Search Results (4,270)

Background/Objectives: Dynapenia, characterized by an age-related decline in muscle strength, has recently gained attention as a major public health concern. While prior studies identified individual risk factors, little is known about how these factors cluster differently by sex. This study investigated sex-specific risk factors and their combinations associated with dynapenia among Korean middle-aged and older adults. Methods: We analyzed 22,850 participants aged ≥ 40 years from the 2014–2019 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Dynapenia was defined as handgrip strength < 28 kg in men and <18 kg in women. Sex-stratified multivariable logistic regression identified independent predictors, and association rule mining (ARM) detected synergistic risk factor combinations. Results: Dynapenia was more prevalent in women (13.9%) than in men (8.5%). Advancing age, physical inactivity, lack of resistance exercise, and a high incidence of diabetes and stroke were consistent risk factors in both sexes. However, ARM revealed distinct clustering patterns: behavioral factors predominated in men, whereas socioeconomic disadvantage and metabolic comorbidities were more relevant in women with dynapenia. Conclusions: These findings emphasize the need for sex-specific prevention strategies for dynapenia, promoting resistance exercise among men and addressing both inactivity and socioeconomic barriers in women. Full article

Objective: To investigate whether prolonged Sanda combat experience improves cognitive–motor control via neuro-cardiac coupling. Methods: Nineteen national-level Sanda athletes and nineteen matched controls completed a color-word Stroop task while concurrent EEG and ECG were recorded. The conflict adaptation effect (CAE), which refers to the ability to adjust cognitive control in response to conflicting stimuli, was compared between groups, along with P600 and LSP amplitudes and heart rate variability (RMSSD, HF); mediation analysis examined vagal recovery as a pathway. Results: Athletes responded faster and showed a larger CAE than controls (p < 0.001). ERP analyses revealed larger CAE-related P600 and LSP amplitudes in athletes (p < 0.05), with LSP amplitude inversely correlating with behavioral CAE (p < 0.05). Post-task vagal rebound (ΔRMSSD and ΔHF) was significantly greater in athletes (p < 0.05), and ΔRMSSD positively correlated with CAE (p < 0.05). Mediation analysis confirmed that vagal recovery partially mediated the association between Sanda experience and improved cognitive–motor control (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Sanda training enhances cognitive–motor control by accelerating parasympathetic recovery and optimizing neural conflict processing, providing evidence for an integrated exercise–cognition–autonomic nervous system coupling model. Full article

Background/Objectives: Sarcopenia is an age-related condition marked by a progressive decline in muscle mass, weakened strength, and decreased physical performance in the elderly. Methods: In this research, we used D-galactose (D-gal)-induced 8-week-old male C57BL/6J mice to establish a sarcopenia model. This model was utilized to investigate the effect and potential mechanism of α-ketoglutaric acid (AKG), a key intermediate of the tricarboxylic acid cycle, on sarcopenia. Results: Our findings demonstrated that AKG significantly ameliorated muscle mass, exercise endurance, grip strength, and cold tolerance in D-gal-induced aging mice. AKG could regulate protein homeostasis, thereby enhancing the protein composition and size of myofibers in D-gal-induced aging mice. Additionally, AKG enhanced SOD activity in the skeletal muscle of D-gal-induced aging mice and scavenged reactive oxygen species (ROS) by activating the SIRT1/PGC-1α/Nrf2 pathway, thereby improving mitochondrial function. Conclusions: In conclusion, AKG combated sarcopenia by regulating protein homeostasis and optimizing mitochondrial function in skeletal muscle. This study provides a scientific foundation for developing therapeutic interventions using AKG to target muscle aging. Full article

