Search Results (57)

Background: Oral health (OH) seems to be relevant for the number of sick and injured days (NSID), missing matches (MM) and secondarily for the physical performance (PP). Aim: The objective was to clarify possible associations between OH, NSID, and PP for elite soccer players. Methods: Thirty-nine male athletes (age: 24.6 ± 4.2 years, age range: 17–34 years) from a third league professional soccer team were examined concerning several dental parameters (decayed, missing, and filled teeth, DMFT; periodontal screening index, PSI; approximal plaque index, API; papillary bleeding index, PBI) and PP parameters. The PP diagnostic contains grip strength, posturography, jump and sprint tests, and an endurance test on treadmill. Furthermore, the number of sick and injured days and missing matches was collected and assessed over four seasons. Results: We could not find any relevant (r > 0.7) correlations between sick and injured days or missing matches and variables of different dimensions (OH, PP). The soccer players showed a remarkable level of oral health (missing teeth, MT: 0.18 ± 0.56), jumping performance (44.5 ± 5.42 cm), and grip strength (53.7 ± 7.02 kg). The endurance capacity (velocity at 4 mmol/L lactate threshold, v4: 14.9 ± 1.11 km/h) was on an average level, whereas the levels of postural stability (stability indicator, ST: 20.0 ± 4.55) and sprinting performance (10 m sprint: 1.79 ± 0.09 s) were comparatively low. Only five players (13%) reported that oral health had ever had a negative impact on his physical performance. Two players (5%) reported currently tooth pain and six players (15%) bleeding gums or grinding teeth. Conclusions: Based on the high level of dental health, it was difficult to prove any relationships between OH and the NSID/MM or PP. Nevertheless, it seems that young soccer players benefit particularly from improved oral health programs. The excellent dental care appears to have a positive effect on general health and physical performance in soccer. Full article

To investigate the characteristic pressure distribution patterns when gripping ski poles during skiing, this study addresses the challenges of measuring grip force on the complex curved surfaces of ski poles. A dataset of experimental samples was established, and grip force data were extracted using deep neural network (DNN) training. To reduce errors caused by dynamic force distribution and domain shifts due to varying hand postures, a hybrid method combining deep neural networks with the bio-inspired Gray Wolf Optimization (GWO) algorithm was proposed. This approach enables the fusion of hand-related feature data, facilitating the development of a high-precision grip force prediction model for skiing. A multi-point flexible array sensor was selected to detect force at key contact points. Through system calibration, grip force data were collected and used to construct a comprehensive database. A backpropagation (BP) neural network was then developed to process the sensor data at these characteristic points using deep learning techniques. The data fusion model was trained and further optimized through the GWO-BPNN (Gray Wolf Optimizer–backpropagation neural network) algorithm, which focuses on correcting and classifying force data based on dominant force-bearing units. Experimental results show that the optimized model achieves a relative error of less than 2% compared to calibration experiments, significantly improving the accuracy of flexible sensor applications. This model has been successfully applied to the development of intelligent skiing gloves, offering a scientific foundation for performance guidance and evaluation in skiing sports. Full article

This study presents a soft exoskeleton system designed to enhance the safety of electrical maintenance personnel during tower climbing by augmenting the hand grip and providing fall prevention assistance. Inspired by biological principles, a compact, stroke-amplified, and fast-response actuator based on a spring energy storage–release mechanism was developed and evaluated through tensile and speed tests, demonstrating sufficient locking force and a fast response time of 37.5 ms. A dual-sensing module integrating pressure and flexible bending sensors was designed to detect grasping states in real time. System effectiveness was further validated through functional electrical stimulation (FES) and simulated climbing experiments. FES tests confirmed the system’s ability to maintain grasp posture under involuntary hand extension, while climbing experiments verified consistent and reliable transitions between locking and unlocking during movement. Although preliminary, these results suggest that integrating soft exoskeletons with rapid-response actuators offers a promising solution for improving grip stability and operational safety in high-risk vertical environments. Full article

