Search Results (1,972)

In recent years, radiology has become a key factor in sports clinical decision-making, primarily due to two parallel trends: the need for timely imaging in elite sports and the increase in recreational and weekend exercise-related injuries among individuals who adopt a healthy lifestyle, often in outdoor settings and without structured physical preparation [...] Full article

Concurrent cognitive tasks, such as avoiding visual, auditory, chemical, and electrical hazards, and concurrent motor tasks, such as load carriage, are prevalent in ergonomic settings. Trips are extremely common in the workplace, leading to fatal and non-fatal fall-related injuries. Intrinsic factors, such as attention, fatigue, and anticipation, as well as extrinsic factors, including tasks at hand, affect trip recovery responses. Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the ankle joint kinematics in unexpected and expected trip responses during single-tasking (ST), dual-tasking (DT), and triple-tasking (TT), before and after a physically fatiguing protocol among young, healthy adults. Methods: Twenty volunteers’ (10 females, one left leg dominant, age 20.35 ± 1.04 years, height 174.83 ± 9.03 cm, mass 73.88 ± 15.55 kg) ankle joint kinematics were assessed using 3D motion capture system during unperturbed gait (NG), unexpected trip (UT), and expected trip (ET), during single-tasking (ST), cognitive dual-tasking (CDT), motor dual-tasking (MDT), and triple-tasking (TT), under both PRE and POST fatigue conditions. Results: Greater dorsiflexion angles were observed during UT compared to NG, MDT compared to ST, and TT compared to ST. Significantly greater plantar flexion angles were observed during ET compared to NG and during POST compared to PRE. Conclusions: Greater dorsiflexion angles during dual- and triple-tasking suggest that divided attention affects trip recovery. Greater plantar flexion angles following fatigue are likely an anticipatory mechanism due to altered muscle activity and increased postural control demands. Full article

Background: This study aimed to examine the effects of an 8-week plyometric training program on lower-limb explosive strength, jump performance, musculotendinous stiffness, reactive strength index (RSI), and multidirectional speed in elite Polish badminton players. Methods: Twenty-four athletes were randomly assigned to either an experimental group (n = 15), which supplemented their regular badminton training with plyometric exercises, or a control group (n = 15), which continued standard technical training. Performance assessments included squat jump (SJ), countermovement jump (CMJ), single-leg jumps, sprint tests (5 m, 10 m), lateral movements, musculotendinous stiffness, and RSI measurements. Results: The experimental group showed statistically significant improvements in jump height, power output, stiffness, and 10 m sprint and lateral slide-step performance (p < 0.05), with large effect sizes. No significant changes were observed in the control group. Single-leg jump improvements suggested potential benefits for addressing lower-limb asymmetries. Conclusions: An 8-week plyometric intervention significantly enhanced lower-limb explosive performance and multidirectional movement capabilities in young badminton players. These findings support the integration of targeted plyometric training into regular training programs to optimize physical performance, improve movement efficiency, and potentially reduce injury risk in high-intensity racket sports. Full article

Background: Primary patellar dislocation is a relatively uncommon knee injury but carries a high risk of recurrence, particularly in young and physically active adolescent individuals. Anatomical features of the patellofemoral joint have been implicated as key contributors to instability. The purpose of this study was to evaluate anatomical risk factors associated with recurrent patellar dislocation following a primary traumatic event, using MRI-based parameters. Methods: Fifty-four patients who sustained a first-time lateral patellar dislocation were included. MRI was used to measure tibial tuberosity–trochlear groove (TT–TG) distance, tibial tuberosity–posterior cruciate ligament (TT–PCL) distance, Insall–Salvati ratio (IS), sulcus angle (SA), patellar tilt angle (PTA), patella length, and patellar tendon length. Trochlear dysplasia was assessed according to the Dejour classification. Recurrence was defined as a subsequent dislocation occurring within three years of the primary injury. Results: Significant differences were observed in TT–TG distance and patellar tendon length (p < 0.05). Patients with recurrent dislocation had lower TT–TG values and shorter patellar tendon lengths. Other parameters, including PTA, IS, and patella height, did not show statistically significant differences. Conclusion: Anatomical factors may contribute to the risk of recurrent patellar dislocation. Identifying these variables using imaging may support clinical decision making and guide individualized treatment plans following primary injury. Full article

