Search Results (106)

Background: Sleep is a key determinant of recovery and performance in elite athletes, yet its optimization extends beyond sleep duration alone and encompasses multiple subjective and physiological dimensions. Environmental factors, including the sleep surface, represent modifiable components of sleep that may influence perceived sleep quality. This study aimed to examine whether an individually adjustable modular sleep system improves subjective sleep quality in elite athletes and whether alterations in objective sleep metrics, circadian timing, or nocturnal autonomic physiology accompany such changes. Methods: Forty-three elite athletes participated in this pre–post-intervention study (without a control group). Subjective sleep quality was assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), while objective sleep and physiological parameters were recorded using a wearable device (Oura Ring, 3rd generation). Outcomes were averaged across three consecutive nights at baseline (T0) and post-intervention (T1). Baseline values were derived from the final three nights of a standardized pre-intervention monitoring period (minimum 7 nights), and post-intervention values from the final three nights following a standardized intervention exposure period (minimum 14 nights). Statistical analyses included paired frequentist tests and complementary Bayesian paired-sample analyses. Results: Subjective sleep quality improved significantly following the intervention, with a mean reduction in PSQI score of 0.67 points (p < 0.001). In contrast, no meaningful changes were observed in total sleep time (p = 0.28), REM duration (p = 0.26), circadian timing (p = 0.47), or nocturnal minimum heart rate (p = 0.42), as supported by the absence of physiological changes in these parameters. Conclusions: It seems that an individually adjustable sleep system can be able to improve perceived sleep quality in elite athletes without disrupting sleep architecture, circadian regulation, or nocturnal autonomic function. In athletes whose sleep duration and physiological sleep metrics are already near optimal, such micro-environmental interventions may offer a feasible, low-risk means of enhancing recovery by targeting subjective sleep quality. This dimension dissociates from objective sleep measures. Optimizing the sleep surface may therefore represent a practical adjunct to existing recovery strategies in high-performance sport. Full article

Background/Objective: This study investigated the associations between dietary patterns and subjective cognitive function among older Japanese adults and examined whether these associations differed according to sleep duration. Methods: This longitudinal cohort study was conducted using data from the Community Empowerment and Care study (2017–2020). Data were obtained from the Community Empowerment and Care Study of the T-Village, Aichi Prefecture, Japan. Latent class analysis was used to identify dietary patterns based on the intake frequencies of seven food groups. Logistic regression models assessed the associations between dietary patterns and subjective cognitive function stratified by sleep duration (optimal: 7–8 h; unfavorable: <7 or >8 h). Results: Three dietary patterns were identified (diverse, balanced, restricted). Compared with the restricted pattern, the diverse (odds ratio = 0.13, 95% confidence interval: 0.07–0.26; p < 0.0001) and balanced patterns (odds ratio = 0.33, 95% confidence interval: 0.18–0.62; p = 0.0006) were associated with lower odds of poor subjective cognitive function. Associations were broadly similar across sleep groups, and interaction testing was not significant. Conclusions: Dietary quality was associated with better subjective cognitive function, particularly among older adults with unfavorable sleep duration. The study findings underscore the need for integrated lifestyle interventions that target both nutrition and sleep in aging populations. Full article

Background and Objective: Streetlifting is a developing strength sport derived from calisthenics and based on maximal external load performance in weighted pull-ups, dips, muscle-ups, and squat variations. Its rapid global expansion has raised interest in identifying sport-specific nutritional and recovery strategies that can support performance and health. However, scientific evidence directly focused on streetlifting remains limited. This narrative review aims to summarize current knowledge regarding body composition, nutrition, supplementation, and sleep in streetlifting athletes by integrating findings from related strength sports. Methods: A narrative review design was adopted due to the scarcity of empirical studies on streetlifting. Searches were performed using the terms “streetlifting AND nutrition,” “streetlifting AND body composition,” and “streetlifting AND sleep quality.” Peer-reviewed studies involving comparable strength disciplines were included when directly applicable to performance or recovery determinants. Results: Performance in streetlifting appears strongly driven by strength-to-bodyweight ratio, supported by low-to-moderate fat mass and adequate lean mass. Evidence from resistance training literature suggests that meeting energy requirements, consuming 1.2–1.5 g/kg/day of protein, and using nutrient timing around training may enhance muscle protein synthesis and glycogen replenishment. Creatine supplementation shows consistent benefits for maximal strength and ATP turnover, whereas other supplements lack robust evidence. Sleep duration and quality contribute to neuromuscular recovery, endocrine balance, and cognitive readiness, though sport-specific findings are insufficient. Conclusions: Streetlifting athletes may benefit from integrated nutritional planning, evidence-based supplementation, and sleep optimization. Further sport-specific interventional and longitudinal studies are required to develop validated performance and health guidelines. Full article

