Search Results (650)

Background/Objectives: Pauls Stradins Clinical University Hospital in Riga, Latvia, introduced an ECMO program in 2008. Since the program’s start, countless patients have had their lives saved by this necessary technology. Our goal was to review the ECMO program results and gain insight into the organization’s operations. We wanted not only to assess the program’s efficiency in terms of time, but also to visualize patient outcomes at least a month after decannulation from ECMO and discharge from the hospital. Methods: A retrospective observational study was performed using hospital patient data files from October 2024 to October 2025. The selected patient group was those who had suffered an in-hospital cardiac arrest and successfully had ECMO inserted; this criterion fit fifteen patients. Data were collected on multiple factors, including from collapse to flow time, the number of days spent in the ICU, and post-ECMO complications. Afterwards, the data were analyzed to understand the program’s and patients’ outcomes. Results: Of the fifteen patients analyzed, seven did not survive to hospital discharge. The statistically significant quantitative results were the first lactate levels after ECMO cannulation and the first troponin levels after cardiac arrest. In terms of qualitative results, CHF, survival to ECMO decannulation, cannulation failure, and survival to ICU discharge were statistically significant. Conclusions: The ECMO program at Pauls Stradins Clinical University Hospital provides patients with a necessary technology after an intra-hospital cardiac arrest. This study highlights data about these patients and their outcomes, as well as areas for improvement within the hospital’s ECMO/ECPR program. Full article

Kabaddi is a contact sport that demands high physical fitness and specific technical skills. Although multiple training programs have been designed to improve performance, no systematic review had previously synthesized their effects on physical, physiological, and performance-related outcomes. This systematic review of randomized controlled trials aimed to evaluate the impact of different training interventions on physical fitness, physiological parameters, and sport performance in kabaddi players. A systematic review was performed in the Web of Science, PubMed, and Scopus databases up to May 2025. Randomized controlled trials analyzing training interventions in kabaddi players were included. Ten studies with a total of 458 participants were included. Interventions lasted between 6 and 12 weeks and comprised modalities such as strength training, plyometrics, combined training, circuit training, SAQ (speed, agility, and quickness), and Tabata. Nine studies reported significant within-group improvements in variables such as strength, speed, agility, and flexibility. In studies with between-group comparisons, training interventions could be more effective than control conditions. One study also reported improvements in physiological and hematological parameters. Overall, training interventions in kabaddi players may improve physical fitness, sport-specific performance, and certain physiological and hematological parameters. However, the evidence should be interpreted with caution given the predominantly fair methodological quality of the included trials. PROSPERO (CRD420251272758). Full article

Youth soccer requires an integrated approach combining technical–tactical, physical, and psychological components to enhance performance and long-term engagement. Although Repeated Linear Sprint Training (LRST) and Repeated Change of Direction Speed (RCOD) training are widely used to improve fitness, direct comparisons of their effects on physical performance and perceptual responses in adolescent players remain limited. This study compared the effects of an 8-week LRST versus RCOD training program on physical performance, perceived exertion, and enjoyment in youth soccer players. Twenty-six male players were randomly assigned to an LRST group (n = 13) or an RCOD group (n = 13). Both groups completed two weekly sessions of their assigned training in addition to regular soccer practice. Pre- and post-intervention assessments included acceleration and sprint speed, change-of-direction (COD) performance (T-Half Test [THT], Illinois Agility Test [IAT]), lower-limb power (Five-Jump Test [5JT], Squat Jump [SJ], Countermovement Jump [CMJ]), and endurance-intensive fitness. Enjoyment and session-RPE were recorded after each training session. Both groups improved across all physical measures (main effect of time, p < 0.0001). Significant time × group interactions favored RCOD for THT (~1.6%), IAT (~1.1%), 5JT (~2.3%), CMJ (~5.2%), and SJ (~6.3%), with no overall main effect of group. Enjoyment was consistently higher in the RCOD group (p < 0.0001), while session-RPE did not differ between groups. In youth soccer, both LRST and RCOD effectively enhance physical performance. However, RCOD appears more effective for improving pre-planned COD and explosive performance while eliciting greater enjoyment without increasing perceived exertion. Incorporating structured RCOD training alongside linear sprint work may represent a practical strategy to optimize physical development and sustain player engagement. Full article

