Search Results (1,444)

Esports are a rapidly expanding form of competitive activity that demand high levels of cognitive alertness, motor precision, stress management, and resilience to mental and physical fatigue. At the same time, the sedentary lifestyle, extended screen exposure, and psychological pressures associated with competitive gaming raise concerns for both performance and long-term health. Growing evidence highlights the importance of nutrition and lifestyle behaviors in supporting cognitive performance and overall competitive demands. While balanced dietary patterns and adequate hydration are essential, dietary supplements may provide additional benefits when used appropriately and under professional guidance. However, the current research is limited by a predominance of cross-sectional and self-reported studies, short-term or acute interventions, small sample sizes, and insufficient emphasis on esports-specific and personalized strategies. This review examines existing evidence on individualized nutrition, supplementation, and lifestyle strategies in esports, identifies key methodological limitations, and outlines future directions to inform evidence-based practice for athletes, practitioners, and organizations seeking to optimize cognitive performance, well-being, and long-term sustainability in this emerging field. Full article

Background/Objectives: Young adulthood is a critical developmental period during which lifestyle behaviors may shape intrinsic brain network dynamics that support cognition. This pilot longitudinal intervention study examined whether variability in physical activity and sedentary behavior during an 8-week exercise and/or cognitive intervention protocol was associated with changes in intrinsic brain dynamics and cognitive and mood outcomes in undergraduate young adults. Methods: Participants (n = 32) completed resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) at baseline (T1) and post-intervention (T2). Dynamic functional network connectivity (dFNC) was estimated from 53 intrinsic connectivity networks derived using spatially constrained independent component analysis (ICA). Ten recurring dynamic connectivity states were identified and individualized using constrained dynamic double functional independent primitives (c-ddFIPs). State occupancy and dynamic convergence and divergence metrics were computed to characterize network flexibility. Results: Greater moderate-to-vigorous physical activity was modestly but consistently associated with increased occupancy of integrative higher-order states, particularly States 6 and 7, and reduced occupancy of more segregated configurations. More physically active individuals also demonstrated greater divergence between integrative and low-engagement states, whereas greater sedentary time corresponded to increased similarity among segregated configurations. Working memory performance showed parallel associations with more integrative and better-differentiated dynamic patterns. Conclusions: These findings suggest that dynamic functional network reconfiguration may represent a neurobiological mechanism linking lifestyle behaviors and cognitive health in young adulthood. Furthermore, they highlight the translational promise of engagement-driven, low-burden programs for college-aged young adults, showing that even modest variability in habitual physical activity corresponds to greater engagement and differentiation of integrative connectivity states linked to executive and broader cognitive functions. Full article

Background: Video gaming is a highly prevalent leisure activity globally, with complex associations across multiple health domains. Methods: This narrative review critically appraised the existing literature identified through targeted searches of PubMed and Google Scholar to synthesise evidence on associations between video gaming and psychosocial stress, physical activity, sleep quality, eating behaviour, and diet quality. Theoretical, biological, and psychosocial mechanisms underlying these relationships were examined, and methodological limitations and research gaps were identified. Results: The relationships between video gaming and health outcomes appear bidirectional and context dependent. While video gaming may provide short-term stress relief and social connection, frequent or prolonged gaming may be associated with sedentary behaviour, physical inactivity, impaired sleep quality, disrupted eating patterns, and poorer diet quality. These associations may vary by age, sex, gaming duration, timing, content, and motivational drivers. Gaming-related cognitive absorption and physiological arousal may influence appetite regulation, sleep onset, and stress responses, while temporal displacement and environmental factors, such as food availability and marketing exposure, also contribute. Conclusions: An integrated biopsychosocial framework is proposed to describe the interconnected pathways through which video gaming may influence health, incorporating biological arousal, psychological immersion, and social and environmental contexts. Significant gaps remain, including the scarcity of longitudinal studies, limited consideration of moderating factors, and inconsistent measurement of gaming behaviours. Addressing these gaps is essential for refining public health surveillance and supporting the development of evidence-based strategies that promote healthy gaming behaviours while preserving potential psychosocial benefits. Full article

