Search Results (151)

Exercise training is frequently examined in relation to cognitive and brain health in aging populations. Yet many exercise–cognition studies remain difficult to interpret mechanistically because cognitive outcomes are often assessed without sufficient alignment with exercise dose, biological endpoints, or participant vulnerability. This mechanism-informed narrative review argues that future research in cognitive aging should move beyond outcome-based interpretation alone and more explicitly connect the exercise stimulus with cerebrovascular endpoints, supportive biological markers, baseline vulnerability, and cognitive or translational outcomes. The review treats cerebrovascular endpoints, including cerebral blood flow, cerebrovascular reactivity, endothelial function, vascular compliance, and neurovascular coupling, as primary mechanistic anchors because they are closely related to vascular cognitive vulnerability and are more proximal to biological adaptation than cognitive test scores alone. Immune–inflammatory markers, blood–brain barrier-related indicators, myokines, neurotrophic factors, and exercise-induced circulating factors are considered supportive endpoints because they may clarify broader biological responsiveness when selected according to a clear hypothesis. The review also considers how exercise modality, delivered dose, adherence, baseline fitness, vascular risk, cognitive status, sex, comorbidity, and recovery capacity may shape responder heterogeneity. The purpose of this review is to develop a mechanism-informed framework for interpreting exercise–cognition studies in aging by aligning the delivered exercise stimulus, participant vulnerability, biological responsiveness, and cognitive or translational outcomes. Based on this synthesis, we propose a five-layer endpoint framework that positions cerebrovascular measures as primary mechanistic anchors and supportive biological markers as hypothesis-dependent contextual endpoints. Its distinct contribution is to integrate these elements within a single interpretive structure rather than considering exercise exposure, biological responses, participant characteristics, and cognitive outcomes as separate domains. Rather than serving as a clinical prescription model or formal reporting guideline, the framework is intended to improve hypothesis–endpoint alignment and the mechanistic interpretation of exercise–cognition studies in aging. Full article

Phishing attacks exploit human vulnerabilities through social engineering techniques; therefore, a multidimensional framework integrating personality and cognition is crucial for tailoring personalized defenses against phishing threats. To prevent phishing attacks, focusing on psychological mechanisms has become the primary approach to address the human-centric nature of these threats. In response, we propose an integrated framework that synthesizes dimensions from the Five-Factor Model (FFM) and the Myers–Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI), grounded in Dual Process Theory to explore the cognitive drivers underlying decision-making under threat. To operationalize this framework, we developed a decision tree classifier to quantify the predictive significance of various personality traits and their hierarchical interactions. The results indicate that the personality types associated with the highest phishing risk profiles are ENFP, ESFP, ESTP, and ENFJ. These hierarchical classification results are projected onto the C.O.R.E. Quadrant (Cognition Orientation Risk Evaluation Quadrant) which enables the systematic representation of risk patterns across all 16 personality types. By providing a structured visualization of personality-driven risk patterns, the C.O.R.E. Quadrant offers a practical foundation for developing personalized defense mechanisms and tailored cybersecurity training strategies, moving beyond one-size-fits-all security protocols. Full article

