Search Results (110)

Objectives: The systematic increase in the number of overweight and obese people in recent years has led to the recognition of this condition as a chronic, non-infectious disease of civilization, declared a global epidemic by WHO in 1997. This phenomenon is particularly dangerous in children, because it negatively affects their later existence in the health, mental and social spheres. This phenomenon is particularly concerning in the pediatric population, as it may have long-term adverse effects on physical health, psychological well-being, and social functioning. Objective: The aim of this study was to assess anthropometric parameters and physical fitness using the EUROFIT test in children and adolescents diagnosed with obesity. Materials and Methods: The study group consisted of 123 pediatric patients attending the Endocrinology and Diabetology Clinic and Pediatric Rehabilitation IP-CZD aged 8–16 (64 boys—52% and 59 girls—48%) with diagnosed simple obesity. Obesity was diagnosed according to the CDC standard using percentile charts from the OLAF study. Physical fitness was assessed using the EUROFIT test using 8 samples, and body mass composition was examined using the bioimpedance method with the BC 418 Tanita analyzer. Results: The results of our own research obtained in this study were compared to population standards. The total results of the EUROFIT test in the study group were statistically significantly lower than the norm. The results of the balance, upper limb movement speed, jumping, trunk strength, functional strength and agility tests were lower than the norm, the flexibility result was within the norm, and only hand strength was higher than the norm. In 4 out of 8 fitness tests, girls achieved significantly better results than boys. Conclusions: Reduced physical fitness is characteristic of children and adolescents with simple obesity. Worse physical fitness shows significant correlations with the results of anthropometric measurements. Full article

Motor skills in students can be developed or improved through regular physical activity such as walking in nature, Nordic walking, hiking, cycling and swimming. This study aimed to examine the relationship between motor skills and various anthropometric and health-related factors, and to appraise any differences in motor performance and body mass index (BMI) on a sample of university students from Croatia. A total of 122 students (73 of them in health programs and 49 in non-health programs) aged 18 to 44 years participated in the study. Motor abilities were evaluated using standardized motor tests, while body composition was assessed via bioelectrical impedance analysis, which measured fat tissue, muscle and bone mass, metabolic age, degree of obesity, total body water, and BMI. While the groups were similar in terms of BMI and weight, students in non-health-related study programs had significantly higher values across a wide array of detailed body composition measures, particularly related to fat and muscle mass. Significant negative correlations were observed between body fat percentage and trunk lift performance (r = −0.55, p < 0.01), as well as between metabolic age and trunk lift performance (r = −0.44, p < 0.01) in health students. In non-health students, the strongest negative correlation was found between body fat percentage and flexibility (r = −0.47, p < 0.01). Higher muscle mass was a positive predictor of motor performance while higher fat mass and metabolic age were significant negative predictors. These findings underscore the impact of body composition on motor performance, particularly strength and flexibility, and highlight the need for targeted preventive strategies among university students. The study supports the implementation of early interventions promoting physical activity and healthy body composition to preserve motor abilities and long-term functional health in this critical age group—especially since lifestyle habits formed during university years tend to persist into adulthood. Full article

Inspired by the self-organizing optimization mechanisms in nature, the leaf venation of the royal water lily exhibits a hierarchically branched fractal network that combines excellent mechanical performance with lightweight characteristics. In this study, a structural bionic approach was adopted to systematically investigate the venation architecture through macroscopic morphological observation, experimental testing, 3D scanning-based reverse reconstruction, and finite element simulation. The influence of key fractal geometric parameters under vertical loading on the mechanical behavior and energy absorption capacity was analyzed. The results demonstrate that the leaf venation of the royal water lily exhibits a core-to-margin gradient fractal pattern, with vein thickness linearly decreasing along the radial direction. At each hierarchical bifurcation, the vein width is reduced to 65–75% of the preceding level, while the bifurcation angle progressively increases with branching order. During leaf development, the fractal dimension initially decreases and then increases, indicating a coordinated functional adaptation between the stiff central trunk and the compliant peripheral branches. The veins primarily follow curved trajectories and form a multidirectional interwoven network, effectively extending the energy dissipation path. Finite element simulations reveal that the fractal venation structure of the royal water lily exhibits pronounced nonlinear stiffness behavior. A smaller bifurcation angle and higher fractal branching level contribute to enhanced specific energy absorption and average load-bearing capacity. Moreover, a moderate branching length ratio enables a favorable balance between yield stiffness, ultimate strength, and energy dissipation. These findings highlight the synergistic optimization between energy absorption characteristics and fractal geometry, offering both theoretical insights and bioinspired strategies for the design of impact-resistant structures. Full article