Skeletal muscle, constituting 40–50% of total body mass, is vital for mobility, posture, and systemic homeostasis. Muscle contraction heavily relies on ATP, primarily generated by mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation. Mitochondria play a key role in decoding intracellular calcium signals. The endocannabinoid system (ECS), including CB₁ receptors (CB₁Rs), broadly influences physiological processes and, in muscles, regulates functions like energy metabolism, development, and repair. While plasma membrane CB₁Rs (pCB₁Rs) are well-established, a distinct mitochondrial CB₁R (mtCB₁R) population also exists in muscles, influencing mitochondrial oxidative activity and quality control. We investigated the role of mtCB₁Rs in skeletal muscle physiology using a novel systemic mitochondrial CB₁ deletion murine model. Our in vivo studies showed no changes in motor function, coordination, or grip strength in mtCB₁ knockout mice. However, in vitro force measurements revealed significantly reduced specific force in both fast-twitch (EDL) and slow-twitch (SOL) muscles following mtCB₁R ablation. Interestingly, knockout EDL muscles exhibited hypertrophy, suggesting a compensatory response to reduced force quality. Electron microscopy revealed significant mitochondrial morphological abnormalities, including enlargement and irregular shapes, correlating with these functional deficits. High-resolution respirometry further demonstrated impaired mitochondrial respiration, with reduced oxidative phosphorylation and electron transport system capacities in knockout mitochondria. Crucially, mitochondrial membrane potential dissipated faster in mtCB₁ knockout muscle fibers, whilst mitochondrial calcium levels were higher at rest. These findings collectively establish that mtCB₁Rs are critical for maintaining mitochondrial health and function, directly impacting muscle energy production and contractile performance. Our results provide new insights into ECS-mediated regulation of skeletal muscle function and open therapeutic opportunities for muscle disorders and aging. Full article

Background/Objectives: Children with DS are at an increased risk of obesity and impaired motor performance. This study aimed to compare body composition and motor performance in children with DS and typically developing (TD) peers and to explore associations between adiposity and motor function. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 42 children aged 6–12 years (23 DS, 19 TD). Body composition was assessed using bioelectrical impedance analysis. Postural stability was evaluated with the Pediatric Balance Scale; hand grip strength with hand dynamometry; physical activity with the PAQ-C; and aerobic endurance with the YMCA 3 min step test. Results: Children with DS exhibited significantly higher adiposity and lower motor performance than their TD peers. In the DS group, body fat mass was negatively correlated with physical activity (r = –0.499, p = 0.018), balance (r = –0.684, p < 0.001), and aerobic endurance (r = –0.389, p < 0.073). Regression analysis identified physical activity and fitness level as significant predictors of BMI in children with DS (R² = 0.825). Conclusions: Children with DS exhibit higher adiposity and inferior motor performance compared to their TD peers, with strong associations between adiposity and reduced physical activity, balance, and aerobic endurance. These findings underscore the importance of early targeted interventions to improve health outcomes in children with DS, particularly in regions like Saudi Arabia, where prevalence is high. Full article

Background: Dentists are at an increased risk of developing musculoskeletal disorders, particularly carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), due to repetitive hand movements, awkward postures, and sustained grip forces. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and risk factors of self-reported wrist and hand symptoms and clinically relevant CTS indicators among dentists in Jordan. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 201 licensed dentists in Jordan. Participants completed demographic questionnaires and the Valid Arabic version Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire (BCTQ) to assess their symptom severity and hand function. Data was analyzed using STATA version 17, applying descriptive statistics, chi-squared tests, t-tests, ANOVA, and multivariable linear regression to evaluate association between sociodemographic factors and BCTQ scores. Results: Of the 201 participants, 64.2% were female and 35.8% were male. Female dentists were significantly younger (median age 31 vs. 39 years, p < 0.001), reported higher symptom severity (median score 18.0 vs. 16.0, p = 0.019), and experienced greater functional limitations (median score 15 vs. 9, p < 0.001) than male dentists. The overall mean symptom severity score was 19.12 (SD = 7.82), and the functional impairment score was 14.20 (SD = 6.37), indicating mild pain and functional limitation. Multivariable regression revealed that male sex was associated with significantly lower symptom scores (β = 0.7, p = 0.001) and better function (β = 0.722, p = 0.002). Geographic location, higher education level (PhD), and full-time employment were associated with higher symptom scores in the study. Conclusions: Wrist and hand symptoms are prevalent among dentists in Jordan, with significant sex differences in symptom severity and functional impairment. Geographic location, academic degree, and working hours were significant predictors of CTS-related symptoms. These findings underscore the need for ergonomic interventions and targeted preventive strategies, especially for high-risk groups, such as female and full-time practitioners. Full article