Aim: While voluntary Islamic intermittent fasting (IF) of three consecutive days (mimicking practices such as Ayyam al-Bid) may be observed by Muslim athletes, its short-term effects on cognitive function and sleep quality in adolescent team-sport athletes remain unexamined. This study investigated the impact of three successive days of dawn-to-sunset IF on memory, attention, psychomotor vigilance, and subjective sleep quality in young male soccer players. Methods: A quasi-experimental, parallel-group design was employed. Thirty-five male soccer players (age: 15.6 ± 0.8 years; body mass: 55.07 ± 6.53 kg) were allocated to an IF group (n = 17) or a non-fasting control group (n = 18). The fasting protocol comprised approximately 14 consecutive hours of complete food and fluid abstinence per day (from 04:40 to 18:36, with daily variations of −3 min for the dawn and +2 min for the sunset, local time). Cognitive function was assessed using the CogniFit Cognitive Assessment Battery (CAB) and the Psychomotor Vigilance Test (PVT), and subjective well-being was quantified via the Hooper Index. Both assessment sessions were conducted between 14:00 and 17:00 to control for diurnal variation. Results: The Group × Time interaction for single-item subjective sleep quality reached nominal significance at the unadjusted threshold (Z = 2.18, p = 0.029, r = 0.37) but did not survive Bonferroni correction for the four Hooper Index comparisons (α = 0.0125); this result is therefore interpreted as hypothesis-generating only, reflecting a within-group deterioration in the control group (p < 0.05) alongside a non-significant marginal improvement in the fasting group. No statistically significant Group × Time interaction was detected for any memory subdomain (all p ≥ 0.419, r ≤ 0.14), attention component (all p > 0.176, r ≤ 0.23), or PVT parameter (all p > 0.192, η²p/r ≤ 0.22) under the present study conditions. Within-group improvements in memory and attention observed in both groups were consistent with test–retest learning effects. Conclusions: No statistically significant Group × Time interaction was detected for memory, attention-related executive functions, or psychomotor vigilance in young male soccer players under the present study conditions; the study was not designed as an equivalence or non-inferiority trial and cannot exclude effects smaller than the targeted medium magnitude, alongside a nominally divergent but statistically uncorrected sleep quality trajectory relative to non-fasting controls, which should be interpreted as hypothesis-generating pending replication. These findings provide preliminary, hypothesis-generating evidence that no statistically significant cognitive or psychomotor impairment was detected under the present study conditions; because the study was not designed as an equivalence or non-inferiority trial, compatibility between short-term voluntary IF and adolescent athletic training cannot be inferred from the absence of a significant interaction alone. Full article

Infertility is a complex health issue that extends beyond biological mechanisms, encompassing significant psychological, relational, and social aspects. Advances in assisted reproductive technologies have improved the chances of conception, yet many couples discontinue treatment due to stress, stigma, and reduced quality of life. This narrative review explores the role of rehabilitation as a complementary approach to conventional fertility care, highlighting psychological, physical, and integrated interventions. Psychological rehabilitation strategies, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness-based interventions, and couple-focused counseling, have been shown to reduce anxiety and depression, improve coping, and, in some cases, support better adherence to fertility treatments. Physical rehabilitation approaches, including pelvic floor muscle training, structured exercise for women with polycystic ovary syndrome, lifestyle and fitness interventions for men, yoga, and sexual rehabilitation, contribute to reproductive health, reduce pain, and enhance intimacy. Integrated models that combine psychological and physical components show the greatest promise, as they address the interaction between stress, physical function, and reproductive outcomes. Overall, the evidence suggests that infertility care should not focus solely on achieving conception. Rehabilitation offers opportunities to strengthen emotional resilience, improve sexual health, and support relationship stability, ensuring that patients benefit not only medically but also in terms of long-term well-being and quality of life. Full article

Background/Objectives: Stroke is a leading cause of long-term disability worldwide and is frequently associated with reduced cardiorespiratory fitness, impaired functional capacity, and cognitive decline. High-intensity interval training (HIIT) has emerged as a promising rehabilitation strategy; however, its effects across multiple domains remain unclear. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effects of HIIT on cardiorespiratory fitness, cognitive function, and functional capacity in adults with stroke. Methods: A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL, and Web of Science up to April 2026. Randomized controlled trials involving HIIT interventions in adults with stroke were included. Outcomes of interest were cardiorespiratory fitness (VO₂peak), functional capacity (gait speed, walking distance, mobility, and balance), and cognitive function. Pooled effect sizes were calculated using a random-effects model. Methodological quality was assessed using the PEDro scale, and risk of bias was evaluated with the Cochrane RoB-2 tool. Results: In total, 17 studies (n = 809 participants) were included, with 12 contributing to the meta-analysis. HIIT significantly improved cardiorespiratory fitness (SMD = −0.849; p = 0.005), gait speed (SMD = 0.693; p = 0.014), walking distance (SMD = 0.604; p < 0.001), functional mobility (SMD = −0.711; p = 0.027), balance (SMD = 2.447; p = 0.002), and cognitive function (SMD = 1.741; p < 0.001). However, substantial heterogeneity was observed across most outcomes. Conclusions: HIIT appears to be an effective intervention for improving cardiorespiratory fitness, functional capacity, and cognitive performance in individuals with stroke. Nevertheless, the variability across studies suggests that its effectiveness is context-dependent. Further research is needed to standardize protocols and determine optimal implementation strategies. Full article