Background/Objectives: Archery is a technical sport involving repetitive and asymmetrical movements that requires trunk stability to enable good performance of the upper extremities. Being an asymmetrical sport, imbalances between sides might appear in the abdominal and back muscles. To assess trunk muscle function and symmetry in young competitive archers. Methods: Analyzing pre-season screening evaluation tests from medical files. This included an ultrasound examination of back and abdominal muscles (transverse abdominus and internal oblique) during rest and contraction and trunk muscle clinical strength tests. Results: Data on 15 elite archery athletes (mean age 17.2 (±2.7) years) were included. No athletes reported low back pain. No differences were found between the dominant and non-dominant sides in all outcome measurements (absolute thickness and percentage difference). Internal oblique muscle thickness during rest and contraction for the dominant side was higher in males compared with females (p < 0.05). The back muscles were more symmetrical than the abdominal muscles. Conclusions: Despite the asymmetrical functional demands of sport archery, young athletes displayed trunk muscle symmetry, particularly in their back muscles. While some variability in abdominal muscle asymmetry was observed, these differences were not statistically significant. Full article

Upper limb (UL) impairment after stroke negatively influences stroke survivors’ quality of life (QOL). This study aims to evaluate, through clinical assessment and accelerometric measures, the efficacy of anodal Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (a-tDCS) combined with the Graded Repetitive Arm Supplementary Program (GRASP) in post-acute stroke UL rehabilitation. Subjects were enrolled if they were aged ≥18 years and had a first stroke diagnosis, UL motor impairment and adequate trunk control. The subjects underwent combined administration of intensive a-tDCS and GRASP (15 sessions/30 min each). Before and after treatment, a subgroup of subjects was evaluated through wearable accelerometers. A total of 30 subjects were included in this study (mean age 68.34 ± 14.08 years; 19 males/11 females). Medical Research Council (MRC), Hand Grip Strength (HGS), Nine-Hole Peg Test (9HPT), Box and Block Test (BBT) and Fugl-Meyer Assessment-Upper Extremity (FMA-UE) scores significantly improved after treatment. The accelerometric-derived measurements all revealed a significant increase in the affected UL activity as indicated by the Vector Magnitude value. No side effects were reported. In conclusion, an intensive a-tDCS and GRASP application proved to be effective and safe in UL rehabilitation after stroke. The association of accelerometric monitoring might be of paramount importance for the evaluation of UL recovery. Full article

This case report examines the impact of robotic-assisted therapy (Lokomat) on functional recovery in a 28-year-old male patient with acute dermatomyositis (DM), an autoimmune inflammatory myopathy causing progressive muscle weakness and disability. The patient underwent 21 sessions of robotic therapy combined with physical therapy, and occupational therapy over seven weeks. Assessments were conducted at baseline, week 10, and week 21 using standardized measures for balance, muscle strength, and functionality. Results demonstrated significant improvements across all domains: balance scores progressed from severe impairment (4/56 Berg, 0/28 Tinetti) to near-normal function (55/56, 24/28, respectively); muscle strength increased from grade 1/5 to 4/5 (MMT-8) in all tested muscle groups; and functionality improved from moderate dependence (59/126 FIM) to complete independence (126/126). The trunk functionality scores showed remarkable recovery from 12/100 to 100/100 (TCT), indicating restored trunk control. Lokomat-assisted therapy combined with conventional rehabilitation effectively improves proximal weakness and postural instability in DM. Robotic therapy enhances motor learning via repetitive movements and reduces therapist workload. Though limited by a single-case design, this study offers preliminary evidence for robotic rehabilitation in DM, previously unexplored. Controlled studies are needed to standardize protocols and validate results in larger cohorts. Advanced technologies show promise for functional recovery in inflammatory myopathies. Full article