Background/Objectives: Lifestyle-related diseases such as obesity, diabetes, hypertension, metabolic syndrome, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and osteoarthritis disproportionately affect women due to hormonal, metabolic, and socio-cultural factors. Emerging evidence suggests that combining structured exercise with nano-curcumin, a bioavailable phytochemical formulation with potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, may provide synergistic benefits. This scoping review systematically synthesizes available evidence on the combined effects of nano-curcumin supplementation and exercise interventions on health outcomes in women with lifestyle-related diseases. Methods: Following the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology and the PRISMA-ScR framework, a comprehensive database search was conducted in March 2025 and updated in June 2025. Records were retrieved from Scopus (n = 30), Web of Science (n = 22), PubMed (n = 18), and other sources (n = 71), yielding a total of 141 studies. After screening and deduplication, eight studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in this review. All the studies were conducted in Iran with small sample sizes (12–53 participants) and short intervention durations (6–16 weeks). Therefore, the current evidence is geographically and demographically limited. Results: Across the included trials, the combined interventions produced additive or synergistic improvements in oxidative stress markers, inflammatory cytokines, lipid and glucose metabolism, cardiovascular function, pulmonary capacity, muscle fitness, and psychological outcomes (e.g., depression). When paired with nano-curcumin supplementation at different concentrations, high-intensity interval training, aerobic exercise, Pilates, and resistance training consistently outperformed exercise or supplementation alone in modulating antioxidant defenses, reducing systemic inflammation, and improving metabolic risk factors. Conclusions: The integration of exercise and nano-curcumin supplementation appears to confer superior benefits for women with lifestyle-related diseases compared with either approach alone. These findings highlight the potential of combining phytochemicals with lifestyle interventions to optimize women’s health outcomes. However, most available evidence originates from small, short-term studies in single geographic regions. Large-scale, multicenter, randomized controlled trials with diverse populations are warranted to establish standardized protocols and optimal dosing strategies, and to assess long-term safety and efficacy. Full article

Background: Sarcopenia, characterized by loss of muscle mass, strength, and function, reduces independence and quality of life in older adults. Strength exercise (STR) mitigates these age-related declines, but evidence of short-term effectiveness remains limited. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of eight weeks of STR on body composition, muscle strength, and psycho-emotional state in community-dwelling elderly women. Methods: A prospective, controlled, non-randomized study included 44 women assigned to an STR (n = 20) or control (CON, n = 22) group. The STR group performed supervised exercise twice weekly for eight weeks. The outcomes were body composition, handgrip strength (HGS), quadriceps (Q) and hamstrings (H) strength, and perceived stress (PSS-10), assessed at baseline and after intervention. Within-group changes were analyzed using paired t-tests, and between-group differences were evaluated using analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) adjusted for baseline values. Results: After baseline adjustment, body mass (p = 0.041, partial η² = 0.103), BMI (body mass index, p = 0.030, partial η² = 0.115), and body fat percentage (p = 0.047, partial η² = 0.098) were significantly reduced in the STR group. Significant improvements were observed for H strength in both legs (p < 0.05, partial η² = 0.128–0.131), right HGS (p = 0.025, partial η² = 0.122), right HGS:BMI ratio (p = 0.013, partial η² = 0.150), and H:Q ratios on both sides (p < 0.05, partial η² = 0.109–0.118). No significant differences were observed for left-hand grip strength, knee extensor strength, or other body composition variables (p > 0.05). The perceived stress scores were significantly lower in the STR group post-intervention (p = 0.036, partial η² = 0.108). Conclusions: An eight-week supervised strength exercise program was associated with favorable changes in muscle strength, body composition, and psycho-emotional state in elderly women. Full article

Cisplatin is a widely used chemotherapy drug for the treatment of various cancers; however, its clinical use is often accompanied by skeletal muscle atrophy, which not only impacts patients’ physical health but also significantly diminishes their quality of life. The mechanisms underlying cisplatin-induced muscle atrophy are complex and involve a series of molecular biological processes, including oxidative stress, inflammation, protein degradation, and muscle cell apoptosis. Recent studies have suggested that exercise intervention can significantly alleviate cisplatin-induced muscle damage by modulating exercise-induced myokines. Myokines, such as muscle-derived cytokines (e.g., IL-6, irisin) and other related factors, can mitigate muscle atrophy through anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, and muscle-synthesis-promoting mechanisms. This review explores the molecular mechanisms of cisplatin-induced skeletal muscle atrophy, examines the potential protective effects of exercise intervention, and highlights the role of exercise-induced myokines in this process. The findings suggest that exercise not only alleviates chemotherapy-induced muscle atrophy by improving metabolic and immune status but also activates myokines to promote muscle regeneration and repair, offering a promising adjunctive therapy for cisplatin-treated patients. Full article