Soccer performance is characterized by high motor and cognitive complexity, resulting from the interaction between, among others, physical and technical components. However, evidence regarding the relationships among physical performance, motor coordination and soccer-specific technical remains limited. Therefore, this cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the associations among these domains in youth soccer players. Forty-nine male U15 participants (age: 14.3 ± 0.5 years) underwent anthropometric assessments, physical fitness testing (10 m, 30 m sprint, CMJ, YYIRT1), a general motor coordination test (Harre Circuit Test), and soccer-specific technical evaluation (F-MARC test battery). Associations among variables were assessed using Spearman correlations and exploratory principal component analysis (PCA) based on a Spearman correlation matrix with oblimin rotation. Significant associations emerged between general motor coordination, physical performance variables, and several soccer-specific technical skills. The PCA identified three partially overlapping components, cumulatively explaining about 70% of the variance, highlighting the multidimensional and interconnected nature of soccer-related performance capacities. General motor coordination demonstrated relevant loadings in both coordinative/technical and physical-performance-oriented domains. These findings suggest that youth soccer performance should not be interpreted through isolated physical or technical characteristics, but rather as the result of interactions among coordinative, neuromuscular, and technical factors. Consequently, multidimensional and individualized training approaches integrating physical, coordinative, and technical stimuli may represent relevant strategies for youth soccer development. Full article

Enterprise systems are widely adopted in organizations, yet user acceptance remains a major challenge due to the complex interplay of cognitive, social, motivational, and innovation-related factors. Existing technology acceptance models often provide fragmented explanations by focusing on limited determinants. This study proposes TAM 4, an exploratory framework integrating constructs from the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT), Hedonic-Motivation System Adoption Model (HMSAM), and Diffusion of Innovation (DOI). The study was conducted in the context of enterprise application usage and professional enterprise system training environments involving organizational users, trainees, and practitioners. Data were collected from 115 enterprise system users (trainees and practitioners). To consolidate overlapping indicators and strengthen construct definition, principal component analysis (PCA) was applied, yielding seven higher-order constructs that explain 81.642% of cumulative variance. The framework was validated using PLS-SEM with three scenario-based structural models (full mediation, partial mediation, and direct effects). The results show that Model 3 provides the best fit and predictive performance (SRMR = 0.048; NFI = 0.786), indicating that enterprise system adoption is better explained through a direct effect structure rather than a purely mediated TAM pathway. The novelty of this study lies in introducing TAM 4 as a PCA-driven multi-theory acceptance model and evaluating its explanatory robustness through multi-scenario model comparison, offering practical insights for improving enterprise system implementation strategies. Full article

