Search Results (2,386)

Background/Objectives: Recently, the importance of physical activity for health promotion has increased the demand for physical activities performed in natural environments. However, environmental characteristics that enhance the efficiency of physical activities and contribute to health promotion have not yet been established. This study aimed to verify the mental and physical health of walking in different environments by measuring EEG and HR responses among middle-aged women living in urban areas during forest trail (GU) and school ground (NF) walking. Methods: In total, 30 middle-aged women participated in a 1.5 km walking, with HR measured during normal, NF, and GU walking. EEGs were recorded before and after walking 5 waves (Delta, Theta, Alpha, Beta, and Gamma). All data were collected under standardized conditions and analyzed using paired t-tests. Results: Alpha, beta, and gamma waves increased after GU walking (p < 0.001) but decreased after NF walking, suggesting that walking in natural environments promotes emotional stability, attentional recovery, and cognitive activation. Mean HR during GU was higher than during NF (p < 0.001), and NF walking corresponded to moderate-intensity exercise, whereas GU walking represented vigorous-intensity activity, likely influenced by its 5% slope and multi-sensory natural stimuli such as forest, sounds, and air quality. Conclusions: This study is not a clinical trial but a health experiment of physical activity, highlighting how walking in natural environments can contribute to improved health. The walking environment elicits distinct mental and physical responses, and forest walking has proven to be more effective in improving health. This result highlights the value of nature-based exercise spaces accessible in urban environments and can help with design and health policies. Full article

Aims: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) represents an increasing global challenge. Mediterranean diet interventions have proven benefits, but their implementation is limited by the absence of nutritionists in many public health systems. This study aimed to evaluate whether a video intervention guided by a nutritionist could increase compliance to Mediterranean diet and reduce the incidence of GDM and adverse maternal–neonatal outcomes. Methods: In this randomized controlled trial, 1750 consecutive pregnant women were allocated (1:1) to standard care (verbal, printed advice) or to a video designed by a nutritionist promoting a Mediterranean and physical activity. The primary outcome was the incidence of GDM; secondary outcomes included other pregnancy-related complications. Dietary adherence was assessed using the 14-item Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener (MEDAS) score. Results: The experimental group increased their MEDAS score from baseline to GDM screening (mean difference (95% CI) 0.41 (0.23; 0.60); p < 0.001), mainly through greater extra virgin olive oil and nut intake and lower consumption of juices and confectionery. GDM incidence declined from 25.1% to 20.7% (p = 0.025), with significant reductions in gestational hypertension, episiotomy and neonatal intensive care unit admissions. Conclusions: Nutritionist-guided video intervention improves adherence to Mediterranean diet and reduces GDM incidence and adverse outcomes. This low-cost, scalable approach may help overcome structural limitations in public health systems. Full article

Physical inactivity contributes to oxidative stress, hypertension, and progressive kidney dysfunction in individuals with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Rhythmic walking, a low-intensity and easily implemented form of exercise, may offer renal and cardiovascular benefits. This randomized controlled trial examined the effects of rhythmic walking in adults with CKD stages 2–3. Sixty-four participants (mean age: 67.8 ± 7.5 years) were randomly assigned to a control group (n = 33; standard care) or a walking group (n = 31; 30 min/session, three times weekly for 12 weeks at 60 steps/min). Primary outcomes included kidney function, oxidative stress, and blood pressure. After 12 weeks, no significant within-group changes were observed in kidney function, though the walking group showed trends toward higher estimated glomerular filtration rate (p = 0.071) and estimated creatinine clearance (p = 0.089). Between-group analysis revealed significantly higher superoxide dismutase activity (p = 0.028) and lower malondialdehyde levels (p = 0.037) in the walking group. Both groups exhibited blood pressure reductions, with greater decreases in pulse rate (p = 0.016) and rate–pressure product (p = 0.039) in the walking group. A 12-week rhythmic walking program improved oxidative stress and BP profiles and may help slow renal decline in CKD. Full article