Background/Objectives: Exercise capacity and patient prognosis are heavily influenced by comorbidities. However, the specific impact of individual comorbid conditions on objective measures of exercise performance remains insufficiently characterized. The study aimed to identify predictors of reduced physical capacity in patients qualified for cardiac rehabilitation. Methods: A single-center retrospective analysis was conducted on 518 patients qualified for cardiac rehabilitation. After excluding 51 post-cardiac surgery patients, cardiopulmonary exercise testing data from 425 patients (316 men, median age 63 years) were analyzed. Comorbidities data, peak oxygen uptake (peak VO₂), and the ventilation-to-carbon dioxide output slope (VE/VCO₂ slope) were evaluated. Results: A significantly reduced exercise capacity (peak VO₂ < 70% of the predicted value) was observed in 29.4% of patients, while an increased VE/VCO₂ slope (≥36) was noted in 20.8% of patients. Univariate logistic regression identified sex, heart failure, valvular disease, peripheral artery disease, diabetes mellitus (T2DM), chronic kidney disease (CKD), Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI), left ventricular ejection fraction <50%, diastolic dysfunction, and anemia as predictors of both reduced peak VO₂ and a steeper VE/VCO₂ slope. Multivariate regression analysis further identified T2DM and CKD as independent predictors of reduced peak VO₂, while sex, CKD, and CCI were independent predictors of a steeper VE/VCO₂ slope. Conclusions: Among patients qualified for cardiac rehabilitation, patient’s sex, T2DM, CKD, and the CCI emerged as key predictors of reduced exercise capacity. Reduced peak VO₂ was more commonly observed in men, while women more frequently exhibited a steeper VE/VCO₂ slope, indicating potential sex-related physiological mechanisms influencing exercise performance. Full article

Background: Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (REDs) results from an imbalance between energy intake and expenditure, leading to low energy availability (LEA) and impairments of physiological and/or psychological functions in female and male athletes. While physical determinants of REDs are well documented, psychological factors such as body image (BI) have received comparatively little attention. The aim of this scoping review was to synthesize the current scientific evidence on the relationship between BI and REDs. Methods: A scoping review examined the current literature, including quantitative and qualitative studies. The scoping review was conducted in April 2025 in PubMed, Web of Science, MEDLINE, SPORTDiscus, APA PsycArticles, APA PsycInfo, CINAHL and OpenDissertations. Studies were included if they examined BI aspects in relation to LEA or REDs in a sporting context, regardless of participants’ gender, age, level or sport. Inclusion criteria were based on the Population—Context—Concept (PPC) framework. Results: Seven studies met the inclusion criteria, covering athletes from various ages, genders, sports, and performance levels. Findings indicate that BI dissatisfaction—manifesting, for example, as a drive for thinness or muscularity, exercise dependence, and disordered eating—represents a relevant psychological factor associated with LEA in both female and male athletes. Conclusions: The relationship between BI and REDs is complex and insufficiently explored. Future research should address this link systematically across sports, performance levels, genders, and age groups. In sports medicine practice, screening tools should systematically incorporate psychological risk factors such as BI disturbances to enable early detection, targeted intervention, and prevention of long-term health consequences. Full article

Background: Elevated global temperatures increase the risk of heat-stroke among athletes exercising in hot conditions. Japanese high school baseball tournaments occur during peak summer, raising concerns regarding heat-related health issues. We examined whether the color of footwear and legwear affects lower-limb temperature, exploring approaches to prevent heat-related health problems. Methods: Eight mannequin legs were fitted with shoes, socks, and baseball stirrup socks in white or black combinations. Plantar and shin surface temperatures were recorded for 120 min on both dirt and artificial turf at wet-bulb globe temperatures above 30 °C and compared across color combinations. Reflectance spectra of shin legwear were also measured. Results: Plantar and shin surface temperatures increased under all conditions. On the dirt field, mannequins wearing all-black gear (shoe, sock, and baseball stirrup sock) exhibited plantar temperatures exceeding 45 °C and shin temperatures over 50 °C. The highest shin temperature occurred with the white shoe/black baseball stirrup sock combination. Temperature increases were smaller for all-white items compared with all-black items. Reflectance spectra showed that white baseball stirrup socks strongly reflected both visible and infrared light. Conclusions: Footwear and legwear color significantly influence lower-limb temperature increases during baseball games in summer heat, especially when wearing all-black items. White gear may help prevent heat-related health problems and improve performance in baseball and other outdoor sports. Full article

Emerging evidence highlights extracellular vesicles (EVs), especially exosomes, as critical molecular messengers linking pediatric obesity to multi-organ complications. This scoping review synthesizes current knowledge on EVs-mediated intercellular communication that exacerbates inflammation, insulin resistance, endothelial dysfunction and organ-specific damage. Data demonstrate that adipose- and endothelial-derived EVs carry bioactive cargo, microRNAs, proteins, and lipids, that modulate key pathways driving metabolic derangements and vascular injury, often preceding detectable clinical biomarkers. Notably, maternal obesity influences EVs composition in breast milk, shaping early-life metabolic programming and offspring risk of obesity. Recent studies underscore the diagnostic and therapeutic potential of EVs in obesity-related conditions such as metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD), early renal injury, and cardiovascular dysfunction in children. Furthermore, EVs released in response to exercise or bariatric surgery may mediate systemic metabolic improvements, offering a novel window into personalized interventions. Despite promising findings, standardization of EV isolation and profiling in pediatric research is lacking, and large-scale longitudinal studies are urgently needed. By deepening our understanding of EVs biology, clinicians may advance early detection, risk stratification, and targeted therapies to interrupt the progression from childhood obesity to lifelong metabolic and cardiovascular disease. Full article

