Search Results (93)

Sport climbing has evolved into a demanding discipline where lower limb performance is increasingly relevant, particularly in indoor bouldering. This exploratory study aimed to identify trends in strength and flexibility variables of the lower limbs in 24 recreational climbers (17 males, seven females), classified by sex and climbing level. Male climbers showed significantly greater performance in all measures of strength and power, including vertical and horizontal jumps, pull-ups, and handgrip strength. In contrast, female climbers demonstrated superior lower-limb flexibility and hip mobility, with significant differences observed when normalized to height. They also showed slightly better ankle dorsiflexion, although this difference was not statistically significant. Climbing level (mean: 6c+) correlated significantly with pull-ups (r = 0.598, p = 0.002), relative grip strength (r = 0.440, p = 0.032), and fat mass (r = −0.415, p = 0.043). Despite the lack of association between lower-limb performance and climbing grade, unilateral tests such as the Hop Test and hip mobility assessments may hold value for injury prevention and movement control. These findings highlight that lower-limb training, particularly strength, unilateral control, and flexibility, should not be excluded from physical preparation in climbing. Preventive strategies focusing on joint stability are especially recommended for female climbers due to their higher joint laxity and increased ACL injury risk. Future research should incorporate climbing-specific assessments and explore these variables in other climber profiles, such as elite, youth, or injured athletes. Full article

Dispersed reinforcement in cement mortars plays a key role in increasing their durability and strength. The fibres act as binding elements in the structure, preventing the development of microcracks that can weaken the material. Fibres increase mechanical strength, elasticity and resistance to tension and compression, which translates into better physical and mechanical parameters of the material compared to mortars without fibres. The aim of this study was to determine the physical and mechanical parameters of mortars with the addition of currently produced steel, glass and basalt fibres. The influence of the selected fibre type on the compressive and flexural strength, water absorption and capillary rise of mortars was investigated. The rheological properties of the mortars, i.e., consistency and volume density, were also investigated. Compressive and flexural strength was tested after 7, 28 and 56 days, while capillary rise and water absorption were tested after 28 days of curing. The frost resistance of the mortars was also determined. For the mortars tested, correlations were established between compressive strength and flexural strength, as well as between water absorption and capillary pull-up. A full statistical analysis was performed for two parameters, i.e., compressive strength and capillary pull-up. The introduction of basalt fibres into the mortars resulted in an increase in compressive strength by approximately 5% and in flexural strength by 48% after 56 days of curing. A lower mass increase of approximately 30% was also observed in relation to the reference series in the water absorption and capillary pull-up test for the series of mortars with glass fibres. Full article

Objective: Most recreational gym-goers independently consume nutritional supplements (NSs) without physician advice and a personalized diet. The present study examines the preference for nutritional supplements (NSs) based on protein and amino acids of 218 recreational gym-goers (males and females aged 18–60). It also investigates the NS’s impact on resistance training (RT) performance. Methods: All participants (n = 218) were regular members of two gym centers in Oradea. Baseline data and information about daily diet and supplement preferences were obtained through face-to-face interviews. At the same time, RT performance was assessed by measuring 1RM in six exercises three times (W0, W4, and W8). Results: Our findings reveal that 24.3% of participants did not consume NSs, while the majority (75.6%, p < 0.05) used them to improve their physical condition; men were more likely to consume NSs than women (83.3% vs. 63.9%, p < 0.05). Gym-goers were grouped based on their NS consumption: L-carnitine, creatine, whey protein (WP), and triple combination; the non-supplemented group was the control. The combination substantially correlated with a balanced diet, 3001–3500 and >3500 calories/day; creatine was appreciably associated with 2001–2500 calories/day; L-carnitine was associated with 151–200 g protein/day, while control was considerably linked with a vegetarian diet and <1000 calorie/day (r > 0.900, p < 0.05). The results showed that almost all participants exhibited progressive muscle strength improvements. As an overview, 1RM substantially varied with NS consumed, body weight status, and gender (p < 0.0001), except for the pull-up count, which varied with NS and gender (p < 0.0001). Additionally, 1RM significantly varied with age (deadlift and pull-ups), daily protein consumption (back squats, biceps, and triceps), daily calories (back squats), and diet type (biceps, triceps, and pull-up exercises), p < 0.05. On the other hand, most NSs associated with RT exercises led to a general increase in body weight. Only L-carnitine decreased it. Conclusions: Resistance training records of recreational athletes are significantly influenced by age, gender, body weight status, NS type, and daily diet features (p < 0.05). Our findings highlight the essential role of professional guidance in nutritional supplementation associated with a suitable diet for optimal RT performance of recreational athletes. Full article