Background: Small-sided games (SSG) and running-based high-intensity interval training (HIIT) are commonly used in soccer conditioning to improve aerobic fitness and performance. Although both modalities induce high cardiovascular stress, their acute neuromuscular, perceptual, and cognitive responses remain incompletely understood when examined within the same cohort. This study compared the acute physical, psychophysiological, and cognitive responses to SSG and Tabata-type HIIT in amateur male soccer players. Methods: Thirty-two male amateur players (n = 32; age: 20.53 ± 1.65 years) completed a counterbalanced within-subject crossover design. Participants performed a 4v4 SSG protocol and a running-based Tabata-HIIT protocol (8 × 20 s, 10 s recovery) on separate days (48 h apart). Countermovement jump (CMJ), squat jump (SJ), 20-m sprint, agility t-test, heart rate, perceived exertion (Borg CR-10), mental effort, and cognitive performance (d2 test) were assessed pre- and post-exercise. Parametric variables were analyzed using 2 × 2 repeated-measures ANOVA (time × protocol; η²p), and non-parametric data were analyzed using Friedman and Wilcoxon tests (r) (p < 0.05). Results: Both protocols elicited similar cardiovascular responses (~90% HR_max). A significant protocol × time interaction was observed for CMJ (p < 0.001), showing a decline after Tabata-HIIT, whereas performance was maintained after SSG. No inter-protocol differences were found for SJ, sprint, or agility. Perceived exertion and mental effort during recovery were higher following Tabata-HIIT (p < 0.05). Cognitive performance improved after both protocols (p < 0.001), with no between-protocol differences. Conclusions: Despite comparable cardiovascular load, Tabata-HIIT was associated with greater acute neuromuscular and perceptual strain, whereas SSG preserved neuromuscular performance. Perceptual and mental responses may therefore differ despite similar physiological intensity, which may inform soccer training prescription. Full article

High-fidelity haptic interfaces are widely assumed to enhance virtual reality (VR) training; however, they can trigger a “fidelity paradox” where hardware complexity paradoxically degrades usability. Grounded in Task-Technology Fit (TTF) theory and Hassenzahl’s pragmatic-hedonic quality framework, this study investigates the mechanisms underlying this paradox through a within-subject experiment ($N=70$) in a VR cooking simulation comparing three interface paradigms: VR controllers (VRC), hand tracking (HT), and haptic gloves (HG). Results confirmed that HG’s low task-technology fit—manifested as tracking errors, physical resistance, and increased operational overhead—generated significantly higher extraneous cognitive load (H1) and degraded interaction satisfaction (H2) despite its superior intended sensory resolution. Critically, in the HG condition, pragmatic quality (technical reliability) was identified as the dominant driver of satisfaction, while hedonic quality additions (thermal feedback) did not show a significant independent contribution to satisfaction in the HG condition. Perceived training effectiveness remained above the neutral threshold across all conditions (H3), indicating that content-level TTF is preserved independently of interface-level TTF mismatch. These findings suggest that VR interface design should prioritize “functional sufficiency”—ensuring tools serve as transparent, seamless extensions of the user—over the blind pursuit of sensory maximization. Full article

Portugal’s demographic ageing calls for effective strategies to address mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). However, fragmented evidence on digital tools limits their clinical application. This review aimed to map the landscape of validated digital cognitive rehabilitation platforms in Portugal for older adults with MCI and AD and to analyze their effectiveness, usability, and implementation barriers. Following PRISMA 2020 guidelines, seven studies published between 2015 and 2025 were identified from PubMed, Scopus, and ScienceDirect, complemented by manual searches and platform website analysis. Methodological quality, assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) tools, ranged from 69% to 100%. The included studies evaluated platforms such as the Systemic Lisbon Battery (SLB), Digi&Mind, NeuroVRehab.PT, and the Fit4Alz project. Findings indicate improvements in global cognition, executive functioning, and attention. Multimodal interventions combining digital cognitive training and physical exercise produced more consistent cognitive benefits than isolated approaches. Despite initially low digital literacy among older adults, high adherence and motivation were reported, supported by gamification, user-centred design, and cultural adaptation. Although Portuguese digital platforms show strong potential for cognitive rehabilitation, the evidence base is constrained by methodological heterogeneity, small sample sizes, and short intervention durations. Future research should prioritize long-term follow-up and remote monitoring through telerehabilitation. Full article