In response to the global labor shortage in the pear industry, the use of robots for harvesting has become an inevitable trend. Developing pear harvesting robots for orchard operations is of significant importance. This paper systematically reviews the progress of three key technologies in pear harvesting robotics: Firstly, in the field of recognition technology, traditional methods are limited by sensitivity to lighting conditions and occlusion errors. In contrast, deep learning models, such as the optimized YOLO series and two-stage architectures, significantly enhance robustness in complex scenes and improve handling of overlapping fruits. Secondly, positioning technology has advanced from 2D pixel coordinate acquisition to 3D spatial reconstruction, with the integration of posture estimation (binocular vision + IMU) addressing occlusion issues. Finally, the end effector is categorized based on harvesting mechanisms: gripping–twisting, shearing, and adsorption (vacuum negative pressure). However, challenges such as fruit skin damage and positioning bottlenecks remain. The current technologies still face three major challenges: low harvesting efficiency, high fruit damage rates, and high equipment costs. In the future, breakthroughs are expected through the integration of agricultural machinery and agronomy (standardized planting), multi-arm collaborative operation, lightweight algorithms, and 5G cloud computing. Full article

Background/Objectives: Frailty is a multidimensional syndrome characterized by diminished physiological reserves, reduced mobility, and increased fall risk. While clinical assessments are commonly used to screen for frailty, they may not capture minor deficits in postural control. Center-of-pressure (CoP) metrics from force plates provide objective markers of postural control, yet their role in frailty screening remains underexplored. This study aimed to investigate the associations between functional performance measures and CoP-based metrics to identify predictors of frailty among older adults. Methods: Eighty-three adults aged ≥ 55 years with a history of falls were classified as frail or pre-frail based on modified Fried criteria. Functional assessments (Timed Up and Go (TUG), grip strength, Berg Balance Scale [BBS], Falls Efficacy Scale [FES]) and CoP metrics (mean velocity, sway path; eyes open/closed) were evaluated. Both unadjusted and age-adjusted logistic regression models were used to identify independent predictors of frailty. Results: Increased TUG time and number of falls were the strongest risk factors for frailty, while increased sway path and CoP velocity were protective. In particular, sway path under eyes-closed conditions showed the strongest protective association (OR = 0.323, p < 0.001). Additionally, fear of falling (OR = 1.078, p = 0.013) emerged as a significant psychological factor, consistently associated with increased frailty risk regardless of physical performance. Correlation analysis supported these findings, showing that better functional performance was linked to lower frailty risk. Conclusions: CoP sway path and mean velocity independently predict frailty status and offer added value beyond traditional clinical tools. These findings highlight the importance of incorporating instrumented balance assessments into frailty screening to capture nuanced postural control deficits and guide early intervention strategies. Full article

Background: Oral health (OH) has been linked to overall health status and common physical performance (PP). Aim: The objective was to compare the OH and PP of two third league professional team players from different sports (soccer, ice hockey). Methods: Twenty-nine professional soccer players (mean ± standard deviation; age: 24.3 ± 4.1 years) and twenty-one ice hockey players (age: 27.7 ± 3.6 years) were investigated regarding several dental scores (DMFT, PSI, API, PBI) by one calibrated examiner. The PP diagnostic includes measurement of grip strength as well as postural stability and regulation using posturography. Results: Concerning dental scores, relevant sport-specific differences for PSI (1 vs. 2; p < 0.001), API (29 vs. 48; p = 0.001), and PBI (14 vs. 42; p < 0.001) in favor of soccer players were found. Ice hockey players reported significantly more tension of the temporomandibular joint (p = 0.004) and showed lower readiness for regular check-ups (p < 0.001) and additional oral hygiene (p = 0.045). In contrast, ice hockey players were more balanced and displayed a higher level of weight distribution (p < 0.001), especially in the anterior-posterior direction (p = 0.002). Conclusions: Based on more intensive oral hygiene and dental care, the investigated professional soccer players showed partially better OH conditions compared to the ice hockey players examined. In summary, the OH and PP results reflect the different sport-specific requirements and related training impacts on athletes. Full article

