Search Results (196)

Background/Objectives: To assess the effectiveness of the most commonly used swallowing manoeuvres, exercises, and postural strategies as standalone interventions in the behavioural management of oropharyngeal dysphagia in adults. Methods: Systematic searches of two electronic databases, Embase and PubMed, were conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines to identify studies with comparison groups, including (pseudo) randomised controlled trials, comparative studies with concurrent controls, and within-subject or crossover study designs. The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed using the standard quality assessment tool (QualSyst). Results: Seventeen studies met the eligibility criteria, evaluating the effects of chin tuck, effortful swallow, the Mendelsohn manoeuvre, the modified jaw opening exercise, the volitional laryngeal vestibule closure manoeuvre, and the Shaker exercise. Most studies reported positive treatment outcomes, supporting the benefits of both compensatory and rehabilitative interventions across diverse populations, mainly derived from mixed groups and individuals post stroke. However, due to the limited number and significant heterogeneity of studies, a meta-analysis was only performed for the chin tuck, which showed a moderate positive effect. Overall, the evidence is preliminary and should be interpreted with caution. Conclusions: While current findings support the benefits of standalone behavioural interventions in oropharyngeal dysphagia, future research should focus on high-quality study designs with larger populations. Such studies need to consider variability in patient characteristics, intervention protocols, and outcome measures, with the use of advanced statistical methods enabling more definitive conclusions about the effectiveness of these interventions. Full article

Background: Precise upper limb movements are essential for daily tasks and motor function. Feedforward responses enable anticipatory movement planning, while feedback responses utilize sensory information for real-time corrections. Long-latency reflexes (LLRs) represent rapid feedback responses during unexpected perturbations and are integral in maintaining motor control, yet the factors governing LLRs in the upper extremity remain unclear. Methods: Forty healthy participants with ages ranging from 20 to 45 years (mean = 26.75, and SD = 5.6), performed a unilateral visuomotor elbow flexion and extension task with one arm while following a sinusoidal target at varied resistances and speeds. Task performance was quantified and communicated to participants after each bout. Resistance was randomly released during the flexion phase to trigger a perturbation. Electromyography data from the biceps and triceps muscles were analyzed for the long-latency reflex (LLR) and secondarily for the short-latency reflex (SLR), and voluntary response (VR) phases. Results: In response to unexpected upper extremity perturbations, participants relied on two core strategies. Inhibitory LLRs within the biceps were prominent, emphasizing inhibition to maintain movement stability 50–150 ms post-disturbance. Additionally, volitional control through the triceps allowed participants to regain precision starting from over 150 ms. Participants’ responses to perturbations were dependent on speed and resistance but were not modified with learning across repeated attempts. Conclusions: This study reveals that participants demonstrate both long-latency and volitional responses to counteract perturbations during an upper extremity visuomotor task. These findings highlight that a predominant agonist inhibition strategy emerged during the during unpredictable perturbations of the upper extremity. Understanding these responses may inform rehabilitation and pharmaceutical interventions when treating individuals with neurological conditions that influence motor control. Full article

The mother’s love is vital for adolescent development, yet there is a lack of specific tools to measure its psychological absence. This study aimed to develop the Mother-Love Absence Scale (MLAS) by revising the Father-Love Absence Scale (FLAS) and verify its reliability and validity among adolescents. Study 1 included 2700 junior and senior high school adolescents. The junior and senior high school samples were each randomly split into two subsamples. One subsample was used for Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA), while the other was used for Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA), internal consistency reliability tests, and cross-gender measurement invariance tests. The results indicated that the factor structure of the MLAS was consistent with that of the FLAS, both comprising four factors: emotional absence, cognitive absence, behavioral absence, and volitional absence. Furthermore, multi-group confirmatory factor analysis verified the gender invariance of the scale. In Study 2, 193 adolescents were surveyed to conduct a CFA and a criterion-related validity analysis. The results of the CFA again demonstrated a good model fit for the four-factor structure. The criterion-related validity analysis indicated that the mother-love absence was negatively connected with parent–child interaction and positively correlated with parental phubbing. Therefore, the revised MLAS has well reliability and validity and can be a reliable instrument for measuring mother-love absence in adolescents. Full article

