Search Results (1,023)

Background: Dietary advice for Paralympic athletes (PAs) with a spinal cord injury (PAs-SCI) requires particular attention and has been widely studied. However, currently, no particular attention has been addressed to nutritional guidelines for athletes with an amputation (PAs-AMP). This study aimed at filling up this gap, at least partially, and compared veteran PAs-SCI with PAs-AMP. Methods: A sample of 25 male PAs (12 with SCI and 13 with AMP), recruited during two training camps, was submitted to the following questionnaires: allergy questionnaire for athletes (AQUA), Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ), Starvation Symptom Inventory (SSI), neurogenic bowel dysfunction (NBD), orthorexia (ORTO-15/ORTO-7), alcohol use disorders identification test (AUDIT), and Mediterranean diet adherence (MDS). The PAs were also submitted to the following measurements: dietary Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC) and intakes, body composition, handgrip strength (HGS), basal energy expenditure (BEE), peak oxygen uptake (VO_2peak), peak power, peak heart rate (HR), post-exercise ketosis, and antioxidant response after a cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) to voluntary fatigue. Results: Compared to PAs-AMP, PAs-SCI had higher NBD and lower VO_2peak (p < 0.05), peak power, peak HR, peak lactate, phase angle (PhA) of the dominant leg (p < 0.05), and ORTO15 (p < 0.05). The latter was related to NBD (r = −0.453), MDS (r = −0.638), and ORAC (r = −0.529), whereas ORTO7 correlated with PhA of the dominant leg (r = 0.485). Significant differences between PAs-AMP and PAs-SCI were not found in the antioxidant response, glucose, and ketone levels after CPET, nor in dietary intake, AUDIT, AQUA, NMQ, SSI, BEE, HGS, and FM%. Conclusions: The present study showed that PAs-SCI and PAs-AMP display similar characteristics in relation to lifestyle, energy intake, basal energy expenditure, and metabolic response to CPET. Based on both the similarities with PAs-SCI and the consequences of the limb deficiency impairment, PAs-AMP and PAs-SCI require personalized nutritional advice. Full article

Background: The consumption of coffee has been widely debated regarding its effects on health. This study aims to analyze the correlations between daily coffee intake and sleep, blood pressure, anthropometric measurements, and biochemical markers in individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and hypertension over a 12-month period. Methods: An observational study was conducted with 40 participants with T2D and hypertension, comprising 20 females and 20 males. Participants were monitored for their daily coffee consumption over a 12-month period, being assessed every 3 months. Linear regression was utilized to assess interactions and relationships between variables, providing insights into potential predictive associations. Additionally, correlation analysis was performed using Pearson’s and Spearman’s tests to evaluate the strength and direction of linear and non-linear relationships. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: Significant changes were observed in fasting blood glucose (FBG), glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), body weight, body mass index, sleep duration, nocturnal awakenings, and waist-to-hip ratio (p < 0.05) over the 12-month study in both sexes. No significant differences were noted in the remaining parameters (p > 0.05). The coffee consumed by the participants was of the “traditional type” and contained sugar (2 g per cup) for 100% of the participants. An intake of 4.17 ± 0.360 cups per day was found at baseline and 5.41 ± 0.316 cups at 12 months (p > 0.05). Regarding correlation analysis, a higher coffee intake was significantly associated with shorter sleep duration in women (r = −0.731; p = 0.037). Conversely, greater coffee consumption correlated with lower LDL cholesterol (LDL-C) levels in women (r = −0.820; p = 0.044). Additionally, a longer sleep duration was linked to lower FBG (r = −0.841; p = 0.031), HbA1c (r = −0.831; p = 0.037), and LDL-C levels in women (r = −0.713; p = 0.050). No significant correlations were observed for the other parameters in both sexes (p > 0.05). Conclusions: In women, coffee consumption may negatively affect sleep duration while potentially offering beneficial effects on LDL-C levels, even when sweetened with sugar. Additionally, a longer sleep duration in women appears to be associated with improvements in FBG, HbA1c, and LDL-C. These correlations emphasize the importance of a balanced approach to coffee consumption, weighing both its potential health benefits and drawbacks in postmenopausal women. However, since this study does not establish causality, further randomized clinical trials are warranted to investigate the underlying mechanisms and long-term implications—particularly in the context of T2D and hypertension. Full article