This systematic review, conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines and registered in PROSPERO (CRD42024619693), aimed to evaluate the effects of physical exercise interventions on muscle function and fall risk in older adults with and without sarcopenia. Methods: A comprehensive search of PubMed and Web of Science databases identified 11 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published between 2015 and 2025. A total of 792 participants (mean age 75.13 ± 4.71 years; 65.53% women, 34.47% men) were included. Interventions varied in type—strength, balance, aerobic, and multi-component programs—with a minimum duration of 8 weeks. Results: The reviewed studies showed that physical exercise interventions significantly improved neuromuscular function, physical performance, and postural control in older adults. Positive effects were observed in gait speed, stair-climbing ability, grip strength, muscle mass, and bone density. Specific modalities such as Tai Chi improved postural control and neuromuscular response; dynamic resistance and functional training increased muscle strength and improved posture; Nordic walking reduced postural sway; and multi-component and combined walking-resistance training enhanced mobility and force efficiency. Programs integrating strength and balance components yielded the most consistent benefits. However, reporting on FITT (Frequency, Intensity, Time, Type) principles was limited across studies. Conclusions: Exercise interventions are effective in improving neuromuscular outcomes and reducing fall risk in older adults, both with and without sarcopenia. The findings support the need for tailored, well-structured programs and greater methodological standardization in future research to facilitate broader clinical application and maximize health outcomes. Full article

To address issues such as leaf occlusion, misalignment of the harvesting robotic arm, and limited harvesting range in hillside chili fields, this paper designs an intelligent harvesting system based on 3D point cloud reconstruction and multi-mechanism collaborative leveling. The system integrates real-time data from a LiDAR and IMU inertial navigation system to reconstruct the chili point cloud occluded by leaves from multiple perspectives. To address issues such as misalignment of the robotic arm caused by terrain undulations, the system integrates an adaptive leveling platform and an H-shaped planar slide, combined with a gyroscope to dynamically adjust the arm’s posture in real time, ensuring arm stability while expanding its workspace. In addition, to ensure harvesting efficiency and pepper integrity, an integrated cutting–gripping flexible end effector is designed to achieve synchronized cutting and collection operations. The experiment shows that the system achieves recognition accuracy of 81.95% for occluded chili peppers and 89.04% for non-occluded chili peppers. The harvesting success rate is 86.33%, with a single harvesting operation taking 13.17 s. During prolonged operation, the harvesting success rate can be maintained at approximately 85.1%. In summary, the intelligent harvesting system based on 3D point cloud reconstruction and multi-mechanism collaborative leveling provides a feasible solution for automated pepper harvesting. Full article

Uncomfortable smartphone grip postures resulting from inappropriate user interface design can degrade smartphone usability. This study aims to develop a classification model for smartphone grip postures by detecting the positions of the hand and fingers on smartphones using machine learning techniques. Seventy participants (35 males and 35 females with an average of 38.5 ± 12.2 years) with varying hand sizes participated in the smartphone grip posture experiment. The participants performed four tasks (making calls, listening to music, sending text messages, and web browsing) using nine smartphone mock-ups of different sizes, while cameras positioned above and below their hands recorded their usage. A total of 3278 grip posture images were extracted from the recorded videos and were preprocessed using a skin color and hand contour detection model. The grip postures were categorized into seven types, and three models (MobileNetV2, Inception V3, and ResNet-50), along with an ensemble model, were used for classification. The ensemble-based classification model achieved an accuracy of 95.9%, demonstrating higher accuracy than the individual models: MobileNetV2 (90.6%), ResNet-50 (94.2%), and Inception V3 (85.9%). The classification model developed in this study can efficiently analyze grip postures, thereby improving usability in the development of smartphones and other electronic devices. Full article

