Sarcopenia, defined by reduced muscle strength and function, is prevalent in older adults and is associated with higher risk of falls and decreased quality of life. We aimed to explore the concurrent association between the SARC‑F questionnaire and objective upper- and lower-limb muscle strength and the Muscle Quality Index (MQI) in nursing home residents. We conducted an analytical cross-sectional observational study. A total of 51 participants (mean age 83.2 ± 7.46 years; 42 women, 9 men) were classified as sarcopenic or non-sarcopenic based on SARC‑F scores (threshold ≥ 4). Isometric strength tests (knee extension, ankle dorsiflexion, seated bench press, seated row, and handgrip) were performed. MQI was defined separately for each test as peak force relative to body mass (MQI_PF/BM) and to BMI (MQI_PF/BMI). Moderate negative correlations were noted for ankle dorsiflexion peak force (rho = −0.466; 95
Physical activity and training are recommended for the management of low back pain. In this context, physiotherapists need to regulate and control physical loads according to scientific principles, clinical guidelines, and individual prerequisites and aims (e.g., reducing the risk for symptom exacerbation, building strength, and/or reducing fear of movement). However, in relation to this, little is known concerning physiotherapists’ conceptualizations and implementation in actual health service settings. The aim of this study was to explore physiotherapists’ beliefs and actions regarding load control of aerobic activities and resistance training in clinical practice. In this study (ethics approval: Bochum University of Applied Sciences; DRKS00027850), we conducted semi-structured interviews with a purposive sample of seven physiotherapists. The analysis followed a structuring qualitative content analysis approach (Kuckartz, 2018). The categories and subcategories were built using primarily deductive methods. Three main categories related to load control, load prescription, and pacing were built: (1) practical implementation of load control, (2) broader scope of the term load control, and (3) appraisal of patients’ movement and control competences. The physiotherapists’ statements and examples indicate that their conceptualization of load control does not fully meet the individualized multi-step ongoing circular process that is inherent to common scientific conceptualizations. Although most physiotherapists carefully support and guide their patients during exercises, their statements indicate that load control could be managed better in the health service and should be more individualized and structured. To improve physiotherapists’ competences in teaching load control and pacing, specific training programs may need to be developed.
During leisure-time, children can engage in physical activity (PA) through structured (e.g., sports clubs) and unstructured (e.g., active play) activities, with both types being essential for their physical, social, and cognitive development. Based on socioecological models, PA behavior is associated with various factors at different levels. In particular, the environment and societal structures have undergone changes in recent decades, such as increased screen time, urbanization, and family structures. Therefore, the present study aims to analyze leisure-time PA behavior among elementary school children (with and without disabilities), while considering individual, social, and environmental factors as potential predictors. PLAYABLE is a cross-sectional study conducted in Germany using an online survey targeting at elementary school children and their parents. Structured and unstructured PA behaviors (including screen time and non-exercise leisure-time behaviors like music or art-related classes), social and physical environmental factors, and demographic characteristics are self-reported. Additionally, geographic information system (GIS) data are used to objectively assess neighborhood-level environmental factors. A nationwide sample of approximately 1200 children, including 200 with disabilities, and their parents, are recruited through Forsa’s nationwide online panel. Analyses will include descriptive statistics, linear and binary logistic regression models, and cluster analyses, with the latter applied to uncover characteristic patterns of children’s leisure-time behavior. The study will provide insights into leisure-time PA behavior of children with and without disabilities and enables comparisons between children with and without disabilities. It will highlight key environmental and social predictors of PA participation and contributes to evidence-based recommendations for promoting active lifestyles. Understanding leisure-time PA behaviors and their predictors is essential for developing interventions that support active lifestyles for all children. The PLAYABLE study provides valuable data to inform public health policies and urban planning strategies that enhance PA opportunities, particularly for children with and without disabilities.
Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a potential ergogenic method for enhancing endurance exercise performance. However, its effects across different running distances under field conditions remain unclear. This study evaluated the effects of tDCS on 5000 m and 10,000 m running performance. In all, 16 trained recreational runners participated in four experimental trials in a counterbalanced crossover design: anodal tDCS and sham conditions. Stimulation was applied over the bilateral motor cortices for 20 min at 2 mA. Immediately after stimulation, participants completed a running time trial. Overall completion time and kilometer splits were recorded. Heart rate (HR) and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) were measured. The repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed no significant condition × distance interaction (p = 0.852) and no significant main effect of condition (p = 0.069), indicating that anodal tDCS did not significantly affect endurance running performance or that its effects differed between the 5000 m and 10,000 m trials. During the 5000 m trial, condition effects were observed for running speed and heart rate (p < 0.05), whereas no significant condition effects were observed during the 10,000 m trial. Rating of perceived exertion did not differ between conditions (p > 0.05). The present study did not demonstrate a significant effect of anodal tDCS on 5000 m and 10,000 m running performance. Future studies should further investigate the effects of anodal tDCS across different endurance exercise protocols and populations.