Background: Although the participation of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in team sports presents challenges, group-based physical activities could offer specific benefits for their core symptoms. Therefore, the aim of this systematic review was to analyze the benefits of mini-basketball for children with ASD. Methods: A systematic review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines and was registered in PROSPERO (CRD420251144800). Four databases (Web of Science, SPORTDiscus, PubMed, and Scopus) were searched to select randomized controlled trials reporting the effects of mini-basketball interventions on children with ASD from their inception to August 2025. Results: Eight randomized controlled trials involving 436 participants (aged 3–12 years, 87.3% male) met the inclusion criteria. All studies were conducted in China using 12-week interventions (40–45 min, 2–5 days/week at moderate intensity). The quality was rated as good in two studies and fair in six. Five studies assessed social responsiveness, with four showing significant pre–post reductions in the experimental groups and all demonstrating superior outcomes versus those of the controls. One study reported significant reductions in repetitive behaviors, self-injurious behaviors, and restricted behaviors compared to that of the controls. Joint attention improvements were observed through eye-tracking measures, with increased fixation counts, shorter time to first fixation, and more accurate gaze shifts. Physical fitness benefits included improved shuttle run times and standing long jump performance. Finally, one study demonstrated better inhibition control and improvements in sleep quality, including increased sleep duration and efficiency. Conclusions: Mini-basketball interventions can improve social responsiveness and related outcomes in children with ASD. These findings support mini-basketball as a feasible, safe, and effective intervention that could be integrated with existing therapeutic approaches. Full article

Background/Objectives: Adult survivors of childhood and young adult Hodgkin’s lymphoma (HL) are at a higher risk than the general population for moderate to life-threatening chronic health conditions (CHCs) including cardiac, vascular, endocrine and pulmonary impairments. Regular physical activity (PA) can improve physical fitness, reducing the risk of severity for CHCs. However, it is unclear whether adult survivors of HL experience the same benefits from PA as their peers. This scoping review aims to describe the associations between PA, physical fitness, perceived health, chronic disease and mortality in adult survivors of HL. In addition, body composition, autonomic dysfunction and associated treatment-related risk factors were included. Methods: MEDLINE (via PubMed), Web of Science, CINAHL and Cochrane databases were searched for potential studies that involved PA or physical fitness and outcomes such as body composition, autonomic dysfunction, associated treatment-related risk factors, associated chronic disease/mortality or perceived health. Results: A total of 2886 records were retrieved. After screening, 20 studies were included for review. In comparison to the general population, adult survivors of HL reported lower PA levels and had lower physical fitness. In addition, survivors were more likely to have abnormalities in body composition (i.e., reduced bone mineral density) and perceived health, autonomic dysfunctions and a higher risk of chronic disease and mortality than controls. An exposure to thoracic and neck radiotherapy seemed to be consistently associated with poor fitness (i.e., reduced muscle strength, lower cardiopulmonary fitness) and body composition, physical inactivity and autonomic dysfunctions. Conclusions: Interventional studies are needed to determine the maximum effective doses of PA regarding frequency, intensity, time, type, volume and progression (exercise prescription principles) that best optimize cardiovascular adaptations and health benefits in adult survivors of HL. Full article

Introduction: The demographic shift amongst pregnant women, including older age and increasing obesity, has resulted in an increased risk of cardiometabolic complications during pregnancy, particularly gestational diabetes. This paper presents physical activity and gestational diabetes data in a multi-ethnic urban Australian population. Methods and analysis: The PROMOTE cohort study is an ongoing prospective pregnancy cohort study recruiting pregnant participants < 16 weeks gestation at a large urban public teaching hospital with high social and cultural diversity in Sydney, Australia. Participants are surveyed about their physical activity levels, dietary quality, emotional wellbeing and socio-demographic status using validated tools. Participants are consented for use of routinely collected clinical and social data, including medical conditions, body mass index (BMI), blood pressure (BP) and glycaemia. Follow-up is from routinely collected data. Results: A total of 459 participants were recruited between February 2022 and February 2024. Physical activity levels at recruitment were sufficiently active, low active and inactive in 39%, 45% and 16% of participants. Participation in moderate or vigorous physical activity was reported in 19% and 16% of participants, respectively. Participation in vigorous physical activity occurred in 10% of those with GDM vs. 17% of those without GDM (p = 0.11). Participation in any moderate/vigorous physical activity was reported in 20% of those with GDM vs. 30% of those without GDM (p = 0.058). Compared to inactive behaviour, the unadjusted odds ratio of developing GDM amongst those participating in any moderate/vigorous physical activity was 0.58 (95% CI 0.33–0.97), p = 0.045. Participation in any moderate/vigorous physical activity showed an association with lower oral glucose tolerance test levels at 1 h (7.49 vs. 8.17 mmol/L, p = 0.002). Participation in any vigorous activity was associated with lower oral glucose tolerance test levels at 1 h (7.25 vs. 8.11, p = <0.001). Conclusions: Uptake of existing physical activity recommendations is low. Gestational diabetes risk showed a trend toward variation by intensity of physical activity, with a trend toward greater intensity being associated with a possible lower rate of gestational diabetes. Full article

