Search Results (524)

Objectives: Malnutrition (MN) is prevalent in older adults and closely related to sarcopenia, frailty, morbidity, mortality, and decreased quality of life. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effects of a personalized diet combined with planned physical exercise on nutritional status, physical performance, and quality of life (QoL) in malnourished older adult patients. Methods: In this prospective study, 20 older adults with MN risk according to the Mini Nutritional Assessment—Short Form (MNA-SF) were randomized into (i) personalized diet (PD) and (ii) personalized diet with physical exercise (PDE) groups, and followed up with for 12 weeks. The physical exercise included warm-up, strengthening, balance, and cooldown phases, with a frequency of 3–4 days per week. Anthropometric measurements, physical performance, and quality of life were assessed using standardized tools at baseline and at the 4th, 8th, and 12th weeks. QoL was measured using the EQ–5D index and EQ–5D visual analog scale (VAS) scores. Results: A total of 20 patients (55% male) participated in the study. During the study, BMIs, MNA-SF scores, and hand grip strength were increased, and the patients' average duration on the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test decreased significantly in both groups. The EQ–5D index score of the PD group and the EQ–5D VAS scores of both groups were increased. Conclusions: A personalized diet with or without physical exercise therapy was associated with improved nutritional status, physical performance, and QoL. Full article

Background/Objectives: Neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s disease (PD) are becoming increasingly prevalent, necessitating diverse treatment options to manage symptoms. The effectiveness of these treatments depends on accurate and sensitive diagnostic methods. This exploratory pilot study explores the use of eye tracking and compares it to neuropsychological tests on patients treated with deep transcranial magnetic stimulation (dTMS). Methods: We used the HTC Vive Pro Eye VR headset with Tobii eye tracker to measure eye movements in 10 Parkinson syndrome patients while viewing three 360-degree scenes. Eye movements were recorded pre- and post-dTMS, focusing on Fixation Duration, Longest Fixation Period, Saccade Rate, and Total Fixations. Neuropsychological assessments (MoCA, TUG, BDI) were conducted before and after stimulation. dTMS was performed using the Brainsway device with the H5 helmet, targeting the motor cortex (1 Hz) and the prefrontal cortex (10 Hz) for 7–12 sessions. Results: ROC analysis indicated a moderate ability to differentiate between states using eye movement parameters. Significant correlations were found between changes in the longest fixation period and MoCA scores (r = 0.65, p = 0.025), and between fixation durations and BDI scores (r = −0.55, p = 0.043). Paired t-tests showed no significant differences in eye movement parameters, but BDI scores significantly reduced post-dTMS (t(5) = 2.57, p = 0.049). Conclusions: Eye-tracking parameters, particularly the Longest Fixation Duration and Saccade Rate, could serve as sensitive and feasible biomarkers for cognitive changes in Parkinson’s Syndrome, offering a quick alternative to traditional methods. Traditional neuropsychological tests showed a significant improvement in depressive symptoms after dTMS. Further research with larger sample sizes is necessary to validate these findings and explore the diagnostic utility of eye tracking. Full article

Background/Objectives: Evaluating basic daily activities like sitting, standing, and walking is crucial for predicting preoperative risks and postoperative recovery. These functional abilities can be assessed through patient history or measured using objective tests. For this purpose, the 30-Second Sit-to-Stand (30STS) Test and Timed Up-and-Go (TUG) Test are frequently used in clinical settings. However, few studies have evaluated their effectiveness in anesthesia and orthopedics. In this study, we aimed to assess the applicability of these tests across clinical disciplines. Methods: A total of 43 patients who underwent total knee arthroplasty (TKA) surgery between January and December 2023 with American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) scores of 2–3 were retrospectively evaluated. The 30STS, TUG, and VAS scores were recorded preoperatively and on postoperative days 90–180. Results: The preoperative 30STS and TUG scores showed no statistically significant difference between the ASA 2–3 groups, but the ASA 2 group demonstrated a more pronounced performance improvement in both tests during the first 90 days postoperatively. The correlation tests revealed a strong positive relationship with the TUG Test and a moderate positive relationship with the 30STS and VAS scores. Conclusions: The correlation between the preoperative and postoperative results of the 30STS and TUG Tests suggests that preoperative tests can predict post-operative functional performance. However, the lack of a significant statistical relationship between the preoperative tests and ASA scores indicates that these tests may not be sufficiently useful for assessing the functional capacity. The better test outcomes in the ASA 2 patients indicate that combining these assessments with anesthetic evaluations may improve postoperative functional predictions, thereby promoting a multidisciplinary approach. Full article

