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Traditional fieldwork in Physical Geography courses is considered a key activity to fix concepts and ideas taught in class. Unfortunately, it is a complex and expensive activity. Over recent decades, with the advancement and emergence of new technological tools, part of the traditional fieldwork has been replaced by virtual fieldwork techniques. In this study, we analyzed and evaluated the perceptions of the students in relation to the traditional fieldwork, focusing on the reinforcement of the concepts taught in class. After several extensive fieldwork campaigns, we evaluated a group of Physical Geography students through tests, which assessed perceptions related to learning enhancement, skill acquisition, motivation and environmental awareness, and we confirmed that the traditional fieldwork allowed the students not only to reinforce their knowledge, but also to acquire new skills and improve their understanding of the importance of environmental conservation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Geography as a Transdisciplinary Science in a Changing World)

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21 pages, 57674 KB

Open AccessArticle

Electrophysiological Characterization of Aloe vera Under Abiotic Stress: A Quantitative Basis for Plant-Based Biodosimetry

by Misael Zambrano-de la Torre, Sebastian Guzman-Alfaro, Maximiliano Guzmán-Fernández, Ricardo Robles-Ortiz, Carlos H. Espino-Salinas and Ana G. Sánchez-Reyna

Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(5), 2523; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16052523 (registering DOI) - 5 Mar 2026

Abstract

Environmental monitoring across extensive regions is often constrained by the high costs of conventional laboratory analysis. This study proposes a methodology for electrophysiological characterization of Aloe vera as a potential biological dosimeter for low-cost environmental sensing. Using an ATMega328P-based acquisition system with high-input-impedance signal conditioning, we recorded plant biopotentials under controlled abiotic stressors. Signal variations were evaluated as a function of leaf morphology, electrode placement, and environmental variables, including light intensity, soil moisture, water saturation, and pH. The statistical validation included Jaccard similarity coefficients for repeatability and Kruskal–Wallis tests for group comparisons. The measurements showed highly repeatable baseline behavior (Jaccard similarity in the range 0.95–0.99) and significant differences across stress conditions, particularly under changes in light intensity. These findings support the feasibility of using Aloe vera electrophysiological signals as a robust and low-cost basis for developing plant-based biosensing approaches in environmental monitoring applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Agricultural Science and Technology)

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15 pages, 1092 KB

Open AccessArticle

Quality-of-Life Assessment in Children and Adolescents with a Chronic Somatic Disorder Compared with Children with a Chronic Mental Disorder

by Mihaela Moise, Lucia-Emanuela Andrei, Ilinca Mihailescu, Alexandra-Mariana Buică, Elma-Maria Mînecan, Ilinca Olteanu, Anca Colita, Iuliana Dobrescu and Florina Rad

Psychiatry Int. 2026, 7(2), 58; https://doi.org/10.3390/psychiatryint7020058 (registering DOI) - 5 Mar 2026

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to compare the parent-reported quality of life (QoL) of children and adolescents diagnosed with a chronic mental health disorder to that of those with a chronic somatic disorder. Methods: A comparative analysis was conducted between two clinical groups: one comprising patients with psychiatric diagnoses and the other with somatic diagnoses. QoL was assessed using the CHIP-CE/PRF questionnaire completed by caregivers. Statistical analyses evaluated differences across domains such as well-being, self-esteem, peer relationships, family engagement, and academic performance. Results: Parents of children with somatic conditions reported significantly higher scores in the domains of health and well-being (U = 799.50, p = 0.002), peer relations (U = 872.50, p = 0.009), and academic performance (U = 445.50, p < 0.001). No significant differences were observed in emotional and somatic symptoms or behavior at home. Conclusions: The findings suggest that, from a parental perspective, psychiatric disorders are associated with lower perceived quality of life in several key areas of functioning. These results emphasize the need for targeted support strategies and coordinated care for families of children with mental health conditions. Full article

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52 pages, 657 KB

Open AccessArticle

Graph-Theoretic Idealization of Semigroups via Bruck-Reilly Extensions

by Suha Wazzan and David A. Oluyori

Mathematics 2026, 14(5), 891; https://doi.org/10.3390/math14050891 (registering DOI) - 5 Mar 2026

Abstract

This paper establishes a graph-theoretic framework for idealization semigroups arising from Bruck–Reilly extensions. Building on a recent study by Wazzan and Ozalan, we introduce five graph families—

Γ_{E}

Γ_{0}

Γ_{Cay}

Γ_{K}

, and [...] Read more.