Lattice-based metamaterials have attracted much attention due to their excellent mechanical properties. Nevertheless, designing lattice materials with desired properties is still challenging, as their mesoscopic topology is extremely complex. Herein, the bidirectional evolutionary structural optimization (BESO) method is adopted to design lattice structures with maximum bulk modulus and elastic isotropy. Various lattice configurations are generated by controlling the filter radius during the optimization processes. Afterwards, the optimized lattices are fabricated using Stereo Lithography Appearance (SLA) printing technology. Experiments and numerical simulations are conducted to reveal the mechanical behavior of the topology-optimized lattices under quasi-static compression, which are compared with the traditional octet-truss (OT) and body-centered cubic (BCC) lattice structures. The results demonstrate that the topology-optimized lattices exhibited superior mechanical properties, including modulus, yield strength, and specific energy absorption, over traditional OT and BCC lattices. Moreover, apart from the elastic modulus, the yield stress and post-yield stress of the topology-optimized lattice structures with elastically isotropic constraints also present lower dependence on the loading direction. Accordingly, the topology optimization method can be employed for designing novel lattice structures with high performance. Full article

Background/Objectives: Malnutrition in older adults is both preventable and treatable, yet its detection and etiology remain complex. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of malnutrition and various factors involved in the etiology of malnutrition in community-dwelling individuals aged 65 years and older. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted with community-dwelling individuals aged 65 years and older in a health center in Ağrı, Türkiye. The nutritional status of older adults was measured using the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA). Data were collected through face-to-face interviews and a series of validated instruments, including the Standardized Mini Mental Examination (MMSE), body composition measurements (BIA), dietary intake records, and physical performance tests such as hand grip strength, chair stand, and Timed ‘Up & Go’ (TUG) Test. Statistical analyses included chi-square and Mann-Whitney U tests for group comparisons and logistic regression to investigate independent factors associated with risk of malnutrition. Results: A total of 182 participants were included in the study. The mean age of the participants was 72.1 ± 6.0 years. Of the participants, 59.3% were male. 1.6% of the participants were malnourished, and 25.3% were at risk of malnutrition. Perceived health status compared to peers (OR: 1.734, 95% CI: 1.256–2.392, p = 0.001), lower appetite status (OR: 1.942, 95% CI: 1.459–2.585, p < 0.001) and lower waist circumference (OR: 1.089, 95% CI: 1.040–1.140, p < 0.001) were independent predictors of malnutrition risk. Conclusions: The risk of malnutrition was higher among individuals with lower appetite, poorer self-perceived health status compared to peers, and smaller waist circumference. Reduced physical function and strength were also associated with an increased risk of malnutrition. Full article

Eccentric muscle actions are integral to human movement, rehabilitation, and performance training due to their characteristic high force output (overload) and low energy cost and perceived exertion. Despite the growing use of eccentric devices, a gap in the research exists exploring multi-muscle activation profiles during multi-joint eccentric-only, isokinetic exercise. This study aimed to quantify and compare surface electromyographic (EMG) activity of four leg muscles—vastus lateralis (VL), tibialis anterior (TA), biceps femoris (BF), and medial gastrocnemius (GM)—during a standardized (isokinetic) submaximal eccentric multi-joint exercise using the Eccentron dynamometer. Eighteen healthy adults performed eccentric exercise at 40% of their maximal eccentric strength. Surface EMG data were analyzed using root mean square (RMS) and integrated EMG (iEMG) variables. Repeated-measures ANOVAs and effect sizes (ES) were used to evaluate within-subject differences across muscles. Results showed significantly greater activation in the VL compared to all other muscles (p < 0.05; and ES of 1.28–3.17 versus all other muscles), with the TA also demonstrating higher activation than the BF (p < 0.05). The BF exhibited the lowest activation, suggesting limited hamstring engagement. These findings highlight the effectiveness of the multi-joint isokinetic eccentric leg press movement (via an Eccentron machine) in targeting the quadriceps and dorsiflexors, while indicating the possible need for supplementary hamstring and plantar flexor exercises when aiming for a comprehensive lower body training routine. This study provides important insights for optimizing eccentric training protocols and rehabilitation strategies. Full article

