The effect of lamotrigine on cortical inhibition and plasticity in Neurofibromatosis type 1: exploratory analysis of a randomized controlled trial (NF1-EXCEL) /

Objective Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is a genetic disorder associated with cognitive and behavioral deficits. In NF1, decreased neurofibromin levels attenuate hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated channel 1 (HCN1) activity, thereby increasing inhibitory interneuron activity and decreasing synaptic plasticity. Lamotrigine, an HCN1-agonist, rescued this electrophysiological phenotype in an NF1 mouse model. We investigated whether lamotrigine can alter cortical inhibition and plasticity in adolescents with NF1 using transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). Methods We performed an explorative analysis of secondary outcomes in the NF1-EXCEL trial (Clinicaltrials.gov identifier NCT02256124). Thirty-one adolescents with NF1 were randomized to either receive lamotrigine or a placebo. Using TMS, cortical inhibition was assessed with short-interval intracortical inhibition (SICI) and cortical plasticity with paired associative stimulation (PAS) at baseline and after 10 weeks of intervention. Results Lamotrigine did not affect baseline cortical excitability. Additionally, no significant effects on either SICI or PAS responses were found after lamotrigine treatment in adolescents with NF1. Finally, lamotrigine did not affect pre-PAS single-pulse cortical excitability measures. Conclusion 10-week lamotrigine treatment does not alter cortical inhibition and plasticity in adolescents with NF1. Significance While limited by a small sample size, our study indicates that lamotrigine cannot consistently modulate SICI or PAS in adolescents with NF1, suggesting limited potential for treating the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms

Impact of preoperative pelvic floor muscle strength and endurance on urinary continence after radical prostatectomy: A sub-analysis of a randomized clinical trial /

Introduction To assess the impact of preoperative pelvic floor muscle (PFM) strength on urinary incontinence (UI) after radical prostatectomy (RP). Material and methods A total of 127 men who underwent surgical treatment for clinically localized prostate cancer in a tertiary university hospital were included in a sub-analysis. PFM strength (cmH2 O) and endurance (s) were measured using a perineometer on the day before and at 1, 3, and 6 months after surgery. UI volume was measured using an 8-hour pad test. The primary outcome was continence, defined as 0–5 grams of urine during the 8-hour pad test at 6 months post-RP. The association between baseline PFM strength and continence was analyzed using Spearman’s correlation coefficient, receiveroperating characteristic analysis, and logistic regression analysis. Results At 6 months post-RP, 45 of 127 (35.4%) men were continent. UI showed a strong negative (r = –0.7; p <0.001) association with preoperative PFM strength and a medium negative (r = –0.55; p <0.001) association with PFM endurance. PFM strength (odds ratio [OR] = 1.16, p <0.0001), PFM endurance (OR 1.6, p <0.0001), and preoperative prostate-specific antigen (OR = 0.87, p = 0.03) were the most significant predictors of continence in the univariate regression analysis. In the multivariate analysis, only PFM strength remained a significant predictor (OR = 1.13, p <0.001) of UI. The thresholds for PFM endurance and strength were 9.6 seconds and 98.9 cmH2 O, respectively. Conclusions Preoperative PFM strength and endurance demonstrated significant associations with postoperative UI. Objectively measured preoperative PFM conditions could help identify patients at increased risk of UI after RP

Application of muscle oxygenation measure methods in a World-class kayak athlete – case study /

The work aimed to investigate the changes in oxygen levels (SmO2) in the muscles of World-class kayak athletes during special physical exercises. Organisation and methods of the research. One elite kayak athlete, a prize winner in World and European championships and Olympic games in a 1000 m kayak flat water race event, aged 30 (height of 184.5 cm, body mass of 89 kg.), participated in the study. Two physically different loads while working on an ergometer (Dansprint PRO, KE001) were applied: the high-intensity interval method (the 60s, 200W during the working phase and 60s, 40 during the rest phase) (HIIT) and the highintensity short-distance sprint interval (10s, 30W during working phase and 30s, 40W during rest phase) (HIST) method. A total of six repeated series were performed. NIRS monitors were placed on the left (dominant)Vastus Lateralis, Pectoralis Major, and Latissimus Dorsi muscles. The heart rate (b./min.) and lactate in the blood (mmol/l) were also measured. Results: Studies showed that two different training sessions significantly affect oxygenation processes in active muscles. During HIST, SmO2 decreased 10% more than during HIIT. During the 6-minute recovery phase, SmO2 returns to baseline level before exercise in both cases. Muscle oxygenation had the greatest variations in the Pectoralis Major muscle and the smallest 7% variations in the Vastus Lateralis muscle. Lactate concentration in blood was lower after HIST than in HIIT. Conclusion. Muscle oxygenation responding to training stimuli can provide valuable insights as internal predictors of hemodynamic and metabolic changes. Data regarding oxygenation across different muscles can help us gain insights into the internal load of kayak movements. However, this area requires further research