Γ_{E}

Γ_{0}

Γ_{Cay}

Γ_{K}

, and

Γ (G_{k})

—each encoding a distinct algebraic facet of

S B_{i} (⋈) B

. We prove explicit correspondences linking combinatorial invariants to algebraic structure: diameter captures generating efficiency and semilattice height; girth signals short relations; chromatic number bounds idempotent cardinalities and

D

-class counts; clique number measures maximal commuting subsets; and Laplacian spectra encode ideal size and Schützenberger groups. Our central result demonstrates that Green’s relations are combinatorially recoverable from graph pairs. For commutative

S B_{i} (⋈) B

(Γ_{E}, Γ_{K})

uniquely determines

J

-order,

D

-classes, and

H

-classes via neighborhood inclusions, bipartite components, and automorphism orbits, yielding the first algorithmic reconstruction of ideal-theoretic structure from graph data. The framework is implemented in SageMath as a reproducible open-source toolkit validated on concrete examples. This work synthesizes algebraic graph theory, semigroup theory, and computational mathematics into a unified algebraic-combinatorial dictionary, providing both new analytical tools and a methodological template for studying algebraic constructions via graph invariants. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Perspectives of Graph Theory and Combinatorics)

12 pages, 970 KB

Open AccessArticle

Reconstruction of Chronic Achilles Tendon Ruptures with Hamstring Autografts: Plantar Flexor Strength Is Preserved Despite Shortening of the Moment Arm

by Bartosz Kiedrowski, Jakub Kaszyński, Karol Szapel, Paweł Bąkowski, Artur Banach and Tomasz Piontek

J. Clin. Med. 2026, 15(5), 2009; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm15052009 (registering DOI) - 5 Mar 2026

Abstract

Background: Chronic Achilles tendon ruptures present a major surgical challenge due to tendon retraction, degeneration, and large defects. Autologous hamstring tendon grafts have emerged as a reliable reconstructive option, yet their biomechanical consequences remain poorly understood. This study investigated whether Achilles tendon reconstruction with semitendinosus and gracilis autografts alters the plantar flexor moment arm and whether such changes affect muscle strength. Methods: A cohort of 25 patients (mean age: 44.5 years) underwent minimally invasive endoscopic reconstruction using hamstring autografts. This secondary salvage procedure was performed in patients with neglected ruptures or failed primary treatment. Five patients were excluded from the original intervention group due to inadequate radiographic quality. Radiographic measurements of the Achilles tendon moment arm and isometric plantar flexor strength assessments were performed at 12 and 24 months postoperatively. Statistical analyses included paired t-tests, Wilcoxon signed-rank tests, and correlation analyses. Results: Results showed a significant shortening of the Achilles tendon moment arm after reconstruction compared with the preoperative imaging length (mean reduction: 6.6 mm; p < 0.0001). Despite this, plantar flexor strength in the operated limb improved significantly over time at 12 and 24 months (+388.6 N at 24 months; p = 0.0067) and did not correlate with the degree of moment arm shortening (p > 0.3). By 24 months, the operated limb demonstrated comparable or greater strength than the contralateral side, with nearly half of the patients achieving substantial clinically meaningful improvements. Conclusions: In conclusion, Achilles tendon reconstruction with hamstring autografts leads to consistent moment arm shortening, yet this does not impair long-term restoration of plantar flexor strength. A progressive rehabilitation program extending up to two years appears essential to optimize recovery and compensate for biomechanical alterations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Orthopedics)

