Search Results (9,052)

Background/Objectives: Acute health impacts and longer-term sequelae of sport-related concussion (SRC) are recognized concerns in football (soccer), warranting investigation of interventions to reduce the incidence. The purpose of this study was to identify, synthesize and evaluate interventions used in preventing sport-related concussion (SRC) in adult soccer players. Methods: Five databases (MEDLINE, CINAHL, Embase, SPORTDiscus, PsycINFO) were searched on 6 September 2024 and updated on 17 December 2025 for concussion prevention intervention studies involving adult footballers. Study quality was assessed with the Modified Downs and Black Checklist. A narrative synthesis of all included studies followed Synthesis Without Meta-Analysis (SWiM) guidelines. Results: From 3463 records, five studies met inclusion criteria: three reported rule changes and two reported head-neck training interventions. The low volume of studies discovered were non-randomized and rated fair or poor on quality assessment. Whilst these interventions were grounded in sound and well-reasoned mechanisms to mitigate SRC risks, none reported statistically significant directional effects. This, combined with high heterogeneity, prevented data pooling and no firm conclusions could be drawn about the effectiveness of any intervention. Conclusions: Sparce, preliminary, heterogeneous evidence represents research to reduce SRC in adult soccer players, and this is limited to investigating rule changes and head-neck training and interventions. A larger volume of primary research is needed to determine meaningful practice recommendations of these and other conceivable interventions. Full article

Background/Objectives: Understanding the available interventions and circumstances under which physical therapy is administered to patients with diabetic foot ulcers is important to provide more evidence regarding physical therapy and associated outcomes in this population. This study aimed to investigate the scope, nature, and extent of literature on physical therapy interventions for adults with diabetic foot ulcers. Methods: Articles on physiotherapy interventions for adults with diabetic foot ulcers published up to 30 June 2024 were included. Relevant articles were identified through searches of PubMed, Scopus, MEDLINE, and the Cochrane Library databases. Opinion articles, study protocols, meeting abstracts, and articles that did not describe physical therapy interventions were excluded. Results: The systematic search identified 13 articles that met the inclusion criteria. Eleven of the 13 articles were specifically related to outpatient physical therapy. Outpatient physiotherapy included unloading gait instruction, ankle stretching instruction, progressive resistance training, and aerobic exercise. In two other cases, exercise instructions were practiced in the early postoperative period of the wound during the hospitalization period. A multidisciplinary approach aimed at improving postoperative activities of daily living was included. The main efficacy indices were the wound reduction rate, plantar pressure reduction, hemodynamics, ankle joint range of motion, walking ability, and other physical function-related parameters. Conclusions: Physiotherapy during outpatient follow-up may contribute to preventing wound deterioration and maintaining physical function in patients with stable DFUs. However, standardized protocols regarding intervention timing, exercise intensity, and wound severity remain unestablished, and interventions should be applied cautiously based on individual clinical conditions. Full article