Background/Objectives: Occlusal splints are widely used for managing sleep bruxism (SB), providing uniform contact across the entire dentition in the centric relation. Nonetheless, different guidance schemes, such as bilateral balanced occlusion (BBO) and canine guidance (CG), are used during eccentric movements, and the optimal design remains unclear. This study compared the effects of BBO and CG on masticatory muscle activity, sleep architecture, and subjective outcomes during sleep. Methods: This non-blinded randomized crossover trial enrolled 24 healthy adults diagnosed with SB (16 men and 8 women; mean age, 26.1 years) who were randomly assigned to either a BBO-first or CG-first sequence. Individual splints of both types were milled from the polymethyl methacrylate discs. After a 5-night baseline period, each splint was worn for 33 nights in a home environment, and data from nights 29 to 33 were analyzed. Masseter muscle activity was assessed using single-channel electromyography (EMG), yielding EMG parameters, including integrated EMG per hour, number of episodes and bursts per hour, mean episode duration, and total episode duration per hour. Sleep architecture was assessed using portable polysomnography with automatic scoring, and subjective outcomes were assessed for sleep disturbance, morning symptoms, and splint comfort. Differences between splints were analyzed using Wilcoxon signed-rank tests (α = 0.05). Results: Twenty-three participants completed the study. No statistically significant differences were found between the BBO and CG splints for any EMG parameters, sleep variables, or subjective measures. Conclusions: Splint guidance design differences showed no significant effects; however, smaller, potentially clinically relevant effects cannot be excluded. Full article

Background/Objectives: Autism spectrum disorder is a neurodevelopmental condition affecting up to 1.7% of the global population. Current interventions do not treat the root cause, prompting research into novel treatments like non-invasive neuromodulation. The objective of this study is to examine the use of NESA technology in children with ASD, to determine if it generates changes in their conduct and their central symptoms related to the spectrum. Methods: In this study, twelve children with ASD underwent NESA neuromodulation therapy. We assessed the children’s (CSHQ) and parents’ sleep quality (Pittsburg scale), aberrant behavior (ABC-C), and sensory profile (SP-2). Results: In most cases (66.7%), we observed an improvement in the test results. A comparative analysis of NESA protocols revealed that the optimal programming strategy involves a longer duration of programs 7 and 8 of NESA microcurrents. Conclusions: Given the limited number of patients included in the data set, further investigations are necessary to draw more robust conclusions. This novel form of treatment offers the potential to address autism spectrum disorder by targeting the autonomic nervous system. This approach may influence underlying mechanisms of the autonomic nervous system. The pilot study has opened a new avenue for future research. Full article

Objective: To characterize debilitating fatigue in children and adults across inactive auto-inflammatory diseases (AID), identifying distinct disease-specific fatigue phenotypes and modifiable risk factors is necessary for optimal care. Methods: A single-center cohort of consecutive patients with inactive AID between 2007 and 2024 was performed. Demographics, clinical and laboratory features, and treatment were captured. Fatigue was characterized and quantified using the PedsQL-MFS and VAS; the CES-D/CESD-R was applied to assess depression risk. Comparisons were made using non-parametric methods, multivariable regression identified risk factors of fatigue in inactive disease. Results: 66 patients were included: 39 (59%) were children; the median age at symptom onset was 4 years, at treatment start was 8 years, and study follow-up was 7 years. All patients had inactive disease at the last visit. Patients with cryopyrin-associated periodic syndromes (CAPS) had the highest Cognitive Fatigue scores (p = 0.04). Univariate analyses identified higher fatigue scores (1) in adults across all domains except Sleep/Rest (all p ≤ 0.002), (2) in patients with pathogenic/likely pathogenic variants, and (3) for disease duration ≥10 years except Sleep/Rest (all p ≤ 0.01). Depression was the single most important factor associated with fatigue in all domains (p < 0.001). In multivariable analysis, depression remained the strongest predictor of fatigue even when accounting for age, gene variant, disease duration, and treatment delay. Conclusions: Fatigue remains the major burden in AID despite the availability of effective anti-inflammatory therapies. Depression was identified as the strongest determinant of debilitating fatigue in inactive AID. Systematic screening and integrated approaches addressing both psychological and inflammatory domains are essential for optimal care. Full article