Introduction: Despite clinical evidence for efficacy, there has been minimal uptake of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) for musculoskeletal conditions. Thus, our objective was to explore the perceptions and experiences of people living with lower-limb musculoskeletal injury as well as healthy physically active populations and relate this to the usage of tDCS and key aspects of tDCS design that would improve the capacity for implementation. Methods: We conducted a qualitative descriptive study of 16 participants (44% women) using semi-structured focus groups to identify the descriptions and experiences of people living with lower-limb musculoskeletal injury and healthy physically active populations. A thematic template was used to create a coding structure. Codes were then grouped, and key themes were derived from the data. Results: Four primary themes were identified from focus groups. These were (i) the impact of musculoskeletal injuries on health and quality of life, (ii) performance and injury recovery as facilitators to using tDCS, (iii) barriers and facilitators to tCDS application and (iv) design and aesthetic factors for a tDCS device. Discussion: Our qualitative descriptive study identified four themes relevant to the successful implementation of tDCS into rehabilitative and performance practice. To increase the likelihood of successful tDCS implementation, these barriers should be addressed and facilitators promoted. This should include innovative approaches to device application and structure that allow for a stylish, user-friendly design. Full article

Background: Post-traumatic trigeminal neuropathic pain (PTTNP) is a chronic condition often caused by dental procedures such as implant placement or tooth extraction. It involves persistent pain and sensory disturbances, negatively affecting the quality of life of patients. Methods: This retrospective observational study was conducted at Chosun University Dental Hospital and included 120 patients diagnosed with PTTNP involving the orofacial region. Patient data were collected between January 2014 and December 2023. Among them, 79 patients (65.8%) developed PTTNP following dental implant placement, with a total of 121 implants analyzed. The inferior alveolar nerve was most frequently involved. Clinical factors, including the time to treatment, removal of the causative factor, the Sunderland injury grade, and the type of treatment, were evaluated. Pain intensity and sensory changes were assessed using the visual analog scale (VAS). Results: Treatment initiated within the early post-injury period, commonly regarded as within three months, and implant removal tended to improve outcomes. Pharmacological therapy was the most commonly employed modality, particularly gabapentinoids (e.g., gabapentin, pregabalin) and tricyclic antidepressants such as amitriptyline. However, combined therapy, which included pharmacologic, physical, and surgical approaches, was associated with the greatest sensory improvement. Conclusions: Prompt, multidisciplinary intervention may enhance recovery in patients with PTTNP. Implant-related injuries require careful management, and multimodal strategies appear more effective than monotherapies. Full article

Background: The rehabilitative treatment of muscle injuries is mostly conservative, but it does not always follow precise protocols. Appropriate physiotherapy, exercises, and training are essential components of the rehabilitation and reconditioning of injured muscles. The purpose of this review is to assess the good rehabilitative practices in the treatment of patients affected by muscle injuries. Methods: We performed research on Medline and Cochrane Database. Guidelines focusing on the rehabilitative treatment of muscle injuries were evaluated for inclusion. Statements about non-rehabilitative treatments were also reported only for the guidelines that mainly focused on rehabilitative treatments. Results: Eight guidelines meeting the inclusion criteria were included in the review. Results were framed into a narrative overview. Two of them mainly focused on hamstring rehabilitation, the others focused on several muscular districts. Conclusions: Conservative treatment of muscle injuries is currently the gold standard, with good results in terms of both rehabilitation times and post-injury sports performance. However, there is not a complete agreement on the type of exercises and the timing of rehabilitation when these should be performed. More research is needed to draw conclusions about the use of physical therapy instruments and other rehabilitation approaches and techniques. Full article