This article inaugurates a series of scholarly inquiries undertaken by academics from the disciplines of canon law, psychology, and theology, which makes it inherently interdisciplinary. Recognizing the foundations of marital indissolubility, the authors seek to analyze the role of discernment and volition in the formulation of matrimonial consent by nupturients. Each person enjoys the innate right to contract matrimony. This right may be circumscribed by (i) an incapacity to formulate an act of will (give matrimonial consent), (ii) a substantial defect in its formulation, (iii) lack of ability to execute it, or (iv) a prohibition derived from divine law—whether natural or positive—or from man-made law. Accordingly, the authors examine matters pertaining to processes to declare the nullity of marriage, with a focus on the evidentiary role of expert testimony, typically provided by psychologists. Given the interdisciplinary nature of their inquiry, the authors have drawn extensively on the literature from the fields of canon law, psychology, and theological studies. Mindful of its theoretical orientation, the authors regard this article as a prologue to subsequent research on selected matrimonial nullity cases processed by ecclesiastical tribunals, with emphasis on the analysis of opinions issued by tribunal-appointed expert psychologists. Full article

Background/Objectives: Emerging evidence suggests a role of immune–inflammatory mechanisms in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia, particularly in the early stages of the illness. Cytokines, as key mediators of inflammation, may affect brain function and clinical presentation. Drug-naive patients with first-episode psychosis (FEDN) offer a unique opportunity to investigate these associations free from confounding pharmacological effects. Methods: This study included 38 patients with drug-naive first episode psychosis and 22 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. Serum concentrations of IL-1β, IL-2, IL-6, and IL-10 were measured using ELISA. Clinical symptoms were assessed using the PANSS scale. Statistical analyses included Mann–Whitney U tests, Spearman’s correlations, and ROC curve analysis. Results: Significantly elevated serum levels of IL-1β, IL-2, and IL-10 were observed in the FEDN group compared to the controls (p < 0.01), while IL-6 levels did not differ significantly. IL-2 exhibited the highest discriminatory power in differentiating the patients from the controls (AUC = 0.917; 95% CI: 0.759–1000.0; p < 0.001). IL-1β levels positively correlated with negative and general psychopathology symptoms, including hostility and grandiosity. IL-10 was associated with volitional disturbance and overall PANSS severity. Conclusions: Our findings underscore the relevance of immune dysregulation in the early stages of psychosis and highlight the potential of specific cytokines, particularly IL-2 and IL-1β, as peripheral biomarkers. Their diagnostic utility and correlation with symptom dimensions suggest a promising role in the development of precision psychiatry approaches, including early detection strategies and individualised therapeutic targeting. Longitudinal studies are needed to validate these findings and to assess their prognostic significance. Full article

This study examines Xuanzang’s methodology for translating the Yogācārabhūmi into Chinese, with particular focus on his translation of passages explaining the central concept of volition (cetanā). Through comparative analysis of Chinese and Tibetan translations—particularly passages for which Sanskrit parallels are not available—this paper investigates textual divergences and interpretative challenges in the two translations. Comprehensive examination of textual evidence across the Yogācārabhūmi corpus confirms that a problematic term in Xuanzang’s Chinese translation—suiyu—authentically reflects the Sanskrit source text, specifically corresponding to the Sanskrit term anupradāna. This allows us greater insight into Xuanzang’s translational strategy and its reception among his disciples. While previous scholarship has traditionally emphasized Xuanzang’s strict fidelity to Sanskrit grammatical structures, this study reveals a more sophisticated approach: he employed suiyu as a translation of anupradāna specifically for technical discussions of consciousness and mental factors, but adopted more idiomatic renderings of anupradāna in general contexts. However, the interpretations of suiyu among his disciples suggest that even this careful methodology sometimes failed to achieve its intended clarity, highlighting the inherent tension between preserving original textual features and ensuring accurate semantic transmission—a fundamental challenge in cross-cultural Buddhist transmission that continues to shape our understanding of Buddhist traditions. Full article

In general, the justification for the divine punishment in the Christian cosmos hinges on the notion of free will. Despite doctrinal complexities involving sin, grace, and divine sovereignty, individuals are held morally responsible for choosing evil over good. According to an ancient Chinese legend, however, the tyrant King Zhou (11th C. BCE) who lost his throne due to a changed mandate from Heaven was born with extreme evil tendencies. But if his evilness was determined before his birth and all his evil deeds are consequences of his natural tendencies, what might justify his punishment? Through an examination of Confucian responses to this question, this essay argues that Confucians did not ground moral responsibility in volitional freedom but rather in the extremity of one’s moral conduct. Their framework reveals a distinctive form of compatibilism—one in which blame is assigned not on the basis of freedom to choose otherwise but on how radically one’s actions deviate from shared ethical expectations. This suggests that the assumption of free will as a necessary condition for moral responsibility may reflect culturally specific intuitions, rather than a universal moral standard. Full article

