Search Results (136)

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), a healthy lifestyle is defined as a way of living that lowers the risk of becoming seriously ill or dying prematurely. Physical activity, as a well-known contributor to overall health, plays a vital role in supporting such a lifestyle. Exercise induces complex molecular responses that mediate both acute metabolic stress and long-term physiological adaptations. FGF21 (fibroblast growth factor 21) and GDF15 (growth differentiation factor 15) are recognized as metabolic stress markers, while their receptors play critical roles in cellular signaling. However, the differential gene expression patterns of these molecules in trained and untrained individuals following exhaustive exercise remain poorly understood. This study aimed to examine the transcriptional and protein-level responses in trained and untrained individuals performed a treadmill maximal exercise test to voluntary exhaustion. Blood samples were collected at six time points (pre-exercise, immediately post-exercise, and 0.5 h, 6 h, 24 h, and 48 h post-exercise). Gene expression of FGF21, GDF15, FGFR1 (fibroblast growth factor receptors), FGFR3, FGFR4, KLB (β-klotho), and GFRAL (glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor receptor alpha-like) was analyzed using RT-qPCR, while plasma protein levels of FGF21 and GDF15 were quantified via ELISA. The results obtained were statistically analyzed by using Shapiro–Wilk, Mann–Whitney U, and Wilcoxon tests in Statistica 13 software. Untrained individuals demonstrated significant post-exercise upregulation of FGFR3, FGFR4, KLB, and GFRAL. FGF21 and GDF15 protein levels were consistently lower in trained individuals (p < 0.01), with no significant correlations between gene and protein expression. Trained individuals showed more stable expression of genes, while untrained individuals exhibited transient upregulation of genes after exercise. Full article

Background and Objective: This study aimed to examine the possibility of using surface electromyography (sEMG) to aid in assessing the correctness of overhead deep squat performance. Electromyography signals were recorded for 20 athletes from the lower (rectus femoris (RF), vastus medialis (VM), biceps femoris (BF), and gluteus (GM)) and upper (deltoid (D), latissimus dorsi (L)) muscles. The sEMG signals were categorized into three groups based on physiotherapists’ evaluations of deep squat correctness. Methods: The raw sEMG signals were filtering at 10–250 Hz, and then the mean frequency, median frequency, and kurtosis were calculated. Next, the maximum excitation of the muscles expressed in percentage of maximum voluntary contraction (%MVC) and co-activation index (CAI) were estimated. To determine the muscle excitation level, the pulse interference filter and variance analysis of the sEMG signal derivative were applied. Next, analysis of variance (ANOVA) tests, that is, nonparametric Kruskal–Wallis and post hoc tests, were performed. Results: The parameter that most clearly differentiated the groups considered turned out to be %MVC. The statistically significant difference with a large effect size in the excitation of RF & GM (p = 0.0011) and VM & GM (p = 0.0002) in group 3, where the correctness of deep squat execution was the highest and ranged from 85% to 92%, was pointed out. With the decrease in the correctness of deep squat performance, an additional statistically significant difference appeared in the excitation of RF & BF and VM & BF for both groups 2 and 1, which was not present in group 3. However, in group 2, with the correctness of the deep squat execution at 62–77%, the statistically significant differences in muscle excitation found in group 3 were preserved, in contrast to group 1, with the lowest 23–54% correctness of the deep squat execution, where the statistical significance of these differences was not confirmed. Conclusions: The results indicate that sEMG can differentiate muscle activity and provide additional information for physiotherapists when assessing the correctness of deep squat performance. The proposed analysis can be used to evaluate the correctness of physical exercises when physiotherapist access is limited. Full article