Objective: The objective of the study was to investigate the relationship between the level of physical activity and body composition, and the levels of motor skills and strength in overweight and obese men. Methods: The research involved 64 men. Body composition, physical activity, motor control, Motor Control Test (MCT), and strength variables were evaluated. Body composition was assessed by DXA, and the participants were classified into two groups according to the percentage of total fat mass: greater and less than 27.65%. Physical activity was assessed using accelerometry, and motor control was measured with posturography, which provided a composite score of motor performance and postural control effectiveness. Strength was assessed using hand, leg, and back dynamometers. Results: The participants with a higher percentage of body fat had a lower DSI (Dynamic Strength Index) (p < 0.001) and significantly reduced PAL (physical activity level) and energy expenditure (p < 0.001). No significant differences were found in the muscle strength of the upper limbs (p = 0.06) and lower limbs (p = 0.419). With regard to MCT, there was a significant difference between groups in the backward direction (p = 0.041), with the group with the highest percentage of body fat showing lower values. Conclusions: Individuals with a higher percentage of body fat tend to have lower levels of strength, physical activity, and energy expenditure, which can lead to impaired balance. The findings highlight the need for targeted interventions to improve body composition and levels of strength and physical activity, with a positive impact on general health and quality of life. Emphasis should be placed on improving physical activity levels in male individuals with a higher percentage of fat mass to improve their body composition and dynamic strength levels, which are beneficial to life, particularly to help improve postural control. Full article

Background: Soccer performance is largely dependent on high-intensity, unilateral actions such as sprints, jumps, and changes of direction. These demands can lead to strength and power differences between limbs, highlighting the importance of individualised assessment in professional players. Rotational inertial devices offer a valuable method to evaluate and train these mechanical variables separately for each leg. The aim of this study was twofold: (a) to characterise the mechanical variables derived from several lower-body strength exercises performed on rotational inertial devices, all targeting the same muscle group; and (b) to compare the mechanical variables between the dominant and non-dominant leg for each exercise. Methods: Twenty-six male professional soccer players (age = 26.3 ± 5.1 years; height = 182.3 ± 0.6 cm; weight = 75.9 ± 5.9 kg; body mass index = 22.8 ± 1.1 kg/m²; fat mass percentage = 9.1 ± 0.6%; fat-free mass = 68.8 ± 5.3 kg), all belonging to the same professional Belgian team, voluntarily participated in this study. The players completed a single assessment session consisting of six unilateral exercises (i.e., quadriceps hip, hamstring knee, adductor, quadriceps knee, hamstring hip, and abductor). For each exercise, they performed two sets of eight repetitions with each leg (i.e., dominant and non-dominant) in a randomised order. Results: The quadriceps hip exercise resulted in higher mechanical values compared to the quadriceps knee exercise in both limbs (p < 0.004). Similarly, the hamstring hip exercise produced greater values across all variables and limbs (p < 0.004), except for peak force, where the hamstring knee exercise exhibited higher values (p < 0.004). The adductor exercise showed higher peak force values for the dominant limb (p < 0.004). The between-limb comparison revealed differences only in the abductor exercise (p < 0.004). Conclusions: These findings suggest the necessity of prioritising movement selection based on targeted outcomes, although it should be considered that the differences between limb differences are very limited. Full article

