Search Results (1,650)

Background: Short sessions of isometric exercise have been shown to reduce blood pressure (BP) in normotensive and hypertensive subjects. However, there are few data in hypertensive patients with underlying ischemic heart disease (IHD). In the present study, we compared post-exercise hypotension (PEH) induced by isometric versus combined, aerobic plus dynamic resistance exercise in IHD patients. Methods: Twenty-five stable patients with established IHD and with treated hypertension were enrolled. The study had a cross-over design. All patients performed in a random order and on different days: (1) isometric exercise session (IES) consisting of bilateral knee extension, performed at 20% of maximal voluntary contraction and lasting 20 min; (2) combined exercise session (CES) including moderate-intensity continuous exercise at and dynamic resistance exercise performed at 60% of one repetition maximum, and lasting 60 min and (3) control session (no exercise). BP was measured at rest, immediately after the training and then every 15 min up to 90 min. Results: The repeated measures ANOVA analysis showed that systolic BP significantly decreased after the CES session compared to the control (F = 6.2; p 0.001) and IES (F = 4.4; p 0.004). Systolic BP significantly decreased after IES compared to the control (F = 3.6; p 0.036). Diastolic BP did not show significant changes after CES and IES compared to the control (CES vs. control: F = 2.2; p 0.142; IES vs. control (F = 2.5; p 0.062). There were no significant differences in diastolic BP changes between CES and IES (CES vs. IES: F = 1.8; p 0.156). Conclusions: We observed that CES was more effective than IES in reducing systolic BP; IES was as effective as CES in inducing diastolic PEH in hypertensive patients with underlying IHD. Full article

Purpose: This study evaluated the effectiveness of a school-based experiential self-management program for children with atopic dermatitis (AD) based on Roy’s adaptation theory. Design and Methods: Data were collected from June to August 2021, with 33 children in the experimental group and 32 in the control group. Participants were 10- to 11-year-old elementary school children who reported having AD symptoms within the past year and were able to complete self-report questionnaires. The program consisted of seven weekly school-based sessions that included disease education, symptom management techniques, skin care practices, nutritional guidance, and self-esteem enhancement activities. Outcomes, including AD severity, disease-related knowledge, adaptive behavior, self-esteem, and quality of life, were measured at baseline, post-intervention, and four weeks post-intervention using Generalized Estimating Equation analysis. Results: The experimental group showed significant improvements in AD severity (SCORAD: 22.80 ± 3.18 to 17.75 ± 2.24), disease-related knowledge (10.64 ± 2.00 to 13.64 ± 1.39), adaptive behavior (3.55 ± 1.70 to 10.58 ± 2.45), self-esteem (26.18 ± 4.76 to 31.55 ± 3.46), and quality of life (90.24 ± 11.07 to 100.27 ± 9.76), while the control group remained unchanged. Improvements were sustained four weeks post-intervention. Conclusions: This program effectively reduced AD severity and enhanced knowledge, adaptive behavior, self-esteem, and quality of life in children with AD. Practice Implications: School-based self-management programs effectively enhance disease knowledge, adaptive behaviors, and quality of life in children with AD. Full article

The fusion modeling of intra-session item information representation and inter-session item transition pattern for session recommendation has shown performance advantages. However, existing research still suffers from the following challenges: (1) the time-varying effects of complex relationships between item transitions within sessions need to be deeply explored; and (2) the lack of effective representation for inter-session item transition patterns. To address these challenges, we propose a new session recommendation, named EGDLTP-CCL. Specifically, we first design a patch-enhanced gated neural network representation of session item transition patterns, which accurately captures the time-dynamically varying impacts of the complex relationships within sessions of item transitions through a designed transformer patching strategy. Then, we develop an energy-constraint-based graph diffusion model to capture the inter-session item transition patterns, which mitigates the problem of poor simulation of real inter-session item transition patterns by the introduction of an energy-constraint strategy for the graph diffusion model. In addition, patch-enhanced gated neural networks and energy-constrained graph diffusion models are treated as two different views in the contrastive learning framework. By introducing a curriculum learning strategy that explores how to effectively select and train negative samples in a contrastive learning framework, thereby deeply improving performance in contrastive learning task. Finally, we combine and jointly train the recommendation task and the curriculum learning contrastive learning task for optimization based on a multi-task learning strategy to further improve the recommendation performance. Experiments on real-world datasets show that EGDLTP-CCL significantly outperforms state-of-the-art methods. Full article