Background: It is well established that healthy lifestyle behaviors have significant effects not only on physical health but also on psychological well-being; however, the underlying mechanisms of these effects have yet to be fully elucidated. In this context, the aim of this study is to examine the relationships between a sustainable healthy lifestyle and levels of depression, stress, and anxiety, and to test the mediating role of physical literacy in these associations. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among university students in Malatya, Türkiye, and a total of 652 voluntary participants were included. In the theoretical model of the study, a sustainable healthy lifestyle was positioned as the independent variable, depression, stress, and anxiety as dependent variables, and physical literacy as the mediating variable. Data were analyzed using structural equation modeling with bootstrapping to assess mediation effects. Results: Results obtained from the structural equation modeling indicate that a sustainable healthy lifestyle has significant and protective relationships with psychological well-being. Negative and significant relationships were identified between a sustainable healthy lifestyle and levels of depression, stress, and anxiety. Furthermore, higher levels of physical literacy were associated with lower levels of these psychological symptoms, with physical literacy playing a strong mediating role in these relationships. The model results revealed that lifestyle components such as regular physical activity, balanced nutrition, and sufficient sleep enhance individuals’ physical competence and awareness. Physical literacy was also found to have a significant negative relationship with depression, stress, and anxiety. Conclusions: These results indicate that physical literacy is a key variable not only for physical functioning but also for psychological resilience and well-being. Moreover, the impact of a sustainable healthy lifestyle on psychological symptoms appears to be largely mediated through physical literacy. Full article

Muscle loss unresponsive to nutritional supplementation affects up to 80% of cancer patients and severely reduces survival and treatment response. Exercise may help preserve muscle mass and function, yet the translatability of preclinical methods remains questionable. This study aimed to assess how voluntary wheel running, a clinically relevant physical activity, protects skeletal and cardiac muscle against cancer-mediated dysfunction and identify underlying molecular mechanisms. Methods: BALB/c mice were assigned to sedentary nontumor-bearing (SED+NT), sedentary tumor-bearing (SED+T), wheel run nontumor-bearing (WR+NT), and wheel run tumor-bearing (WR+T). Tumor-bearing groups received 5 × 10⁵ C26 cells; WR mice had wheel access for 4 weeks. Muscle function and tissue were analyzed for protective mechanisms. Results: SED+T mice exhibited significant fat and lean mass loss, indicating cachexia, which was prevented in WR+T mice. SED+T also showed 15% reduced grip strength and cardiac dysfunction, while WR+T preserved function. WR+T mice had lower expression of muscle wasting markers (Atrogin1, MuRF1, GDF15, GDF8/11). Physical activity also reduced tumor mass by 57% and volume by 37%. Conclusion: Voluntary wheel running confers tumor-suppressive, myoprotective, and cardioprotective effects. These findings support physical activity as a non-pharmacological strategy to combat cancer-related muscle wasting and dysfunction. Full article

Background: Lower limb motor output contributes to determining functional performance in many motor tasks. This study investigated the effects of non-invasive spinal cord transcutaneous stimulation (scTS) applied during an exercise-based priming protocol on lower limb muscle force and power generation. Methods: Twelve young, physically active male volunteers (age: 22.7 ± 2.1 years) participated in this randomized crossover, sham-controlled study. The maximal voluntary contraction and low-level torque steadiness of knee extensors, as well as the maximal explosive extension of lower limbs, were assessed before and after the priming protocol with scTS or sham stimulation over a total of four experimental sessions. Further, characteristics of evoked potentials to scTS related to spinal circuitry excitability were assessed in the supine position before and after the scTS priming protocol. The exercise component of the ~25 min priming protocol consisted of low-volume, low- and high-intensity lower limb motor tasks. Results: scTS priming protocol tended to increase or maintain maximum isometric torque during knee extension (4.7%) as well as peak force (0.2%) and rate of force development (6.0%) during explosive lower limb extensions, whereas sham priming protocol tended to decrease them (−4.3%, −3.3%, and −15.1%, respectively). This resulted in significant interactions (p = 0.001 to 0.018) and medium–large differences between scTS and sham protocols. These findings were associated with meaningful trends of some neurophysiological variables. Conversely, priming protocols did not affect low-level torque steadiness. Conclusions: scTS counteracted the unexpected fatigue induced by the exercise-based priming protocol, supporting lower limb performance during maximal efforts. Future studies are warranted to assess the implementation of scTS with optimized exercise-based priming protocols during training and rehabilitation programmes that include high-intensity neuromuscular efforts. Full article