Objectives: The objective of this study was to examine the neuromuscular fatigue response to playing in a singles pickleball tournament, as measured by performance on a countermovement jump test (CMJ). We hypothesized that players would exhibit neuromuscular fatigue after the tournament. Methods: Six adult pickleball players (five male and one female, M ± SD: 40.2 ± 10.1 years old, height = 178.7 ± 12.3 cm, body mass = 85.4 ± 16.7 kg) participated in a 15 game singles pickleball tournament. Prior to the tournament, everyone completed the CMJ to assess lower body strength and power on paired Hawkin Dynamics force plates. After the tournament, players repeated the CMJ. Mixed-effects regression modeling was used to examine changes in key outcomes measured from the CMJ. Results: All nine outcomes from the CMJ significantly changed from pre to post-tournament (e.g., means for net impulse increased from 2.32 ± 0.22 to 2.40 ± 0.18 N·s, p = 0.0006; RSImod increased from 0.28 ± 0.07 to 0.33 ± 0.05, p = 0.0001, and propulsive peak power increased from 41.79 ± 6.14 to 44.34 ± 4.70 W/kg, p < 0.0001). All the changes demonstrated improved performance in the CMJ test. Seven out of the nine outcomes demonstrated a large effect size by the partial-eta square statistic, with η²-partial of 0.153–0.487, and three key outcomes (RSImod, propulsive peak power, and propulsive mean power) also demonstrated large effect sizes by the F² statistic (F² of 0.4603–0.9495). Conclusions: Contrary to our hypothesis, participants did not demonstrate significant neuromuscular fatigue. In contrast, they showed significant improvements in CMJ performance. It is possible that adequate rest between games prevented neuromuscular fatigue; alternately, singles pickleball may not provide enough stimulus in the lower body musculature to induce neuromuscular fatigue. Full article

This work focuses on characterizing structured metamaterials by assessing their elastic law and ultimate strength using finite elements and limit analysis applied to a representative volume element. The elastic and plastic behavior of a reference geometry—the octet truss lattice—is obtained by calculating the response of the representative volume element subjected to prescribed tensor strain bases, namely pure normal strain and pure shear, along the cube symmetry directions. The geometry of the body centered cubic and pure cubic phases of the representative volume element has been analyzed, highlighting that the elastic isotropic behavior depends on the ratio between the stiffnesses of the two phases. The ultimate behavior of the structure has been analyzed through the direct application of the lower bound method of limit analysis. The method has been implemented in a direct finite element environment using the limit analysis procedure developed by the authors. The method was already used and described in previous publications and is briefly recalled. It is based on the identification of the linear operator linking the self-equilibrated stress set to a discrete parameter manifold, accounting for the piecewise continuous distribution of the permanent strain. In the paper, it is highlighted that for different aspect ratios between the body-centered cubic and the pure cubic phase geometry, different ratios between limit shear stress and normal stress arise, the isotropic one assumed to coincide with the von Mises result, where ${\displaystyle \frac{{\sigma }_0}{{\tau }_0}}=\sqrt{3}$. Full article

Strength training has established itself as an essential component in physical conditioning programmes, not only to improve sports performance, but also for health purposes. To evaluate the effects of a strength training protocol with a predominance of the eccentric component on blood count, blood chemistry, and quadriceps muscle ultrasound in university students. 31 students (22.3 ± 4.14 years) of the professional programme in Sports of the Politécnico Colombiano Jaime Isaza Cadavid participated. A mesocycle was developed with three weekly sessions of eccentric training focused on the lower body and core zone. Pre and post-intervention measurements were taken anthropometry, haemogram, lipid profile, ultrasound of the right quadriceps, Bosco test, and Rockport test. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used, and the effect size was calculated using rank correlation. Statistically significant changes were observed in haematocrit, mean corpuscular volume, HDL, muscle thickness and echo-intensity, vertical jump power, and maximal oxygen consumption. A four-week eccentric strength training programme generates improvements in haematology, lipid profile, muscle quality assessed by ultrasound, and functional performance in university students. Full article