Lifestyle-related diseases, such as overweight/obesity, diabetes mellitus type 2 (T2DM), cardiovascular disease, or osteoarthritis, are a major health burden in Western societies. Due to common risk factors, most patients suffer from multimorbidity, i.e., have been diagnosed with more than one of these diseases. Physical activity (PA) is known to have a positive effect on all of these diseases; however, little is known about the effects of PA on patients with multimorbidity. In particular, so far, no reliable biomarkers have been found to predict and monitor the effects of PA-based lifestyle intervention programs on these subjects. Employing a metabolomics approach with dried blood spots, we analyzed the concentrations of different metabolites in subjects with multimorbidity over the course of the lifestyle intervention program MultiPill-Exercise. We found increased concentrations of all tested amino acids (AAs), total carnitine (Cx), and short- (C2-C6) and long- (>C12) chain acylcarnitines (ACs) after 12 weeks (t1) and/or 24 weeks (t2) of intervention. When correlating baseline (t0) metabolite concentrations with changes in physiological and clinical parameters, we observed associations of various metabolite concentrations with changes in metabolic and cardiovascular parameters. When analyzing metabolite acute reactions in response to exhaustive exercise (ergometer test), however, few overall changes were observed. Nevertheless, a significant negative correlation was found between the mobilization of medium-chain acylcarnitines (MC-ACs) at t2 and changes in peak power output (PPO) between t0 and t2. Taken together, these data suggest that specific AAs and ACs might be candidate biomarkers to predict and monitor the effects of PA-based lifestyle intervention programs in subjects with multimorbidity, a hypothesis that should be further tested in larger cohorts. Full article

Background/Objectives: Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is a three-dimensional deformity of the spine that can negatively impact on quality of life, pulmonary function, and body image. Its conservative management includes various interventions, among which the Schroth method stands out. This approach is based on three-dimensional corrective exercises and rotational breathing. This review aimed to analyze the effectiveness of the Schroth method, applied either alone or in combination with other conservative therapies, on variables such as Cobb angle, angle of trunk rotation (ATR), pulmonary function, and health-related quality of life in patients with AIS. Methods: A scientific literature search was conducted using the PubMed database. We searched for randomized controlling trials (RCTs), systematic reviews, and meta-analyses reported in English from 2020 to 2025. Different combinations of the terms and MeSH terms “adolescent”, “idiopathic”, “scoliosis”, and “Schroth” connected with various Boolean operators. Results: Overall, 82 articles were reviewed from the selected database. After removing duplicated papers and title/abstract screening, 13 studies were included in our review. The results showed that the Schroth method proved effective in reducing the Cobb angle and ATR, particularly in patients with mild curves and in early stages of skeletal growth. Improvements were also observed in health-related quality of life and aesthetic perception, and to a lesser extent, in pulmonary function. Moreover, therapeutic adherence and treatment continuity were important to maintaining long-term benefits. Conclusions: The Schroth method could be an effective treatment associated with orthopedic treatment, yielding satisfactory results. Its implementation requires structured programs, professional supervision, and strategies to enhance therapeutic adherence. Nevertheless, to validate its long-term effectiveness, we need more homogeneous studies with longer follow-up durations. Full article

