Introduction. Eating is a fundamental activity within activities of daily living (ADL) in terms of individual independence, safety, and social participation. Neurological, neurodevelopmental, and age-related functional impairments may negatively affect eating performance, thereby reducing quality of life. Therefore, addressing the assessment of eating activity, intervention approaches, and adaptive equipment in a holistic manner holds an important place in occupational and physiotherapy rehabilitation practice. This study is a narrative review of the literature focusing on assessment tools, intervention approaches, and adaptive equipment related to eating activity. Aim of the study. The aim of this review is to examine the assessment tools used in the evaluation of eating activity, occupational therapy–specific intervention approaches, and adaptive/compensatory equipment in line with the literature, and to provide a conceptual framework for clinical practice. Materials and methods. This study is a review of studies focusing on assessment scales, intervention approaches, and adaptive equipment that address eating activity within the context of activities of daily living. The literature was analyzed to include general ADL scales, activity-specific assessment approaches, remedial and compensatory interventions, and adaptive feeding equipment. Results. The reviewed studies indicate that assessment tools for eating activity reveal different levels of independence and performance, while intervention approaches are shaped by remedial and compensatory strategies according to the individual’s functional capacity. Adaptive feeding equipment and environmental modifications have been reported to have potentially beneficial effects on eating performance and independence. Conclusion. In occupational and physiotherapy rehabilitation practice, integrated planning of assessment, intervention, and adaptive equipment for eating activity contributes to the development of safe, effective, and individualized clinical approaches.
Background. Mental health issues are a serious threat to adolescents. Physical activity is a solution to the threat of mental health problems, but ignorance of the dosage of physical activity means that the benefits obtained are not maximized and may even worsen mental disorders experienced by adolescents. The right dose of physical activity is important to pay attention to. Although there has been a lot of research on physical activity in mental health management in adolescents, the dosage of physical activity to manage mental disorders in adolescents is still unclear. Study objectives. The purpose of this study is to provide a perspective on the mechanism and synthesize existing research evidence regarding the dose of physical activity in the management of mental health in adolescents. Materials and methods. A systematic literature review with PRISMA guidelines was applied in this narrative review study. The identification of the initial data search for this study started from the Google Scholar database using citations from the range of 2015–2025. This was followed by the identification of the abstract and the title of the article. Then screening was carried out by checking all texts to determine eligible articles according to the criteria, in order to select appropriate articles ready to be synthesized. Results. Sixteen articles were obtained that met the study criteria regarding physical activity to manage basic mental problems, including stress, anxiety, depression, and cognitive problems. The subjects’ age range was 10–24 years. The studies applied interventions and recorded the type, intensity, duration, and frequency of physical activity, and used experimental methods. Conclusion. The aspect of neuroplasticity is one of the theoretical bases for adolescent mental improvement due to physiological adaptations obtained from external stimuli or doses of physical activity. Moderate to high intensity aerobic and multicomponent physical activity, with a duration of twenty to sixty minutes and a frequency of three times a week for no more than twelve weeks, is likely to be more effective for the management of mental disorders in adolescents.
This study examined whether acute caffeine mouth rinsing (CMR) influences high-intensity intermittent performance, cognitive outcomes, and blood lactate levels in collegiate male hockey players. Using a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover design, 22 male athletes (age 18 ± 1.49 years, height 182 ± 9 cm, mass 60 ± 6.8 kg) completed the Yo-Yo IR1 protocol following CMR (1.3% solution, 3 mg/kg in 75 ml, 10 s exposure) or placebo. No significant differences were observed in distance covered (1360 ± 391 m vs. 1300 ± 360 m, p = 0.16, Cohen's d = 0.16), reaction time (787.12 ± 191.76 ms vs. 765.55 ± 124.84 ms, p = 0.61, d = 0.13), or blood lactate (8.70 ± 1.91 vs. 8.51 ± 2.24 mmol/L, p = 0.68, d = 0.09). Acute CMR did not significantly enhance high-intensity intermittent exercise performance, cognitive reaction time, or blood lactate levels in this population.
Introduction. Although physical activity provides numerous health benefits, increased intra-abdominal pressure (IAP), generated during physical exertion, may also have negative consequences. The aim of the study was to assess the relationship between the type of undertaken training and the extent of rectus abdominis diastasis. Material and methods. The study included 88 healthy and physically active women aged 18–30 years. The participants completed an author-designed questionnaire. The following were assessed: rectus abdominis diastasis (curl-up test), level of physical activity (IPAQ-SF), joint hypermobility (Beighton scale), and WHR (measured using a measuring tape). Due to the intensity of undertaken training, the participants were assigned to one of four groups. Results. Rectus abdominis diastasis (RAD) was diagnosed in 39% of the participants. A significant relationship was demonstrated between RAD and the intensity and frequency of undertaken training (p < 0.001), as well as the overall level of physical activity (p = 0.001). A significant correlation was found between RAD and BMI (p = 0.036), waist circumference (p = 0.041), and joint hypermobility (p = 0.009). Conclusions. The results of this pilot study indicate the need for individual assessment of joint hypermobility in women undertaking high-intensity training and require further prospective studies.
Purpose. Chronic neck pain is a common musculoskeletal disorder that negatively affects quality of life and functional capacity. This study aimed to investigate the additive effectiveness of Kinesio Taping (KT) combined with a conventional exercise program on pain intensity, neck awareness, and functional status in individuals with chronic neck pain. Methods. This prospective, randomized, participant- and assessor-blinded clinical trial included 36 individuals with chronic neck pain who were randomly assigned to either the Conventional Exercise + Sham KT group (n = 18) or the Conventional Exercise + Real KT group (n = 18). Due to the nature of the intervention, the therapist applying the taping was not blinded. Pain intensity, neck awareness, and functional status were assessed at baseline and after a three-week intervention period by a blinded assessor. Results. Both groups showed statistically significant improvements in pain intensity, neck awareness, and functional status after the intervention (p < 0.05)