Volunteer firefighters play an important role in the provision of emergency services in Slovenia, where most of firefighters work on a voluntary basis. In many countries, however, volunteering is in decline due to demographic, social and organisational constraints. To maintain this important function, it is important to understand the motivations that drive individuals to join and stay in the volunteer fire service. This study examines the motivational factors that influence Slovenian volunteer firefighters, with a particular focus on fire service support, leadership practices and demographic differences. A quantitative survey was conducted among 244 volunteer firefighters from 22 fire brigades. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics, t-tests, Spearman’s rank correlation and binary logistic regression. The results show that many volunteer firefighters are motivated by the challenge of working under stress and in situations of controlled risk. However, this motivation decreases with age, as older members show less interest in adrenaline-driven tasks. Men show a greater preference for action-oriented tasks, including emergency response, equipment handling and physical engagement. In contrast, women place slightly more emphasis on social connections within the brigade. Volunteers who feel included in decision-making processes and experience cooperative, participative leadership are more likely to remain engaged. Those who are motivated by physical activity are more likely to stay, while those who are primarily motivated by social recognition or status are more likely to leave. These findings contribute to the literature on volunteering in high-risk contexts. Tailored recruitment and retention strategies that take into account age, gender and leadership dynamics can help fire services build more engaged and sustainable volunteer teams. Full article

Background/Objectives: The validity of shoulder orthopaedic tests to establish a diagnosis has recently been challenged. For this reason, functional tests, such as the Closed Kinetic Chain Upper Extremity Stability Test (CKCUEST), have started to be used in clinical settings. The aim of this study is to compare the electromyography (EMG) activity during the CKCUEST and the modified CKCUEST in a healthy adult population. Methods: Ten male (age: 26.6 ± 4.8) and ten female participants (age: 24.2 ± 6.0) were recruited from a university setting. The Edinburgh Handedness Inventory, the International Physical Activity Questionnaire and the percentage of activation of the maximum voluntary contraction of the infraspinatus, anterior deltoid and upper trapezius, of both upper limbs, throughout the CKCUEST and modified CKCUEST were analysed. Results: The percentage of activation of the infraspinatus (p < 0.01), anterior deltoid (p < 0.01) and upper trapezius (p < 0.01) in both sides was significantly higher in the CKCUEST compared to the modified CKCUEST. No differences were observed between laterality and the activation percentage of the infraspinatus (p > 0.05), anterior deltoid (p > 0.05) and upper trapezius (p > 0.05) in both sides during the CKCUEST. Conclusions: The results of this research showed a higher percentage of EMG activation during the CKCUEST compared to the modified CKCUEST in all the muscular structures analysed, regardless of the participants’ hemibody. Full article