Background: Objective evaluation of the swimming start is crucial for sprint performance improvement. Traditional visual assessment of its phases—reaction, take-off, flight, and underwater glide—lacks precision. This study addresses the need for more integrated and accessible biomechanical tools by validating IQ LAB software (Version 250319), which is embedded in the SwimPro system and enables immediate video-based motion analysis without external processing. Existing tools like Dartfish (ProSuite 4.0) require separate video handling and licensing, whereas IQ LAB offers a built-in, streamlined solution suitable for applied environments. Methods: We evaluated the concurrent validity of the IQ LAB software, a desktop 2D motion analysis tool, using Dartfish (ProSuite 4.0) as the gold standard. The reliability was assessed using intrarater temporal stability and interrater agreement, considering selected kinematic parameters related to the swimming kick start (to 5 m). A sample of 13 competitive male swimmers (age 17.2 ± 1.1 years) was analyzed across two sessions. Concurrent validity was assessed by comparing IQ LAB outputs to those from Dartfish software in the sagittal plane. Intrarater reliability was measured using a test–retest design across two sessions spaced 7 days apart. Interrater reliability involved two independent raters analyzing the same video data using IQ LAB. Results: IQ LAB and Dartfish kinematic parameters demonstrated strong agreement (Pearson r ≥ 0.95), with no significant systematic differences. The intrarater and interrater reliability were excellent (ICC ≥ 0.94, 95% CI included). The test–retest reliability of the selected parameters across seasons also showed excellent reproducibility (ICC ≥ 0.93). Conclusions: IQ LAB software provides a valid and reliable 2D kinematic assessment of the swimming kick start, offering a practical and accessible tool for coaches and researchers. This study introduces a novel validated software solution for biomechanical analysis in swimming starts. Full article

As the adoption of integrated project delivery (IPD) progresses, increasing evidence has highlighted its potential to improve project outcomes. However, as an emerging practice, there remains a lack of structured mechanisms to evaluate the maturity of its implementation, which can limit opportunities for learning and improvement. Therefore, this study introduces an IPD Capability Maturity Model (IPDCMM) to evaluate the maturity of IPD implementation at the project level. This model enables organizations to benchmark their IPD capabilities against established best practices, facilitating structured development and continuous improvement. This model is designed as a post-project assessment tool that evaluates the maturity of IPD practice upon project completion, providing critical insights for learning and future project enhancements. The methodology, underpinned by a pragmatic philosophy and guided by the principles of design science research (DSR), prioritizes achieving practical outcomes (artifact). It combines insights from IPD frameworks, maturity models from other fields, and three case studies. The IPDCMM was developed alongside the IPD Maturity Assessment Tool (IPD-MAT), an artifact validated via evaluation sessions and feedback interviews with key stakeholders of IPD case studies. This model provides a structured framework for assessing IPD implementation maturity and facilitates a pathway for enhancing IPD practices and achieving efficiency in project delivery. Full article