Background: While some evidence supports the benefits of food-related tasks, research examining their association with psychosocial health in adolescents remains scarce. The aim of this study was to examine the association between Spanish adolescents’ involvement in food-related household tasks and their psychosocial health. Methods: This cross-sectional study used secondary data from the original Eating Healthy and Daily Life Activities (EHDLA) study. The final sample comprised 273 boys (43.0%) and 361 girls (57.0%). Adolescents self-reported their weekly frequency of involvement in two food-related tasks: meal preparation and grocery shopping, with responses ranging from ‘never’ to ‘seven times’. Psychosocial health was assessed using the 25-item self-report version of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), comprising five subscales: emotional problems, conduct problems, hyperactivity, peer problems, and prosocial behavior. A total difficulties score was calculated by summing the first four subscales. Generalized linear models were used to evaluate associations between the frequency of food task involvement (categorized into five levels) and SDQ outcomes. All models were adjusted for age, sex, socioeconomic status, body mass index, sleep duration, physical activity, sedentary behavior, and energy intake. Results: Concerning to the frequency of helping to prepare food for dinner, an inverse association was observed between food preparation involvement and several psychosocial problems. Adolescents who helped seven times per week reported significantly lower scores in conduct problems (B = −2.00; 95% CI −3.30 to −0.69; p = 0.003), peer problems (B = −2.83; 95% CI −4.29 to −1.38; p < 0.001), internalizing problems (B = −3.90; 95% CI −7.03 to −0.77; p = 0.015), and total psychosocial difficulties (B = −5.74; 95% CI −10.68 to −0.80; p = 0.023), compared to those who never helped. Conversely, those who helped seven times per week had higher prosocial behavior than their counterparts who never helped (B = 1.69; 95% CI: 0.14 to 3.24; p = 0.033). Regarding the frequency of helping to shop for food, similar patterns were found, with lower conduct problems (B = −2.11; 95% CI −3.42 to −0.81; p = 0.002), peer problems (B = −2.88; 95% CI −4.34 to −1.42; p < 0.001), internalizing problems (B = −4.16; 95% CI −7.28 to −1.04; p = 0.009), and total psychosocial difficulties (B = −6.31; 95% CI −11.24 to −1.39; p = 0.012) associated with more frequent involvement, especially among those who helped five or more times per week. Conversely, adolescents who helped seven times per week had higher prosocial behavior than their peers who never helped (B = 1.56; 95% CI: 0.01 to 3.11; p = 0.049). Conclusions: Although adolescent psychosocial health is influenced by multiple factors, our findings suggest that regular involvement in food-related household tasks may serve as a protective factor against conduct problems, peer problems, internalizing problems, and total difficulties, while also enhancing prosocial behavior. However, given the cross-sectional design, conclusions regarding causality should be made cautiously, and further longitudinal research is needed to confirm these associations and assess their long-term impact. These results highlight the relevance of daily structured routines, such as meal preparation and grocery shopping, as potential support for mental well-being during adolescence. Full article

In recent decades, the automotive industry has faced challenges around improving energy efficiency, reducing pollutant emissions, increasing occupant safety, and reducing production costs. To solve these challenges, it is necessary to reduce the weight of vehicle bodies. In this way, the steel industry has developed more efficient metal alloys. To combine vehicle mass reduction with improved performance in deformations in cases of impact, a new family of advanced steels is present, AHSS (Advanced High-Strength Steels). However, this family of steels has lower formability and greater springback compared to conventional steels; if it is not properly controlled, it will directly affect the accuracy of the product and its quality. Different regions of a stamped component, such as the flange, the body wall, and the punch pole, are subjected to different states of stress and deformation, determined by numerous process variables, such as friction/lubrication and tool geometry, in addition to blank holder force and drawbead geometry, which induce the material to different deformation modes. Thus, it is understood that the degree of work hardening in each of these regions can be evaluated by grain morphology and material hardening, defining critical regions of embrittlement that, consequently, will affect the material’s stampability. This work aims to study the formability of the cold-formed DP600 steel sheets in the die radius region using a Modified Nakazima test, varying drawbead geometry, followed by a nanohardness evaluation and material characterization through the electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD). The main objective is to analyze the work hardening in the critical blank regions by applying these techniques. The nanoindentation evaluations were consistent in die radius and demonstrated the hardening influence, proving that the circular drawbead presented the most uniform hardness variation along the profile of the stamped blank and presented lower hardness values in relation to the other geometries, concluding that the drawbead attenuates this variation, contributing to better sheet formability, which corroborates the Forming Limit Curve results. Full article