Background/Objectives: Taping is widely used as an adjunctive intervention in musculoskeletal and neurological rehabilitation due to its low cost, noninvasive nature, and clinical versatility. However, reported clinical effects remain inconsistent across studies, largely because of the heterogeneity in tape material properties, structural characteristics, application parameters, and clinical contexts. This structured narrative review aimed to synthesize the current evidence on the material composition, structural characteristics, mechanisms of action, and condition-specific application strategies of therapeutic taping in rehabilitation. Methods: A structured narrative review of the literature published between January 2000 and March 2025 was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. Peer-reviewed studies involving human participants were selected based on predefined inclusion criteria and screened through title/abstract and full-text review. Evidence was prioritized according to study design, with greater emphasis placed on randomized controlled trials, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses. Studies investigating the effects of elastic taping, non-elastic taping, and specialized techniques (e.g., diamond taping and Mulligan taping) on pain, neuromuscular function, proprioception, balance, circulation, and functional outcomes were included. Evidence was synthesized according to taping type, material characteristics, and clinical context. Results: Non-elastic taping demonstrated greater effectiveness in providing mechanical stabilization and load redistribution in acute injuries and mechanically driven joint instability. In contrast, elastic taping showed more consistent relevance in chronic musculoskeletal conditions and neurological rehabilitation, primarily through proprioceptive facilitation and neuromuscular modulation. Across studies, clinical outcomes varied substantially according to tape width, elasticity, material composition, and application tension, highlighting the influence of tape-related factors on therapeutic effects. Overall, the observed effects were predominantly short-term and condition-specific, with considerable heterogeneity across studies. Conclusions: Current evidence suggests that taping may be most appropriately used as an adjunctive intervention rather than a stand-alone treatment, particularly when combined with exercise therapy or other rehabilitation approaches. Individualized, goal-directed application that considers material properties and dose–response characteristics may be more appropriate than uniform taping protocols. However, the overall strength of the evidence remains variable, and further research with standardized protocols, longer follow-up periods, and mechanistic investigation is required to strengthen evidence-based clinical application. Full article

Stress has been prevalent and has become an epidemic health burden, loaded with chronic disorders. The stress response is an adaptive mechanism that prepares an individual to respond to threats or other stressors in a fight-or-flight situation. The stress response involves the induction of neurological and hormonal networks and is usually resolved when stress subsides; however, persistent stress leads to permanent and detrimental impacts on health. With the rise of advanced single-cell analysis technologies, a wave of basic and translational research aimed at elucidating stress has shed light on the underlying mechanisms. Among 80 studies in this review, stressors are classified into acute/chronic physical, physiological, and psychological groups, whereas some studies have more than one stress source. Single-cell RNA-seq was the dominant technology utilized in these studies. This advanced technique systematically reveals cellular heterogeneity in gene expression patterns and the differential transcriptomic landscape of stress response in a wide array of tissues and organ systems, e.g., the nervous system, the endocrine system, the immune system, and others. Bioinformatics identified a single-cell atlas of stress-specific cell subtypes, cell-to-cell interactions, and enriched pathways, showing promise for stress syndrome biomarkers, attenuation, and targeted therapy. The limits of these stress studies were mainly focused on transcriptomics, so future studies using multi-omics approaches across multiple organ systems will yield insights into stress disorders and novel therapeutic strategies. Full article

Background/Objectives: Assessment of infant General Movements (GMs) is essential for early detection of neurological disorders such as cerebral palsy, but current methods depend on expert interpretation. This study proposes an automated and interpretable framework for infant movement classification using pose-based representations from RGB videos. Methods: A pose-driven pipeline was developed to extract 2D skeletal key points using a two-stage tracking strategy. Joint coordinates were normalized using the shoulder center and inter-shoulder distance. Videos were segmented into overlapping temporal windows, and each segment was represented using Pose-LBP histograms and motion ratio features. Classification was performed with a cost-sensitive subspace k-nearest neighbor ensemble (CSS-kNN-E). Performance was evaluated using stratified 10-fold cross-validation on a five-class infant movement dataset. Results: The proposed method achieved 99.16% (±0.48%) accuracy, 99.19% (±0.50%) sensitivity, 99.76% (±0.13%) specificity, and 99.23% (±0.48%) F1-score. The model demonstrated strong discrimination across classes and robustness to class imbalance. Conclusions: The framework provides an accurate and scalable solution for automated infant movement analysis. It reduces dependency on expert evaluation and has strong potential for early clinical screening and decision support. Full article