Background/Objectives: Optimal activation of the quadriceps femoris, particularly the vastus medialis, while minimizing excessive activation of the vastus lateralis, is crucial for treating knee injuries like ACL ruptures and patellofemoral pain syndrome. Restoring proper muscle balance may enhance rehabilitation outcomes, but effective strategies for modulating muscle activity remain unclear. High-velocity low-amplitude hip manipulation has shown potential to influence neuromuscular function, yet its impact on quadriceps activation during knee extension has not been well studied. Therefore, the main aim of this study is to examine the effects of a single session of high-velocity low-amplitude hip manipulation on quadriceps femoris muscle activation and maximum voluntary contraction during knee extension. Methods: This study utilizes a randomized controlled design. Thirty physically active men and women (mean age: 21.9 ± 1.7 years) were randomly assigned to either an experimental group (n = 15; receiving hip joint manipulation) or a control group (n = 15; undergoing a sham intervention). Participants in the intervention group received a treatment involving hip manipulation and short-duration traction. Muscle activity of the rectus femoris, vastus lateralis, and vastus medialis was assessed using surface electromyography before and after the intervention, while muscle performance was measured by evaluating isometric knee extension strength in the lower limb. The isometric strength test was conducted in a seated position with the knee flexed at 60 degrees in Biodex System 4. Results: This study finds that the experimental group had significantly higher vastus lateralis mean amplitude (p = 0.020; effect size = 0.186) and vastus medialis mean amplitude (p < 0.001; effect size = 0.577) of electromyography root mean square electromyography compared to the control group. The experimental group also showed greater vastus medialis max amplitude (p < 0.001; effect size = 0.435). No significant differences were noted for rectus femoris mean amplitude (p = 0.078; effect size = 0.110), vastus lateralis max amplitude (p = 0.363; effect size = 0.031), rectus femoris max amplitude (p = 0.069; effect size = 0.117), or median frequency of the raw electromyography signal across muscle groups. Conclusions: In conclusion, high-velocity low-amplitude hip manipulation significantly enhances vastus medialis activation, highlighting its potential to improve quadriceps balance. These findings support the incorporation of hip manipulation into rehabilitation protocols. Full article

Background: Exoskeleton robots are emerging as a transformative technology in healthcare, rehabilitation, and industrial settings, providing significant benefits such as improving gait restoration and preventing injuries. These robots enhance mobility for individuals with neuromuscular disorders by providing muscular assistance and reducing physical strain, while also supporting workers in physically demanding tasks. They improve gait efficiency, muscle activation, and overall physical function, contributing to both rehabilitation and occupational health. Objective: This study aims to investigate the impact of exoskeleton use on muscle activation patterns, fatigue levels, and gait parameters in healthy individuals. Methods: Thirty-six participants engaged in a randomized sequence gait experiment on a treadmill for 30 min, both with and without an exoskeleton, with electromyography (EMG) and OptoGait measurements collected during the sessions. A one-week washout period was implemented before participants switched conditions. Results: In the Maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) analysis, significant differences were observed in the Rectus femoris (RF) and gastrocnemius(GM) when wearing the exoskeleton robot compared to not wearing it. At 10 min, 20 min, and 30 min, the differences were statistically significant (p < 0.05) for all muscles. In the muscle fatigue analysis, significant differences were observed in RF, GM, vastus medialis (VM), and hamstring(HS) at 10 min, 20 min, and 30 min (p < 0.05). In the step length and stride length analysis, significant differences were observed at 10 min and 30 min, but no differences were found at 20 min (p < 0.05). Conclusions: This study demonstrates that the use of the exoskeleton robot significantly impacts muscle activation, muscle fatigue, and gait parameters. The results emphasize the potential benefits of exoskeletons in enhancing mobility and reducing muscle strain, providing important insights for rehabilitation and occupational applications Full article

Background: Physical activity improves quality of life, but competitive sports emphasize performance, leading to intense training and restrictive diets that increase injury risk. This affects the stomatognathic system, underscoring the role of sports dentistry in preventing injuries and orofacial functional changes. This observational study analyzed the stomatognathic system’s functionality in male high-intensity athletes (n = 18) compared to a sedentary group (n = 18). Methods: Functional parameters were analyzed: electromyographic activity during mandibular tasks, masseter and temporal muscles thickness, and molar bite force. Results: Student’s t-test was used for analysis. At mandibular rest, male high-performance athletes showed lower electromyographic activity in the right and left masseter muscles, suggesting adaptation to training. During maximum voluntary contraction, activity was higher in the temporal and masseter muscles, especially in the left masseter, indicating hypertrophy. Electromyographic activity increased during protrusion and lateral movements, particularly in the masseter and temporal muscles, demonstrating a greater functional efficiency group of athletes. They also exhibited greater masseter muscle thickness and thinner temporal muscle thickness, with a significant difference in the right masseter muscle at rest. The group of athletes showed greater molar bite force, with significant differences, indicating greater muscle capacity. Conclusions: Sports practice promotes adaptations in the stomatognathic system, improving its functionality. Full article