This study explores the Bonaventurian synthesis of the human being as imago et similitudo Dei, highlighting its anthropological and existential implications. Against the backdrop of contemporary reductionist approaches that fragment the understanding of the human person, Bonaventure offers a holistic vision that integrates intellectual, affective, and volitional dimensions within a Christocentric and Trinitarian framework. Through a systematic analysis of Bonaventure’s primary texts—particularly the Itinerarium mentis in Deum and the Collationes in Hexaëmeron—and supported by critical scholarship, the article argues that human fulfillment transcends the limits of pure rationality and culminates in the unitive act of love with God. The study identifies two central principles of what Lázaro Pulido calls “Christian Socratism”: (1) human life as a journey to the Father’s house, and (2) the configuration of the soul, in wisdom and love, as a dwelling place of God. By situating the moral and spiritual life within the logic of divine attraction, Bonaventure overcomes both Aristotelian intellectualism and postmodern individualism. Ultimately, his thought presents happiness not as self-realization but as conformity with Christ crucified, revealing a path where suffering acquires meaning and the human vocation to love finds its ultimate horizon in the Trinity. Full article

The Entrapment Scale was developed to measure the feeling of being trapped by external situations or internal experiences (such as thoughts and emotions) without the possibility of escape. This perception, especially when combined with feelings of defeat, is central to integrated motivational–volitional (IMV) model of suicidal behavior. This study adapts the Entrapment Scale for Spanish adolescents and emerging adults, focusing on its internal structure, reliability, and criterion validity. We assessed 849 participants (48.1% male) aged 12 to 22 and compared three models: a correlated two-factor model, a second-order factor model, and a bifactor model. The bifactor model showed the best fit, indicating that a general entrapment factor influenced all items, while specific internal and external factors captured unique aspects. Importantly, distinguishing between internal and external entrapment can guide the development of more personalized and effective therapeutic strategies, as the relevance of each dimension may vary depending on the behaviors or symptoms present. This approach allows clinicians to target interventions more precisely to the individual’s needs. Theoretical and practical implications for understanding and addressing suicidal behavior are discussed. Full article

In Sweden, persons with intellectual disability have a legal right to support in everyday life, including housing with support and participation in daily activities, but government reports show that many do not receive the support they need or would prefer. The aim of this study was to explore how persons with intellectual disability experience and reflect upon support in everyday life. Thirteen adults with mild intellectual disability participated in one to three interviews each. Content analysis yielded an overarching theme “Persons with intellectual disability request two different forms of support” and three themes: “Support requested to achieve independence”, “Challenges in requesting support”, and “Mutual support in a safe environment”. The study shows that persons with intellectual disability can be hindered in requesting and obtaining support due to both internal factors and support persons’ inability to provide support in a way that is acceptable to the person with intellectual disability. Persons with intellectual disability adapt to the support person to receive support without burdening them. Persons with intellectual disability also strive to become more independent in everyday life. Being situated in a context where mutual support is a natural part of the social life is found to be optimal. Full article

The application of blood flow restriction (BFR) during resistance exercise enhances muscular adaptations under low-load conditions. However, its acute effects on explosive neuromuscular performance, particularly on kinetic variables such as the rate of force development (RFD), impulse, and peak force remain poorly understood in women. Twenty-five participants underwent randomized sessions under three occlusion conditions (0%, 40%, and 80% limb occlusion pressure), followed by isometric mid-thigh pull (IMTP) assessments at five time points (pre-exercise; post-exercise; and 5, 10, and 15 min post-exercise). Peak force, impulse, and RFD were analyzed across early (0–50 ms), mid (51–150 ms), and late (151–250 ms) time intervals. BFR did not result in statistically significant alterations in RFD or isometric force production at any time or pressure. These findings indicate that acute BFR application, even when volitional fatigue is induced, does not substantially impair neuromuscular function in isometric settings. These findings indicate that acute exposure to BFR, even under fatiguing conditions, does not substantially impair isometric force production or explosive performance in young physically active women. These results support the task-specific and temporally dependent nature of neuromuscular responses to BFR, highlighting the need for population-specific approaches in BFR programming. Full article

This paper presents a wearable, open-source system that combines electromyography (EMG) and functional electrical stimulation (FES) to restore hand function in individuals with disabilities caused by cervical spinal cord injuries or stroke. The device captures electrical signals produced during volitional muscle contractions and analyzes them to interpret the user’s intent to move. This information is then used to stimulate impaired muscles, promoting improved hand function and rehabilitation. We detail the design, prototyping, and testing of the system, emphasizing its modularity, affordability, and accessibility. Hardware and software, along with 3D-printable components, are shared via GitHub to enable replication and customization by professionals and makers. The system serves as both an orthotic device for enhancing grasping ability and a therapeutic tool for rehabilitating hemiparetic hands, with potential for broader applications. By addressing cost, customization, and accessibility barriers, this initiative promotes collaboration and further innovation in rehabilitation technologies, advancing the development of affordable, user-centered solutions for individuals with disabilities. Full article