Spinal epidural empyema (SEE) is an uncommon but potentially severe cause of spinal cord compression and neurological dysfunction in veterinary patients. Bite wounds involving the vertebral column may result in deep tissue contamination, paraspinal abscessation, and secondary epidural infection; however, such injuries are poorly described in wildlife species. We report a case of SEE associated with chronically infected bite wounds in an adult Indian crested porcupine (Hystrix indica) with paraplegia. Physical and neurological examinations revealed exudative paravertebral wounds, paraplegia with preserved nociception, and findings consistent with a thoracolumbar spinal cord lesion. Survey radiography and contrast myelography demonstrated an extradural compressive lesion at L1–L2. Surgical exploration revealed a purulent tract extending from the skin and paraspinal tissues into the vertebral canal, and a left L1–L2 hemilaminectomy was performed with drainage, debridement, lavage, and Penrose drain placement. Staphylococcus aureus was isolated from the abscess, and antimicrobial therapy was adjusted based on susceptibility testing. Postoperative management included physiotherapy and environmental modifications to support ambulation. The porcupine regained ambulation within 4 days after surgery and was released back into the wild approximately 50 days postoperatively with normal gait and tail-rattling behaviour. This case highlights bite-wound-associated SEE as an important differential diagnosis in porcupines presenting with paraplegia and draining paraspinal wounds and suggests that surgical decompression combined with prolonged culture-guided antimicrobial therapy and environmental modifications may result in a favourable outcome. Full article

The quantitative analysis of cardio selective beta-blockers, such as the antihypertensive and antiarrhythmic medication acebutolol (ABT), is critical for biomedical and environmental monitoring. This study describes the development of a high-performance electrochemical sensing platform for ABT based on a screen-printed carbon electrode (SPCE) modified with a silver nanoparticle/hexagonal boron nitride (Ag NPs/h-BN) nanocomposite. The morphological and structural properties of the synthesized materials were examined by using a microscopic and spectroscopic techniques. The Ag NPs/h-BN/SPCE demonstrated exceptional electrocatalytic activity toward ABT oxidation, characterized by a significant reduction in overpotential and a substantial enhancement in peak current relative to unmodified and mono-component electrodes. This superior performance is attributed to the synergistic integration of Ag NPs and h-BN, which provides a high density of active sites, an expanded electroactive surface area, and accelerated charge transfer kinetics. Under optimized experimental conditions, the sensor exhibited a broad linear dynamic range of 0.01–284 μM, a remarkably low limit of detection (LOD) of 0.0049 μM, and a high sensitivity of 0.873 µA µM⁻¹ cm⁻² for ABT detection. Furthermore, the platform displayed excellent selectivity in the presence of common interfering species and robust reproducibility (RSD of 4.8%). The practical utility of the Ag NPs/h-BN/SPCE was successfully validated through the precise quantification of ABT in complex biological and environmental matrices. This work provides a versatile strategy for the rational design of metal nanocatalysts confined within h-BN frameworks for the development of advanced electrochemical diagnostic tools. Full article

Background: Tensiomyography (TMG) offers a noninvasive means of evaluating skeletal muscle contractile properties, including muscle displacement (Dm), delay time (Td), contraction time (Tc), half-relaxation time (Tr), and sustain time (Ts). When applied to lumbosacral musculature, interpretation may be influenced by changes in muscle stiffness that occur across the respiratory cycle. Understanding these fluctuations is essential for improving measurement consistency and data interpretation. Methods: Thirty healthy young adults (mean ± SD age = 21.07 ± 1.55 years) underwent TMG assessment of the erector spinae (ES) and latissimus dorsi (LD) at four distinct lung volumes: end-tidal inspiratory volume (ETIV), end-tidal expiratory volume (ETEV), total lung capacity (TLC), and residual volume (RV). Visual cues were used to guide participants’ respiratory phases. Paired-samples t-tests compared TMG parameters across respiratory conditions. Results: For the ES, significant differences were observed in Dm, Tr, and Ts between ETIV and ETEV (p ≤ 0.05), ETIV and TLC (p ≤ 0.05), and ETEV and RV (p ≤ 0.05). No statistically significant differences were identified for the LD (p ≥ 0.12). Conclusions: Some erector spinae contractile properties vary across the respiratory cycle, which may affect TMG outcomes. The findings of this research lend belief to the idea that a standardized respiratory phase during data collection may improve the reliability and comparability of TMG measurements involving trunk musculature. Future research could address the negative findings for latissimus dorsi and further determine which muscles require respiratory standardization. Full article