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16 pages, 763 KB

Open AccessArticle

SSR-Based Genetic Diversity Assessment Among Varieties Conserved in a Romanian Grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.) Collection

by Monica Hârţa, Doina Clapa, Gabriella De Lorenzis, Lucia Cintia Colibaba and Liliana Rotaru

Agriculture 2026, 16(5), 605; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture16050605 - 5 Mar 2026

Abstract

The present study highlights the genetic relationships among 52 grapevine varieties, including traditional and newly developed Romanian varieties and international reference cultivars, held in a small didactic ampelographic collection in Iaşi, Romania, and their genetic diversity, assessed using multivariate analysis. Twelve nuclear simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers, including nine OIV-standard descriptors, were used for genetic profiling. A total of 102 alleles were identified, with an average of 8.5 alleles per locus. The mean polymorphic information content (PIC) of 0.779 confirmed the high discriminatory power of the chosen markers. NJ dendrogram and PCoA yielded mostly similar results but did not clearly differentiate genotypes based on the selected criteria for genotype comparison (usage or historical status). STRUCTURE analysis assigned genotypes to SSR-group 1 (23.07%) and SSR-group 2 (34.61%) under K = 2 and a Q-value threshold of 0.85. The high proportion of admixed genotypes (42.32%) may reflect complex pedigrees and the migration of grapevine varieties across a wider territory surrounding Romania. The present research may serve as a starting point for future studies in Romania on the genetic structure and parental analysis of grapevine varieties held in small didactic collections, aiming to characterize and hold valuable grapevine varieties under secure conditions for future generations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Conservation and Comprehensive Utilization of Germplasm Resources in Horticultural Crops)

19 pages, 2426 KB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Ante-Mortem Vitamin D₃ Supplementation on Meat Quality in Yanbian Yellow Bulls

by Binru Li, Beibei Hao, Hongyan Xu, Xinxin Zhang, Zewen Wu, Bingbing Wang, Yang Yi, Mengxia Sun, Yanzhu Yang and Guangjun Xia

Animals 2026, 16(5), 818; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani16050818 - 5 Mar 2026

Abstract

This preliminary study investigated the effects of ante-mortem Vitamin D₃ (VD₃) supplementation on blood parameters and meat quality in Yanbian yellow bulls. Twenty healthy Yanbian yellow bulls (intact male Yanbian yellow bulls, 30 ± 1 months of age; initial body weight 534 ± 15 kg) were allocated into five groups: a control (basal diet) and four treatment groups with varying VD₃ regimens (3 × 10⁶ or 6 × 10⁶ IU/d for 7 days, with or without a 7-day withdrawal). Results demonstrated that, compared to the control group, VD₃ supplementation elevated serum calcium (p < 0.01) and phosphorus levels (p < 0.05) while enhancing antioxidant capacity (p < 0.05) and immunoglobulin production (p < 0.01). Muscle calcium deposition increased (p < 0.01), accompanied by higher meat lightness (CIE L*) values (p < 0.01) and reduced drip loss rate (p < 0.01). Shear force decreased across cuts (p < 0.01), which was linked to calpain-mediated protein degradation and sarcomere elongation (p < 0.01). Under the conditions of this study, the protocol involving 3.0 × 10⁶ IU/d VD₃ supplementation for 7 days followed by a 7-day withdrawal yielded the most favorable outcomes. These findings suggest a potential strategy to improve beef quality by regulating calcium homeostasis and enhancing muscle proteolysis, warranting further validation in larger populations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Welfare-Oriented, Efficient, and High-Quality Ruminant Production: Mechanisms and Practices)

18 pages, 785 KB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Tai Chi vs. Strength Training on Body Composition, Physical Performance, and Well-Being in Community-Dwelling Older Mexican Women

by Cristina Flores-Bello, Elsa Correa-Muñoz, Martha A. Sánchez-Rodríguez, Juana Rosado-Pérez, Nayeli Vaquero-Barbosa and Víctor Manuel Mendoza-Núñez