Background: Multidisciplinary school-based interventions are considered a key strategy for promoting healthy lifestyles and preventing childhood obesity. However, evidence on the persistence of their effects beyond the intervention period remains limited. Objectives: This study investigated the long-term effect of different one-year combined physical education and nutritional interventions on children’s lifestyles. Methods: One hundred forty-five primary school children (8–10 years of age) were randomly assigned to a traditional physical education group, a coordinative physical education group, or a control group. Anthropometric variables, physical activity levels, sedentary time, and eating habits were assessed at baseline, after a 1-school-year intervention period, at 6-month follow-up, and at 1-year follow-up. An ANOVA test for repeated measures was performed to detect the among-group difference in all measured variables from baseline to 1-year follow-up over the three time points. Results: Physical activity levels increased significantly in both intervention groups and remained elevated at follow-up, whereas no meaningful changes were observed in the control group. Fat mass percentage increased over time in the traditional and control groups but remained stable in the coordinative group. Overall, consumption of healthy foods increased and intake of unhealthy foods decreased across time, with more pronounced improvements in children participating in physical education programs. Conclusions: A combined school-based nutritional and physical education intervention can produce sustained improvements in children’s lifestyle behaviours. Coordinative physical education may offer additional benefits in preventing unfavourable changes in body composition during late childhood. Full article

More than 80% of young people (11–17 years) do not meet recommended levels of physical activity, while excessive sedentary smartphone use increases rapidly, highlighting the need for accessible tools that promote active and kinesthetic learning. This study investigates whether smartphones can function as wearable devices capable of tracking movement, detecting biomechanical errors, and providing real-time corrective feedback. Using a user-centered design approach, we developed a gamified Exertion Trainer in which children practiced a straight punch (boxing jab) while wearing a smartphone on their wrist. Embedded accelerometer data were processed on board to deliver immediate, task-specific feedback on arm orientation, using gravity as a fixed reference frame. A randomized crossover trial was conducted with 40 children, comparing a feedback condition with a no-feedback control across two test orders. Quantitative results showed that real-time feedback produced a statistically significant improvement in punch accuracy (p < 0.001) and reduced performance variability, with the strongest effects observed after initial practice and partial retention following feedback removal. Qualitative findings indicated higher engagement and stronger perceptions of kinesthetic learning when feedback was available. These results demonstrate that smartphones can serve as practical wearable devices for delivering biomechanical guidance and supporting movement skill acquisition in children. Full article

Background: Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) exerts a profound burden on Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) and psychosocial well-being. While lifestyle changes are recommended, the dose–response relationship between physical activity (PA) intensities, symptom severity, and body image remains unclear. This study analyzed the interrelationships between PA intensities, symptom severity, body image satisfaction, and HRQoL in IBS patients. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 40 adult patients (60% female; 32.53 ± 12.54 years) diagnosed via Rome III/IV criteria. Validated instruments were used to assess PA (IPAQ-SF), sedentary behavior (SBQ), HRQoL (IBS-QoL), symptom severity (IBS-SSS), and body image (BIS). Data were analyzed using Quantile Regression, Robust Linear Regression, and Causal Mediation Analysis. Results: Participants reported moderate symptom severity (210.1 ± 79.2) and high sedentary time (511.1 ± 265.0 min/day). Quantile Regression showed no statistically significant associations between PA intensities and clinical severity (all p ≥ 0.289). PA did not moderate the negative relationship between pain and HRQoL (p = 0.738). However, symptom severity was a significant predictor of body dissatisfaction (β = 0.36, p < 0.001). A sexual dimorphism was observed, as women exhibited higher baseline dissatisfaction and greater sensitivity to symptom worsening than men (β = −0.50, p = 0.004). Conclusions: Symptom severity is strongly associated with body dissatisfaction in IBS, particularly among women, independent of nutritional status. While PA did not directly mitigate symptoms in this cohort, the significant relationship with body image underscores the need for clinical interventions to integrate psychosocial support to address perceptual vulnerability. Full article