Background: The Patient–Reported Outcomes in Parkinson’s Disease (PRO-PD) scale is a 35-item visual analog measure designed to quantify symptom severity across motor and non-motor domains. Developed as a continuous, patient-centered outcome, PRO-PD captures patient-perceived change over time and is suitable for remote longitudinal assessment. This study evaluated the psychometric properties of PRO-PD across two independent datasets, including reliability, validity, factor structure, and minimal clinically important difference (MCID), and assessed its relevance to nutrition- and lifestyle-focused research. Methods: Convergent validity was evaluated in a cross-sectional clinical dataset (n = 46) using established clinician-rated and patient–reported instruments, including Hoehn and Yahr, Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS), Parkinson’s Disease Questionnaire-39 (PDQ-39), Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), and PROMIS measures. Internal consistency, temporal stability, factor structure, and known-groups validity were assessed in a large remote-monitoring cohort (n = 2612). MCID thresholds were estimated in a longitudinal subsample (n = 390) using anchor-based methods, multinomial regression, and receiver operating characteristic analyses. Results: PRO-PD demonstrated strong convergent validity with established clinical measures, excellent internal consistency (Cronbach’s α = 0.93 (95% CI: 0.90–0.96) for Small Data and 0.95 (95% CI: 0.947–0.951) for Big Data”), and good test–retest reliability (ICC = 0.78 overall; 0.89 at 6 months). Confirmatory testing of a previously proposed eight-factor structure showed suboptimal fit, leading to a parsimonious four-factor solution (Neurobehavioral, Autonomic, Motor, Mood/Motivation) explaining 47.6% of variance. PRO-PD scores increased significantly with advancing disease duration and stage. MCID thresholds were +53.5 points for worsening and −78.5 points for improvement (AUC = 0.64 for worsened vs. not worsened; AUC = 0.71 for improved vs. worsened), with greater sensitivity for detecting deterioration than improvement. PRO-PD scores demonstrated sensitivity to patient-perceived symptom change over time, supporting its utility for longitudinal monitoring and potential application in lifestyle-focused intervention research. Conclusions: These findings support PRO-PD as a psychometrically robust outcome measure that can be completed remotely without trained administrators. Full article

With the growth of large language models (LLMs), there are increasing calls to interpret their behavior through the prism of analogies to human cognitive mechanisms. At the same time, scientific literature points to the fundamental limitations of these systems, describing them, among other things, as models that generate a superficial simulation of reasoning without real access to semantic meanings (“stochastic parrots” or “illusion of reasoning”). This paper proposes an innovative, modular benchmark for assessing the cognitive competence of LLMs, integrating three complementary dimensions of language processing: factual, syntactic, and logical. Eight language models (LLama 3.2, Mistral 7B, LLama 3:8B, Gemini 2.5 Flash, ChatGPT-3, ChatGPT-4o mini, ChatGPT-4, and ChatGPT-5) were tested using a uniform procedure with context reset after each interaction and a three-point scoring scheme (0/0.5/1). The results obtained showed a clear advantage for the largest models in tasks based on general knowledge and formal transformations known from training, with a significant decrease in effectiveness, regardless of model size, in tasks requiring conjunctive reasoning based solely on new, local premises. Importantly, unstable but measurable corrective abilities of some models were also observed after feedback, suggesting the presence of reactive mechanisms, but were insufficient to consider them systems capable of cognitive self-reflection. The combined analysis indicates that LLMs effectively simulate syntax and logic rules when the task corresponds to recognizable formal patterns, but fail in situations requiring the construction of new, coherent chains of beliefs and symbolic inferences, which undermines the thesis of their cognitive “understanding”. The results justify the need to create more complex and semantically restrictive evaluation frameworks that will allow distinguishing statistical fit from systemic, multi-stage formal reasoning. The proposed benchmark is a step towards a more multidimensional and diagnostic evaluation of LLMs, shifting the focus from “will the model respond correctly?” to “why and under what conditions is the model able to reason?” Full article