Recognizing that traditional science education materials often overlook students’ cultural and social contexts, this research examines the teacher-driven design of science teaching enactment—specifically, how teachers reflect on and adapt their science instruction to teach social justice through pursuits of identity and criticality using a framework rooted in cultural and historical responsive practices. The data for this study were collected from 14 online discussion sessions where three experienced science teachers engaged in adapting existing lessons, reflecting on their practice toward developing their own understandings of social justice. Through qualitative analysis of the teachers’ reflections, this study investigates how teachers think together about incorporating and nurturing students’ identities and criticality perspectives. The findings show themes related to challenges teachers faced, including parents’ concerns about addressing social justice topics in science class. Teachers also struggled with navigating discussions about identity, particularly when their race differed from that of their students. The teachers also reflected on aspects that promoted the work, such as students’ positive responses, and the deepening of their relationships with students. The teachers’ adaptations centered on students’ identities and the critical examination of societal issues, which were seen as accessible avenues for deepening scientific understanding and promoting engagement. Implications for teachers include using a reflective discussion approach for supporting curricular adaptations. There is a need for professional learning frameworks that empower teachers as agentive, intellectual actors to align science education with social justice principles. This will foster more inclusive and transformative learning experiences for diverse student populations. Full article

Pressure injuries (PIs) are typically characterized by lesions of the dermis and subcutaneous tissue; they result from a downward force exerted on the area between a bony prominence and an external surface. Transcutaneous oxygen pressure (TcPO2) measurements are a standardized method for measuring tissue oxygen pressure. Standardized TcPO2 measurement data are lacking in regions susceptible to pressure injury. It is unclear whether the absence of data can be attributed to the unreliability and variability of the measurements obtained. This study aimed to assess the reliability and repeatability of TcPO2 measurements conducted using a fluorescence-sensitive photo-optical sensor at three sites on the foot where PIs can occur but for which no data are available. Thirty volunteers participated in this study. TcPO2 was measured in two sessions, one week apart, at the lateral of the fifth metatarsal head, the styloid process, and the lateral malleolus of both feet. TcPO2 (mmHg) exhibited moderate reliability for the left fifth metatarsal and right fifth metatarsal styloid process (ICC: 0.575 and 0.624, respectively). The right fifth metatarsal and the right and left lateral malleoli demonstrated good and excellent reliability of the styloid process of the left fifth metatarsal, with ICC values of 0.810, 0.816, 0.763, and 0.900, respectively. The implementation of a fluorescence-sensitive photo-optical sensor for the measurement of TcPO2 in the designated regions yielded reliable and reproducible measurements. Full article

Fibromyalgia is a condition that primarily affects women and compromises the quality of life (QoL), life satisfaction (SWL), mental health and cognitive function of sufferers. This study aimed to analyze the effects of a physical activity program based on Virtual Square Step Exercise on the above conditions in women with FM. A 12-week randomized controlled trial was designed with 61 women with FM assigned to a control group (CTL) and an experimental group (VSEE). The VSSE group performed VSSE sessions three times a week for 12 weeks, while the CTL continued with their usual treatment. The applicability and safety of the program was tested in this population. In addition, the participants’ QoL, SWL, mental health status, and cognitive function were assessed before and after the intervention program using different questionnaires and tests. VSEE was found to be applicable (with adherence greater than 85%) and safe (with no accidents, injuries, or health-compromising incidents) in women with FM. The VSEE showed a significant reduction in self-perceived depressive symptoms compared to the control group (p < 0.05). In contrast, no significant changes in QoL, SWL, mental health and cognitive function were observed in the VSEE compared to the CTL (p > 0.05). Therefore, even though our VSEE-based intervention was found to be applicable and safe in women with FM, it did not produce significant changes in improving QoL, SWL, mental health, and cognitive function in our sample. The small sample size and post-pandemic context may have affected the findings. More research with a larger sample size is needed to confirm the effects and applicability of VSEE in women with FM. Full article