Healthcare 2026, 14(5), 663; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare14050663 - 5 Mar 2026

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Tai Chi (TC) practice has been shown to positively affect the physical, psychological, and cognitive health of older adults. However, discrepancies persist regarding its effectiveness compared to strength training (ST). This study aimed to determine the effect of TC training compared to ST on body composition, physical performance, cognitive function, and psychological well-being in older adults. Methods: A quasi-experimental study was conducted with a convenience sample of 68 women 60 years or older, divided into three groups: (i) Tai Chi Group (TCG) n = 26; (ii) Strength Training Group (STG) n = 21; and (iii) Control Group (CG) n = 21. TCG and STG performed physical training four days a week, 60 min/day, for six months. All participants were assessed for body composition (BFP, body fat percentage; SMM, skeletal muscle mass; SMMI, skeletal muscle mass index); physical performance (4MWT, 4 m walk test; STST, sit-to-stand test; OPP, overall physical performance; HGS, handgrip strength) and Wellbeing (PWBS, psychological well-being scale of Ryff, validated for the Mexican population). The data were analyzed per protocol using repeated-measures ANOVA (TCG & STG vs. CG; TCG vs. STG), and the mean difference (MD) was calculated. Results: TCG showed statistically significant changes in body composition, BFP (MD, −3.4 ± 8.2, p < 0.05), SMM (MD, 1.6 ± 1.4, p < 0.001), and SMMI (MD, 0.72 ± 0.61, p < 0.001) after the intervention compared to CG. However, no differences were observed between TCG and STG (p > 0.05). Regarding physical performance, TCG showed significant changes in 4MWT (MD, −1.0 ± 1.8, p < 0.01) and STST (MD, −3.7 ± 4.8, p < 0.05) compared to CG. Differences were also observed in STST between TCG and STG (MD, −3.7 ± 4.8 vs. 0.45 ± 3, p < 0.05). In addition, TCG showed a significant increase in HGS (MD, 1.1 ± 1.9, p < 0.05) compared to CG, although no differences were observed with STG (p > 0.05). Conclusions: Our findings suggest that TC is more effective than strength training for improving body composition, physical performance, and handgrip strength in older adults living in the community. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research on Health-Related Quality of Life and Well-Being Among Older People)

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16 pages, 1429 KB

Open AccessArticle

Sex-Specific Fifteen-Year Alcohol Consumption Trajectories and Their Association with Cardiovascular Events and Mortality: The Framingham Heart Study

by Yuanming Leng, Huitong Ding, Yi Li, Xue Liu, Mengyao Wang, Yumeng Cao, Chenglin Lyu, Daniel Levy, Jiantao Ma and Chunyu Liu

Nutrients 2026, 18(5), 849; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu18050849 - 5 Mar 2026

Abstract

Background: Alcohol use patterns influence health outcomes. This study examined sex-specific drinking trajectories and their associations with all-cause mortality and coronary heart disease (CHD) in the US-based Framingham Heart Study. Method: Among 6570 participants (mean age: 55 ± 13; 55% women) followed for 15 years, a growth mixture model identified four sex-specific alcohol consumption trajectories. Cox models examined associations of alcohol trajectories with CHD and mortality over 10 years of follow-up, adjusting for covariates. Results: This study identified four distinct, sex-specific alcohol consumption trajectories: the Moderate-Decreasing group (1179 women, 0–14 g/day; 1534 men, 0–28 g/day) showed a declining moderate intake, The Low-to-None group included light or non-drinkers (992 women, 826 men), the Inverse-U group (606 women, 199 men) showed variable intake over time, while the High-Decreasing group (858 women, 376 men) had high initial consumption (women > 14 and men > 28 g/day) that declined over time. Compared with the Moderate-Decreasing group, women in other groups had higher CHD risks (HRs 1.58–1.61) and greater mortality risk in the Low-to-None (HR 1.25) and Inverse-U (HR 1.28) groups. Men in Low-to-None had higher mortality (HR 1.17) and CHD (HR 1.60), while High-Decreasing showed the highest mortality (HR 1.27). Low-to-moderate drinking was associated with lower mortality and CHD risks; however, these findings do not confirm the protective effects of alcohol use. Discussion: Our findings suggest that sustained low to moderate drinking was associated with lower risks of mortality and CHD in both women and men, compared to high-level or fluctuating patterns. Although these associations may not confirm causality, our findings emphasize the importance of investigating long-term drinking patterns in public health. Nevertheless, we caution against promoting moderate alcohol use as a strategy to reduce mortality risk or prevent CHD. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Nutrition and Public Health)

