lisboa, involving pregnant women ≥ 18 years attending routine consultations. Participants completed a structured questionnaire that assessed demographic and anthropometric data, comorbidities, ten SBD symptoms, and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS). Results: The cohort included 289 participants, with a mean age of 34.4 years and pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) of 23.6 kg/m². On average, women reported 3.1 SBD symptoms, with fatigue (65.4%), memory/concentration impairment (52.2%), and non-restorative sleep (50.5%) being the most common. Excessive daytime sleepiness (ESS >10) was present in 22.8% of the population. Snoring was significantly associated with older age and higher BMI (p = 0.0009 and p < 0.0001, respectively). Both the number of symptoms and ESS scores tended to increase with gestational age, particularly in the third trimester. Women with diabetes had higher odds of reporting snoring, nocturnal dyspnea, and witnessed apneas, with odds ratios of 4.65, 8.77, and 11.38, respectively. Conclusions: SBD symptoms and daytime sleepiness are highly prevalent in pregnancy and typically increase with advancing gestation. These findings emphasize the need for improved clinical strategies to enable early identification and management of SBD in pregnant women, thereby reducing maternal-fetal complications. Full article

Background/Aim: Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) such as NEAT1, HULC, and MALAT1, which are expressed in adipose tissue, are known to play a role in regulating adiposity. However, how the plasma expression of these lncRNAs changes in obese patients following rapid adipose tissue loss after sleeve gastrectomy remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between plasma NEAT1, HULC, and MALAT1 expression levels and short-term weight loss after sleeve gastrectomy. Materials and Methods: Plasma samples prospectively collected from patient groups were used for total RNA extraction to measure the expression levels of NEAT1, HULC, and MALAT1 both before sleeve gastrectomy and 30 days after the procedure. Additionally, patients were followed for changes in body mass index (BMI) and HbA1C levels over a 12-month period. Associations between lncRNA expression levels and clinical parameters were evaluated. Results: Before sleeve gastrectomy, the expression levels of NEAT1 and HULC were significantly higher in obese patients compared to non-obese individuals (p < 0.0001). Sleeve gastrectomy was associated with decreased expression levels of NEAT1 (p = 0.004) and HULC (p = 0.0027). NEAT1 and HULC expression levels showed significant associations with changes in HbA1C and BMI, respectively (p < 0.05). Conclusions: NEAT1 and HULC expression levels were associated with short-term metabolic and anthropometric changes following sleeve gastrectomy. These findings are exploratory and hypothesis-generating, and further studies with larger cohorts and longer follow-up are needed to determine their potential clinical relevance. Full article

Background/Objectives: Strength training is a widely recommended form of physical activity due to its extensive health benefits and positive effects on musculoskeletal function, although improper technique and balance deficits may increase injury risk. While sex differences in spinal curvature and postural control have been identified in the general population, it remains unclear whether these differences persist among recreationally strength-trained individuals. This cross-sectional study investigated sex-specific differences in sagittal spinal alignment and static balance and examined potential associations between spinal curvature and postural control in trained young adults. The authors hypothesized that sex-related differences would persist despite regular training and that relationships between spinal alignment and balance would demonstrate sex-specific patterns. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 124 young adults (59.7% men and 40.3% women). Anthropometric measurements included height, weight, waist circumference, and hip circumference. Sagittal spinal curvature was assessed using an electronic inclinometer, and balance parameters were evaluated using a stabilometric platform under eyes-open and eyes-closed conditions. Results: Statistically significant sex-related differences were observed in sacral angle (p < 0.001) and lumbar lordosis (p = 0.02). Balance assessment revealed significant differences between sexes in several parameters under eyes-open conditions (p < 0.05), as well as in mean COP velocity in the anteroposterior direction under eyes-closed conditions (p = 0.003). In women, sacral inclination was positively but weakly correlated with selected balance parameters (r = 0.299–0.306, all p < 0.05), indicating an association between spinal alignment and postural control. Conclusions: The findings indicate sex-specific differences in sagittal spinal curvature and balance, with sacral alignment associated with balance performance in women. Differences in selected balance parameters were also observed independently of spinal curvature. These results highlight the importance of considering sex and spinal biomechanics when assessing postural control in strength-trained individuals and support further research in larger, more diverse populations with varying training experience and age ranges. Full article

Background: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a cluster of pathologies (obesity, dyslipidemia, insulin resistance, hypertension) that affects over one quarter of old adults. MetS is a condition that markedly increases the susceptibility of various organs to dysfunctionality and is associated with the development of oxidative stress. The existing guidelines point out that exercise is highly advantageous for patients with MetS. However, there is a need for specific guidance and clinical evidence. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effects of a moderate aerobic exercise program on older women without and with MetS. Methods: A total of 120 women aged 60–70 years old were recruited and divided into two groups: healthy old women (HOW, N = 60) and old women with MetS (OW-MetS, N = 60). Anthropometric values, biochemical parameters and markers of oxidative damage were evaluated before and after moderate aerobic exercise. Exercise was performed five days per week for three months (64 sessions). Each exercise session consisted of 40 min and included the following: (a) five minutes of warm-up exercise; (b) ten minutes of flexibility exercise with resistance using own weight and coordination; (c) twenty minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise (heart rate max between 60% and 70%); and (d) five minutes to cool down/stretching with respiratory techniques. Results: A significant decrease in anthropometric variables was generated by the exercise program [waist circumference 4.35 cm (p < 0.05) in OW-MetS, body fat −1.55, −1.39% (p < 0.05) and muscle mass 0.8, 1.1% (p < 0.05) in HOW and OW-MetS, respectively]. The exercise program resulted in beneficial changes in all biochemical parameters in both groups. Importantly, HOMA values showed a significant decline of −0.85 and −6.17 in HOW and OW-MetS, respectively. Furthermore, oxidative stress was present in the OW-MetS group, which was reduced by the exercise program, resulting in a decrease in protein damage [formazan 45% and 42% in HOW and OW-MetS respectively] and an increase in antioxidant defenses (thiol groups 36%, 99% and GPx 55%, 20% in HOW and OW-MetS, respectively). Conclusions: The data of this study show that moderate aerobic exercise may be potentially useful in treating and preventing MetS in older patients. Full article