Background/Objectives: Nowadays, endometriosis is considered a chronic inflammatory disease and has a very high impact on women who suffer from it due to the symptoms of pain and infertility, as well as the delay in diagnosis. The objective of our study was to identify the unmet needs of endometriosis patients and to explore opportunities for improvement with respect to health care services for endometriosis patients using a patient training workshop. Methods: A qualitative study with a participatory action research method was performed. A two-day training workshop for patients was designed to allow them to develop the confidence and skills necessary to participate in the identification of unmet needs in their healthcare. Eighteen patients were selected by purposive sampling. After each training session, a debate on a topic of interest was also organized among all the participants. Data collection involved the nominal group technique with triangulation of data for their analysis. Results: The suggestions brought up during the sessions were divided into four areas of work: improvement of patient care, information and communication, training of professionals/patients, and encouragement of patients to participate. This study is a successful novel example of co-production with endometriosis patients and health care professionals and provides valuable information for future improvements in the care of these patients. Conclusions: Co-production between endometriosis patients and healthcare professionals allowed us to identify unmet needs in their healthcare. Full article

Introduction: Virtual Reality (VR) training has potential evidence for reducing the risks of falls of older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). There are indications of a positive training effect of a cognitive-motor intervention method to improve the postural balance and cognition for safer walking. This study aimed to evaluate the training effects of VR training for reducing the risks of falls among older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Methods: An experimental design was employed to evaluate how the participants attended a full-immersive VR Cave Automatic Virtual Environment (CAVE) training program. Fifty-five participants were randomly assigned to the VR group or the control group. The VR group received 16 training sessions over 8–10 weeks, while the control group received a non-VR falls prevention program. The primary outcome assessed any falls after the study, and the secondary outcomes assessed changes in cognition and executive function, walk speed and balance performances, and the psychological factor such as fear of falling relating to the risk factors of fall. Results: The VR group showed significantly greater improvement than the control group in terms of measures of cognitive-motor performance across group and time interaction. However, there were inconsistent results in functional mobility and fall efficacy between the two groups. Conclusion: This study provides promising evidence on the VR CAVE training for reducing the risks of falls among older adults with MCI from Hong Kong. VR technology-based applications are an emerging area in current aged care and rehabilitation services. Full article

Sarcopenia is a prevalent and debilitating condition among stroke survivors, characterized by the progressive loss of muscle mass and function. This multicenter, randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the effects of a community-based high-speed power training (HSPT) program tailored for individuals with post-stroke sarcopenia. The intervention bridges the gap between hospital-based rehabilitation and long-term community reintegration by offering physician-supervised, progressive resistance training sessions conducted twice weekly for eight weeks. Participants are assessed on muscle strength, physical performance, balance, body composition, and gait before and after the intervention. The study utilizes validated tools such as handgrip dynamometry, dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), short physical performance battery (SPPB), and timed up and go (TUG) to comprehensively evaluate outcomes. Through stratified randomization and a double-blind design, the trial seeks to minimize bias and maximize clinical relevance. The results from this protocol are expected to inform evidence-based guidelines for stroke rehabilitation and support scalable community-based exercise programs aimed at improving functional recovery and quality of life in this population. Full article

Objective: Strength training has gained recognition as an effective method to enhance physical fitness in children and adolescents. Its benefits include improvements in muscular strength, aerobic capacity (VO₂max), and motor performance. However, the diversity in training protocols and participant characteristics across studies necessitates a comprehensive synthesis of the evidence. The aim of this paper was to analyse the influence of a strength training programme in young people aged 6 to 16 years on different aspects of physical fitness. Methods: A search was carried out in the EBSCO, Web of Sciences, and Scopus databases. A total of 634 articles were reviewed, and 22 were finally included in the meta-analysis of articles published between 2013 and 2023 in English or Spanish. Twenty-two studies met the inclusion criteria and were assessed using the AXIS and PEDro tools. Standardised mean differences (SMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated. The variables that were most frequently repeated as criteria for evaluating the effectiveness of strength training were the following: (1) strength of the lower/upper body muscles; (2) VO₂max; (3) sprint performance. Results: Strength training interventions produced statistically significant improvements in all analysed variables. Most effective programmes lasted between 6 and 12 weeks, with 2–3 sessions per week. VO₂max showed the greatest improvement, followed by upper and lower limb strength, and sprint performance. Heterogeneity ranged from low to moderate. Conclusions: Supervised strength training programmes can significantly enhance physical fitness in school-aged children and adolescents. While the included studies varied in design and duration, measurable improvements were commonly observed in interventions lasting at least 6–8 weeks. Future research should explore age- and maturity-related responses through subgroup analyses. Limitations include the exclusion of studies published after 2023 and the wide age range of participants without biological stratification. Full article