Background/Objectives: This clinical trial aimed to determine whether perturbation-based gait training (PBGT) on a split-belt treadmill enhances balance and muscle strength in older adults, comparing its effectiveness with walking-only training on a treadmill. Methods: This single-center, prospective, single-blind (assessor), randomized controlled trial included 24 older adults from the Rehabilitation Center of Jeonbuk National University Hospital. Participants were equally divided into the PBGT and control groups. Both groups underwent 12 training sessions, three times a week for 4 weeks, for a total of 43 min per session. The outcomes, including the Five Times Sit-to-Stand Test (FTSST), Falls Efficacy Scale International, timed up-and-go (TUG) test, functional reach test, and lower-extremity manual muscle test scores, were measured at three time points: pre-training, post-training, and four weeks after training. Results: While there were no significant differences between the two groups, the PBGT group demonstrated significant improvements in its FTSST and TUG values. Conclusions: Unpredictable perturbation training on a split-belt treadmill can be safely performed by older adults and may serve as an alternative exercise method to enhance physical performance and balance ability for fall prevention. Full article

Background and Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the effect of immersive virtual reality used as a short-term multifaceted activity with a focus on motor and cognitive function in patients with Parkinson’s Disease. The sub-objective focused on quality of life in the study group of patients. Materials and Methods: Nineteen patients (64.2 ± 12.8 years) were included in this study. Inclusion criteria for this study: adult patients in Hoehn and Yahr’s stage 1–3, cooperative, with stable health status, independent and mobile. IVR therapy was performed twice a week for 20 min for one month. Input and output measurements were taken within 14 days of starting or ending therapy. The 10 Meter Walk test was used to examine and assess both comfortable and fast walking, and the Timed Up and Go (TUG) + s dual task was applied to quickly assess the highest possible level of functional mobility. The Berg Balance Scale test (BBS) was used to assess balance with a 14-item balance scale containing specific movement tasks. The standardized Parkinson’s Disease Questionnaire (PDQ-39) was used to assess quality of life. Data were processed in the PAST program using a nonparametric paired Wilcoxon test. The significance level was set at α = 0.05. The value of the r score was used to evaluate the effect size. Results: A significant reduction in the time in the fast walk 10MWT (p = 0.006; r = 0.63) and TUG (p < 0.001; r = 0.80) parameter were found after therapy. Significant improvement in the BBS score was found after applied therapy (p = 0.016; r = 0.55). In the PDQ-39 questionnaire, significant improvements were found in the study group after therapy in the domains of mobility (p = 0.027; r = 0.51) and emotional well-being (p = 0.011; r = 0.58). Conclusions: The results of this study indicate a positive effect of virtual reality therapy on balance and gait, which is also good in terms of reducing the risk of falls in the study group. Therapy also promoted quality of life in the study group. Full article

Background/Objectives: Whole-body cryotherapy (WBC) is widely recognized for its analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects. Despite growing interest in its therapeutic potential, the impact of WBC on functional performance, pain perception, sleep quality, and quality of life among individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) remains underexplored. This study aimed to assess the effects of a 10-session WBC protocol on functional and psychological parameters in patients with MS and compare them with individuals without neurological disorders. Methods: A total of 73 participants divided into two groups, non-neurological individuals (non-MS, n = 43) and patients with MS (MS, n = 30), underwent 10 WBC sessions (−120 °C to −130 °C) over 2 weeks. Assessments included the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS), 30-Second Chair Stand Test (30CST), Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, with the WHOQOL-BREF conducted pre-treatment, post-treatment, and at a 10-day follow-up. Results: In the MS group, significant improvements were observed post-treatment in the NRS, 30CST, WHOQOL-1, and PSQI. However, only the CST and WHOQOL-3 maintained improvements during follow-up. In the non-MS group, statistically significant improvements were observed post-treatment across most parameters, except for the NRS and WHOQOL-3, with most effects diminishing by the follow-up. No deterioration in any assessed parameters was observed in either group. Conclusions: WBC demonstrates potential benefits for managing MS symptoms, particularly pain and sleep quality, with no observed deterioration in parameters and some effects emerging only during follow-ups, underscoring its safety and the need for further research on long-term outcomes. Full article