Background: In Southern Italy, metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MASLD) is rising despite adherence to traditional Mediterranean diets. Accurate assessment of physical activity (PA) and sedentary behavior is critical for effective non-pharmacological management but remains methodologically challenging. Methods: We compared subjective and objective PA measures in 133 adults (mean age 49.0 ± 9.8 years; BMI 35.7 ± 4.9 kg/m²) with moderate-to-severe MASLD. Participants completed the International Physical Activity Questionnaire–Short Form (IPAQ-SF) and wore an ActiGraph GT9X wrist accelerometer for seven days. Results: The IPAQ-SF significantly underestimated moderate PA by 865 min/week (p < 0.001) and reported 33.16 ± 14.78 min/week of vigorous activity not detected by accelerometry. Sedentary time was slightly underestimated (0.45 h/day, p = 0.05), with better overall agreement. Stratified analyses showed significant underestimation of sedentary behavior among women and participants <50 years. Spearman correlations were weak (rho = 0.14 for moderate PA; rho = 0.36 for sedentary behavior). Bland–Altman plots confirmed poor agreement for moderate PA but acceptable limits for sedentary estimates. Conclusions: In high-risk Southern Italian populations with MASLD, reliance on self-reported PA may lead to inaccurate clinical guidance. Integrating objective monitoring with subjective tools is essential to deliver precise, individualized exercise prescriptions beyond generic “move more” recommendations. Full article

Background: Acute exercise induces measurable inflammatory and hematological responses, which may differ according to training status. Methods: Trained soccer players and sedentary controls completed a progressive exercise test until exhaustion. Blood samples were collected at six time points (up to 48 h post-exercise). Gene expression was assessed using real-time PCR, protein concentration via ELISA, and leukocyte, lymphocyte and neutrophil counts through routine hematology. Analyses included between-group comparisons, within-group time effects, and gene–protein correlations. Results: Sedentary individuals showed delayed increases in TNF-α mRNA (p < 0.05), whereas athletes maintained stable levels. Athletes exhibited consistently higher TNFR-1 expression (p < 0.05), while TNFR-2 showed no differences between groups. IL-4 expression was higher in athletes 30 min (p = 0.038) and 24 h after test (p = 0.002), whereas IL-4 protein decreased in sedentary subjects after 6 h (p = 0.009) and 24 h (p = 0.019). IL-4Rα was transiently elevated post-exercise in sedentary individuals and briefly suppressed in athletes (p = 0.041). Hematological responses showed stronger leukocytosis and neutrophilia in sedentary individuals. Conclusions: The temporal inflammatory patterns differed substantially between groups, indicating more efficient resolution dynamics in trained individuals. These findings highlight practical value for monitoring adaptation and recovery. Full article

Background/Objectives: There are limited data on the dynamic changes in daily composition of movement behaviors (sleep; moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, MVPA; light physical activity, LPA; and sedentary time, SED) and their associations with body weight in postpartum women. The purpose of this study was to examine associations of reallocating time in one behavior to another with body weight, at different times in the first year postpartum. Methods: The study included 86 women who delivered a singleton infant at ≥37 weeks gestation. Physical activity and sleep were measured via actigraphy in early, mid-, and late postpartum. Body weight was measured at each timepoint. Isotemporal substitution models were used to examine the association of reallocating ten minutes of one behavior (MVPA, LPA, SED, or sleep) to another, with body weight. Results: Participants spent most of their day in SED (~52–53%), followed by sleep (~30%), LPA (~12–13%), and then MVPA (~2%) throughout the first year postpartum. In early and mid-postpartum, but not late postpartum, reallocating 10 min of MVPA to LPA, SED, or sleep was associated with lower body weight (range: 3.07–4.03 kg lower). In early and late postpartum, reallocating 10 min of SED to LPA was associated with a lower body weight (4.03 kg and 1.04 kg, respectively). In participants who slept ≥7 h per day, reallocating sleep to LPA in early postpartum, and MVPA time to LPA in mid-postpartum was associated with lower body weight. In those who slept <7 h, no significant associations with body weight were found when reallocating time from one behavior to another. Conclusions: Encouraging LPA throughout the postpartum period may be beneficial for weight loss, and having enough sleep may be especially important for early to mid-postpartum. Future research examining the impact of changes in LPA on body weight in the postpartum period are needed, along with postpartum specific 24 h movement guidelines. Full article