Background and Objectives: We conducted a retrospective observational study. Background: While traditional rehabilitation approaches emphasize trunk muscle conditioning, emerging evidence suggests that leg muscle strength plays a critical role in postoperative functional mobility. Previous studies have focused on trunk muscle rehabilitation in patients with adult spinal deformity (ASD). However, recent findings suggest that leg muscle conditioning may be a better predictor of postoperative improvement. Strengthening the gluteal and iliopsoas muscles has been linked to improved sagittal balance, gait stability, and mobility, ultimately leading to enhanced surgical outcomes. This study examines the relationship between the preoperative functional cross-sectional area (FCSA) of trunk and leg muscles and postoperative improvement in mobility, as assessed by the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, in patients undergoing surgery for ASD. Materials and Methods: Sixty-two patients (57 women, mean age 71.2 ± 7.1 years) who underwent ASD surgery between April 2017 and April 2024 were retrospectively analyzed. The FCSA of key muscles—psoas major (PM), erector spinae (ES), multifidus (MF), gluteus maximus (GM), and gluteus medius (GMed)—was measured using CT images. Patients were categorized into an improvement group and a non-improvement group based on whether they achieved the minimum clinically important difference (MCID) of −2 s in the TUG test 12 months after surgery. Propensity score matching (PSM) was applied to adjust for baseline differences between the groups. A significance level of 5% was used for all comparisons. Results: Thirty-three patients achieved a clinically meaningful improvement in TUG, while 29 did not. Before PSM, patients with worse preoperative TUG and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) scores showed greater improvements (p < 0.01). After PSM, no significant differences were found between the groups in terms of age, sex, or BMI. However, the improvement group showed significantly greater FCSA values in PM (6.1 ± 2.3 mm² vs. 3.9 ± 1.5 mm², p = 0.021) and GM (19.9 ± 5.9 mm² vs. 15.3 ± 3.9 mm², p = 0.019). Conclusions: This study demonstrates that leg muscle quality, particularly that of the gluteus maximus and psoas major, is a significant predictor of postoperative mobility improvement in patients with ASD. These findings challenge the conventional focus on trunk muscles and suggest the inclusion of leg muscle training in preoperative rehabilitation strategies to enhance surgical outcomes. Full article

Background: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries are a major concern in female soccer players, with change of direction (COD) movements being a key contributor to non-contact injuries. Traditional injury prevention programs have shown limited effectiveness in addressing individual biomechanical deficits. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a 10-week unilateral strength training program on COD mechanics and ACL injury risk factors. Methods: Eleven female soccer players participated in a pre–post intervention study. Movement mechanics was assessed using the Cutting Movement Assessment Score (CMAS) at 45°, 75°, and 90° angles. The training program included unilateral lower limb strengthening exercises designed to enhance neuromuscular control and reduce biomechanical risk factors. Risk profiles were analyzed before and after the intervention. Statistical analyses included paired t-tests and effect size calculations. Results: Significant improvements in CMAS scores were observed at all COD angles (p < 0.05), with the largest effect at 90° (Cohen’s d = 2.1). The percentage of high-risk players decreased from 82% to 0%, while the proportion of low-risk players increased from 36% to 73%. Improved knee alignment, foot placement, and trunk stability were key contributors to the observed movement enhancements. Conclusions: Unilateral strength training may effectively improve COD mechanics and reduces biomechanical risk factors associated with ACL injuries in female soccer players. Our findings suggest that individualized training interventions can influence current injury prevention strategies. Full article

Background: During growth, the reduction in motor control makes core stability training essential, especially in sports involving dynamic jumps. Given the limited training time of adolescent athletes, finding strategies to maximize the effects of core stability training is crucial. This study analyzed the effects of incorporating body-centering techniques (a method that involves conscious modulation of intra-abdominal pressure to enhance postural stability during motor gestures) into a core stability training protocol on balance, trunk control, and lower limb explosive strength in adolescent volleyball players. Methods: Forty-four female volleyball athletes (15.6 ± 1.4 years of age) were randomly divided into three experimental groups: G1 = body-centering + core stability training; G2 = core stability training; and G3 = standard conditioning session. The athletes performed 30 min of differentiated intervention training twice a week for 8 weeks. Balance ability (Berg Balance Scale—BBS and Stork balance stand test—SBST), trunk control (Trunk Control test—TCT), and lower limb explosive strength (broad jump—BJ, squat jump—SJ, and drop jump—DJ) were assessed at the beginning (T0) and the end (T1) of the intervention period, and 12 weeks later (T2). Results: Data showed a significant improvement of BBS, SBST, DJ (p < 0.01), and TCT (p < 0.05) in G1 and G2 at T1 compared to T0, which persisted until T2 except for DJ in both groups. SJ improved only in G1 at T1 compared to T0 (p = 0.016). G1 showed a higher rate of improvement in SBST (T1: +18.2%; T2: +16.8%) and in DJ (T1: +3%) compared to G2 (SBST T1: +7.6%, T2: +5.2%; DJ: +2.5%). In addition, only G1 showed a significant improvement rate in BBS score (+2.2%) compared to G3 (+0.4%) at T1. Conclusions: These results suggested that core training improves balance, trunk control, and explosive strength in young volleyball athletes with and without body-centering. However, integrating body-centering into core exercises leads to better balance and jumping power than core stability training alone. Full article