Background and Objectives: Infection, trauma, skin cancer, foreign substance injections and lymphedema are among the most frequent causes of penile skin defects. Scrotal flaps are a promising reconstructive option for penile resurfacing, offering improved functional and aesthetic outcomes; however, there is no clear consensus on their superiority. Materials and Methods: A review of the literature was performed in PubMed Central and Scopus, and multiple keywords were employed. The initial search retrieved 9181 articles; 32 articles were finally selected, of which 13 were case reports and 19 were case series. Results: A total of 368 patients were included, the majority (71%) consulting for sclerosing lipogranuloma. Seven types of scrotal flaps were used: unilateral scrotal flap (n = 1), bilateral anterior scrotal flaps (n = 149), two-stage scrotal flap (n = 57), bipedicled bilateral anterior scrotal flaps (n = 140), apron-style scrotal flap (n = 1), scrotal pull-up (n = 13), and island dartos musculocutaneous flap (n = 7). Patient satisfaction was high in all studies. Outcome evaluation was typically conducted using subjective questionnaires with 2 or 5 items or visual analog scales. Few studies employed validated sexual function questionnaires, as the IIEF-5 or the EHS. Conclusions: Scrotal flaps provide good quality tissue for penile resurfacing, having the closest resemblance to normal penis skin. For a better understanding of the outcomes of different scrotal flaps, a thorough evaluation of postoperative complications should be made. The LOS and revision surgery rates may serve as surrogates for the financial burden of the procedure. Erectile function should be thoroughly evaluated with a 10-item Likert scale, IIEF-5, EHS, and POSAS. Full article

Objective: Understanding unique ways that strength and power contribute to on-field performance in collegiate-based American football might aid coaches in recruiting and determining starters. Using retrospective analysis of existing data, including starting status (STR) and number of defensive tackles or contributing plays (CP), we sought a viable strategy to observe on-field play. Our purpose was to determine what role baseline and in-season strength, and power metrics contributed to on-field football performance (e.g., using STR and CP) from one Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) university. We hypothesized greater pre-season (baseline) and in-season (repeated variables) strength and power outcomes would lead to an increased number of STR among players (n = 53) as well as CP among defensive players (n = 30). Method: Power, determined through countermovement jump (CMJ) was observed weekly using a VALD Performance force deck (i.e., jump height) over a 9-week, in-season period (excluding weeks 6 and 8, a bye week, and erroneous data, respectively). Baseline measures of strength and power were also collected at the beginning of the season for each player using four specific measurements, namely the following: (a) peak vertical jump; (b) pull-ups to failure; (c) a one rep max for bench press; (d) power clean. Pearson’s correlation was used to correlate baseline measures and weekly power, along with baseline measures and the total number of STR and CP each week. Additionally, linear regressions were used to examine the effects of baseline measures (vertical jump, bench press) on STR and CP. Results: Moderate correlations (r > 0.5) were observed between baseline variables and weekly CMJ measures. Baseline measures of power clean were correlated with CP only in week 4. All other analyses were not significant. Conclusions: Since our on-field performance variables were not significant, future research should focus on more potent variables, as reported in the literature, such as football IQ, initial recruiting status, and psychological resilience, in addition to accounting for strength and power metrics. Full article

