Effects of physical therapy interventions on balance ability in people with traumatic brain injury: A systematic review

BACKGROUND: Balance deficits are common impairments in individuals with post-traumatic brain injury (TBI). Balance deficits can restrict the activities of daily living and productive participation in social life. To date, no systematic reviews have examined the impact of physical therapy intervention on balance post-TBI.OBJECTIVE: To examine the effects of physical therapy interventions on balance impairments in individuals with TBI.METHODS: We systematically searched in PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, PEDro, MEDLINE, REHABDATA, and Web of Science for randomized controlled trials (RCTs), clinical control trials, and pilot studies that examined the effects of physical therapy interventions on balance deficits in individuals post-TBI. The methodological quality was estimated using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scale.RESULTS: Eight studies published from 2003 to 2019 were included in this study. A total of 259 TBI participants post-TBI were included in this review, 71 (27.41%) of which were females. The methodological quality of the selected studies ranged from low to high. There were no significant differences between experimental interventions, virtual reality (VR), vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT), control group interventions, and other traditional physical therapy interventions.CONCLUSIONS: The evidence about the effects of the physical therapy interventions in improving the balance ability post-TBI was limited. Further randomized controlled trials are strongly warranted to understand the role of physical therapy in patients with TBI who complain about balance deficits

Constitutive equations and wave propagation in Green\u2013Naghdi type II and III thermoelectroelasticity

In this article we extend the theory of thermoelasticity devised by Green and Naghdi to the framework of finite thermoelectroelasticity. Both isotropic and transversely isotropic bodies are considered and thermodynamic restrictions on their constitutive relations are obtained by virtue of the reduced energy equality. In the second part, a linearized theory for transversely isotropic ther- mopiezoelectricity is derived from thermodynamic restrictions by construct- ing the free energy as a quadratic function of the 11 second-order invariants of the basic melds. The resulting theory provides a natural extension of the (linear) Green and Naghdi theory for types II and III rigid heat conductors. As a particular case, we derive the linear system which rules the processes depending on the symmetry axis coordinate only

Influence of the number of trials and the exercise to rest ratio in repeated sprint ability, with changes of direction and orientation

The purpose of this investigation was to determine if there were different trends in physical fatigue observed in 3 different sets, of 7 trials each, in repeated sprint training, performed in 3 different modes: straight sprinting over 30 m, shuttle sprinting over 15 + 15 m, and sprinting over 30 m with changes of direction. Recovery time among trials in the sets was administered according to the 1:5 exercise to rest ratio. The sets were performed on 3 different days, with at least 48 hours between each set. The study involved 17 trained male soccer players (height, 177.33 +/- 6.21 cm; body mass, 71.63 +/- 9.58 kg; body mass index, 23 +/- 2.39 kg<bold>m(</bold>-2); age, 21.94 +/- 3.58 years). To compare the different values of the time recorded, an index of fatigue was used. Significant differences among trials within each set (repeated measures analysis of variance; p < 0.05) and between the sets (factorial analysis of variance; p < 0.001) were found. Significant correlations between each test and countermovement jump and stiffness values recorded pre exercise were found (p < 0.05). Significant differences between countermovement jump and stiffness values recorded pre and post exercise were also found (p < 0.05). This study suggests that training sessions aimed at increasing the capacity of repeated sprint ability in nonlinear and multidirectional sprints (shuttle and change of direction), which might imply a different number of trials within the set or different exercise to rest ratios from the ones usually adopted for straight sprinting, to induce similar trends of fatigue. As practical applications, the estimated numbers of necessary trials in the different sets and the possible exercise to rest ratios, resulting from mathematical modeling, are provided for each investigated sprinting mode

Nonlocal de Broglie Wavelength of a Two-Photon System

Abstract We show that it is possible to associate a de Broglie wavelength to a composite system even when the constituent particles are separated spatially. The nonlocal de Broglie wavelength (A /2) of a two-photon system separated spatially is measured with an appropriate detection system. The two-photon system is prepared in an entangled state in space-momentum variables. - Pacs: 42.50.-p, 42.50.A

Exploring the interplay between metabolic power and equivalent distance in training games and official matches in soccer: a machine learning approach.