Background/Objectives: Falls are recognized as a leading cause of injury, with approximately one in ten incidents resulting in physical injury. Although virtual reality (VR)-based interventions have been explored for fall prevention, systematic reviews and meta-analyses remain limited. This study aimed to assess research trends and evaluate the effectiveness of VR-based fall prevention through a systematic review and meta-analysis. Methods: This review was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. A comprehensive literature search was carried out in PubMed, EBMASE, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Cochrane Library, and Korean databases from their inception through 31 December 2024. A total of 49 studies met the inclusion criteria, and a meta-analysis was conducted on 37 studies with available data using “R” 4.4.1 software. Effect sizes (ESs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated for key outcomes. Results: The VR-based interventions showed a statistically significant positive effect on falls self-efficacy, as measured by the Falls Efficacy Scale (FES) (ES = 0.28, 95% CI: 0.17–0.39, p < 0.001). However, no significant reduction was observed in the number of falls (ES = −0.31, 95% CI: −0.80–0.17, p = 0.20). Subgroup analysis by participant medical condition for the FES revealed the largest effects in the Parkinson’s disease (PD) group (ES = 0.61), followed by the multiple sclerosis (MS) (ES = 0.34), the “other” group (ES = 0.25), and “healthy” participants (ES = 0.24). A statistically significant reduction in the number of falls was observed only in the MS group (ES = −0.56). Conclusions: VR-based interventions are effective in improving falls self-efficacy, particularly among individuals with neurological conditions, such as Parkinson’s disease and multiple sclerosis. However, evidence for a reduction in actual fall incidence remains limited. Further large-scale, long-term studies are needed to evaluate the sustained impact of VR interventions on fall prevention outcomes. Full article

Chilling injury (CI) frequently occurs in postharvest flat peach fruit during cold storage, leading to quality deterioration and a reduced shelf life. Therefore, investigating the key factors involved in alleviating CI and developing effective preservatives are vital scientific issues for the industry. 2,4-Epibrassinolide (EBR) is a crucial endogenous hormone involved in plant response to both biological and environmental stressors. At present, most studies focus on the mechanisms of mitigating CI using a single concentration of EBR treatment, while few studies focus on the effects varying EBR concentrations have on CI. The purpose of this research is to explore the effects of varying concentrations of EBR on the postharvest quality and cold resistance of peach fruit, thereby establishing a basis for refining a technical framework of environmentally sustainable strategies to mitigate postharvest CI. The results show that EBR treatment effectively inhibits the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA) by maintaining the activities of antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), and catalase (CAT), thereby delaying the internal browning process of postharvest peaches. In addition, EBR treatment reduced the consumption of total phenolics by inhibiting the activities of polyphenol oxidase (PPO) and phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL). Experimental results identify that 5 μmol L⁻¹ EBR treatment emerged as the most effective concentration for maintaining core postharvest quality attributes. It significantly delayed the decrease in firmness, reduced weight loss, effectively inhibited the production of H₂O₂ and O₂⁻·, particularly during the early storage period, strongly restrained the activity of PAL, and maintained lower rot rates and internal browning indexes. While the 15 μmol L⁻¹ EBR treatment enhanced antioxidant activity, increased total phenolic content at certain stages, and maintained higher soluble solids and acid content, its effects on key physical quality parameters, like firmness and weight loss, were less pronounced compared to the 5 μmol L⁻¹ treatment. Full article