Esophageal cancer (EC) is the eighth leading cause of cancer-related deaths globally, largely due to its late-stage diagnosis and aggressive progression. Esophagectomy remains the primary treatment, typically requiring organ-based reconstruction techniques such as gastric pull-up or colonic interposition. However, these reconstruction methods often lead to severe complications, significantly reducing the quality of life of patients. To address these limitations, tissue engineering has emerged as a promising alternative, offering bioengineered patch-type and tubular-type scaffolds designed to restore both structural integrity and functional regeneration. Recent advancements in three-dimensional (3D) biofabrication—including 3D bioprinting, electrospinning, and other cutting-edge techniques—have facilitated the development of patient-specific constructs with improved biocompatibility. Despite significant advancements, critical challenges persist in achieving mechanical durability, multilayered cellular organization, and physiological resilience post-transplantation. Ongoing research continues to address these limitations and enhance clinical applicability. Therefore, this review aims to examine recent advancements in esophageal tissue engineering, with a focus on key biofabrication techniques, preclinical animal models, and the major translational challenges that must be addressed for successful clinical application. Full article

One of the physical requirements for marines involves covering a specific distance while carrying individual combat gear, supplies, or other military equipment across challenging terrain. Training for this physically and mentally demanding task is a routine component of their preparation. However, further research is needed to better understand the neuromuscular impact of such demanding efforts, strenuous maneuvers, and the recovery process in the subsequent days. Twenty-nine marines completed a 5 km time trial while carrying 24 kg of combat gear, undergoing evaluations at four time points: pre exercise, immediately post exercise, 24 h post exercise, and 48 h post exercise. Repeated measures ANOVA, paired samples t-test, and effect size (ES) analysis were conducted, presenting the results as the mean ± standard deviation (SD). The significance level was set at p ≤ 0.05. Several variables and their corresponding p-values demonstrated changes over time, including the following: the isometric mid-thigh pull (IMTP) (p = 0.001); countermovement jump height (VJ CMJ) (p ≤ 0.001); rating of fatigue scale (ROF) (p ≤ 0.001); blood lactate (BL) levels (p ≤ 0.001); maximum pull-ups (PUmax) (p ≤ 0.001); body mass (BM) (p ≤ 0.001); dominant hand grip strength (DHGS) (p = 0.406); and non-dominant hand grip strength (NDHGS) (p = 0.805). Incident reports and perceived effort (IRPE) revealed a progressive and significant increase between the first and last kilometer of the test, specifically in perceived variables of fatigue, muscle pain, joint pain, shortness of breath, palpitations, excessive sweating, and muscle tremors (all p ≤ 0.001). These findings may contribute to optimizing training programs to better align with operational demands, thereby improving task performance and overall mission effectiveness. In conclusion, the military test had a significant neuromuscular impact on the body, initially resulting in the potentiation of absolute global isometric strength and lower-limb power. However, these values declined below the baseline levels at 24 and 48 h post test. Full article

This study presents experimental investigations of the flexural bearing capacity of the lower load-bearing structures of pull-up cantilever scaffolds with adjustable steel tie rods. First, load-bearing structures with three different specifications are tested to analyze their primary failure modes and failure mechanisms. The experimental results are then simulated and validated using a finite element analysis (FEA) method. Subsequently, an extended parametric analysis is performed numerically, and a simplified calculation formula is derived through nonlinear curve fitting to evaluate the load-bearing capacity. Finally, the effects of the transverse spacing of the vertical rods, the length of the cantilever beams, and the spacing of the hanging ears on the flexural bearing capacity of the structures are analyzed. Full article