Metaverse marketing: a business-to-business analysis of brand strategies and generation Z engagement in the sports industry /

This research explores the interplay between the services the Metaverse industry provides, including brand gamification, Metaverse marketing factors (novelty, interactivity, Influencer), and their impact on brand advocacy and loyalty among Generation Z within the sports industry. Employing a quantitative approach, the researchers collected data from 384 participants. The findings reveal significant positive relationships between brand gamification and Metaverse novelty and interactivity. The outcomes of Metaverse devices exhibited that consumers developed a strong affinity for specific brands due to the influence of social media influencers. In addition, the vibrant and dynamic realm of the Metaverse has generated a wave of positive brand sentiment among individuals. The research examined the efficiency of transforming brand experiences inside the Metaverse into gamified systems, significantly influencing people and increasing their affection for the brands within the sports industry. Metaverse is a critical tool for Generation Z as this group seeks immersive, active, and engaging experiences, and effective branding in Metaverse can provide a solid appeal to this tech-savvy youth. The findings of this research provide significant managerial implications for both the Metaverse market and the sports industry, highlighting the significance of leveraging the Metaverse for enhanced brand engagement and loyalty among Generation Z

Investigating the mediating effect of myokines on exercise-induced cognitive changes in older adults: a living systematic review and meta-analysis /

Despite strong evidence linking exercise training to cognitive benefits, uncertainty remains regarding the underlying biological mechanisms, with some studies highlighting the need for greater consensus. Muscle-derived exerkines (myokines) are proposed mediators of exercise-induced effects with potential implications for mitigating age-related cognitive decline. This living systematic review and meta-analysis examined randomized controlled trials investigating the effects of exercise on both cognition and any of 1,126 potential myokines in individuals aged 50 and older. From 17,177 screened records, 43 studies met inclusion criteria, reporting data on 7 neurotrophic, 11 pro-inflammatory, and 2 anti-inflammatory factors. A three-level meta-analysis revealed significantly improved cognitive performance post-exercise (SMD = 0.579) and elevated neurotrophic factor levels (SMD = 0.427) in exercise groups compared to controls, but no significant changes in pro-inflammatory or anti-inflammatory factor levels. Mediation analysis using meta-analytic structural equation modeling (MASEM) did not detect significant indirect effects of myokines on cognition, with only limited data (9 studies) reporting direct post-test correlations between myokine levels and cognitive outcomes. Exercise improved several cognitive domains and increased certain myokines, particularly BDNF, in older adults. However, current evidence is insufficient to determine whether myokines mediate these benefits, as mediation analyses were limited by small samples, incomplete reporting, and methodological constraints. Future well-powered trials with standardized protocols and comprehensive biomarker reporting are needed to clarify this mechanistic pathway. As a living review, this work will be continuously updated to refine our understanding of whether myokines mediate exercise-induced cognitive benefits in aging populations

The effect of physical training on snowboarders' balance and jump performance.

The physical characteristics of snowboarders and methods of their improvement are not widely described in the scientific literature. Snowboarding is less studied compared to alpine skiing. Most research on snowboarding is limited by athlete injuries and biomechanical factors. Aim - to determine the effects of a balance-specific training program on snowboarders’ balance and jump performance indicators. Objectives: 1. To explore and analyze changes in balance and jump performance before and after the intervention; 2. To compare the performance of men and women before and after the intervention; 3. To determine the impact of a specific training program designed to improve snowboarders' balance and stability. Hypothesis - after a two-month physical fitness training, balance and jump performance indicators will show statistically significant improvement. Methods: analysis of scientific literature, testing of subjects (n = 15), who were active amateur athletes who regularly train during the winter season and participate in competitions, with the Biodex Balance System, Y-Balance, CMJ and DJ tests before and after the 8-week intervention; statistical analysis of the data with the JASP 0.19.3 software. Results - significant improvement were found in dynamic balance after the intervention in both male and female groups. Stability and sway indexes also improved in the male group. In the female group, significant changes were recorded in the changes of the Drop Jump test results. In the male group, there was only a slight change in the parameters of the Drop jump test results, with a significant change in the results of the maximal force. No significant changes were found in the Countermovement jump test. Conclusions: 1. After 8 weeks of the physical training programme, the snowboarders' balance parameters improved significantly and the jump results showed a partial positive change with a significant improvement in the Drop Jump test, such as jump height, maximum force and rebound velocity, but the results of the CMJ test did not reach statistical significance. 2. In both male and female groups, an improvement in balance performance was recorded, but males showed a greater progress in balance performance, while females showed a greater improvement in jumping ability. 3. A specific training programme aimed at improving balance and stability over a period of 8 weeks had a positive effect on the snowboarders' balance abilities, with a particular improvement in dynamic and static balance, confirming the effectiveness of the programme

Communicating physical activity messages with adolescents: what works? A scoping review with stakeholder consultation /