Background and Objectives: Pelvic fixation during robotic-assisted gait training (RAGT) may limit trunk–pelvis movement and influence functional recovery after stroke. This study investigated whether allowing pelvic motion during RAGT improves balance and gait performance in individuals with chronic stroke. Materials and Methods: A single-blind randomized controlled trial was conducted in 49 individuals with chronic stroke (PFG, n = 24; PRG, n = 25). Participants received Lokomat-assisted gait training (30 min/session, 3 sessions/week for 4 weeks) in addition to conventional therapy. The primary outcome was balance (BBS), and secondary outcomes included DGI, 10 MWT, and pelvic kinematics. Group × time interactions were analyzed using two-way repeated-measures ANOVA. Results: Significant group × time interactions were observed for BBS and DGI (p < 0.001), indicating greater improvements in the PRG. Gait speed improved significantly over time in both groups (p < 0.001), with no significant interaction for the 10 MWT. No significant interaction effects were found for pelvic kinematics, although a group main effect was observed for pelvic tilt. No adverse events were reported. Conclusions: Allowing pelvic motion during RAGT was associated with greater improvements in balance and dynamic gait performance compared with pelvic fixation. However, no corresponding changes were observed in pelvic kinematics, suggesting that functional improvements may not be explained by kinematic changes alone. Full article

(1) Background: Driving enables participation and independence for persons with disabilities; however, Korea lacks standardized driver rehabilitation guidelines and clearly defined occupational therapy roles. Current evaluations at the National Rehabilitation Center (NRC) rely heavily on instructors’ experiential judgment, resulting in inconsistent fitness-to-drive decisions. This study developed and field-tested a comprehensive driving evaluation (CDE) tailored to the Korean service context, integrating structured off-road functional assessment with on-road driving evaluation through a collaborative occupational therapist–driving instructor model. (2) Methods: The off-road assessment was refined through a literature review, an analysis of the ICF Core Set for driving rehabilitation, expert surveys, and a workshop with 10 occupational therapists. The on-road assessment was adapted from international tools and validated by NRC driving instructors and an expert committee. The CDE was field-tested with 30 persons with physical disabilities, cerebral palsy, or auditory disabilities enrolled in the NRC Driving Education Program. Eligibility for independent driving was classified as “eligible” or “doubtful.” (3) Results: The CDE was feasible within existing workflows. Off-road deficits predicted on-road difficulties, and cases with discordant judgments benefited from combined assessment. (4) Conclusions: The CDE offers a structured alternative to experience-based evaluations and supports interprofessional collaboration, providing foundational evidence for standardized driver rehabilitation in Korea. Full article

Trypanosoma evansi (T. evansi) infection poses a significant health threat to equines. This study was aimed to assess the prevalence, risk factors, hematobiochemical alterations, and oxidative stress-mediated genotoxicity associated with equine trypanosomiasis in the Rahim Yar Khan District. This cross-sectional study was conducted on 384 equines from October 2024 to September 2025. Blood samples were collected for thin blood film microscopy and PCR assay using RoTat 1.2 primers. Hematological indices were analyzed with an automated hematology analyzer; serum biochemical parameters were quantified via standard assays. Oxidative stress markers, including malondialdehyde (MDA), catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and reduced glutathione (GSH), were also measured. Genotoxicity was evaluated using the alkaline comet assay. Statistical analyses included the chi-square test, logistic regression, and independent t-tests. T. evansi was detected in 5.99% of samples by microscopy and 10.16% by PCR, with no significant association with species, age, or sex. Infected equines exhibited significant reductions in hemoglobin (5.4 ± 0.6 vs. 10.8 ± 0.5 g/dL; p < 0.0001), total serum protein (2.1 ± 0.3 vs. 5.8 ± 0.2 g/dL; p < 0.0001), albumin, and globulin, alongside elevated hepatic enzymes, blood urea nitrogen, and creatinine (all p < 0.01). Oxidative stress was confirmed by increased MDA (p < 0.0001) and decreased CAT activity (p < 0.001). Genotoxicity was significantly higher in infected animals (genetic damage index; 1.12 ± 0.08 vs. 0.40 ± 0.01; p < 0.01). This study provides the first integrated assessment of molecular epidemiology and oxidative stress-mediated genotoxicity in equines in this region, suggesting the pathogenic impact of the infection and targeted diagnostics for disease management strategies. Full article