Ensuring comfort in light mobility is a crucial aspect for supporting individuals’ well-being and safety while driving scooters, riding bicycles, etc. In fact, factors such as the hand grip on the handlebar, positions of the wrist and arm, overall body posture, and affecting vibrations play key roles. Wearable systems offer the ability to noninvasively monitor physiological parameters, such as body temperature and heart rate, aiding in personalized comfort assessment. In this context, user positions while driving or riding are, on the other hand, more challenging to monitor ecologically. Developing effective smart gloves as a support for comfort and movement monitoring introduces technical complexities, particularly in sensor selection and integration. Light and flexible sensors can help in this regard by ensuring reliable sensing and thus addressing the optimization of the comfort for the driver. In this work, a novel wireless smart glove is proposed, integrating four bend sensors, four force-sensitive sensors, and one inertial measurement unit for measuring the finger movements, hand orientation, and the contact force exerted by the hand while grasping the handlebar during driving or riding. The smart glove has been proven to be repeatable (1.7%) and effective, distinguishing between different grasped objects, such as a flask, a handlebar, a tennis ball, and a small box. Additionally, it proved to be a valuable tool for monitoring specific actions while riding bicycles, such as braking, and for optimizing the posture during the ride. Full article

Background/Objectives: Despite widespread use in clinical and athletic settings, validity of handgrip strength (HGS) as a surrogate for maximal strength remains debated, particularly regarding how testing posture influences its predictive value. Moreover, while HGS is frequently considered a marker of ‘total strength’, this term is often vaguely defined, lacking a clear, performance-based framework. Therefore, this study investigates HGS as a potential surrogate measure for one-repetition maximum (1RM) performances in key compound lifts via back squat (BS), bench press (BP), deadlift (DL), and total (TOT), while accounting for variations in testing posture. Methods: Two distinct testing conditions were used to account for postural influences: Experiment 1 implemented high-output standing HGS (HGS_STAND) in 22 recreationally trained males [Wilks Score: 318.51 ± 44.61 au] vs. Experiment 2, which included low-output seated HGS (HGS_SIT) in 22 competitive powerlifters [409.86 ± 46.76 au], with all testing immediately followed by 1RM assessment. Results: Correlational analyses identified the strongest association between HGS_STAND and 1RM DL (r = 0.693, BF₁₀ = 106.42), whereas HGS_SIT exhibited the strongest relationship with 1RM BP (r = 0.732, BF₁₀ = 291.32). Postural effects had a significant impact on HGS outcomes (p < 0.001, η² = 0.413), with HGS_STAND producing higher outputs than HGS_SIT despite lower absolute strength 1RM capabilities. Conclusions: These findings emphasize the role of biomechanical specificity and neuromuscular engagement in grip strength assessments, indicating that HGS can function as a practical surrogate for maximal strength, though its predictive value depends on posture. Strength practitioners, sport scientists, and clinicians should consider these confounding factors when implementing HGS-based monitoring strategies. Full article

The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of 12-week resistance training (RT) on muscle strength, dynamic balance, glycemic control and the lipid profile. Methods: The Laboratory of Movement Studies in the University of São Paulo, Brazil, developed this longitudinal study between 2021 and 2023. It assessed 62 males with type 2 diabetes mellitus pre and post an RT protocol. The participants, who were 69.8 (±3.9) years old, took part in a 12-week twice-weekly RT program. Three sets of eight to twelve repetitions each were executed for eight exercises targeting the large muscle groups. The intensity was set between 7 and 8 out of 10 for perceived effort, according to the Omni Resistance Exercise Scale. All participants were evaluated pre and post in knee extensor and flexor strength by isokinetic dynamometry, handgrip strength by manual dynamometry and dynamic postural balance by a force platform, as well as blood tests to determine the lipid and glycemic profiles. For comparison, paired t or Wilcoxon tests were used at an alpha of 5%. Results: There was an improvement in muscular strength by handgrip restricted to the non-dominant side (p = 0.033) and for the bilateral knee flexors (p < 0.001) and extensors (p < 0.001), as determined by isokinetic dynamometry. There was no improvement in dynamic postural balance, glycemic control or lipid control. Conclusions: The 12-week RT promoted improved muscle strength in knee extension and flexion and non-dominant grip pressure but did not affect dynamic balance, glycemic control or the lipid profile. Full article