Infantry soldiers must cover long distances carrying heavy and bulky combat equipment. Since the beginning of their training, Spanish Marines have undergone this characteristic and demanding test. However, little is known about its effects on neuromuscular function and recovery in the days following the test. Twenty-six Spanish Marines completed the test, three of whom suffered injuries and had to withdraw from the study, resulting in a final sample of twenty-three Marines. These participants underwent evaluations before (pre), immediately after (post), and 24 and 48 h post-exercise, following a 30 km endurance march carrying their 34 kg combat equipment. A repeated-measures ANOVA, paired-samples t-test, and effect size (ES) analysis were conducted; the results are presented as mean ± SD. The significance level was set at p ≤ 0.05. The variables and p-values of changes over time are presented. Isometric mid-thigh pull (IMTP) (p = 0.004), countermovement jump (CMJ) (p ≤ 0.001), rating of fatigue scale (ROF) (p ≤ 0.001), maximum pull-ups in two minutes (PUmax) (p ≤ 0.001), body mass (BM) (p ≤ 0.001), hand grip strength (HGS): dominant (p = 0.180) and non-dominant (p = 0.616), and incident reports (IRPE) showed a significant increase over time and between the first 10 km and last 5 km in fatigue, muscle pain, joint pain, shortness of breath, excessive sweating (p ≤ 0.001), and muscle tremors (p = 0.028), except for palpitations (p = 0.189). In conclusion, the results indicate that the test had a significant impact on neuromuscular function, with no recovery observed in overall strength and lower limb power after 48 h, even though their perceived fatigue decreased substantially. The resilient spirit of operational military units and their philosophy of always being ready for combat could increase the injury rate. Full article

The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of a 7-week combined strength and power training program on body composition, aerobic capacity, strength, sprint, and agility in elite youth soccer players. Twenty-one players, divided into age groups (U14 and U16), participated in this study. In addition to four training sessions per week (plus matches), the two groups completed a strength training session on Match Day 4 (MD-4) and a power training session on Match Day 2 (MD-2). Before and after the intervention, various tests were conducted, including skinfold measurements, submaximal intermittent shuttle run, eccentric hamstring strength (EHS), countermovement jump (CMJ), single-leg jump (SLJ), sprint test with split times at 10 and 30 m, agility t-test, push-ups, and pull-ups. Our results indicate that a seven-week program of combined strength training led to significant improvements in body composition, EHS, jump performance, and pull-up tests for both groups of players (p < 0.05). Moreover, the U14 group also demonstrated an improvement in the agility test (p < 0.01). The U14 group experienced more substantial gains than the U16 group in agility and push-up performance (p < 0.05). The sprint performance remained unchanged for both groups (p > 0.05), suggesting that specific training is required to improve this quality. Full article

Background: Firefighters face elevated chronic disease risks, and interventions promoting healthier lifestyles are essential for improving their well-being. This study aimed to beta test and further evaluate a healthy lifestyle app (HLS app) for firefighters. Methods: Beta usability testing was conducted with new firefighters after using the app. Pilot testing was conducted in two cohorts, (1) the Connecticut Fire Academy Class A-CCA after graduation and (2) the Connecticut Class B-CCB and Miami-Dade Fire Rescue Academy, during academy training to evaluate the potential efficacy of the HLS app in improving healthy lifestyle behaviors, mental health, and physical fitness over three months of use. Results: Beta testing (n = 93) revealed positive usability feedback, with 62% finding it useful for their health. Pilot testing after graduation (n = 28) was associated with increased push-up capacity (35.6 ± 11.7 vs. 42.9 ± 16.1, p = 0.006) and improved mental health scores. Pilot testing during academy training (n = 90) was associated with improvements in push-up capacity (33.8 ± 10.8 vs. 41 ± 10.6, p < 0.001), pull-ups (7 [4–11] vs. 10.5 [6–14], p < 0.001), 1.5-mile run time (11.96 ± 1.43 vs. 11.26 ± 1.1, p < 0.001), BMI (26.7 [24.3–29.7] vs. 25.95 [24.0–28.8], p < 0.001), and mental health scores. Conclusions: The app was well received and showed potential for improving firefighter health. A randomized controlled trial is needed to rigorously evaluate the effectiveness of the HLS app. Full article

Background: Youth with disabilities (YWD) often exhibit deficits in physical fitness, but much of the literature is limited by small, non-representative samples. The purpose of this study was to examine differences in musculoskeletal fitness between youth with and without disabilities from the 2012 National Youth Fitness Survey (NYFS). Methods: A secondary analysis was conducted with cross-sectional data from the 2012 NYFS of youth, 6 to 15 years of age. Fitness measures included plank, modified pull-ups, and grip strength. Disability was identified by multiple parent report items. Logistic regression with sampling weights was employed to examine group differences and associated factors. Results: A total of 1177 youth were analyzed, including 173 YWD. A significantly greater proportion of YWD demonstrated low fitness in all three measures compared to youth without disabilities. Factors associated with low fitness included sex, engagement in physical activity, and the body mass index category. Age was not a significant factor for any fitness measure. Conclusions: This secondary analysis provides additional evidence for lower musculoskeletal fitness among YWD, in particular for females and youth with obesity. Physical fitness continues to be an area in need of intervention to improve overall health among YWD. Full article