Background: Children’s behavior and lifestyle are changing rapidly, potentially exceeding the capacity of physiological adaptation. Contemporary lifestyles may negatively affect spinal development and contribute to dysfunction and premature degeneration. Despite the increasing prevalence of postural changes, cervical spine disorders in adolescents remain under-researched. Methods: This narrative review is based on a comprehensive search of PubMed/MEDLINE and Scopus. The search strategy included a broad review of anatomical and biomechanical literature from the past 25 years and a focused review of studies from the last 15 years to reflect recent generational changes. Results: The immature spine has distinct structural and biomechanical characteristics that increase susceptibility to maladaptive responses to unbalanced forces. High screen time is associated with sedentary behavior and increased consumption of ultra-processed foods, which may affect metabolic health and musculoskeletal development. Childhood and adolescent obesity are increasingly prevalent and may influence spinal development, including through myosteatosis. Data on the consequences of cervical and lumbar lordosis loss in adolescents remain limited. Although degenerative spinal disorders are well recognized in adults, their identification in younger populations may be inadequate. Conclusions: Modern lifestyle factors pose a growing risk to children’s spinal health through complex interactions among behavioral, metabolic, and biomechanical mechanisms. The developing spine’s vulnerability and the coexistence of multiple, interrelated risk factors support the need for integrated preventive strategies rather than single-factor interventions. Future studies should focus on models capturing these interactions and their long-term consequences. Full article

The evolution of the mHealth era offers the possibility of behavioral interventions to promote changes in lifestyle habits with prevention relevance. These tools are considered digital therapeutics (DTx) and follow the MDR 745/2017 for testing, validation, and certification. In the frame of the ACTIVE3 project, we developed a platform composed of a mobile app, a wearable device, and a cloud backend to support healthy aging intervention in a population of 60–80-year-old subjects. This paper describes the clinical trial protocol and the baseline data of the recruited population. The explored parameters describe the effect of the DTx in the physical, nutritional (and metabolic), and cognitive domains, leveraging the Walking Group initiatives coordinated by ATS Brianza that are active in the Lecco area; in addition, system usability and acceptance were analyzed. The study started on 1 September 2024, and the analyzed baseline data are presented here. With respect to an expected population of 200 subjects, we received interest and consent to participate from 237 subjects: over-enrollment was allowed and all these subjects were accepted into the study. The characterization of the study population at the initial time of the trial was carried out, and the outcomes are presented here. The population is generally more active than Italian people of the same age. According to the outcome of the 6MWT, the population was divided into three groups: trained participants (42 subjects), active participants (142 subjects), and sedentary participants (58 subjects). The tests at month 12 were recently competed, and the final results will be available in winter 2025–2026. Full article

Background/Objectives: Family affluence is commonly considered an important contextual determinant of adiposity; however, its relative contribution compared with current lifestyle behaviors during early adulthood remains unclear. This study examined direct associations between family affluence, specific lifestyle indicators (physical activity, sedentary time, and dietary indices), and fat mass index (FMI) in university students. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 418 students (199 males, 219 females). Family affluence (FAS), physical activity (PA), sedentary time (SITT), and dietary behaviors (positive and negative dietary indices) were assessed using standardized questionnaires. To evaluate how family affluence and behavioral variables relate to fat mass index (FMI), a structural equation modeling approach was implemented. Sex-specific models were estimated for males and females independently. Results: In both sexes, physical activity was inversely associated with fat mass index (FMI) and represented the strongest protective factor (males: β = −0.36, 95% CI: −0.46 to −0.26; females: β = −0.35, 95% CI: −0.45 to −0.25; both p < 0.001). The negative dietary index showed a significant positive association with FMI in males (β = 0.34, 95% CI: 0.21 to 0.48; p < 0.001) and females (β = 0.26, 95% CI: 0.10 to 0.42; p = 0.001). Sedentary time was positively associated with FMI only in females (β = 0.15, 95% CI: 0.02 to 0.28; p = 0.022). No statistically significant direct effect of family affluence on FMI was observed in either males or females. The SEM models explained 30% of FMI variance in males and 37% in females. Conclusions: In this cross-sectional university sample, proximal lifestyle indicators showed stronger direct associations with FMI than family affluence. These findings suggest that interventions targeting physical activity and unhealthy dietary behaviors may be particularly relevant for adiposity prevention in early adulthood, although longitudinal research is required to clarify causal pathways. Full article