Introduction: This study aimed to explore the interplay between metabolic power (MP) and equivalent distance (ED) and their respective roles in training games (TGs) and official soccer matches. Furthermore, the secondary objective was to investigate the connection between external training load (ETL), determined by the interplay of metabolic power and equivalent distance, and internal training load (ITL) assessed through HR-based methods, serving as a measure of criterion validity. Methods: Twenty-one elite professional male soccer players participated in the study. Players were monitored during 11 months of full training and overall official matches. The study used a dataset of 4269 training games and 380 official matches split into training and test sets. In terms of machine learning methods, the study applied several techniques, including K-Nearest Neighbors, Decision Tree, Random Forest, and Support-Vector Machine classifiers. The dataset was divided into two subsets: a training set used for model training and a test set used for evaluation. Results: Based on metabolic power and equivalent distance, the study successfully employed four machine learning methods to accurately distinguish between the two types of soccer activities: TGs and official matches. The area under the curve (AUC) values ranged from 0.90 to 0.96, demonstrating high discriminatory power, with accuracy levels ranging from 0.89 to 0.98. Furthermore, the significant correlations observed between Edwards' training load (TL) and TL calculated from metabolic power metrics confirm the validity of these variables in assessing external training load in soccer. The correlation coefficients (r values) ranged from 0.59 to 0.87, all reaching statistical significance at p &lt; 0.001. Discussion: These results underscore the critical importance of investigating the interaction between metabolic power and equivalent distance in soccer. While the overall intensity may appear similar between TGs and official matches, it is evident that underlying factors contributing to this intensity differ significantly. This highlights the necessity for more comprehensive analyses of the specific elements influencing physical effort during these activities. By addressing this fundamental aspect, this study contributes valuable insights to the field of sports science, aiding in the development of tailored training programs and strategies that can optimize player performance and reduce the risk of injuries in elite soccer

Prevention of Secondary Injury after Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: Relationship between Pelvic-Drop and Dynamic Knee Valgus.

Background: Optimal neuromuscular, Lumbo-Pelvic-Hip Complex, and lower extremity control are associated with decreased risk factors for secondary anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury. This study aimed to analyze any asymmetries and malalignments in the Lumbo-Pelvic-Hip Complex and the lower limbs at 6 months after ACL reconstruction (ACLR). (2) Methods: We conducted an exploratory retrospective observational single-center study in patients during the outpatient postoperative rehabilitation program at ICOT (Latina, Italy). From January 2014 to June 2020, 181 patients were recruited, but only 100 patients (86 male 28 ± 0.6 years, 178 ± 0.5 height; 14 female 24 ± 2.0 years, 178 ± 3.0 height) were eligible for the inclusion criteria and studied 6 months after ACL reconstruction surgery. (3) Statistical analysis: Student's t-tests and Pearson's product-moment correlation coefficient were used to determine significant differences between affected and non-affected limbs and variables' association. (4) Results: The study shows a decrease in neuromuscular control of the Lumbo-Pelvic-Hip Complex and dynamic adaptive valgus of the knee at 6 months after ACLR (mean difference between pathological and healthy limb of dynamic adaptive valgus was -10.11 ± 8.19° 95% CI -14.84 to -9.34; mean value was 16.3 ± 6.8° 95% CI 14.04 to 18.55 for healthy limb and 4.2 ± 3.1° 95% CI 3.15 to 5.21 for pathological limb, p &lt; 0.0001). The results also showed a relationship between dynamic adaptive valgus and contralateral pelvic drop (r = 0.78, 95% CI 0.62 to 0.88, magnitude of correlation very large). (5) Conclusions: The analysis showed an associative correlation between decreased postural control of the pelvic girdle and dynamic adaptive valgus of the knee in 38% of patients; this study highlights the usefulness of the Single-Leg Squat Test (SLST) as a clinical/functional assessment to evaluate the rehabilitation process and as a preventive tool to reduce the risk of second ACL injuries during the return to sport

The effect of age, sex and a firm-textured surface on postural control.