This study developed inventive and repurposable children’s furniture to improve functionality and extend product lifespan. Unlike typical cribs which serve a single purpose, the proposed design supports multiple functions: crib, cushioned chair, highchair, walker, toilet attachment, pull-up bar, and bed safety rail. Specific dimensions were established, and the correct material selections were made for the selected concept. This was finalised using Autodesk Inventor 2019 that was used for stress analysis, and material optimisation. Usability tests were conducted to compare the proposed invention with single-function products. These tests were discussed in terms of task completion time, space-saving ability, survey feedback, and a REBA of musculoskeletal risk. It was found that the proposed design could be repurposed in a shorter time and save more space. A majority of the survey participants agreed that it performed well in terms of repurposability, design, space-saving ability, usability, comfort, sustainability, and safety. Additionally, the proposed design is cheaper compared to single-function products. Thus, creating inventive and repurposable children’s furniture can contribute to reducing waste and extending the lifespan of children’s furniture through innovative, cost-effective design solutions. Full article

(1) Background: The pull-up jump shot is a commonly used scoring technique in basketball. This study aimed to investigate the biomechanical effects of knee brace stiffness on knee joint mechanics during the pull-up jump shot in female basketball players and to evaluate the potential risk of non-contact anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries associated with different stiffness levels. (2) Methods: Sixty-six female basketball players performed pull-up jump shot drills while kinematic and kinetic data were collected using a Vicon motion capture system and a Kistler ground reaction force (GRF) plate. (3) Results: A one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed that both low-stiffness and high-stiffness knee braces significantly reduced knee flexion angles (p = 0.001) but increased indirect contact forces in the sagittal plane (p < 0.01). Notable differences were observed between low-stiffness and high-stiffness braces, as well as between braced and unbraced conditions. However, no significant differences were detected between the effects of low-stiffness and high-stiffness braces. (4) Conclusions: Athletes should select knee braces based on the intensity of competition and training, and those with ACL concerns should opt for high-stiffness knee braces for enhanced joint stability. Full article

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects and potential mechanisms of 8-week transcranial direct-current stimulation (tDCS) combined with resistance training (RT) on pull-up performance in male college students. Twenty-five male college students were randomly assigned to either RT combined with anodal tDCS stimulation (RT + tDCS) or RT alone (RT). Participants of both groups engaged in lat pull-down training programs for 8 weeks, with the RT + tDCS group receiving 20 min tDCS before each RT session. Pre- and post-intervention tests included pull-up endurance (number of repetitions), flexed arm circumference (FAC), and lat pull-down maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) peak force. During the pull-up endurance test, surface electromyography (sEMG) was recorded for the bicep brachii (BB), tricep brachii (TB), brachioradialis (BR), anterior deltoid (AD), middle deltoid (MD), posterior deltoid (PD), pectoralis major (PM), and latissimus dorsi (LD) muscles. Both groups demonstrated significant improvements in pull-up endurance and lat pull-down MVIC peak force after training, but no significant difference between the two groups was observed in the post-training test. Additionally, muscle activation of BR, PD, and PM decreased significantly in both groups, while the RT + tDCS group also demonstrated a significant reduction in TB coactivation after training. These findings suggest that eight weeks of tDCS combined with lat pull-down training and lat pull-down training alone can both significantly improve pull-up performance, which may be attributed to enhanced muscle contraction capacity. Although no significant training gains were found between the two training groups, the RT + tDCS group showed a significant decrease in TB coactivation and the enhancement of elbow flexion muscle contraction efficiency after training. Full article