Chronic diseases disproportionately impact Indigenous peoples in Australia, with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) representing leading causes of morbidity and mortality. Despite evidence supporting community-based exercise interventions for T2DM management, no culturally adapted programs utilizing wearable technology have been co-designed specifically with Indigenous Australian communities. This study protocol aims to determine if wearable-based exercise interventions can effectively prevent CVD development and manage T2DM progression in Indigenous Australians through culturally safe, community-led approaches. The PrIDE study protocol describes a mixed-methods translational research design incorporating Indigenous and Western methodologies across three phases: (1) co-designing culturally adapted exercise programs and assessment tools, (2) implementing interventions with wearable monitoring, and (3) conducting evaluation and scale-up assessment. Sixty-four Indigenous Australian adults with T2DM will be recruited across remote, rural/regional sites to self-select into either individual or group exercise programs using the Withings ScanWatch 2. Primary outcomes include cardiovascular risk factors, physical fitness, and health self-efficacy measured using culturally adapted tools. Indigenous governance structures will ensure cultural safety and community ownership throughout. The PrIDE protocol presents a novel approach to improving health equity while advancing understanding of wearable technology integration in Indigenous healthcare, informing future larger-scale trials and policy development. Full article

Background/Objectives: Recent preclinical studies suggest that acute exercise induces immune modulation, enhances tumor blood perfusion, and is associated with reduced tumor growth. Adding exercise to immunochemotherapy treatment (ICT) has been proposed as a strategy to increase treatment effectiveness. The ERICA trial (NCT04676009) aimed to assess the feasibility of acute aerobic exercise performed immediately before the administration of ICT in patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (mNSCLC) and to explore hypothesis-generating outcomes related to physical fitness and patient-reported outcomes. Methods: Newly diagnosed mNSCLC patients were randomly assigned (2:1) to the exercise or control group. The exercise intervention included supervised acute exercise before each of four ICT cycles plus a 3-month home-based walking program with an activity tracker and step goals. The feasibility of the exercise protocol was assessed through adherence, acceptability, tolerability, and safety. Clinical, physical, and patient-reported outcomes were assessed at baseline and after 3 months. Results: Twenty-six patients (mean age 60.6 years; SD 10.65) participated, with an 87.5% acceptance rate. In the exercise group (n = 17), 80.9% of participants completed the acute exercise sessions, with a median interval of 38 min [IQR, 20–60] between exercise and ICT. No exercise-related adverse effects were reported. After 3 months, 60% of participants in the exercise group were classified as active and maintained their step goals. Self-reported measures suggest that maintaining physical fitness is favorable for reducing fatigue and insomnia, and therefore improving quality of life. Conclusions: Acute exercise performed immediately before each ICT administration in patients with mNSCLC appears feasible and safe. Full article

Past reviews have found home visiting interventions to be successful at improving caregiver outcomes. Though, no review has looked specifically at the effect of home visiting interventions on caregivers with high vulnerability and complex needs. This review aimed to examine and synthesis the literature on the impact of home visiting programs administered to caregivers with young children, high vulnerability and complex needs by professionals/paraprofessionals. Interdisciplinary databases, reference lists, and the Home Visiting Evidence of Effectiveness database were searched for articles that fit the inclusion criteria. Together searches resulted in a total of 623 articles, 34 of these articles were included in the final review, all from high-income countries. Twenty-five interventions were implemented across the 34 studies. Findings showed that these interventions were effective at improving a range of mental health, parenting, and family violence outcomes in caregivers with high vulnerability and complex needs. However, weighted mean standardized effect sizes ranged from 0.01–0.24 (small effect), with only one (i.e., practical parenting skills) of the five significantly different from 0 (standardized mean difference 0.24; 95% CI: 0.10, 0.38; z = 3.39, p = 0.00) and results favoring the control group. Missing information together with considerable variation in interventions, meant that identifying a clear pattern in treatment components that lead to effective verses non-effective interventions was not possible. Further research is therefore needed to assess the effectiveness of these interventions. Trial registration: The University of York Centre for Reviews and Dissemination (PROSPERO) registration number CRD42023460366. Full article