Background: Physical performance in soccer is usually described through isolated indicators such as total distance or sprint frequency, which may overlook the broader structure of match demands. Purpose: This study aimed to identify the latent components of physical performance in professional soccer and to examine how they vary across playing positions. Methods: External load data were collected from 446 outfield players competing in the Turkish first division during the 2021–2022 season, using optical tracking technology. Distances covered at different speed thresholds and maximal speed were analyzed through principal component analysis. Factor scores were compared across positions using non-parametric tests. Results: Three components of physical performance emerged: (1) moderate-intensity running (2–5.5 m/s, inverse to low-speed activity), (2) high-intensity running (>5.5 m/s), and (3) sprint capacity (maximal speed). Central midfielders recorded the highest values in moderate-intensity running, wingers and wing backs excelled in high-intensity running, while sprint capacity was most strongly associated with wingers. Conclusions: The findings provide a more integrated understanding of soccer’s physical demands, moving beyond single indicators to reveal broader performance dimensions. This framework can support coaches, analysts, and scouts in player profiling, training design, and rehabilitation planning, while emphasizing the need for position-specific physical preparation. Full article

Introduction: Alcohol-induced headaches are one of the most prevalent types of headaches. The International Classification of Headache Disorders defined them as throbbing and bilateral, and their phenotype combines characteristics of migraines and headaches secondary to low cerebrospinal fluid pressure. We aimed to evaluate the factors associated with the presence of a headache as a hangover symptom. Methods: This was a prospective cohort study, including 32 healthy individuals who voluntarily consumed alcohol and completed self-administered questionnaires during three separate alcohol consumption and hangover episodes. Results: A headache was a hangover symptom in 55/96 (57.3%) episodes. The phenotype was predominantly holocranial (94.5%), frontal (98.2%), and pressing (67.2%), with a median intensity of 6 (IQR 4–8). Headaches worsened with physical activity (100%) and had orthostatic changes (89.1%). A prior history of headaches was associated with headache occurrence (odds ratio: 3.480; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.084 to 11.177), and headache precipitation by standing up was associated with a shorter duration (hazard ratio: 0.257; 95% CI: 0.073 to 0.901). Conclusions: Delayed alcohol-induced headaches had a migraine-like phenotype. An orthostatic pattern suggestive of a low cerebrospinal fluid pressure was associated with a shorter duration of the headache. Full article

Background/Objectives: The global aging population faces rising rates of cognitive decline and neurodegenerative disorders. This review explores how physical exercise influences brain health in aging, focusing on mechanisms, moderators, and personalized strategies to enhance cognitive resilience. Methods: A narrative review methodology was applied. Literature published between 2015 and 2025 was retrieved from PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science using keywords and MeSH terms related to exercise, cognition, neuroplasticity, aging, and dementia. Inclusion criteria targeted peer-reviewed original studies in humans aged ≥60 years or aged animal models, examining exercise-induced cognitive or neurobiological outcomes. Results: Evidence shows that regular physical activity improves executive function, memory, and processing speed in older adults, including those with mild impairment or genetic risk (e.g., APOE ε4). Exercise promotes neuroplasticity through increased levels of BDNF, IGF-1, and irisin, and enhances brain structure and functional connectivity. It also improves glymphatic clearance and modulates inflammation and circadian rhythms. Myokines act as messengers between muscle and brain, mediating many of these effects. Cognitive benefits vary with exercise type, intensity, and individual factors such as age, sex, chronotype, and baseline fitness. Combined interventions—physical, cognitive, nutritional—show synergistic outcomes. Digital tools (e.g., tele-exercise, gamification) offer scalable ways to sustain engagement and cognitive function. Conclusions: Physical exercise is a key non-pharmacological strategy to support cognitive health in aging. It acts through diverse systemic, molecular, and neurofunctional pathways. Tailored exercise programs, informed by individual profiles and emerging technologies, hold promise for delaying or preventing cognitive decline. Full article