This paper presents the results of an interactive virtual reality (VR) training program aimed at enhancing Health and Safety (H&S) management practices in quarrying operations. The course was designed based on industry best practices, as well as both voluntary and mandatory standards relevant to marble mining activities. It combines experiential learning with a performance monitoring system that tracks completion rates, time taken, and scores based on user decisions. The primary objective was to assess the impact of VR training across different user groups, categorized by age, prior safety experience, familiarity with equipment and processes, and VR proficiency. This study involved 40 participants and analyzed 15 variables, including occupation, age, H&S skills, process knowledge, equipment familiarity, VR skills, physical impact of VR, number of attempts before completion, percentage and time of completion, achieved scores, retention of knowledge, and user feedback before and after training. Performance measurement was carried out using two methods: a Microsoft Forms questionnaire with 16 questions, completed by participants one week after training, and Simula Solution, which automatically tracked and recorded performance metrics (time, percentage, errors, and scores) during each session. The survey successfully identified which demographic groups were most affected by VR training. The findings of this study could have important implications for improving H&S practices in the mining sector by empowering workers to engage in training and interact with process resources. This allows them to experience virtual accidents in a controlled, risk-free environment. Full article

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic significantly reduced physical activity levels, particularly among older people, negatively impacting their postural balance and increasing the risk of falls and hip fractures. This study aims to assess the effect of a virtual reality-based exergame physical activity protocol at home on improving postural balance in older people. Materials and Methods: A quasi-experimental design was employed with 10 older people (71 ± 9 years) who participated in a virtual reality-based exergame physical activity protocol consisting of eighteen 25 min sessions conducted at home. The protocol incorporated 3D movement tracking using a sensor attached to the participants’ bodies to monitor postural sway in real time. Clinical measurements included the Timed Up and Go test and posturographic measures of center-of-pressure, including sway area, velocity, and standard deviation in the mediolateral and anteroposterior directions under four conditions: static with the eyes open and eyes closed and dynamic voluntary sway in the mediolateral direction following a 30 Hz metronome with the eyes open and eyes closed. Paired t-tests were used to compare pre- and post-intervention data. Results: The intervention led to significant improvements in postural balance as measured using both posturographic measures (p < 0.05) and the Timed Up and Go test (p = 0.04). Conclusion: The virtual reality-based exergame physical activity protocol conducted at home, comprising eighteen 25 min sessions, effectively improves postural balance in older people. Full article

Background/Objectives: Implementing and optimizing pelvic floor muscle (PFM) training programs is crucial for reducing the risk of dysfunctions, improving athletic performance, and enhancing quality of life for athletes. The aim of this study was to assess PFM activation in female athletes during postural challenges. Methods: An observational and descriptive study was conducted with twenty-five female rugby players. Surface electromyography was used to evaluate the PFMs in five different body positions under stable and unstable conditions. Results: The peak amplitude of the PFMs at baseline differed according to the physical demand of each position (p < 0.001). The lowest percentage activation was in the supine position (16.23%), while the highest recruitment was observed during the parallel squat (40.69%). The percentage of maximum voluntary contraction also differed according to each position (p = 0.001). The values were similar in supine position, side plank (104%), and standing position, being significantly lower (p < 0.05) than those reached during the off-knees quadruped hold (121.58%), full plank (121.97%), and parallel squat (151.40%); however, the values were comparable between stable and unstable positions (p = 1.000). Conclusions: Positions that challenge gravity and pelvic biomechanics, such as the squat, plank, and quadruped, facilitate greater activation of the PFMs. Contrary to previous recommendations, these exercises do not appear to have significant negative effects; therefore, consideration should be given to the implementation of these exercises for the management of pelvic floor dysfunction and as part of comprehensive exercise programs designed to improve overall core and pelvic floor function. Full article