Background: Accelerated demographic aging in Hungary and across Europe presents significant public health and socioeconomic challenges, particularly in preserving cognitive function and preventing neurodegenerative diseases. Modifiable lifestyle factors—especially dietary habits—play a critical role in brain aging and cognitive decline. Objective: This narrative review explores the mechanisms by which Western dietary patterns contribute to cognitive impairment and neurovascular aging, with specific attention to their relevance in the Hungarian context. It also outlines the rationale and design of the Semmelweis Study and its workplace-based health promotion program targeting lifestyle-related risk factors. Methods: A review of peer-reviewed literature was conducted focusing on Western diet, cognitive decline, cerebrovascular health, and dietary interventions. Emphasis was placed on mechanistic pathways involving systemic inflammation, oxidative stress, endothelial dysfunction, and decreased neurotrophic support. Key findings: Western dietary patterns—characterized by high intakes of saturated fats, refined sugars, ultra-processed foods, and linoleic acid—are associated with elevated levels of 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE), a lipid peroxidation product linked to neuronal injury and accelerated cognitive aging. In contrast, adherence to Mediterranean dietary patterns—particularly those rich in polyphenols from extra virgin olive oil and moderate red wine consumption—supports neurovascular integrity and promotes brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and nerve growth factor (NGF) activity. The concept of “cognitive frailty” is introduced as a modifiable, intermediate state between healthy aging and dementia. Application: The Semmelweis Study is a prospective cohort study involving employees of Semmelweis University aged ≥25 years, collecting longitudinal data on dietary, psychosocial, and metabolic determinants of aging. The Semmelweis–EUniWell Workplace Health Promotion Model translates these findings into practical interventions targeting diet, physical activity, and cardiovascular risk factors in the workplace setting. Conclusions: Improving our understanding of the diet–brain health relationship through population-specific longitudinal research is crucial for developing culturally tailored preventive strategies. The Semmelweis Study offers a scalable, evidence-based model for reducing cognitive decline and supporting healthy aging across diverse populations. Full article

Rugby Union is a high-impact sport with considerable injury risk, especially in emerging rugby settings where structured physical preparation may be limited. This study aimed to assess the epidemiological profile and injury incidence among Rugby Union players in Brazil, providing insights to inform strength and conditioning strategies. A cross-sectional observational study was conducted between October 2023 and February 2024 using a digital questionnaire that captured demographic data, sports participation history, and detailed information about injuries sustained in 2022 and 2023. A total of 236 players participated (58.9% male; mean age = 29.4 ± 7.5 years), with males averaging 29.6 ± 7.7 years and females 29.1 ± 7.5 years. Overall, 183 injuries were reported. Most injuries occurred during matches (73.3%) and were contact-related (82.1%), with the shoulder/clavicle and knee being the most affected regions. Ligament injuries (27.3%), dislocations (15.3%), and fractures (16.4%) were the most prevalent types. Female players had a distinct injury pattern, with a greater proportion of non-contact mechanisms. Significant associations were found between injury occurrence and sex (p = 0.012), playing modality (p < 0.001), injury type (p = 0.013), and recovery time (p = 0.006). These findings highlight the urgent need for tailored strength and conditioning interventions focused on injury prevention and athletic preparedness. Such programs should address sport-specific demands, promote neuromuscular resilience, and be accessible across competitive levels to improve performance and minimize injury-related setbacks. Full article

Burn injuries result in complex physiological and psychological sequelae, including hypermetabolism, muscle wasting, mobility impairment, scarring, and disrupted body image. While advances in acute care have improved survival, comprehensive rehabilitation strategies are critical for restoring function, appearance, and psychosocial well-being. Structured physical activity, including resistance and aerobic training, plays a central role in counteracting muscle atrophy, improving cardiovascular function, enhancing scar quality, and promoting psychological resilience and body image restoration. This narrative review synthesizes the current evidence on the effects of exercise-based interventions on post-burn recovery, highlighting their therapeutic mechanisms, clinical applications, and implementation challenges. In addition to physical training, emerging technologies such as virtual reality, aquatic therapy, and compression garments offer promising adjunctive benefits. Notably, artificial intelligence (AI) is gaining traction in burn rehabilitation through its integration into wearable biosensors and telehealth platforms that enable real-time monitoring, individualized feedback, and predictive modeling of recovery outcomes. These AI-driven tools have the potential to personalize exercise regimens, support remote care, and enhance scar assessment and wound tracking. Overall, the integration of exercise-based interventions with digital technologies represents a promising, multimodal approach to burn recovery. Future research should focus on optimizing exercise prescriptions, improving access to personalized rehabilitation tools, and advancing AI-enabled systems to support long-term recovery, functional independence, and positive self-perception among burn survivors. Full article