Background/Objectives: This study investigates the multifactorial determinants of weight change among Chinese international students in South Korea, focusing on physical activity (PA), sedentary behavior (SB), sleep quality, and psychological stress. Methods: Data were collected from 445 Chinese international students (male = 224, 50.3%) using self-administered questionnaires and follow-up interviews. Participants were categorized into weight gain and weight loss groups based on changes in body weight and BMI. Multinomial logistic regression was used to examine the relationships between lifestyle factors and weight change. Results: The reference group consisted of males and females in the weight loss group. Weight gain was more likely in males experiencing frequent depression (OR = 1.84, p < 0.001), while frequent stress decreased the likelihood of weight gain (OR = 0.24, p < 0.01). Males with weight gain were more likely to experience frequent fatigue (OR = 1.24, p < 0.05) and engage in optimal moderate PA (OR = 1.98, p < 0.05). In females, weight gain was less likely with frequent fatigue and high-intensity PA (OR = 0.25, p < 0.05). Conversely, weight gain was more likely in females with optimal moderate PA and reduced sleep duration (OR = 1.68, p < 0.05; OR = 2.28, p < 0.01). Conclusions: This study identifies gender-specific effects of mental health, PA, SB, and sleep patterns on weight changes among Chinese international students. These findings highlight the need for targeted health strategies addressing mental health, PA, and sleep to support weight management, particularly in international student populations. Full article

The trade-off between reducing pesticide use and ensuring effective crop protection is a key challenge for sustainable agriculture. Stimulating the plant’s natural defense mechanisms represents a promising alternative. In this study, we evaluated the potential of pulsed light as a physical elicitor in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum). This technology is based on the emission of brief but intense light flashes, covering a broad spectrum (from UV-C to infrared), capable of simultaneous activation of multiple signaling pathways. Tomato plants were treated using a standard protocol and subjected to biochemical, transcriptional, physiological, and pathological analyses. The treatment significantly increased the activity of defense-related and antioxidant enzymes, the accumulation of phenolic compounds and callose, and the expression of key immunity-related genes. Upon Botrytis cinerea inoculation, pretreated tomato plants showed enhanced defense responses and a significant reduction in disease severity, indicating a priming effect. The standard protocol did not impair photosynthesis, growth, or yield. These findings highlight pulsed light as an innovative technology for integrated crop protection. Full article

Skeletal muscle dysfunction is a major systemic manifestation of COPD that shapes symptoms, exercise tolerance and mortality. Current evidence can be integrated within a Damage–Regeneration–Remodeling framework linking mechanics and biology to clinical phenotypes. Pulmonary hyperinflation and chest wall geometry chronically load the diaphragm and other respiratory muscles in COPD, whereas inactivity and exacerbation-related disuse underload locomotor muscles. Across muscle compartments, oxidative/nitrosative stress, activation of proteolytic pathways, mitochondrial and endoplasmic reticulum stress, microvascular limitations, neuromuscular junction instability, and myosteatosis degrade muscle quality. The diaphragm adapts with a fast-to-slow fiber shift, greater oxidative capacity, and sarcomere foreshortening, improving endurance, whereas limb muscles show atrophy, a glycolytic shift, reduced oxidative enzymes, extracellular matrix accrual, and fat infiltration. Translational levers that address these mechanisms include: (I) Reduce damage: bronchodilation, lung-volume reduction, oxygen, non-invasive ventilation, early mobilization, pulmonary rehabilitation, neuromuscular stimulation, and corticosteroid stewardship; (II) Enable regeneration: progressive resistance plus high-intensity/heavy-load endurance training; adequate protein and vitamin-D intake, and endocrine correction; and (III) Steer remodeling: increase physical activity (with/without coaching/telecoaching), functional assessment and CT or MRI monitoring, inspiratory-muscle training, and phenotype-guided adjuncts in selected cases. This framework clarifies why lung deflation strategies benefit inspiratory mechanics, whereas limb recovery requires behavioral and metabolic interventions layered onto systemic optimization. Full article