Background: Evidence suggests that physical activity and fitness tend to decline during the transition to higher education, yet the influence of institutional environment on these variables remains unclear. Objectives: This study aimed to compare physical fitness and physical activity levels between first-year students from two higher education institutions within the same national context. Methods: Fifty-eight male university students (IPB (Instituto Politécnico de Bragança): n = 31; IPG (Instituto Politécnico da Guarda): n = 27; mean age IPB = 19.2 ± 1.8 years; IPG = 19.8 ± 5.5 years) were assessed for body composition, handgrip strength, mid-thigh pull, standing long jump, stork balance, flexibility, and estimated VO_2max (StepTest4all). Physical activity levels were determined using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) and were classified as low, moderate, or high. Between-group comparisons were performed using independent samples t-tests, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. Results: Students from IPB presented significantly higher IPAQ scores (2.97 ± 0.18) compared with those from IPG (2.56 ± 0.64; t = 3.235, p = 0.003, d = 0.90), along with superior standing long jump performance (1.95 ± 0.15 m vs. 2.12 ± 0.24 m; t = −3.239, p = 0.002, d = 0.85). No significant differences were observed for body composition, strength, flexibility, balance, psychological well-being or VO_2max (all p > 0.05), although small effects were noted for flexibility (d = 0.50) and VO_2max (d = 0.48). The distribution of physical activity categories revealed that 96.8% of IPB students were classified as highly active, whereas IPG students were more evenly distributed across high (63.0%), moderate (28.6%), and low (7.4%) activity levels. Conclusions: These findings indicate that institutional environment and access to exercise opportunities may influence physical activity behavior and lower-limb power in university students. Promoting structured physical activity programs and recreational opportunities within higher education may help sustain adequate fitness and health in this population. Full article

Background/Objectives: Adolescents with Down syndrome often present limitations in physical fitness and psychosocial well-being, which can affect their health and social inclusion. Adapted physical activity programs, such as martial arts, may offer multidimensional benefits. This study aimed to analyze the effects of an adapted judo intervention on physical fitness and psychosocial outcomes in adolescents with Down syndrome. Methods: A quasi-experimental design was applied with 43 adolescents diagnosed with Down syndrome, allocated to a control group (n = 19) and an intervention group (n = 24). Participants in the intervention group completed a 24-week adapted judo program. Physical fitness was assessed through standardized tests for strength, balance, and flexibility, while psychosocial well-being was evaluated using validated questionnaires on self-esteem and social interaction. Pre- and post-intervention comparisons were conducted using appropriate statistical analyses. Results: Participants showed significant improvements in physical fitness components, particularly in muscular strength and balance (p < 0.05). Flexibility also increased, although to a lesser extent. Psychosocial measures revealed enhanced self-esteem and greater perceived social interaction, indicating positive effects beyond physical health. Conclusions: Adapted judo appears to be an effective multidimensional intervention for adolescents with Down syndrome, promoting both physical and psychosocial benefits. These findings support the inclusion of adapted martial arts in physical education and therapeutic programs aimed at fostering health and social participation in this population. Full article

This study investigated the statistical association between public incentives and industrial innovation as reflected in firms’ financial performances. In particular, the analysis was carried out considering a Regional Operational Program, namely, the 2007–2013 ERDF Regional Program in Lombardy, and investigating a dataset of Lombardy-based companies that received support through the mentioned initiative. For each of them, balance sheet variables before and after the acquisition of the incentive and the development of the related innovation project were detected and analyzed by means of both standard and normalized linear regression. Notably, normalized regressions showed that higher subsidy intensity was positively associated with subsequent changes in revenues and intangible assets, especially among manufacturing firms, thereby supporting policies that target sectors with a high innovation capacity. Furthermore, this research underscores the importance of tailoring policy instruments to local and sectoral contexts, recognizing the limitations of one-size-fits-all approaches. In keeping with this exploratory stance, this study does not build a counterfactual control group and makes no causal claims; it simply documents balance sheet associations that may inform future, impact-oriented research. Given the absence of a control group, the design is observational; all findings describe associations and do not allow causal inference. Full article