Background: Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is a physically demanding sport associated with a notable risk of musculoskeletal injuries. Understanding injury patterns, rehabilitation approaches, and psychological readiness to return to sport (RTS) is essential for prevention and management strategies. This study aimed to investigate injury characteristics among Italian BJJ athletes, assess their rehabilitation processes and psychological recovery, and identify key risk factors such as belt level, body mass index (BMI), and training load. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among members of the Italian BJJ community, including amateur and competitive athletes. A total of 360 participants completed a 36-item online questionnaire. Data collected included injury history, rehabilitation strategies, RTS timelines, and responses to the Injury-Psychological Readiness to Return to Sport (I-PRRS) scale. A Random Forest machine learning algorithm was used to identify and rank potential injury risk factors. Results: Of the 360 respondents, 331 (92%) reported at least one injury, predominantly occurring during training sessions. The knee was the most frequently injured joint, and the action “attempting to pass guard” was the most reported mechanism. Most athletes (65%) returned to training within one month. BMI and age emerged as the most significant predictors of injury risk. Psychological readiness scores indicated moderate confidence, with the lowest levels associated with playing without pain. Conclusions: Injuries in BJJ are common, particularly affecting the knee. Psychological readiness, especially confidence in training without pain, plays a critical role in RTS outcomes. Machine learning models may aid in identifying individual risk factors and guiding injury prevention strategies. Full article

Physical challenges such as illness, injury, and disability significantly alter women’s relationships with their bodies, disrupting established notions of functionality and self-worth. This study re-examines the Holistic Model of Positive Body Image and Outdoor Physical Activity through secondary analysis focusing on women with illness, injury, and disability. From the original sample of N = 553 female participants, open-ended survey responses were identified from n = 84 participants (15.2%) who self-disclosed as having illness, injury, or disability to examine how outdoor settings facilitate positive body image. Through reflexive thematic analysis, the study revealed three key mechanisms: (1) personalized redefinition of functionality transcending standardized metrics, (2) therapeutic engagement with natural environments fostering embodied acceptance, and (3) cyclical reinforcement between physical capability and psychological wellbeing. The findings confirm the model’s utility while indicating necessary adaptations to address the fluctuating nature of body functionality. The adapted model emphasizes how outdoor recreational activities create contexts for reimagining body-self relationships across the spectrum of physical experiences—from temporary recovery to ongoing adaptation of persistent conditions—with implications for rehabilitation professionals, outdoor educators, and healthcare providers. Full article

Even for the strongest human being, maintaining an elevated arm position for an extended duration represents a significant challenge, as fatigue inevitably accumulates over time. The physical strain is further intensified when the individual is engaged in repetitive tasks, particularly those involving the use of tools or heavy equipment. Such activities increase the probability of developing muscle fatigue or injuries due to overuse or improper posture. Over time, this can result in the development of chronic conditions, which may impair the individual’s ability to perform tasks effectively and potentially lead to long-term physical impairment. Exoskeletons play a transformative role by reducing the perceived load on the muscles and providing mechanical support, mitigating the risk of injuries and alleviating the physical burden associated with strenuous activities. In addition to injury prevention, these devices also promise to facilitate the rehabilitation of individuals who have sustained musculoskeletal injuries. This document examines the various types of exoskeletons, investigating their design, functionality, and applications. The objective of this study is to present a comprehensive understanding of the current state of these devices, highlighting advancements in the field and evaluating their real-world impact. Furthermore, it analyzes the crucial insights obtained by other researchers, and by summarizing these findings, this work aims to contribute to the ongoing efforts to enhance exoskeleton performance and expand their accessibility across different sectors, including agriculture, healthcare, industrial work, and beyond. Full article