Background: Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is the most prevalent form of osteoarthritis and a leading cause of chronic pain in adults. This study aimed to compare the short-term effects of extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT), low-level laser therapy (LLLT), and pulsed electromagnetic field therapy (PEMF) on pain, function, and quality of life in patients with knee OA. Methods: A hundred and twenty patients with Kellgren–Lawrence grade 2–3 knee OA were randomized into four groups: ESWT (once a week for three sessions), LLLT (twice a week for eight sessions), PEMF (twice a week for eight sessions), and a control group with 30 patients in each group. All participants were instructed in a daily exercise program, including knee joint range of motion, stretching, and strengthening exercises (3 × 10 repetitions). Outcome measures, including the visual analog scale (VAS), the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), Short Form-36 (SF-36), and the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, were assessed at baseline after treatment and at the third month. Results: There were no significant differences between groups at baseline regarding VAS, WOMAC, SF-36, and TUG scores (p > 0.05). Significant improvements were observed in all parameters post-treatment for all groups (p < 0.001). However, the improvements in the PEMF group were significantly lower than in the ESWT and LLLT groups, particularly for VAS, WOMAC pain, and SF-36 physical function scores (p < 0.05). No significant differences were found between ESWT and LLLT (p > 0.05). Conclusions: In the short-term, ESWT, LLLT, and PEMF effectively reduce pain, improve physical function, and enhance quality of life in patients with knee OA, though PEMF showed less pronounced improvements. Full article

Background: Head-out aquatic training, using modalities such as water-aerobics/hydrogymnastics (HYD) and deep-water running (DWR), has been effective in improving the physical, metabolic and cognitive health of middle-aged adults. However, direct comparisons between these modalities are lacking. Aim: The aim of this study was to compare the effects of water aerobics and deep-water running on anthropometric, functional and hemodynamic outcomes in adults and older adults. Methods: An uncontrolled pragmatic trial (RBR-2txw8zy) was conducted with participants aged 30 to 80, allocated to HYD and DWR groups. The intervention consisted of 12 weeks of progressive aerobic training with weekly undulating periodization (2× week), divided into three mesocycles (4, 5, and 3 weeks), each lasting 50 min. Intensity was prescribed using the Rate of Perceived Effort (RPE), ranging from RPE 11 to 17. Outcomes assessed included the 30 s chair stand, 30 s arm curl, Timed-Up-and-Go usual (TUG-u) and maximum (TUG-m), 6 min walking test (6MWT), body mass, waist circumference, blood pressure and resting heart rate-HRrest. The analysis was conducted using generalized estimating equations, with per-protocol (PP) and intention-to-treat (ITT) analyses. Results: The study included 104 participants (HYD: n = 63, mean age 59 years, 54 women; DWR: n = 41, mean age 53 years, 33 women). ITT analysis showed improvements in waist circumference, waist-to-height ratio, and TUG-m in the HYD group, and a reduction in HRrest in the DWR group. Both modalities showed significant improvements in the 30 s chair stand, 30 s arm curl, 6MWT, waist circumference, and waist-to-height ratio in the PP analysis. Conclusions: Both modalities promoted functional improvements and favorable changes in anthropometric evaluations, with DWR showing a greater reduction in HRrest. Full article

This study investigates the effects of low-intensity high-repetition (LI-HR) and high-intensity low-repetition (HI-LR) resistance training (RT) on functional fitness and myokines in older adults. A total of 30 participants (mean age ~76 years) were randomized into control (n = 10), LI-HR (n = 10), or HI-LR (n = 10) groups. Participants in LI-HR and HI-LR groups performed elastic band-based RT three times per week for 12 weeks. Pre- and post-intervention assessments included functional fitness (relative grip strength, sit-to-stand, 4 m walk, timed up-and-go (TUG)), ankle muscle strength, lower extremity power, and myokine levels (IL-6, IGF-1, SPARC, BDNF). Both experimental groups showed significant IL-6 reduction (LI-HR: p = 0.033; HI-LR: p = 0.015) and IGF-1 increase (LI-HR: p = 0.003; HI-LR: p < 0.001). SPARC increased significantly only in the HI-LR group (p = 0.021). Functional improvements were noted in TUG for both groups, while the 4 m walk improved significantly in the HI-LR group (p < 0.001). Body fat percentage increased in both LI-HR (p = 0.003) and HI-LR (p = 0.047). In conclusion, both LI-HR and HI-LR RT effectively enhance functional fitness and key myokines, with LI-HR emerging as a promising, accessible option for older adults. Full article