The validation of security protocols remains a complex and critical task in the cybersecurity landscape, often relying on labor-intensive testing or formal verification techniques with limited scalability. In this paper, we explore property-based testing (PBT) as a powerful yet underutilized methodology for the automated validation of security protocols. PBT enables the generation of large and diverse input spaces guided by declarative properties, making it well-suited to uncover subtle vulnerabilities in protocol logic, state transitions, and access control flows. We introduce the principles of PBT and demonstrate its applicability through selected use cases involving authentication mechanisms, cryptographic APIs, and session protocols. We further discuss integration strategies with existing security pipelines and highlight key challenges such as property specification, oracle design, and scalability. Finally, we outline future research directions aimed at bridging the gap between PBT and formal methods, with the goal of advancing the automation and reliability of secure system development. Full article

Background: Ageing is associated with a progressive decline in muscle strength, particularly in the lower limbs, which compromises functional independence. While both maximum voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) and one-repetition maximum (1RM) are widely employed to assess muscle strength, the intra-session reliability and predictive capacity of MVIC for estimating 1RM in older women remain insufficiently explored. Objectives: This study aims to evaluate the intra-session reliability of MVIC in knee extensors, analyse its correlation with 1RM, and develop a predictive model for estimating 1RM from MVIC in older women. Methods: Using a randomised split-sample design, 82 women aged 60–69 years performed two MVIC trials and one 1RM test using a leg extension machine. Intra-session reliability was assessed by calculating the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), the standard error of measurement (SEM), and the minimal detectable change (MDC). Furthermore, a linear regression model was developed to predict 1RM based on MVIC. Results: MVIC demonstrated excellent intra-session reliability (ICC = 0.96, SEM = 4.3%, MDC = 11.9%), and a strong correlation between MVIC and 1RM was observed (R² = 0.618). Although the predictive equation 1RM = [(0.932 × MVIC) − 3.852] did not yield statistically significant differences between the estimated and actual 1RM values (p = 0.791), it exhibited a prediction error of 13.4%. Conclusions: MVIC is a highly reliable measure in older women and represents a practical tool for estimating 1RM. Nonetheless, its predictive accuracy is limited, highlighting the need for further studies to refine predictive models by incorporating additional variables. Full article

Background: Basketball necessitates high-intensity, intermittent efforts with multidirectional and unpredictable movements, requiring training strategies that enhance players’ physical capacity to meet these demands efficiently. This study aimed to examine the effects of a velocity-based curve differential sprinting training on the overall performance of young male basketball players. Methods: A total of 24 participants were tested for single- and double-legged counter-movement jump (CMJ) height, 10 m linear sprint time, and agility performance in a pre–post–retention test design. The 12-week intervention consisted of two weekly sessions with differential sprint training in addition to normal basketball training. Sessions consisted of two sets of ten 20 m sprints whereby participants were instructed to perform additional fluctuations in joints velocity for each repetition. Results: Results show strong evidence for H₁ (significant effect) for the experimental group in CMJ height (right leg) (BF₁₀ = 19.24) between pre-, post-, and retention test values (BF₁₀ = 10.24–17.85). For the remaining variables, no significant differences were observed. In contrast, the control group showed no significant effects including sprinting variables, indicating limited training effects. Conclusions: In conclusion, this research found that the 12-week differential curve sprinting training improved physical performance in the CMJ for the experimental group. Therefore, adding velocity-based random fluctuations during curve sprint training could be an effective training strategy for enhancing jumping performance in youth basketball players, which should encourage practitioners to implement different variations of the differential training approach. Full article