Background/Objectives: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is primarily treated via dietary modifications. Several diets have been shown to improve symptoms with similar efficacy. Other aspects of IBS, such as insufficient nutrient intake and being overweight, should also be considered when planning treatment options. The present scoping review aimed to identify various diets investigated in IBS-related clinical trials and to map the measured outcomes. Methods: We performed a systematic search of three databases: PubMed, Embase, and CINAHL Ultimate. Our search was limited to papers published between January 2000 and February 2026, and included human studies published as peer-reviewed original articles in English that described dietary interventions in adult patients (≥18 years) with IBS. Results: The titles and abstracts of 1261 studies were screened; 1147 studies were excluded; and 114 full-text articles were assessed for eligibility. Excluding articles outside the scope of our research resulted in a total of 71 included articles from 57 unique clinical trials. The most common interventions were low fermentable oligo-, di-, and monosaccharides and polyols (FODMAP) (n = 43), traditional dietary advice (n = 13), and gluten-free diets (n = 11). The most common primary outcomes were the effect on IBS symptoms (n = 48), efficacy in terms of improving quality of life (n = 10), psychological well-being (n = 7), nutrient intake (n = 7), and adherence/applicability/feasibility to the diet (n = 7). Conclusions: In conclusion, the most studied dietary intervention in IBS was low FODMAP, and an effect on GI symptoms was the most common outcome. Considering other conditions associated with IBS, the effects on anthropometric, endocrine, metabolic, and nutritional parameters should also be evaluated. Full article

Background: Joubert syndrome (JS) is a rare neurodevelopmental ciliopathy characterized by cerebellar and brainstem malformation and heterogeneous motor outcomes. Although global developmental delay is well described, integrated clinical characterization combining functional and structural domains remains limited. The aim of this exploratory study was to describe a multidimensional motor phenotype in children with JS and to explore associations between selected functional and structural parameters. Methods: A prospective cross-sectional cohort study was conducted in 25 children with MRI-confirmed JS (aged 2–16 years). Gross motor performance was assessed using the GMFM-88, and postural control was evaluated with the modified Brief Ataxia Rating Scale (mBARS). Measured musculoskeletal parameters included joint range of motion and sacral slope as an indicator of sagittal pelvic alignment. Thoracoabdominal configuration was assessed using angular and anthropometric measurements. Associations between predefined functional and structural variables were explored using Spearman’s rank correlation coefficients. Analyses were exploratory and hypothesis-generating and were not adjusted for multiple comparisons. Results: Marked inter-individual variability was observed across functional and structural domains. A moderate negative correlation was identified between GMFM-88 (Gross Motor Function Measure-88) and mBARS (modified Brief Ataxia Rating Scale) scores (ρ = −0.512, p-value = 0.007). Sacral slope demonstrated statistically significant associations with hip extension, ankle dorsiflexion, chest and abdominal circumference, and sternoclavicular alignment (all p-value < 0.05). No significant correlations were detected between gross motor performance and isolated structural parameters. Intra-rater reliability of selected measurements was high (ICC range 0.939–0.999). Conclusions: This exploratory, hypothesis-generating study demonstrates multidimensional variability in motor organization encompassing functional, postural, and structural domains. Gross motor performance appears more closely related to postural control than to isolated peripheral structural measures within this exploratory framework. Structural parameters exhibit internal statistical co-variation but do not independently determine functional capacity. These findings support the value of integrated multidomain physiotherapy assessment in rare cerebellar neurodevelopmental disorders. Full article

Background: Osteocalcin is a bone-derived protein traditionally regarded as a marker of bone formation, but experimental and clinical studies have suggested potential endocrine effects on energy and glucose metabolism. In pediatric populations, particularly in the context of obesity, the relationships between circulating osteocalcin, adiposity, and metabolic health remain inconsistent and poorly defined. Objective: To investigate associations between serum total osteocalcin and anthropometric, metabolic, biochemical, and body composition parameters in children and adolescents with obesity, with particular emphasis on adiposity and mineral metabolism. Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional study included 155 children and adolescents aged 4–18 years with obesity. Anthropometric measurements, laboratory parameters, and body composition assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry were extracted from medical records. Associations between osteocalcin z-scores and clinical variables were evaluated using linear regression models. Multivariable and extended regression models were applied to assess independent associations. Results: Osteocalcin was positively associated with markers of mineral metabolism, including serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D₃ (β = 0.19, p = 0.012), serum calcium (β = 0.19, p = 0.015), and free triiodothyronine (β = 0.32, p < 0.001) in multivariable analyses. No independent associations were observed between osteocalcin and measures of adiposity, including body mass index, visceral adipose tissue index, leptin, or markers of glucose and lipid metabolism. Conclusions: In children and adolescents with obesity, circulating osteocalcin is primarily associated with mineral metabolism rather than adiposity or metabolic health. These findings support the interpretation of total osteocalcin as a clinically accessible marker of bone turnover and mineral homeostasis rather than a robust surrogate of metabolic dysfunction in pediatric obesity. Full article