Background: CrossFit could be an innovative alternative for older adults. Traditional strength training is well-established for safety and progressive overload, while concerns exist about overexertion or poor technique in modified CrossFit, especially for those with musculoskeletal or cardiovascular conditions. However, scaled and supervised CrossFit sessions have shown low injury rates and high satisfaction among older adults. Objective: to evaluate the effects of a CrossFit-adapted program on balance and muscular power. Methods: 60 older adults participated in the study. Participants were randomized into two groups: CrossFit-adapted and control. Functional capacity, balance and strength variables were analyzed. The sample size was calculated a priori using G*Power 3.1 software, considering an effect size of 0.25 [medium], α = 0.05, and a power [1–β] of 0.80 for a repeated-measures ANOVA with two groups and three measurement points. Data were analyzed using SPSS Statistics version 25. Results: Significant improvements in balance scores were observed in the CrossFit group compared to the control group. In the Timed Up and Go test, the CrossFit group improved from 9.83 ± 1.3 s to 8.74 ± 1.1 s, [p = 0.002]. Lower limb muscle power increased significantly in CrossFit group across all tests: chair stand test, the stair ascent and stair descent [p < 0.001]. Conclusions: A CrossFit-adapted program can significantly improve functional capacity, balance, and strength in older adults. Full article

Physical fitness and psychomotor performance can play a crucial role in decision-making ability, reaction time, and movement time among female handball players at different age levels. Our study aimed to compare the physical fitness performance and psychomotor abilities among trained young female handball players from different age groups (U14 vs. U16). The study group included 61 female handball players (U14 = 26; $13.2\pm 0.8$) and U16 = 35; $15.1\pm 0.8$). The Mann–Whitney U test was conducted to compare the performance of physical fitness and psychomotor abilities between groups (U14 and U16). Afterward, the Pearson product-moment correlation was used to explore the relationship between physical fitness and psychomotor abilities performance among all participants. Results showed that zig-zag with the ball (s) had a significant correlation with movement time (ms) in the Spatial Attention Test (SPANT) (r = 0.30). The plate tapping test (s) emerged as a strong indicator of psychomotor speed (ms), showing significant correlations with a range of variables, including Simple Reaction Time Test (SIRT) movement time (r = 0.48), Choice Reaction Time Test (CHORT) movement time (r = 0.57), Hand–Eye Coordination Test (HECOR) reaction time (r = –0.48), HECOR movement time (r = 0.69), SPANT reaction time (r = 0.63), and SPANT movement time (r = 0.52). These findings have implications for the development of trained young female handball players. Training programs may benefit from age-specific emphasis, focusing more on fundamental coordination and reaction-based exercises in younger athletes and progressively incorporating cognitively demanding drills for older adolescents. Full article

Background: Augmented reality (AR)-based exercise offers a low-cost option for home training, but the lack of supervision increases the risk of incorrect performance. Therefore, AR systems must demonstrate accuracy and effectiveness comparable to therapist-led training. To address this need, this study examined whether an AR-supported multi-component exercise program improves six key components of physical fitness. Methods: Twenty-eight healthy adults from South Korea were recruited and randomly assigned to either the AR group or the physical therapist (PT) group. Participants were assessed for six components of physical fitness: muscular strength, muscular endurance, balance, cardiorespiratory endurance, flexibility, and coordination. Each group performed the exercise program three times per week for four weeks, with each session lasting at least 30 min. Statistical analyses were conducted using paired t-tests to evaluate pre- and post-intervention effects within each group and independent t-tests to compare differences between the two groups. The level of statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: Exploratory analyses showed that both groups demonstrated post-intervention improvements in muscular endurance, balance, flexibility, and coordination, while cardiorespiratory endurance and grip strength showed no notable changes. Between-group comparisons revealed significant differences only in right-hand relative grip strength at both baseline and post-intervention, with no other domains differing between groups. Conclusions: First, the AR-based intervention significantly improved muscular endurance, balance, flexibility, and coordination. Second, there were no significant differences between the AR-based and therapist-led interventions. Consequently, AR-based exercise programs may enhance specific components of physical fitness and could be effectively utilized to complement and extend therapist-led training sessions. Full article