Background/Objectives: Self-perceptions in childhood shape motivation, behavior, and well-being; however, their relationship to motor competence and physical fitness remains unclear. We tested whether physical fitness mediates the association between motor competence and domain-specific self-perceptions in middle childhood. Methods: In a school-based sample of 100 ten-year-olds (59 girls, 41 boys; 3 exclusions ≤ 5th MABC-2 percentile), children completed MABC-2 (motor competence), EUROFIT (physical fitness), and SPPC (self-perceptions). Principal component analysis of the nine EUROFIT tests yielded two factors: Motor Fitness (agility/endurance/flexibility/muscular endurance) and Strength/Size (handgrip and BMI). Parallel mediation models (MABC-2 → [Motor Fitness, Strength/Size] → SPPC) were estimated with maximum likelihood and 5000 bias-corrected bootstrap resamples. Benjamini–Hochberg FDR (q = 0.05) was applied within each path family across the six SPPC domains. Results: In baseline models (no covariates), Motor Fitness → Athletic Competence was significant after FDR (β = 0.263, p = 0.003, FDR p = 0.018). Associations with Scholastic (β = 0.217, p = 0.039, FDR p = 0.090) and Social (β = 0.212, p = 0.046, FDR p = 0.090) were positive but did not meet the FDR threshold. Strength/Size showed no associations with any SPPC domain. Direct effects from MABC-2 to SPPC were non-significant. Indirect effects via Motor Fitness were minor and not supported after FDR (e.g., Athletic: β = 0.067, p = 0.106, 95% CI [0.007, 0.174], FDR p = 0.251). In BMIz-adjusted sensitivity models, Motor Fitness remained significantly related to Athletic (β = 0.285, p = 0.008, FDR p = 0.035), Scholastic (β = 0.252, p = 0.018, FDR p = 0.035), and Social (β = 0.257, p = 0.015, FDR p = 0.035); MABC-2 → Motor Fitness was β = 0.235, p = 0.020. Some paths reached unadjusted significance but were not significant after FDR correction (all FDR p-values = 0.120 for indirect effects). Conclusions: Functional Motor Fitness, but not Strength/Size, showed small-to-moderate, domain-specific links with children’s Athletic (and, when adjusting for adiposity, Scholastic/Social) self-perceptions; mediated effects were small and not FDR-supported. Findings highlight the salience of visible, functional performances (e.g., agility/endurance tasks) for children’s self-views and support PE approaches that foster diverse motor skills and motor fitness. Because the study is cross-sectional and BMI-adjusted analyses are presented as robustness checks, caution should be exercised when interpreting the results causally. Full article

Background: Physical activity provides substantial survival and quality-of-life benefits for cancer survivors, yet participation remains suboptimal globally, particularly in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) regions. This study represents the first comprehensive examination of physical activity barriers and facilitators among Tunisian cancer survivors. Methods: This cross-sectional study recruited 120 cancer survivors ≥3 months post-chemotherapy completion from University Hospital Farhat Hached, Sousse, Tunisia (October–December 2024). Participants completed validated questionnaires via structured telephone interviews: the International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short Form (IPAQ-SF), the Physical Activity Barriers After Cancer scale (PABAC), the Fatigue Assessment Scale (FAS), and the Patient Activation Measure (PAM-13). Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis, correlation analyses, and multivariable regression modeling with Bonferroni correction for multiple comparisons. Results: Participants (mean age 51.89 ± 10.2 years, 73.9% female) demonstrated significant physical activity declines post-chemotherapy: moderate activity decreased from 31.1% to 1.7% (p < 0.001), median intensity declined from 297 to 44 MET-min/week (p < 0.001). Mean PABAC score was 29.72 ± 5.13, with cognitive barriers predominating (2.85 ± 0.58). Fatigue was universal (100%), with 21% reporting severe fatigue (FAS ≥ 35). Only 26.1% received exercise guidance from healthcare professionals. PABAC demonstrated excellent predictive performance for physical inactivity (AUC = 0.805, 95%CI: 0.724–0.887). Independent predictors of higher barriers included fatigue severity (β = 0.466, p < 0.001), low patient activation (β = −0.091, p = 0.010), and advanced cancer stage (β = 1.932, p = 0.008). Conclusions: Tunisian cancer survivors experience substantial, multidimensional barriers to physical activity, with inadequate healthcare guidance representing a critical system-level gap. Findings support the development of culturally adapted, multidisciplinary interventions that target modifiable cognitive and symptom-related barriers, while enhancing patient activation and healthcare provider engagement. Full article

Background: The clinical characteristics of sarcopenia, including low muscular strength, are commonly seen among people with multiple myeloma. A scoping review was conducted to explore the role of exercise as a potential countermeasure for sarcopenia in this population. Our objectives were to (1) describe the design and findings of the studies and (2) identify the outcomes used in exercise-related studies to characterize sarcopenia. Methods: A systematic search (to March 2025) was conducted for published studies involving exercise or physical activity for individuals with multiple myeloma using key databases (MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, Scopus). Results: Of 971 articles reviewed, 12 articles were included, involving 967 total participants and 624 with multiple myeloma. All 12 studies included a measure for muscle physical performance, 9 studies included measures for muscular strength, and 7 studies included measures for muscle quantity/quality. Five studies reported a significant improvement from exercise for measures of muscular strength, four studies reported a significant benefit for physical performance, and three studies reported a benefit in muscle quantity. Few studies included outcomes that met all the international criteria recommended to characterize sarcopenia. Conclusions: Further multicentre research trials are needed to better understand whether and how exercise may be helpful for people with multiple myeloma, especially in the context of sarcopenia. Full article