Global levels of adolescents’ physical inactivity are cause for concern, despite the well-documented health benefits of physical activity (PA). Addressing the messaging of PA is one approach to improve PA knowledge. While increased knowledge does not necessarily lead to behavior change, physically active students have better knowledge of the health benefits of PA. Recently, researchers have highlighted the need for an effective communication strategy for PA messages. This review aimed to summarize the state of the available evidence about the operationalization of communicating PA messages, the evaluation, and effectiveness of PA messages

Physiological, perceived, and physical demands of recreational 3×3 basketball and high-intensity interval training in sedentary adult women /

The aim of this investigation was to compare the acute physiological responses – percentage of maximal peak heart rate (%HRpeak) and blood lactate (BLa) – as well as perceived demands (rating of perceived exertion, RPE) and enjoyment of a recreational 3×3 basketball match and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) in sedentary women. Twelve healthy, adult sedentary women (age: 37±14 years; body mass: 66 ± 19 kg; stature: 162 ± 13 cm; fat mass: 27.5 ± 12.5%) performed a 3× 3 basketball match and HIIT including gym-based activities with comparable duration. The %HRpeak was continuously monitored during, the BLa was assessed before and after, and the RPE and enjoyment were collected at the end of each protocol. 3×3 basketball elicited higher %HRpeak (p 0.05; r-value: 0.052, no effect) and between post-HIIT and post-3×3 basketball match (p = 0.072; r-value: 0.495, medium). Similar low RPE (4±1 AU; p = 0.999; r-value = < 0.001, no effect) and high enjoyment (3×3 basketball = 6±1 AU; HIIT = 5AU±1 AU, p = 0.233; r value = 0.250, small) values were found between conditions. 3×3 basketball induced overall higher %HRpeak compared to HIIT, suggesting its suitability as a health-enhancing activity for sedentary adult women. Moreover, since both conditions highlighted low RPE and high enjoyment values, they have the potential to be effective in enhancing the training adherence in sedentary adult women

Changes in aerobic capacity to prepubertal children in sports 12-month training period /

Introduction: This study was long-term and lasted for one year. The study aims to determine whether there is a change in aerobic capacity indicators for prepubertal children when playing football. Methods: There were two groups of subjects: children of prepubertal age who trained in football and those who did not attend football. There were 16 participants in the FG (football-trained group) and 15 in the CG (control group) who attended no football lessons. An incremental treadmill test was performed three times with a half-year break to determine the following peak variables: oxygen uptake, stroke volume, cardiac output, and minute ventilation. Results: After one year of training, the VO2 peak at FG increased from 51.81 ± 6.55 ml/kg/min. to 53.11 ± 5.27 ml/kg/min. (p = 0.0412), stroke volume at FG increased from 41.3 ml/min to 46.4 ml/min. (p = 0.0012), cardiac output (Q) also increased from 8.15 l/min to 9.44 l/min. At stage II and 10.2 l/min at stage III (p = 0.0143) at FG. Conclusions: After one year of football training at FG-related VO2, RR (-respiratory rate), and Q also shifted, SV (-stroke volume) also increased significantly, while at UG, results were the opposite- only a few parameters, such as HR, increased significantly, while the others did not

A study on the priorities of Lithuanian sports fans in choosing sports content online.

Life without the internet is unimaginable in today's world. According to Statista (2024), as many as 5.45 billion people worldwide use the internet, accounting for two-thirds of the global population. The vast majority of organizations today use the internet to maintain connections with consumers, build, and nurture their brand image (Špučys & Ūsas, 2023). Online content is also one of the most crucial elements in the sports industry. The growing consumption of sports content online provides sports marketing professionals with opportunities to use it as a key component of their marketing strategy. In this era of social media and modern digital platforms, online sports consumption plays a vital role in the continued success of sports franchises. Sports managers must understand the key consumer priorities and motivational factors influencing the choice of sports content to develop effective marketing and management strategies (Kim & Mao, 2021). Consumer behavior is influenced by information search, choice evaluation, and emotional connection. The consumption of sports content online is driven by digitalization, team attachment, and the FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) effect. Relevant and constantly updated content is essential for user engagement. Consumers choose sports content based on its quality, emotional connection, technological solutions, and marketing strategies. The key factors are relevance, reliability, ease of access, and a sense of community. The technical aspect of the content must be of the highest quality. Lithuanian sports fans primarily choose reliable, well-known, engaging, and relevant sources. The most commonly preferred types of content include analyses, interviews with prominent sports figures, match reports, and podcasts hosted by their favorite presenters. The key motivations for consuming sports content are curiosity, relevance, and the desire to deepen their knowledge of sports and broaden their perspectives. Specialized sports news websites and social media platforms serve as the primary channels for content consumption. Expanding coverage of lower-tier sports leagues and improving the technical quality of content could further enhance user satisfaction