Background: Dysfunctional breathing patterns may impair autonomic regulation and increase perceived stress. Breathing-based interventions, particularly those involving guided exercises and supportive tools, have the potential to provide non-pharmacological benefits. Methods: In this parallel two-arm randomized controlled trial, 14 women aged 35–45 years with signs of dysfunctional breathing and no comorbidities were recruited from a fitness club. Participants were randomly assigned (1:1) using a computer-generated sequence to an intervention group (n = 7) or a control group (n = 7). Blinding was not applied. Both groups completed a 6-week program of guided breathing exercises using the iBreathe app, while the intervention group additionally used mouth tape during sleep. The primary outcomes were heart rate variability (HRV) indices—root mean square of successive differences (RMSSD) and the high-frequency (HF) component. Secondary outcomes included respiratory rate, Hencho test performance, and perceived stress measured using the Perceived Stress Scale-10 (PSS-10) and a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). All participants were included in the final analysis (no loss to follow-up). Results: The intervention group showed a significant increase in the HF component of HRV (p = 0.018) and improved Hencho test performance (p = 0.018). Both groups demonstrated significant reductions in respiratory rate (p < 0.05) and PSS scores (p < 0.05). Between-group differences were not significant for RMSSD or perceived stress. No adverse events were reported. Conclusions: A 6-week breathing intervention improved respiratory efficiency and reduced perceived stress among women with dysfunctional breathing. The additional of night-time mouth taping provided further benefits for HRV and respiratory control. Larger and longer trials are needed to confirm these findings. Full article

Background: Diastasis rectus abdominis (DRA) is a frequent concern following childbirth, particularly following a cesarean section (CS). Mobile exercise applications offer promising opportunities for enhancing physical therapy services, with potential positive outcomes. Purpose: This study compared the effect of a specific DRA-targeted mobile app-based exercise program on inter-recti distance (IRD) and multiple clinical measures to a traditional abdominal exercise program in post-CS mothers with DRA. Methods: This two-armed, parallel-group, randomized controlled trial involved 40 primiparous women undergoing CS; they were classified into two equal groups. Group A participated in Just Fit, a mobile app-based abdominal exercise program, while Group B received a traditional abdominal exercise program. Both exercise programs lasted 30 min, 3 times/week, for 8 weeks as a home program with follow-up sessions once weekly at an outpatient physical therapy clinic. Ultrasonography was used to measure IRD, a manual muscle test assessed abdominal muscle strength, a tape measure gauged circumferences, and a questionnaire evaluated satisfaction. Results: Both programs showed significant improvements in pre- and post-treatment measures of IRD, muscle strength, and girth (p ≤ 0.001 for all comparisons). Women in Group A exhibited significant post-treatment improvements in IRD above the umbilicus, abdominal muscle strength, girth measurements, and satisfaction compared with those in Group B. However, there were non-significant differences in IRD below the umbilicus and hip circumference between the two groups. Conclusions: The mobile app-based exercise program was associated with greater improvements in IRD above the umbilicus, abdominal muscle strength, waist and umbilical circumferences, and patient satisfaction compared with the traditional exercise program for post-CS DRA. These findings suggest that mobile app-guided rehabilitation may serve as an effective and accessible adjunct to traditional post-CS exercise programs, although larger trials are recommended to confirm these results. Full article

Parenting style plays a key role in adolescent development and well-being. This study set out to examine how different dimensions of perceived parenting styles influence resilience levels among a sample of 609 Spanish secondary school students aged 11 to 17 years. Data were collected using the School Resilience Scale (SRS) and the Parenting Style Assessment Scale (PSAS). Spearman correlations showed strong and significant associations, particularly between Affection and Communication and External Resources (ρ = 0.637, p < 0.001) and Internal Resources (ρ = 0.489, p < 0.001). Linear regression models explained 31.7% (Internal Resources) and 44.3% (External Resources) of the variance, with Affection and Communication and Revelation emerging as the most consistent predictors (p < 0.001). Multinomial logistic regressions showed good model fit (Nagelkerke R² = 0.398 and 0.561) and indicated that these dimensions increased the likelihood of belonging to the high-resilience groups (odds ratios ranging from 1.07 to 1.21). The findings highlight the importance of warm and emotionally expressive parenting practices in promoting adolescent resilience and suggest potential directions for school-based and family-focused intervention programs. Full article