Introduction: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains a primary cause of mortality worldwide, with persistent geographic disparities driven by a complex interplay of risk factors. Continual updates of localized variations in CVD mortality are essential to develop targeted interventions for optimizing disease and healthcare management. Methods: This study investigated associations between CVD mortality and a comprehensive set of biological, environmental, behavioral, and socioeconomic factors across all U.S. counties, employing correlation, geospatial visualization, stepwise multiple regression, and machine learning models to evaluate the importance of risk associations. Results: Significant disparities in CVD mortality trend were observed across race, age, sex, and region, with elevated rates among older adults, men, and Blacks, particularly in southeastern states exhibiting severe social vulnerability. Correlation analysis identified disease management (e.g., COPD, hypertension, medication non-adherence), environmental factors (PM2.5), lifestyle behaviors (e.g., smoking, sleep duration), and socioeconomic status (e.g., poverty, single-parent households, education) as important contributors to CVD mortality. Conversely, higher household income, physical activity, and cardiac rehabilitation participation were strong protectors. Multiple regression explained 66.9% variance in CVD mortality, recognizing PM2.5, smoking, and medication non-adherence as top associated factors. Random Forest models underscored COPD’s predictive dominance, followed by medication non-adherence, smoking, and sleep duration. Conclusions: The findings highlight the geospatial connection of risk factors to CVD mortality disparities across U.S. counties. They emphasize the critical importance of data-driven strategies targeting air quality, tobacco control, social inequities, and chronic disease management to mitigate CVD burden and promote health equity. Full article

Background: Adequate sleep is essential for recovery and performance in athletes. Internal and external training loads closely relate to sleep, but few studies have examined their distinct off-season effects. This study investigated the relationships among training load, hormonal markers, and sleep parameters in collegiate male rowers. Methods: Eleven rowers were monitored over 4 months (October 2022–January 2023). Internal load was assessed via session ratings of perceived exertion, external load by accelerometry-based indicators, sleep variables by actigraphy and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and hormonal status via salivary cortisol and testosterone. Repeated-measures analysis of variance and correlation and regression analyses were applied. Results: Training load showed significant temporal variation (p < 0.01), with October having the highest intensity. Increased loads were associated with poorer sleep outcomes, including reduced total sleep time (p < 0.05), higher latency (p < 0.05), and decreased efficiency (p < 0.05). External load was linked to fragmentation indices (wake after sleep onset, awakenings; p < 0.05), whereas internal load correlated with improved efficiency in certain months (p < 0.05). Hormonal fluctuations, particularly cortisol and testosterone, also correlated with sleep parameters (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Internal and external loads exerted distinct influences on sleep, supporting the hypothesis that both must be monitored. Sleep duration and efficiency emerged as modifiable targets for optimizing recovery and performance in athletes. Full article