The lower airways are a dynamic environment where physical, microbial, and molecular factors intersect to regulate respiratory health and disease. The muco-microbiotic (MuMi) layer, composed of mucus, resident microbes, and extracellular vesicles (EVs), is not just a passive barrier but also an active site for host–microbe communication. This layer integrates epithelial cell biology, microbial activity, and immune responses within the bronchial environment. New transcriptomic and metatranscriptomic technologies show that it is not only which microbes are present but also their gene activity that closely links to airway inflammation and disease. EV-associated RNAs from both host and microbial cells act as key messengers, influencing epithelial responses, immune activity, mucus properties, and microbial behaviour. This review highlights evidence that positions the MuMi layer as central to understanding lower airway disease, particularly asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Distinct gene expression programs and biomarker profiles, such as exhaled nitric oxide, may reflect different disease mechanisms even in cases with similar clinical features, such as eosinophilia. Multi-omic approaches focused on the MuMi layer enable better disease classification, biomarker discovery, and therapy selection. By putting the MuMi interface at the core of precision pulmonology, we provide a framework for advancing personalised care in chronic respiratory diseases. Full article

Public Safety Personnel (PSP) face numerous potentially psychologically traumatic events in the line of duty. Resilience courses intended to mitigate the effects of operational stress injuries in this population—many of which are available online—have proliferated in recent years. An environmental scan yielded 15 courses that met all inclusion criteria. Courses were required to be offered for $250 or less and had to be created and/or hosted in Canada. Courses focused on individual (n = 7), family (n = 2), or workplace (n = 6) resilience. A qualitative content analysis was conducted. Data were extracted from public-facing documents and course materials, and supplemented by additional text materials and contacting program staff for clarification, when necessary. Coding and synthesis were completed in iterative team meetings. Courses were compared across numerous dimensions, including focus, intended audience, cost, enrollment details, length, instructional style, customization for PSP, and completion requirements. Nearly half of the courses (46.7%) were available free of charge. Outcome data were available for four of the courses, with most studies showing initial gains in resilience, skills, knowledge, attitudes, intentions, and/or behaviors, but with evidence of skill decay over time. The potential benefit of short refresher sessions warrants further investigation. Full article

Understanding how users perceive assistive robotic systems is critical for their successful adoption, particularly in rehabilitation settings where both patients and clinicians influence decision-making. While prior work has focused on technical performance and overall usability, affective responses such as trust, control, and perceived independence are often captured using coarse, single-score measures that overlook important nuances. This study analyzes focus group discussions with individuals with spinal cord injury to examine how users evaluate different aspects of assistive robot design. A hybrid aspect-based sentiment analysis approach is applied, combining lexicon-based and transformer-based methods to capture both interpretable and context-sensitive sentiment. The analysis separates sentiment across key dimensions, including independence, functionality, safety, control, cost, and data sharing. Participants expressed consistently positive views toward independence and functional support, while responses related to safety, control, and data sharing were more conditional. In particular, trust emerged as something that depends on transparency, user control, and the ability to override system behavior, rather than a fixed attitude toward the technology. These findings suggest that successful assistive robotic systems must balance autonomy with user authority and provide clear, adaptable mechanisms for control and data governance. Full article