In previous studies, the influence of plantar sensation has been examined using various textured surfaces with different stiffness materials to assess static balance. This study investigated the effects of a Firm Textured Surface (FTS) along with age and sex-related influences on postural control under different visual conditions. Forty subjects (20 elderly, 10 males, mean age 68.30, 10 females, mean age 68.00, and 20 young people, 10 males, mean age 25.45, 10 females, mean age 27.30) participated in this study maintained a quiet standing on FTS, foam and firm surfaces with eyes open and closed. The center of pressure displacement (CoPDISP), CoP velocity (CoPVEL), and sway velocity of the CoP in anteroposterior (AP) and mediolateral (ML) direction (VA/P and VM/L) were measured. FTS was associated with lower postural sway measures in both the groups with eyes open and closed. However, the foam surface showed the worst results in all postural parameters under all experimental conditions. Separate four-way ANOVAs were applied to each dependent variable. The main effects of surface (p &lt; 0.0001), vision (p &lt; 0.0001) and age (p &lt; 0.0001 for CoPDISP, CoPVEL and VA/P; p = 0.0003 for VM/L) were significant in each of the four fitted models. Sex was never significant, either as a main effect or an interaction with other experimental factors. Eyes open were able to reduce the negative effects of the foam surfaces but without vision the proprioceptive sensory system cues of the body state become more important for maintaining balance. A good stimulation with rigid texture should be considered as relief to reduce the physiological-related decline of afferent information with ag

Eficiência de bio e imunoensaio para detecção de semente de soja geneticamente modificada tolerante ao glifosato em lotes de sementes de soja não transgênica.

A produção de semente de soja livre de sementes de outras cultivares ou outras sementes, dentro dos limites estabelecidos pela legislação, é facilitada pelo fato da soja ser espécie autógama. No caso específico das cultivares geneticamente modificadas (GM), a baixa taxa de fecundação cruzada que ainda pode existir é um dos pontos críticos de contaminação genética dos campos de sementes convencionais por transgênicos. O objetivo deste trabalho foi verificar a eficiência de dois métodos de detecção de misturas de semente GM em amostras de soja convencional, para avaliar lotes de sementes quanto aos limites exigidos pela legislação. Foram utilizadas amostras de semente da cultivar BRSMG 810C (convencional) e da cultivar BRSMG 850GRR. Foram avaliados dois tamanhos de amostras (200 e 400 sementes), com quatro níveis de contaminação (semente GM adicionada às amostras convencionais, para se obter 0%, 0,5%, 1% e 1,5%), e dois métodos de detecção: imunoensaio de fluxo lateral e bioensaio (pré-embebição em solução de herbicida a 0,6% do equivalente ácido, na proporção de 2,5 vezes o peso do substrato, por 16 horas no escuro a 25oC). O método de bioensaio é eficiente na detecção da presença de GM em amostras de semente convencional de soja, desde que as mesmas apresentem alta qualidade fisiológica. Existe correlação significativa entre os valores obtidos pelo método de detecção por bioensaio e os níveis de contaminação estabelecidos (r= 0,82; p< ou = 0,0001). O tamanho da amostra não influenciou a eficiência dos dois métodos na detecção da presença de sementes adventícias (GM)

Influência do tamanho da semente na qualidade fisiológica e na produtividade da cultura da soja.

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Gender differences in body composition, dietary patterns, and physical activity: insights from a cross-sectional study

Introduction This study investigates the interplay between body composition, dietary patterns, and physical activity across genders, focusing on gender-specific differences in food preferences and eating behaviors. Understanding these interactions is crucial for developing targeted nutritional and lifestyle interventions.Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted with 1,333 participants (58.7% female, 41.3% male), aged 18-65 years. Participants were categorized into tertiles based on their fat mass to fat-free mass (FM-to-FFM) ratio. Data on dietary choices, eating behaviors, and physical activity were collected and analyzed to identify gender-specific trends.Results Significant gender-specific differences were observed in food preferences and eating behaviors. Males experienced greater hunger in the late afternoon, while females felt more hunger in the morning. Males showed a preference for processed and red meats, whereas females preferred cooked vegetables. Eating behaviors such as meal skipping, uncontrolled eating, nocturnal eating, and taste preferences (sweet or salty) varied distinctly between FM-to-FFM tertiles and genders. Higher FM-to-FFM ratios correlated with lower physical activity levels, particularly in strength training and general sports engagement.Discussion These findings highlight the complex interactions between body composition, dietary habits, and lifestyle factors, emphasizing gender-specific differences. The results suggest that body composition and BMI significantly impact health-related behaviors, necessitating tailored interventions to address these differences and promote healthier lifestyles