Napping is recognized as a strategy to enhance athletic performance. However, the optimal timing and duration for maximizing its benefits remain unclear. This study investigated the effects of a 90 min nap at different times on physical performance, psycho-cognitive responses, and perceived recovery in trained youth male athletes. Fourteen athletes (18 ± 1 years) completed four conditions in a randomized crossover design: (1) No-nap-13h, (2) No-nap-15h, (3) Nap-13h, and (4) Nap-15h. After each condition, athletes performed a 5 m shuttle run test (5mSRT) and were assessed on best distance (BD), total distance (TD), and fatigue index (FI). Ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) were recorded after each 5mSRT repetition, whereas muscle soreness (DOMS) and recovery (PRS) were assessed post-test and 24 h later. The digit cancelation test (DCT), feeling scale (FS), Stanford Sleepiness Scale (SSS), and Hooper Questionnaire evaluated sleep quality and psycho-cognitive state. Results showed that the athletes felt greater sleepiness before Nap-15h and after Nap-13h versus the no-nap conditions. TD was higher in Nap-13h than Nap-15h (p = 0.001) and No-nap-15h (p = 0.0009). BD was higher in Nap-13h versus No-nap-15h and No-nap-13h, while RPE was higher in Nap-13h versus No-nap-13 h, Nap-15h, and No-nap-15h (all, p < 0.05). DCT scores were also higher in Nap-13h. No significant effects were found for FI, FS, or Hooper. In conclusion, a 90 min nap at 13:00 was more effective than a later nap or no nap in improving performance and recovery, suggesting benefits for afternoon training or competitions. 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

Catheter ablation (CA) has become a validated technique for treating patients with symptomatic or paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF), as recommended by the latest 2024 European society of cardiology (ESC) guidelines, class II level A. The procedure is also recommended for patients with persistent AF without major risk factors for AF recurrence, as an alternative to antiarrhythmic medications class I or III. However, CA carries the risk of AF recurrence in 30–35% of patients, sometimes after the procedure. Multiple factors impact the onset, maintenance, and recurrence of AF after CA, including clinical, biohumoral, echocardiographic, genetic, and lifestyle factors. Beyond traditional predictors, emerging factors such as obstructive sleep apnea syndrome, chronic renal failure, chronic lung disease, physical activity patterns, gut microbiota composition, and epicardial fat thickness significantly influence outcomes. Therefore, optimizing patient’s selection for CA is an important strategy to minimize the risk of AF recurrence. Many echocardiographic parameters emerged as predictors of AF recurrence post-CA, but none stood out as a potential single factor. These factors include traditional markers such as left atrial size by 2D echocardiography, LV ejection fraction, LV diastolic function parameters as well as myocardial deformation addressed by the recently developed speckle tracking analysis. Additionally, the duration and type of AF represent fundamental risk factors, with longstanding persistent AF showing significantly higher recurrence rates compared to paroxysmal forms. Novel biomarkers including MR-proANP, caspase-8, hsa-miR-206, and neurotrophin-3 show promise in enhancing risk prediction capabilities. The aim of this review is to explore the most relevant echocardiographic parameters, including myocardial deformation, that could accurately predict recurrence of AF after CA, while also examining the role of emerging clinical and biochemical predictors in comprehensive patient selection strategies. Full article

Sleep is a fundamental biological process in athletes, indispensable for tissue regeneration, exercise adaptation, and injury prevention. Disruptions in sleep architecture and duration have been consistently associated with diminished physical performance and adverse health outcomes, impairing muscular strength, power output, and endurance capacity, and concurrently compromising cognitive function. On a physiological level, insufficient sleep disrupts endocrine homeostasis, elevating cortisol levels and reducing anabolic hormones such as testosterone and growth hormone. At the molecular level, sleep loss promotes the upregulation of pro-apoptotic gene expression and exacerbates pro-inflammatory signalling pathways. Optimal sleep duration and quality represent a critical “regenerative window”, essential for enhancing athletic performance and safeguarding physiological resilience. Ensuring adequate sleep among athletes can be effectively achieved through educational, behavioural, and nutritional interventions outlined in this review. Full article