Background: Nutrition knowledge may be translated into adequate dietary intake and proper eating habits, so adolescent education programs focusing on improving eating habits and nutrition knowledge are needed. The aim of the cross-sectional study with pair-matched controls was to assess the Consumer Nutrition Knowledge Scale (CoNKS) results and its determinants after one year of intervention in a national extracurricular athletics program within a pair-matched sample of Polish adolescents. Methods: The #goathletics Study evaluated a Polish national extracurricular athletics program, ‘Athletics for all’, being a voluntary and free-of-charge physical activity program organized by the Polish Athletics Association. The study allowed comparing the intervention group of adolescents aged 10–14 years, participating in the program for at least 9 months (a school year) and a pair-matched group not participating in it, while the matching was based on city, gender, and age (each group: n = 506 adolescents, n = 281 females and n = 225 males). The nutrition knowledge was assessed using a Consumer Nutrition Knowledge Scale (CoNKS), and during the analysis, the following factors were taken into account: body weight, height, Body Mass Index (BMI), waist circumference, and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR). Results: The ‘Athletics for all’ program participation influenced not only the total CoNKS score (p < 0.0001) but also the scores in all studied areas—within procedural nutrition knowledge (p = 0.0002), declarative nutrition knowledge on nutrients (p = 0.0001), and declarative nutrition knowledge on calories (p < 0.0001), and program participants revealed a stronger understanding of all the studied areas compared to non-participating individuals. Gender, BMI, and central obesity tendency were not associated with the total CoNKS score (p > 0.05), or any of the studied areas (p > 0.05). The statistically significant differences in the number of correct answers were observed for four items within procedural nutrition knowledge, for four items within declarative nutrition knowledge on nutrients, and for four items within declarative nutrition knowledge on calories (p < 0.05), while for all of them, ‘Athletics for all’ program participants revealed a stronger understanding. Conclusions: One year of intervention in a national extracurricular athletics program significantly influenced the nutrition knowledge of the studied group of adolescents aged 10–14 years. While compared with the pair-matched control group of Polish adolescents, they were characterized by a stronger understanding of all areas of nutrition knowledge. Full article

Extensive studies have demonstrated the advantages of augmented reality (AR) in improving efficiency, thereby fulfilling a quality role in industry. Yet, the corresponding physical strain on individuals poses a significant challenge. This study explores the effects of task difficulty (complex versus simple maintenance activities) and multimedia guidance (e.g., paper-based versus AR via HoloLens) on physical strain, body discomfort ratings, perceived exertion, and mental effort. A 2 × 2 mixed design was employed, involving a total of 28 participants with an average age of 32.12 ± 2.45 years. Physical strain was evaluated by measuring the normalized root mean square (RMS) of electromyography (EMG) indicators, expressed as a percentage of maximum voluntary contraction (%MVC) from six muscles (i.e., right flexor carpi radialis (RFCR), right middle deltoid (RMD), right upper trapezius (RUT), right cervical extensor (RCE), and right and left splenius (RSPL and LSPL) muscles. The results indicated that AR instruction, particularly in complex tasks, led to higher physical strain in the neck and shoulder muscles (RCE and RUT) compared with paper-based methods. However, AR significantly reduced strain in the RSPL, LSPL, RMD, and RFCR muscles during both simple and complex tasks. This study highlights that while AR can lower physical strain in certain muscle groups, it also introduces increased strain in the neck and shoulders, particularly during more demanding tasks. This study highlights the need for ergonomic considerations when designing and implementing AR technologies, especially for complex tasks that inherently demand more from the user, both physically and cognitively. Full article