Background: Understanding the relationship between physical fitness and body mass index (BMI) is critical for promoting adolescent health, particularly in Saudi Arabia, where cultural norms and rising obesity rates present unique challenges. This study aimed to investigate the impact of BMI, gender, and physical activity levels on lower limb strength and endurance, as measured by the Standing Long Jump (SLJ) and the 1 min Sit-to-Stand (STS) test, respectively. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 100 healthy Saudi adolescents (44 boys, 56 girls) aged 10–18 years. Lower limb strength and endurance were assessed using SLJ (cm) and STS (repetitions/min). Anthropometric measurements included BMI (kg/m²), weight (kg), and height (cm), while physical activity was assessed using the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Adolescents (PAQ-A). Mediation analysis was conducted to examine the potential indirect effects of BMI, PAQ-A score, and age on the relationship between SLJ and STS performance. Results: Boys significantly outperformed girls in both the STS (mean difference = 25.2 repetitions/min; p < 0.001) and SLJ (mean difference = 73.4 cm; p < 0.001). No significant gender differences were found in PAQ-A scores (p = 0.987). A strong positive correlation was observed between SLJ and STS performance (r = 0.768; p < 0.01). BMI was not significantly correlated with SLJ or STS performance. STS repetitions predicted superior SLJ performance both before (β = 0.55, p < 0.001) and after (β = 0.47, p = 0.004) adjustment for BMI, age, PAQ score, and gender. BMI transmitted only a small, non-significant share of this link (indirect β = 0.08, p = 0.122), indicating that the STS–SLJ association is largely direct (model R² for SLJ = 0.84). Conclusions: Explosive lower limb strength and gender were significant predictors of lower-body endurance, whereas BMI showed a limited association with performance. These findings underscore the importance of incorporating gender-specific strategies in adolescent fitness assessments and interventions, with a cautionary interpretation of BMI as a performance indicator. Full article

Limited data exist on the underlying physiological phenomena of aerobic training; the impulse oscillometry method, allowing the assessment of small airways and lung periphery in addition to standard lung function testing, might be a useful addition to rehabilitation programs. Background/Objectives: This study aimed to determine the immediate effect of a structured low-intensity aerobic training program on small airway function in healthy volunteers to explore potential implications for long-term COPD care. Methods: Thirty-six healthy volunteers were recruited between May 2024 and January 2025; each participant underwent a lung function testing session, followed by low/moderate-intensity aerobic exercise, and, after 15 min, by a second impulse oscillometry assessment. Results: There was a statistically significant reduction in airway resistance following the physical exertion for the whole group (mean difference 0.03 kPa/L/s, 95%CI 0–0.6 kPa/L/s); significantly lower values were recorded for the reactance component X5 (0.02 kPa/L/s, 95%CI 0–0.4 kPa/L/s) for the normal weight subgoup (n = 24). These results, corroborated with literature data, suggest optimization of the distribution of the airflow and possibly alteration of the elastic properties of the thoracic structures following even low-intensity effort. Conclusions: Low-intensity upper body strength and aerobic training seem to have an immediate respiratory beneficial effect on healthy volunteers manifested as a reduction in airway resistance. The underlying mechanism might be related to improved contractility of respiratory muscles, but changes in lung parenchyma elasticity may also be involved, possibly reflecting modifications of ventilation heterogeneity. Impulse oscillometry may be superior to spirometry in monitoring the effects of aerobic training, considering the additional data it provides, and could be used to optimize and personalize rehabilitation protocols. Full article

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of cold-water immersion (CWI) on post-training recovery in Kung Fu athletes. Methods: In a 3-week crossover design, 16 Kung Fu athletes (22.00 ± 5.95 years, 76.90 ± 9.74 kg) were divided into two conditions: CWI and passive recovery as a control (CON) measure. Through the study, muscle damage markers (creatine kinase [CK], lactate dehydrogenase [LDH], aspartate aminotransferase [AST] and alanine aminotransferase [ALT]), physical performance tests (upper limbs power, SJ and CMJ), skin temperature (from lower and upper limbs), and skin temperature asymmetries were measured. Results: CWI resulted in a higher reduction of CK concentration than CON 24 h after the intervention (−21.32%; p < 0.001). The SJ height 24 h after the intervention was higher in the CWI than in the CON (p < 0.001). Both CWI and CON resulted in skin temperature returning to baseline levels 24 h after intervention. Conclusions: CWI was effective in restoring muscle power, reducing muscle damage and reducing body temperature (BT) in Kung Fu athletes. Cold water recovery showed better muscle power and strength 24 and 48 h after training when compared to the passive method. CK and skin temperature were better 24 h after cold water recovery. Full article