This study investigates how two widely used language-modelled generative AI tools, ChatGPT-5.1 (with DALL·E 3) and Gemini 3 (with Imagen), perform as early-stage co-design partners for biophilic interior design. Focusing on real-world use rather than theoretical capability, the research asks to what extent these systems can generate conceptually robust, visually coherent and practically feasible proposals when designers explicitly request biophilic strategies. A multiple-case design was employed across three scenarios: (1) an empty “tabula rasa” room, (2) a damaged rustic room requiring contextual renovation, and (3) a hospital staff break room to be transformed into a “cognitive restoration sanctuary.” For each case, both tools were prompted to produce a step-by-step biophilic design plan and a corresponding photorealistic image. Textual outputs were coded against the 14 Patterns of Biophilic Design and related restorative concepts, while images were evaluated by an expert panel of 15 architects with formal training in biophilic design using a structured Likert-scale instrument. Exterior and building-scale applications were not assessed. Results show that both systems can articulate broadly plausible biophilic strategies but differ in emphasis: ChatGPT tends to produce more spatially coherent, pattern-rich and functionally grounded plans, whereas Gemini excels more in visual realism and atmospheric rendering. Expert ratings indicate a consistent, though not overwhelming, preference for ChatGPT in spatial composition, human-spatial responses, contextual fit, and strategic support for cognitive restoration, with a slight advantage for Gemini in visual realism. Across all cases, however, plan-to-image fidelity is limited, particularly for non-visual and operational patterns (e.g., sound, scent, thermal variability, circadian systems, infrastructure access). The findings suggest that current generative AI tools are best positioned as fast, co-creative aides for early exploration of biophilic ideas, rather than as reliable autonomous consultants for evidence-based, cognitively targeted biophilic design. Full article

Fibromyalgia is a complex chronic disorder involving persistent widespread pain accompanied by functional limitations, cognitive impairments, and alterations in neural processing. Previous research indicates that exercise-based interventions can play a key role in alleviating symptom burden and enhancing physical performance; however, there is limited evidence regarding their impact on neurophysiological mechanisms. Creative dance, in combination with strength training, may stimulate both motor and cognitive systems, promoting brain plasticity and functional improvements. This study will analyze the effects of a six-week strength and creative dance program on physical fitness under single- and dual-task conditions in women with fibromyalgia and will explore the associated changes in brain electrical activity and autonomic modulation. Methods: This randomized controlled trial will be divided into an exercise group (n = 22) and a control group (n = 22). The 6-week supervised intervention consists of two 60-min sessions per week, combining strength exercises and creative dance. Primary outcomes include physical fitness tests (strength, mobility, balance, and agility gait test in single-task and dual-task), fibromyalgia symptoms, and quality of life. Secondary outcomes include changes in electroencephalography, heart rate variability, physical activity level, and fear of falling. Statistical analyses will compare within- and between-group differences using non-parametric tests and effect sizes. It is hypothesized that the intervention will improve physical fitness and dual-task performance, alongside increases in brain activity power. This study may provide insights into the neurophysiological mechanisms underlying the benefits of exercise benefits in fibromyalgia. Full article

Among domesticated animals, dogs are physically and behaviorally diverse. While centuries of breeding for specific traits accounts for many of these differences, myriad factors influence variation in cognitive and physical abilities among individual dogs. Here, we investigate whether training for nose work-type sports affects dog executive function and physical fitness in both dogs and their human companions. Given the demands of such training, we hypothesized that dogs and people who participate in nose work would have higher physical fitness, and the dogs would have advanced executive function compared to those that do not do the sport. Twenty-six dogs and seventeen human companions were recruited for this pilot study. Humans completed a questionnaire that included the Dog Executive Function Scale, information about dog training, and a 7-day physical activity recall. Humans and dogs performed a battery of fitness tests, and dogs completed two cognitive tests. We found that fitness scores did not differ between groups (nose work/non-nose work) in dogs or people, and nose work training associated with higher reported dog executive function scores. Notably, more formal nose work training was associated with less “giving up” in an unsolvable task, implying that training quality may impact task persistence in dogs. Full article