BACKGROUND:The concurrent global epidemics of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) deficiency and metabolic syndrome (MetS) pose substantial public health challenges. This study investigated the association of the triglyceride-glucose (TyG) related indices with serum 25(OH)D concentration in MetS patients. METHODS:In this study, we have recruited 1,297 participants (869 men, 428 women) with MetS who underwent regular health checkups between 2021 and 2023. Participants' demographic, laboratory, and clinical parameters were retrieved, and data were divided into three groups based on the TyG index. Parameters were compared across the TyG index tertiles. Correlation analysis was used to find the association of the TyG index and related indices with 25(OH)D. RESULTS:The TyG-body mass index (TyG-BMI) demonstrated a statistically significant but weak negative correlation with serum 25(OH)D levels (r = -0.09, P < 0.001), whereas no significant association was observed between the standard TyG index and 25(OH)D (r = 0.007; P = 0.81). Comparative analysis among tertiles revealed significant differences in lipid profiles and glucose parameters (P < 0.001). Males demonstrated significantly higher TyG index values (P < 0.001), while females showed significantly elevated TyG-BMI (P < 0.001). Serum 25(OH)D concentrations were significantly higher in males compared to females (19.2[8.87] vs 16.6[9.50] ng/mL, P < 0.001). Only 92 (7%) of our study population had a normal level of 25(OH)D (≥30 ng/mL). CONCLUSION:The association between TyG-BMI and vitamin D is weak and of limited clinical relevance. Further prospective studies should be conducted to evaluate the association of these indices with 25(OH)D.
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE:The occurrence of shoulder or neck pain in overhead sports is nontraumatic because of chronic overuse, biomechanical variability, and repetitive impaired techniques adapted during the performance. Myofascial Pain Syndrome (MPS) is of both acute and chronic types and is caused by repetitive movements, microtrauma to muscle fibres, and faulty postures. MPS can cause pain, decrease the Range of Motion (ROM), and influence the Overhead Athletes' (OA) performance. The present study aimed to estimate the prevalence of MPS among OA with neck and shoulder pain. METHODS:A prospective, cross-sectional study was conducted on OA. A total of 370 OA aged between 18 and 35 years, students at a recognised college practising 4-5 days a week and participating in at least a university-level competition were screened. Athletes suffering from neck and shoulder pain were included. OA with recent injuries, fractures, surgeries, and other neck and shoulder pathologies were excluded. MPS was diagnosed with Travel and Simon's criteria. Pain and pressure pain threshold (PPT) were evaluated. RESULTS:Among 345 OA with neck and shoulder pain, 86% of them were diagnosed with MPS. Most people had trigger points (MTrPs) in the Trapezius muscle (73%) and Infraspinatus muscle (42%), followed by Biceps brachii (22%), Deltoid (18%), Pectoralis major (17%), Sternocleidomastoid (16%), and Levator scapulae (14%). The PPT values of the muscles with the MTrPs were significantly lower on the left side compared to the right side. CONCLUSION:MPS is highly prevalent (86%) among overhead athletes with neck and shoulder pain.
Osteoarthritis (OA) following athletic injury is increasingly recognized as a long-term concern in athletic populations. Despite advances in injury management, clinical practice continues to prioritize short-term return-to-sport outcomes, often with limited consideration of long-term joint health. This editorial examines the relationship between athletic injury and OA, highlighting gaps between scientific understanding and clinical implementation. By discussing key mechanistic insights and unmet clinical needs, we argue for a shift toward injury-informed, lifespan-oriented approaches to joint preservation in athletes. We advocate for a structured, multidisciplinary model of care extending beyond surgical stabilization and short-term rehabilitation, emphasizing coordinated long-term surveillance and joint-preserving strategies.
Abstract Background India’s maternal nutrition profile is undergoing a dual-direction shift, with persistent undernutrition coexisting alongside rising overweight and micronutrient deficiencies. Despite national efforts through Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) and the National Health Mission (NHM), maternal dietary diversity remains suboptimal in India. Frontline health workers (FLWs) play a central role in delivering nutrition counselling; however, gaps remain between knowledge and its translation into practice, highlighting the need to strengthen training, applied competencies, and health system support within primary care settings. Objective To assess knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding maternal nutrition counselling among FLWs and to explore contextual factors influencing counselling delivery. Methods A sequential explanatory mixed-methods study was conducted in Udupi, Karnataka, India. In phase one, 46 FLWs- Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHA), Community Health Officers (CHO), and Primary Health Care Officers (PHCO) completed a validated Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices (KAP) questionnaire. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, Kruskal–Wallis test, Spearman correlation, and exploratory multiple linear regression. In phase two, one focus group discussion with 21 participants was conducted and analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Results FLWs demonstrated moderate KAP scores (37.50 ± 5.09), with lower scores observed in dietary diversity knowledge and counselling practices. CHOs and PHCOs had significantly higher knowledge (p < 0.001) and practice scores (p = 0.002) compared to ASHAs, while attitudes were similar across cadres. Knowledge was positively associated with practice (ρ = 0.389, p = 0.008). Exploratory regression indicated that cadre and knowledge were associated with practice, while attitude was not statistically significant. Qualitative findings suggested that counselling was largely protocol-based and constrained by workload, limited counselling tools, economic barriers, and cultural food practices. Conclusion Despite positive attitudes towards maternal nutrition counselling, frontline health workers demonstrated gaps in knowledge and counselling practices. Mixed-methods findings suggest that counselling delivery is shaped by both provider competencies and health-system constraints, highlighting the need for implementation-focused strategies to strengthen maternal nutrition counselling in routine antenatal care.