Background/Objectives: Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder that significantly impairs motor function, leading to mobility challenges and an increased risk of falls. Current assessment tools often inadequately measure the complexities of motor impairments associated with PD, highlighting the need for a reliable tool. This study introduces the Motor Assessment Timed Test (MATT), designed to assess functional mobility in PD patients. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 57 participants (38 men and 19 women) aged 44 to 84, diagnosed with idiopathic PD. Participants were recruited from three PD associations and underwent a series of assessments, including MATT, to evaluate gait, balance, and dual-task performance under conditions that reflect real-life challenges faced by individuals with PD. Results: MATT demonstrated excellent reliability with intra-rater reliability (ICC = 0.99), inter-rater reliability (ICC = 0.96–0.99), and test–retest reliability (ICC = 0.93–0.99). The coefficient of variation for total time and each segment ranged from 4.73% to 13.71%, indicating consistent performance across trials. The concurrent validity showed very high correlations with established tools such as the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test (ρ = 0.86, p < 0.001) and the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) (ρ = −0.83, p < 0.001), among others. Only 7.3% of participants reported difficulties in understanding the MATT, predominantly those in advanced stages of the disease. In addition, 23.6% of participants experienced significant challenges in performing the test, particularly individuals with lower Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores (≤ 26) and more advanced disease progression. Conclusions: MATT is a promising tool for assessing motor complications in PD, offering a comprehensive evaluation of functional mobility. Its implementation in clinical practice could enhance the management of PD, facilitating tailored interventions and improving patient outcomes. Full article

Research on autonomous ships has primarily focused on developing response technologies for navigation from pilot station to pilot station. This study developed an automatic berthing support program that calculates the necessary thruster output values for the bow and stern to achieve the desired berthing speed under varying external force conditions, requiring only essential ship information as input. The program determines the thruster output by analyzing the forces and moments acting on the hull during the berthing process. An experimental setup equipped with the automatic berthing support program was installed on a ship. The outputs of the bow thruster (Thruster(F)) and stern tug (Tug(A)) were 300–544 hp on average, whereas the values calculated by the automatic berthing program (Program(F), Program(A)) were 105–131 hp. The calculation results of the automatic berthing support program of the ship were approximately 3–5 times greater than the horsepower values of the thruster and tug used during actual berthing, probably because the actual berthing speed was 0.25–1.13 m/s, which is more than five times higher than the set speed of 0.05–0.15 m/s. The results indicate that the automatic berthing support program is promising for future applications in automatic berthing systems for autonomous ships. Full article

Objective: The objective of this study was to examine the effect of observing actions at different speeds on the speed of motor task performance in subsequent actions. Methods: Sixty individuals, divided equally between those with non-specific chronic low back pain (NSCLBP) and asymptomatic subjects, were enrolled. Participants were further split into subgroups to observe lumbar flexion and Timed Up and Go (TUG) test actions at either a slow or fast pace, following a randomized assignment. For post-video observation, participants replicated the observed actions three times without specific performance instructions, allowing for the assessment of their execution speed. Results: The analysis revealed that individuals observing actions at a faster pace executed the subsequent motor tasks significantly quicker than their counterparts who viewed the same actions at a slower speed. This was consistent across both NSCLBP sufferers and asymptomatic subjects, indicating that the action observation (AO) speed directly influenced the execution speeds of lumbar flexion and TUG test movements. Conclusions: The findings demonstrate that AO speed significantly affects the pace of motor execution, irrespective of NSCLBP presence. This underscores the potential of utilizing varied AO speeds as a strategic component in clinical practice, particularly for enhancing motor planning and execution in physical therapy settings. The study highlights the importance of incorporating AO speed variations into therapeutic interventions for improving patient outcomes in motor task performance. Full article