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23 pages, 1576 KB

Open AccessArticle

Developing a Novel Pedagogical Model for Low-Carbon Physical Educational Practices to Enhance Environmental Awareness Among Pre-Service Teachers

by Tong Zhou, Teresa Serra, Dolors Cañabate and Jordi Colomer

Sustainability 2026, 18(5), 2563; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18052563 - 5 Mar 2026

Abstract

Traditional sports and physical education programs often generate substantial carbon footprints through facility operation, equipment production, and activity-related energy consumption. While physical education offers unique opportunities for experiential environmental learning, limited research has examined how contextualized cooperative challenges specifically enhance pre-service teachers’ low-carbon awareness. This quasi-experimental study investigated whether situational cooperative environmental challenges within a low-carbon physical education program could more effectively develop environmental awareness compared to non-situational cooperative approaches. A pre–post quasi-experimental comparative design involved 143 Spanish pre-service teachers (ages 21–26, 58.9% female) from the University of Girona during 2022–2024. The Experimental Group (n = 104) received situational cooperative environmental challenges with 20 h of preparatory seminars, while the Control Group (n = 39) received traditional reciprocal teaching without preparatory training. Environmental awareness was assessed through reflective narrative portfolios. Despite significant baseline differences between groups, both demonstrated significant pre–post improvements (EG: 105% improvement; CG: 93% improvement). ANCOVA controlling for baseline differences confirmed EG’s superior performance, with a large effect size. The study provides preliminary evidence for integrating contextualized low-carbon concepts into physical education teacher preparation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Sustainable Education and Approaches)

21 pages, 1503 KB

Open AccessArticle

Impact of Aspergillus flavus Infection on the Rhizosphere Bacterial Microbiota of Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.)

by Qiujun Lin, Xianxin Wu, Lina Li, Tianshu Peng, Xun Zou, Guang Li, Jianzhong Wang, Xiaoqian Tang, Xiaofeng Yue, Chunjing Guo and Peiwu Li

Toxins 2026, 18(3), 131; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxins18030131 - 5 Mar 2026

Abstract

This study investigated the effects of inoculating peanuts with two Aspergillus flavus strains (Aspergillus flavus CGMCC 3.4408 and A. flavus LNZW 23) on plant growth and the rhizosphere bacterial community. Infection significantly inhibited peanut growth. By 60 days post-inoculation (dpi), plant height in inoculated groups (CGMCC 3.4408, 26.4 cm; LNZW 23, 25.5 cm) was significantly lower than in the non-inoculated control (CK, 32.3 cm), with concomitant significant reductions in shoot and root biomass. Analysis of rhizosphere microbiota revealed that early infection (7 dpi) reduced bacterial species richness and phylogenetic diversity. Beta diversity analysis (PCoA) confirmed a significant divergence in microbial community structure between inoculated and control groups over time, with a statistically significant difference also observed between the two inoculated strains (p = 0.016). In terms of community composition, Proteobacteria, Acidobacteriota, and Actinobacteria were the three dominant phyla. At the genus level, infection altered the relative abundance of key taxa; genera such as KD4-96, Vicinamibacteraceae, and RB41 decreased at 7 dpi, while Sphingomonas remained relatively stable. By 60 dpi, community dominance increased, marked by rising abundances of Actinobacteria and Proteobacteria. In conclusion, A. flavus infection not only suppresses peanut growth but also persistently alters its rhizosphere microbial community, with effects demonstrating both time-dependency and strain-specificity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Risk Assessment and Advanced, Sustainable, and Intelligent Solutions for Mycotoxin Management Along the Food/Feed Chain)