Low back pain is a major cause of disability worldwide, often associated with deficits in trunk extensor strength control. Accurate assessment of trunk extension strength control is crucial for diagnosing impairments and monitoring interventions. This study evaluated the reliability of a dynamometry-based protocol for isometric trunk extension strength control assessment. Twenty-eight healthy volunteers (9 females, 19 males) completed two sessions, seven days apart. A single-point load cell system, encapsulated within a 3D-printed structure and connected to a Delsys system^® at a sampling frequency of 2000 Hz, was used for data acquisition. Participants performed maximal voluntary contractions (MVC) and submaximal isometric contractions (SMVC) guided by trapezoidal visual feedback. Key outcome variables included peak force, mean force, and force steadiness. Calibration demonstrated high accuracy (R² = 1) with a low root mean square error (0.55 N). Test–retest analysis showed excellent reliability for peak force (ICC = 0.81, SEM = 0.50, MDC = 1.39), mean force (ICC = 0.93, SEM = 0.17, MDC = 1.08), and steadiness (ICC = 0.87, SEM = 0.85, MDC = 2.36), with no significant intersession differences (p > 0.05). This study demonstrates the high reliability of using dynamometry to assess trunk extension strength during MVC and SMVC, endorsing the dynamometer as a tool for functional assessment and the development of personalized rehabilitation and training strategies. Full article

Mangrove forests are vital for flood reduction, yet their failure mechanisms during storms are poorly known, hampering their integration into engineered coastal protection. In this paper, we aimed to unravel the relationship between the resistance of mangrove trees to overturning and root distribution and the properties of the soil, while avoiding damage to natural mangrove forests. We therefore (i) tested the stability of 3D-printed tree mimics that imitate typical shallow mangrove root systems, mimicking both damaged and intact root systems, in sediments representing the soil properties of contrasting mangrove sites, and subsequently (ii) tested if the existing stability models for terrestrial trees are applicable for mangrove tree species, which have unique shallow root systems to survive waterlogged soils. Root systems of different complexities were modeled after Avicennia alba, Avicennia germinans, and Rhizophora stylosa, and printed at a 1:100 scale using material densities matching those of natural tree roots, to ensure the geometric scaling of overturning moments. The mimic stability increased with the soil shear strength and root plate surface area. The optimal root configuration for mimic stability depended on the sediment properties: spreading root systems performed better in softer sediments, while concentrating root biomass near the trunk improved stability in stronger sediments. An adapted terrestrial tree resistance model reproduced our measurements well, suggesting that such models could be adapted to predict the stability of shallow-rooted mangroves living in waterlogged soils. Field tree-pulling experiments are needed to further confirm our conclusions with real-world data, examine complicating factors like root intertwining, and consider mangrove tree properties like aerial roots. Overall, this work establishes a foundation for incorporating mangrove storm damage into hybrid coastal protection systems. Full article

Background/Objectives: Overcoming an oncological process has a significant impact on lower-extremity sarcoma survivors’ quality of life, due to the deterioration in their physical and functional state. This study evaluated the effects of a six-month multicomponent physical training program on the physical function and quality of life of a mesenchymal chondrosarcoma survivor. Methods: The mesenchymal chondrosarcoma survivor was subjected to an internal hemipelvectomy including right hemipelvis plus femoral joint and resection of the right proximal femur followed by chemotherapy and radiotherapy according to the oncology protocol. The program was performed twice weekly and included resistance, cardiorespiratory, trunk control, and stability exercises. Results: Functional assessments revealed improvements in hand grip strength, walking speed, balance, and coordination. The Timed Up and Go Test showed a 50% reduction in completion time, reflecting better mobility and strength. Additionally, gait speed increased significantly, and balance trials indicated enhanced coordination. Quality of life evaluations indicated progress in physical health, psychological well-being, and environmental engagement. Conclusions: Taken together, this research emphasizes the importance of tailored exercise interventions for sarcoma survivors, particularly those with significant physical impairments. Such programs are vital complements to conventional rehabilitation strategies, fostering physical activity adapted to individual needs. By addressing the multifaceted challenges of survivorship, these interventions enhance functional capacity, reduce disability, and improve overall well-being. Therefore, this case study highlights the program’s effectiveness in managing post-treatment sequelae, opening a pathway to improved physical autonomy and quality of life. Full article