Background: There has been a growing interest in using inertial sensors to explore the temporal aspects of the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test. The current study aimed to analyze the spatiotemporal parameters and phases of the TUG test in patients with knee osteoarthritis (KOA) and compare the results with those of non-arthritic individuals. Methods: This study included 20 patients with KOA and 60 non-arthritic individuals aged 65 to 84 years. All participants performed the TUG test, and 17 spatiotemporal parameters and phase data were collected wirelessly using the BTS G-Walk inertial sensor. Results: Significant mobility impairments were observed in KOA patients, including slower gait speed, impaired sit-to-stand transitions, and reduced turning efficiency. These findings highlight functional deficits in individuals with KOA compared to their non-arthritic counterparts. Conclusions: The results emphasize the need for targeted physiotherapy interventions, such as quadriceps strengthening, balance training, and gait retraining, to address these deficits. However, the study is limited by its small sample size, gender imbalance, and limited validation of the BTS G-Walk device. Future research should include larger, more balanced cohorts, validate sensor reliability, and conduct longitudinal studies. Despite these limitations, the findings align with previous research and underscore the potential of inertial sensors in tailoring rehabilitation strategies and monitoring progress in KOA patients. Full article

Mobility tasks like the Timed Up and Go test (TUG), cognitive TUG (cogTUG), and walking with turns provide insights into the impact of Parkinson’s disease (PD) on motor control, balance, and cognitive function. We assess the test–retest reliability of these tasks in 262 PD participants and 50 controls by evaluating machine learning models based on wearable-sensor-derived measures and statistical metrics. This evaluation examines total duration, subtask duration, and other quantitative measures across two trials. We show that the diagnostic accuracy for distinguishing PD from controls decreases by a mean of 1.8% between the first and the second trial, suggesting that task repetition may not be necessary for accurate diagnosis. Although the total duration remains relatively consistent between trials (intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) = 0.62 to 0.95), greater variability is seen in subtask duration and sensor-derived measures, reflected in machine learning performance and statistical differences. Our findings also show that this variability differs not only between controls and PD participants but also among groups with varying levels of PD severity, indicating the need to consider population characteristics. Relying solely on total task duration and conventional statistical metrics to gauge the reliability of mobility tasks may fail to reveal nuanced variations in movement. Full article

Ischemic stroke is a serious cerebrovascular disease, highlighting the urgent need for reliable biomarkers for early diagnosis. Recent reports suggest that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) can be potential biomarkers for ischemic stroke. Therefore, our study seeks to investigate the potential diagnostic value of lncRNAs for ischemic stroke by analyzing existing research. A comprehensive literature search was conducted across the PubMed, ScienceDirect, Wiley Online Library, and Web of Science databases for articles published up to July 10, 2024. Statistical analyses were performed using Stata 17.0 software to calculate pooled sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio (PLR), diagnostic odds ratio (DOR), negative likelihood ratio (NLR), and area under the curve (AUC). Heterogeneity was explored with the Cochran-Q test and the I² statistical test, and publication bias was assessed with Deeks’ funnel plot. A total of 44 articles were included, involving 4302 ischemic stroke patients and 3725 healthy controls. Results demonstrated that lncRNAs H19, GAS5, PVT1, TUG1, and MALAT1 exhibited consistent trends across multiple studies. The pooled sensitivity of lncRNAs in the diagnosis of ischemic stroke was 79% (95% CI: 73–84%), specificity was 88% (95% CI: 77–94%), PLR was 6.63 (95% CI: 3.11–14.15), NLR was 0.23 (95% CI: 0.16–0.33), DOR was 28.5 (95% CI: 9.88–82.21), and AUC was 0.88 (95% CI: 0.85–0.90). Furthermore, the results of subgroup analysis indicated that lncRNA H19 had superior diagnostic performance. LncRNAs demonstrated strong diagnostic accuracy in distinguishing ischemic stroke patients from healthy controls, underscoring their potential as reliable biomarkers. Because most of the articles included in this study originate from China, large-scale, high-quality, multi-country prospective studies are required to further validate the reliability of lncRNAs as biomarkers for ischemic stroke. Full article