21 pages, 3308 KB

Open AccessArticle

NILM-Based Feedback for Demand Response: A Reproducible Binary State-Detection Algorithm Using Active Power

by Yuriy Zhukovskiy, Pavel Suslikov and Daniil Rasputin

Electricity 2026, 7(1), 23; https://doi.org/10.3390/electricity7010023 - 5 Mar 2026

Abstract

Non-intrusive load monitoring (NILM) can provide actionable feedback for demand response (DR) when direct measurements of device states are unavailable. We propose a reproducible, engineering-oriented pipeline for detecting ON/OFF states of end-use load groups from an aggregated active power time series. The method uses robust hysteresis-based labeling with adaptive thresholds derived from the median and median absolute deviation, followed by compact feature engineering restricted to global active power (GAP). After removing collinear features (|r| > 0.98), permutation importance is used to retain informative predictors. Probabilistic binary classifiers (LGBM, Histogram-based Gradient Boosting, XGBoost, and CatBoost) are trained for each target load, and the decision threshold is optimized via F_β to balance missed events and false alarms. A post-processing stage stabilizes predictions by smoothing probabilities and suppressing spurious triggers. Model quality is assessed with both sample-wise metrics and event-based metrics that credit the correct detection of switching intervals within a time tolerance. Experiments on the open “Individual Household Electric Power Consumption” dataset (1-min resolution, 2007–2010) demonstrate that lightweight gradient boosting models, particularly LGBM, deliver reliable and interpretable state estimates suitable for practical DR integration and edge deployment. Full article

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11 pages, 363 KB

Open AccessArticle

The Correlation Between Smartphone Use and Compressive Ulnar Neuropathy at the Elbow: A Retrospective Study

by Gianmarco Vavalle, Chiara Barbieri, Davide Messina, Silvia Pietramala, Lorenzo Rocchi and Camillo Fulchignoni

J. Clin. Med. 2026, 15(5), 2004; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm15052004 - 5 Mar 2026

Abstract

Background: Cubital Tunnel Syndrome (CuTS) is the second-most common compressive neuropathy of the upper limb, traditionally associated with prolonged elbow flexion, trauma, or anatomical constraints. With the widespread adoption of smartphones, sustained upper-limb postures have emerged as potential novel risk factors for ulnar nerve compression. This retrospective study aimed to investigate the potential correlation between smartphone use patterns and the development of CuTS. Methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted on 100 subjects recruited between 2021 and 2024, including 50 patients with EMG-confirmed CuTS who underwent surgical decompression and 50 matched controls without clinical or electrophysiological evidence of ulnar neuropathy. Demographic variables, daily smartphone use (h/day), predominant activity type, and habitual posture during device handling were collected through clinical records and questionnaires. Group comparisons were performed using t-tests and Chi-square analyses, with significance set at p < 0.05. Results: Daily smartphone use was higher in the CuTS group compared with controls (4.94 ± 1.8 vs. 4.04 ± 1.5 h/day), although the difference did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.0716). Posture during device use showed a significant association with CuTS: 82% of affected patients reported using smartphones with the elbow flexed, compared with 56% of controls, whereas supportive postures were less frequent among CuTS patients (16% vs. 38%) (p = 0.019). No significant differences were found between groups regarding smartphone activity type (p = 0.858). Conclusions: Smartphone use may contribute to ulnar nerve compression primarily through ergonomically disadvantageous postures, particularly sustained elbow flexion, rather than total usage time. These findings highlight a modifiable behavioral risk factor relevant to the rising prevalence of CuTS in the digital era. Increased clinical attention to device-handling habits and public-health strategies promoting ergonomic posture may support CuTS prevention. Prospective and biomechanically informed studies are warranted to further elucidate causal mechanisms. Unmeasured confounders (e.g., occupational and sleep-related elbow flexion) may influence these associations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Hand Surgery: Latest Advances and Prospects)