Background: High-intensity physical activity elicits acute physiological responses across the metabolic, cardiovascular, respiratory, endocrine, immune, and neuromuscular systems. During recovery, multiple processes act to restore homeostasis and functional capacity. The aim of this study was to examine age- and position-related differences in cardiovascular and metabolic responses among youth soccer players. Methods: A total of 147 male academy soccer players were assessed, divided into four age groups (U15, U16, U17, U18/U19) and four playing positions (defenders, midfielders, forwards, goalkeepers). Results: Significant anthropometric and physiological differences were observed between age groups. Body height and weight increased progressively with age (p < 0.05), while body fat percentage was lower in younger compared to older cohorts (p < 0.001). Relative muscle mass did not differ significantly between groups. Absolute aerobic capacity (VO₂max) was higher in U17–U19 compared to U15–U16 (p < 0.001). Heart rate at anaerobic threshold (HRAT) and maximal heart rate were greater in the younger groups (p ≤ 0.005). Immediate blood lactate (iBLC) and ΔiBLC were significantly higher in U15–U16 compared to U17–U19 (both p < 0.001). Position-specific analysis revealed higher iBLC in U15 defenders compared to U18/U19 defenders (p < 0.01), whereas no positional differences were observed in relative VO₂max. Conclusions: These results are due to a carefully designed training program and frequent individual training sessions. Full article

The continuous growth of the older adult population demands an urgent need to provide innovative ways to stimulate physical activity and promote functional health. This study presents FitFest, a custom-made virtual reality (VR) designed to deliver a complete physical activity (PA) session for older adults. A pilot study involving seven older adults (67.0 ± 3.8 years) was conducted, comprising 18 user testing sessions of two VR exergames: Wine Fest and Flower Fest. PA intensity and heart rate (HR) were measured. The rate of perceived exertion (RPE) and the participants’ rating of the system’s usability were also registered. Overall, sessions involved mostly sedentary behavior (56.5 ± 20.4%) and light PA (42.1 ± 19.3%), with an average of 436.7 steps and 92.1 bpm. Wine Fest elicited less sedentary behavior (53.6 ± 22.1% vs. 62.8 ± 16.2%), higher light PA intensity (44.7 ± 20.4% vs. 36.4 ± 17.0%), and a higher step count (503.0 ± 345.4 vs. 291.0 ± 143.1) than the Flower Fest, although not significantly. Tasks requiring cardiovascular effort and strength were rated as more physically demanding. Most participants found the system user-friendly and showed interest in continued use, though technical support was essential due to limited familiarity with VR. The findings suggest FitFest has potential to promote light PA in older adults, highlighting the importance of usability and support in tech-based interventions. Full article

Guided by the “Healthy China” initiative, understanding the impact of the built environment on running behavior is essential for encouraging regular physical activity and advancing public health. This study addresses a critical gap in healthy city research by examining the spatial heterogeneity in how urban environmental contexts affect residents’ running preferences. Focusing on two contrasting areas of Suzhou, namely the historic Gusu District and the modern Industrial Park District, we developed a 5Ds-based analytical framework (density, accessibility, diversity, design, and visual) that incorporates Suzhou’s unique water networks and street features. Methodologically, we used Strava heatmap data and multi-source environmental indicators to quantify built-environment attributes and examined their relationships with running-space selection. We applied linear regression and interpretable machine learning to reveal overall associations, while geographically weighted regression (GWR) was used to capture spatial variations. Results reveal significant spatial heterogeneity in how the built environment influences running-space selection. While the two districts differ in their urban form, runners in Gusu District prefer dense and compact street networks, whereas those in Industrial Park District favor open, natural spaces with higher levels of human vibrancy. Despite these differences, both districts show consistent preferences for spaces with a more intense land use mix, stronger transportation accessibility, and larger parks and green spaces. The multi-dimensional planning strategies derived from this study can improve the urban running environment and promote the health and well-being of residents. Full article