In vitro fertilization (IVF) exposes embryos to environmental stressors that can disrupt early development and confer long-term health risks, though the mechanisms remain poorly understood. Here, we tested the hypothesis that reducing incubation temperature during the first zygotic cleavage would promote long-term developmental stability in IVF-conceived offspring. Using a mouse model, we compared the long-term effects of standard (37 °C) versus reduced (35 °C) IVF culture temperature on energy balance, circadian rhythms, sleep architecture, and brain histone modifications. Although offspring from both IVF groups exhibited increased body mass without notable effects on glucose metabolism, significant disruptions in circadian rhythms and sleep–wake patterns were detected. The 37 °C group exhibited altered amplitudes in oxygen consumption rhythms and respiratory exchange ratios, as well as pronounced alterations in sleep–wake patterns, including reduced sleep duration and increased nighttime activity. The 35 °C group displayed intermediate phenotypes, substantiating the importance of optimizing embryo incubation parameters. These metabolic and behavioral changes were paralleled by altered histone modifications in the cerebral cortex of IVF offspring, suggesting an epigenetic basis for circadian misalignment. Our results identify disrupted circadian rhythm and sleep architecture as a novel mechanism contributing to metabolic dysfunction in IVF-conceived offspring. The partial mitigation of these effects through reduced culture temperature underscores the importance of optimizing IVF protocols to minimize long-term epigenetic and metabolic risks. Full article

Background. Physical activity enhances cognitive performance in adolescents, yet the role of circadian timing within the school day remains poorly understood. Purpose. This study examined whether the timing of school-based physical activity (morning, midday, afternoon) influences cognitive performance, subjective alertness, and mood states in early adolescents. Methods. A 12-week crossover intervention was conducted with 102 students (aged 12–13 years) from southern Italy. Each class participated in three 4-week conditions of structured physical activity scheduled in the morning (8:10–9:10), midday (12:10–13:10), and afternoon (15:10–16:10), separated by one-week washouts. Cognitive outcomes (d2-R, Digit Span backward, TMT-A), subjective alertness (KSS), and mood (PANAS-C) were assessed at baseline and after each condition. Analyses employed linear mixed-effects models and repeated-measures ANOVAs, adjusting for sex, BMI, chronotype, and sleep duration. Results. Morning activity produced the strongest improvements in attention (d2-R, η²p = 0.16), working memory (Digit Span backward, η²p = 0.06), processing speed (TMT-A, η²p = 0.08), alertness (KSS, η²p = 0.19), and positive affect (PANAS-C, η²p = 0.05). Midday sessions yielded moderate benefits (d2-R, η²p = 0.09; Digit Span backward, η²p = 0.05; TMT-A, η²p = 0.07; KSS, η²p = 0.09), while afternoon activity showed the weakest or nonsignificant changes (all η²p < 0.05). Chronotype moderated the effects on attention and working memory, with morning types deriving the largest gains. Conclusions. The timing of physical activity is a critical determinant of its cognitive and affective benefits. Incorporating morning exercise into school timetables may represent a low-cost, scalable strategy to optimize both learning readiness and well-being in adolescents. Full article

Background/Objectives: As global aging accelerates, prevalence of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) continues to rise, challenging healthcare systems and diminishing older adults’ quality of life. There is great interest in better understanding the neuroprotective/anti-inflammatory properties of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids but the results from many published studies in humans come to different conclusions. This review aims to clarify the efficacy of n-3 fatty acids as a preventive or therapeutic strategy for cognitive health and to inform future clinical recommendations within aging populations. Methods: Following PRISMA guidelines and a registered PROSPERO protocol, we reviewed systematic reviews (SRs) from 2014 to 2024 assessing exclusive n-3 fatty acid supplementation and cognitive outcomes via MMSE. Data were extracted on intervention details and cognitive scores. Meta-analyses used fixed and random-effects models, with Hedges’ estimating overall impact. Quality was assessed using AMSTAR-2, and statistical analyses were performed (SPSS 28). Results: A total of nine SRs incorporating 14 RCTs were included, representing 26,881 participants aged 40 years or older. The pooled random-effects meta-analysis showed a statistically significant but modest improvement in MMSE scores (effect size: 0.16; 95% CI: 0.01–0.32). Heterogeneity was moderate (I² = 42.8%), and no publication bias was detected. Further analyses revealed no significant associations between treatment duration or dosage and cognitive outcomes, suggesting a threshold effect rather than a dose–response relationship. Conclusions: These findings support n3-PUFA supplementation as a complementary approach to lifestyle-based strategies for cognitive health, including diet, physical activity, sleep optimization, and cognitive training. While benefits appear modest, consistent effects across studies warrant further high-quality research and well-designed studies to strengthen clinical recommendations. Full article