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14 pages, 579 KB

Open AccessArticle

Sex-Based Differences in Fatigue During Repeated Sprinting in 9- to 14-Year-Old Children Are Task- and Metric-Dependent

by Bilgin Ataş, İbrahim Can and Bouwien C. M. Smits-Engelsman

Sports 2026, 14(3), 104; https://doi.org/10.3390/sports14030104 - 5 Mar 2026

Abstract

Background: This study investigated sex-based differences in sprint performance and fatigue among 9–14-year-olds using two repeated-sprint protocols: the Muscle Power Sprint Test (MPST; 6 × 15 m) and the Children’s Repetitive Intermittent Sprint Performance test (CRISP; 6 × 30 m). Additionally, four fatigue metrics were compared: decay (first vs. last sprint), fatigue index (fastest vs. slowest sprint), sprint decrement (ideal vs. actual total time), and slope IP (regression slope across all sprints). Methods: A total of 140 children (9–14 years; 70 females, 70 males) performed the two tests in randomized order. They completed the six sprints per test with 10 s of recovery between each sprint of either 15 or 30 m. Fatigue metrics were calculated for each test based on the sprint times. Results: Running speed was higher in CRISP than in MPST, and males outperformed females in both tests. In the MPST, fatigue metrics did not differ significantly by sex. In contrast, all fatigue indices in CRISP were significantly greater in females, indicating higher fatigue despite slower sprinting compared to males. Among the fatigue metrics, slope IP correlated most strongly with decay, while associations with fatigue index and sprint decrement were weaker. Conclusions: Fatigue assessment is more sensitive over longer sprint distances. Females demonstrated significant fatigue in CRISP, indicating that fatigue is task-dependent. The slope metric, which incorporates all sprints, offers a robust fatigue measure for group comparison, while decay remains a practical alternative for field settings. Full article

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13 pages, 2597 KB

Open AccessArticle

Influence of Tendon Location on the Clinical Response to Platelet-Rich Plasma: A Prospective Cohort Study of Rotator Cuff, Achilles and Patellar Tendinopathies

by Mikel Sánchez, David Santos-Hernández, Cristina Jorquera, Jaime Oraa, Renato Andrade, João Espregueira-Mendes, Fernando Yangüela, Sergio González, Jorge Guadilla and Diego Delgado

J. Clin. Med. 2026, 15(5), 2005; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm15052005 - 5 Mar 2026

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has become a therapeutic option for tendinopathies. Its clinical efficacy depends on several factors, including the target tendon. The aim of this study was to evaluate the PRP efficacy for tendinopathies in the rotator cuff (RC), Achilles tendon (AT), and patellar tendon (PT). Methods: We conducted a prospective cohort study including patients with RC, AT and PT tendinopathies. Each patient received three multitarget PRP (intratendinous and peritendinous) treatments at intervals of two weeks. Clinical outcomes were assessed at baseline and 6 months using tendon-specific scores (DASH for RC, VISA-A for AT and VISA-P for PT). Responders were identified based on the Minimal Clinically Important Improvement (MCII). Comparative statistical tests and multivariate regression were performed for the analysis. Results: A total of 49 patients were included (RC: 15, AT: 18, PT: 16). The number of responders at 6 months was 33 (67.4%), with 11 (73.3%) in the RC Group, 14 (75.0%) in the AT Group and 8 (50.0%) in the PT Group. The RC and AT patients experienced a significant improvement according to their scores (p < 0.001), which was not seen in the PT group (p = 0.065). The percentage of responders was higher in women (12/13, 92.3%) than men (21/36, 58.3%) (p = 0.025). Conclusions: Repeated intratendinous and peritendinous PRP injections in RC, AT, and PT tendinopathy improved joint-related function six months after treatment. This improvement was less pronounced in patients with PT and the proportion of responders was higher among women. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Injection Therapy in Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Disorders: Conservative Approaches and Innovative Treatments)

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