Background: Early childhood represents a key stage for the development of movement behaviors (MB), motor skills (MS), and executive functions (EF). Body Mass Index (BMI), defined according to World Health Organization (WHO) references, may influence these domains early in life. In this context, this cross-sectional observational study aimed to examine the associations between BMI and 24-h MB, MS, and EF in Tunisian preschool children aged 4 to 5 years. Methods: This cross-sectional observational study included 112 Tunisian children aged 4 to 5 years (50 boys, 62 girls), recruited from kindergartens in urban and rural areas. Anthropometric measurements were used to calculate age-specific BMI z-scores and classify children into three BMI categories: below normal, normal, and above normal. Twenty-four-hour MB physical activity (PA), sedentary behavior (SB), and sleep were objectively assessed using accelerometry over five consecutive days. EF (inhibition and working memory) were assessed using standardized cognitive tests, gross MS were evaluated using the Supine Timed Up and Go test (functional mobility), One-Leg Standing Balance test (postural steadiness), Hand Grip Dynamometer (upper body strength), and Standing Long Jump (lower body strength), and fine MS were assessed using the 9-Hole Pegboard Test (dexterity). All tools are validated and standardized for children. Results: Significant differences between BMI categories were observed for anthropometric variables (p < 0.05). In contrast, no significant differences were found for 24-h MB, adherence to recommendations, EF, and MS (p > 0.05). Only Sleep duration showed a difference significantly between BMI < normal and BMI > normal (p = 0.022). Conclusions: In Tunisian preschool children, weight status is primarily associated with differences in physical growth, with no marked relationship to MB, EF, or MS. These findings highlight the importance of universal preventive interventions, particularly focusing on growth monitoring, starting in early childhood. These results should be interpreted with caution and highlight the need for further studies on larger populations to better understand the relationships between BMI, PA, and development in young children. Full article

While the health benefits of physical activity (PA) and reduced sedentary behaviour (SB) are well established, informal carers remain an under-researched group. Despite being known to face many barriers to PA, informal carers’ activity levels remain unclear due to mixed findings from previous research. Specifically, objective PA and SB levels of informal carers in Great Britain are currently unknown. The aim of this study was to examine PA and SB among informal carers using accelerometer data from the ‘Age 46’ Survey of the 1970 British Cohort Study (BCS70). Analyses of Covariance and Logistic Regressions were performed to: (i) compare carers’ and non-carers’ PA and SB, (ii) examine the impact of caring hours on PA and SB, and (iii) identify predictors of adherence to the UK Chief Medical Officers’ PA guidelines. After adjusting for covariates, (i) no differences were observed in PA or SB outcomes between carers and non-carers (p > 0.05) (e.g., mean daily step count 9316.06 vs. 9554.11 and mean sitting time 1.09 h/day vs. 1.19 h/day, respectively). (ii) Caring hours were not associated with differences in PA or SB (p > 0.05). (iii) Logistic regressions revealed very low adherence to PA guidelines among carers: 2% met the moderate-to-vigorous PA guideline, 26% met the muscle-strengthening guideline, and only 1% met the combined recommendations. Demographic and health variables did not explain adherence to these guidelines. This study found no significant differences in objectively measured PA and SB between informal carers and non-carers or caring hours. However, adherence to the UK CMOs’ PA guidelines among carers was extremely low. These findings provide the first objective benchmark of carers’ PA and SB patterns in Great Britain and highlight guideline adherence as a key area for future interventions. Future research should consider the wider context of caring in order to develop flexible, tailored interventions that can support carers in achieving an active lifestyle whilst managing responsibilities. Full article

Background/Objectives: White-collar workers experience a unique dual burden of high psychological demands and prolonged static loading, creating a need to understand how physical resilience may mitigate these stressors. This study investigated the moderating role of specific muscle fitness components in the associations between work stress, burnout, and well-being among white-collar workers. To address the gap in task-specific physical resilience, we employed a cross-sectional design involving 321 full-time employees. Methods: Work stress (job control and demands), burnout, and well-being were assessed via structured questionnaires, while grip strength, abdominal endurance, and back muscle endurance were objectively measured. Results: Results indicated that the muscle fitness components were not directly associated with either burnout or well-being. However, the moderation model for burnout was significant (F = 15.837, p < 0.001; adjusted R² = 0.278), where back muscle endurance significantly moderated the association between psychological job demands and burnout (β = −0.121, p < 0.05), whereas no such moderating effect was observed for well-being. In contrast, no such moderating effect was observed for well-being, nor did grip strength or abdominal endurance exhibit significant buffering effects on either psychological outcome. Conclusions: These findings demonstrate the relevance of task-specific physical resources in sedentary environments, specifically that back endurance functions as a buffer against burnout but may be insufficient to directly enhance overall well-being. The results suggest that while integrating task-specific physical assessments is vital for burnout prevention, psychosocial organizational support remains essential for fostering comprehensive well-being. Full article