The COVID-19 pandemic has been linked to numerous threats to public health. Of these, physical inactivity became increasingly prevalent, mainly due to the widespread closure of indoor gyms. Home-based exercise alternatives were created as potential solutions, but little research is available validating their efficacy to improve long-term health and fitness. This case study investigated the longitudinal effects of ≥three weekly exercise sessions with a smart home-based fitness platform on anthropometric, fitness, and cardiometabolic measures. Three participants were annually assessed over a five-year period spanning before and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Reductions in body fat percentage occurred simultaneously with increases in fat-free mass. Improvements in physical performance measures, including VO₂ max and both one-repetition maximum (1-RM) and 85% 1-RM for chest press and squat press, were identified. Cardiometabolic measures also demonstrated notable improvements, as borderline hypertension was reduced along with resting heart rate while resting metabolic rate (RMR) and heart rate variability (HRV) increased. Beyond these metrics, volitional exercise frequency grew without compromising exercise program adherence. Although physical activity on a global scale decreased during the COVID-19 pandemic, the long-term cardiometabolic and fitness benefits observed with this home-based exercise platform highlight its potential to improve health and fitness. Full article

There has been an extensive search for efficient pharmacological treatment of female sexual interest/arousal disorder and other sexual dysfunctions. However, available treatments have met limited success, except for the drugs used for treating erectile deficiency. A possible reason for this may be that both the preclinical and clinical evaluation of treatment effects have been inadequate. The present literature review shows that the intensity of sexual approach behaviors in non-human animals appears to be predictive of clinical effect whereas the traditional studies of copulatory behaviors and associated motor patterns have questionable predictive power regarding effects on human sexual desire. In clinical studies, it is essential to include the unconscious components of sexual motivation in any approach to its quantification. This basic fact is incompatible with the use of self-reports for evaluating treatment effects on motivation. Genital responses to sexual incentives are automatic and therefore outside of volitional control and can, therefore, provide unbiased estimates of the intensity of sexual motivation. These responses may be objectively quantified. Tests for implicit sexual motivation must also be used for capturing unconscious mental components. Including the unconscious components of sexual motivation as well as of objective measures of genital responses in clinical studies may improve evaluations of the effectiveness of drug treatment of low sexual interest/arousal disorder. In preclinical studies, predictive validity can be improved by quantifying sexual approach behaviors rather than copulatory behavior. The paradigm shift suggested here may finally allow for the discovery of efficient treatments for some sexual dysfunctions. Full article

Objectives: Type 1 diabetes is characterized by hyperglycemic episodes influenced by diet, sleep quality, chronotype, and physical activity, among others. While aerobic exercise is known to improve glycemic control, its effect on blood glucose regulation remains underexplored. Thus, this case study aimed to evaluate the effects of a prolonged and differentiated indoor and outdoor exercise intervention on glycemic control in an individual with type 1 diabetes. Methods: The participant (age: 23 years; weight: 95 kg; height: 1.90 m; Body Mass Index: 26.3 kg/m²; waist to hip ratio: 0.98; basal metabolic rate: 2015 kcal; Heart Rate Maximum (HRmax): 197 beats·min⁻¹) completed two outdoor (~3800 m) and two indoor sessions with self-selected speed, in the initial 2 min stage, at a 0% grade slope. The grade increased by 2% at each stage during the uphill phase until reaching volitional fatigue, followed by a 2% decrease at each stage during the downhill phase until returning to a 0% grade. Blood pressure was assessed before and after each session. Daily nutrition intake, insulin intake, and blood glucose were continuously monitored. Dietary adherence (PREvención con DIeta MEDiterránea), sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index), chronotype (Morningness–Eveningness Questionnaire), and physical activity levels (International Physical Activity Questionnaire) were assessed before each session. The Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale was used to measure enjoyment after each session. Results: The sessions were completed in ~44 and ~39 min with the participant achieving 84% (outdoor) and 96% (indoor) of their theoretical HRmax. The intervention resulted in glycemic improvements, with time spent in hyperglycemia (>250 mg/dL) decreasing from 56.46% to 0%, while time in the normal range (70–180 mg/dL) increased to 63.96%. A 47% reduction in insulin units showed that insulin sensitivity also improved. Conclusions: Despite differences in intensity, indoor and outdoor activities yielded comparable benefits, with outdoor activities being perceived as more enjoyable (outdoor: 28.5 ± 0.7; indoor: 24.0 ± 5.6) and positively impacting glycemic control, thus supporting the need for tailored strategies in diabetes management. Full article