Reduced muscle strength can affect daily activities, so monitoring is essential. Methods such as isokinetic dynamometers assess maximum muscle force, while hand dynamometers measure hand grip strength. Research has investigated hand grip strength as a predictor of upper, lower and total strength, but the results remain unsystematic. The aim of this study was to systematize the current state of knowledge to test whether hand grip strength can be used as an indicator of overall strength and functional performance. A review of studies from 2000 to 2023 was conducted using: ScienceDirect, PubMed and GoogleScholar. The focus was on articles that examined the relationship between hand grip strength and muscle torque. The following keywords, entered in different configurations, were used in the search: ’hand grip’, ’muscle strength’, ’correlation’ and ’association’. A total of 22 studies were selected for analysis, involving 752 healthy adults, 30 physically active people, 120 ill adults, 2965 older people and 112 ill older people. The analysis looked at associations between hand grip strength and muscle moments of the trunk, limbs and knee joint. The results from the literature indicate that the value of the correlation between hand grip strength and muscle torque varies (from low to high) depending on the test method or group. Therefore, caution should be exercised when using hand grip strength as the sole measure of overall strength and functional performance. Full article

Background/Objectives: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a heterogeneous condition with diverse symptoms influenced by factors like gender, severity and the involvement of family and therapists. While many risk factors that contribute to ASD development are known, the exact etiology remains unclear. The relationship between speech ability and postural/gait patterns in ASD has not been extensively studied. This study aimed to verify if the ability to speak can affect body posture and gait patterns. Methods: The study involved 28 boys aged 6–17. The postural assessment used the Adams test, Bunnell scoliometer, goniometer, and inclinometer to measure trunk rotation, joint range of motion, and spinal curvature. Trunk muscle strength was assessed via a flexion test measuring position maintenance time. This study compare body posture parameters in speaking and non-speaking children with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Moreover the parameters were compared to the general norms. Results: The study observed a tendency for speaking children to deviate more from normative body posture. They presented shoulder protraction more often, increased lumbar lordosis angle, and anterior pelvic tilt. Additionally, non-speaking children were more prone to toe-walking, which, according to other studies, is present in approximately 8–9% of all children with autism spectrum disorders. Both groups presented a decreased angle of dorsal flexion in the ankle joint. Conclusions: This study suggests that speaking children with ASD exhibit greater anterior-posterior postural deviations (increased lumbar lordosis, shoulder protraction, anterior pelvic tilt) than non-speaking children. ASD did not affect scoliosis or trunk rotation. Non-speaking children showed a higher incidence of toe-walking. However, the small sample size limits the generalizability of these findings. Full article

Introduction: Information on the long-term maintenance of short-term exercise fitness gains measured by field-based tests is scarce in older adults. This study aimed to investigate short- and long-term changes in various physical fitness parameters after an 8-week exercise program. Methods: In this longitudinal study, a total of 265 participants (62% women; mean age 71.4 ± 4.7 years) completed a field-based test battery of 12 fitness tests (22 parameters) at 2 pre-tests and 1 post-test following an 8-week exercise program (2 sessions/week, combining aerobic and strength activities) in 2 consecutive years. The tests assessed muscle endurance, muscle strength, cardiorespiratory fitness, and motor fitness. Results: Significant short-term improvements were observed, e.g., in isometric trunk flexion and extension endurance (21–37%) for both sexes in both years. Lower-body muscular endurance improved in the first year (9–12%) for both sexes, while cardiorespiratory fitness (6-min walk test) improved only for men in both years (3%). No changes were seen in submaximal cycle test heart rates or any balance tests in any year. Most fitness parameters did not significantly decrease during the 9-month inter-intervention period, with a few exceptions in trunk strength and walking distance. Conclusions: This study demonstrates physical fitness improvements in older adults following short-term exercise interventions and that some of these improvements were maintained long term, whereas a few of these physical fitness test improvements decreased significantly over 9 months in older adults. Full article