Tendinopathy is a prevalent degenerative condition characterized by collagen disorganization, pain, and impaired function. High-load resistance training (HL-RT) is the current standard for promoting tendon adaptation; however, it may not be feasible for all patients. Low-load blood flow restriction training (LL-BFRT) has emerged as a potential alternative that may allow exercise to be performed with lower mechanical loads. The objective was to explore the effects of LL-BFRT on tendon morphology and functional outcomes in individuals with tendinopathy and to identify common training parameters and limitations in the current literature. An exploratory review was conducted, with the study selection process reported using the PRISMA 2020 framework. Databases were searched (Jan 2020–May 2025) for studies assessing LL-BFRT in adult patients. Eligible study designs included randomized controlled trials, feasibility studies, case reports, and case series. Nine studies met the inclusion criteria: 4 randomized controlled trials (RCTs), 1 feasibility study, 1 case series, and 3 case reports. Improvements in pain, muscle strength, and patient-reported functional outcomes were reported across several tendinopathy types, including patellar, lateral elbow, rotator cuff, and gluteal tendinopathy. Ultrasound findings showed inconsistent changes in tendon morphology, with some studies reporting changes in tendon thickness or vascularity. Functional gains were observed even in the absence of morphological changes. Protocols commonly used low-load exercise performed 2–4 sessions per week, although occlusion pressure, exercise volume, and intervention duration varied across studies. No serious adverse events were reported. Heterogeneity in training parameters, small sample sizes, and lack of long-term follow-up limit generalizability. LL-BFRT may have potential for improving functional outcomes in tendinopathy rehabilitation, although the limited and heterogeneous evidence precludes firm conclusions regarding its clinical effectiveness and safety. Further high-quality RCTs with standardized protocols are needed to establish its clinical efficacy and characterize tendon-specific adaptations. Highlights Low-load blood flow restriction training (LL-BFRT) was associated with improvements in pain and functional outcomes across several studies in individuals with tendinopathy. Tendon morphological responses to LL-BFRT remain unclear, with limited and heterogeneous evidence across the included studies. LL-BFRT may represent a useful low-load rehabilitation approach when high mechanical loads are not well tolerated, although further high-quality research is required.
Objective: To evaluate the use of indoor climbing as an intervention to promote mental and social well-being among college students. Design: A mixed-methods pretest-posttest design was used, incorporating quantitative surveys and qualitative focus groups. Methods: Data were collected across two academic semesters between August 2023 and May 2024 in an indoor climbing gym using pre- and post-tests and focus groups. Participants, college students aged 18 to 25, were provided with climbing instruction and equipment, and climbed together during the intervention sessions. Data on mental and social well-being were analyzed by paired t-tests for pre- and post-tests and thematic analysis for focus groups. Results: The results of the pre- and post-tests show significant (p < 0.05) improvement in self-esteem, life satisfaction, social connection, and sense of belonging, and reduced reported anxiety and stress levels. However, self-rated general health did not have a significant improvement (p = 0.10). The findings from the focus groups supported the results of the pre- and post-tests. Conclusions: The findings of this study suggest that top rope indoor climbing has significant value in intervention-style programs for boosting the mental and social well-being of college students. The employment of such programs may provide a new way to approach contemporary mental well-being crises on college campuses. Future research should include follow-up studies to examine if the benefits to participant well-being are sustained.
This study tests whether a movement-integrated, rhythm-based language intervention enhances preschool children’s language development, foreign language acquisition, and physical activity levels compared to standard instructional practices. Grounded in embodied cognition and developmental learning frameworks, the study examines the extent to which coordinated motor and verbal activities support early developmental processes. Methods: A randomized controlled experimental design was conducted with 190 preschool children (mean age = 4.8 ± 0.6 years). The eight-week intervention consisted of three weekly sessions integrating structured physical activities with rhythm-based linguistic input delivered through standardized instructional protocols. Teachers received prior training to ensure implementation fidelity. Data were collected using systematic observation tools assessing language engagement, developmental language indicators, and physical activity behaviors. Data were analyzed using linear mixed-effects models to account for repeated measures over time (T0, T1, T2) and classroom-level clustering. Random allocation procedures, assessor blinding, and intervention fidelity were implemented to minimize potential sources of bias. Effect sizes were reported using standardized coefficients (β), and 95% confidence intervals were calculated for all primary outcomes. Results: Children in the intervention group demonstrated significantly higher levels (p < .05) of attention, verbal engagement, task persistence, physical activity, and social interaction compared to controls. The intervention was also associated with improved vocabulary acquisition and enhanced coordination of motor actions during learning tasks. The intervention was associated with improved engagement and vocabulary outcomes in the experimental group compared to the control group, with small to moderate effect sizes observed across primary outcomes. Conclusions: Findings indicate that movement-integrated learning environments support early developmental outcomes by simultaneously enhancing language acquisition, cognitive engagement, and physical activity. These results underscore the value of embodied and multimodal learning approaches in early childhood education and suggest their potential for informing intervention design and educational practice. Highlights • Movement-integrated learning increases attention, verbal engagement, and task persistence in early childhood contexts. • Coupling motor activity with rhythmic linguistic input facilitates vocabulary acquisition and foreign language learning. • Integrated interventions promote higher levels of physical activity alongside enhanced social interaction. • Language development emerges through coordinated motor–cognitive processes consistent with embodied cognition frameworks. • Multimodal learning environments support cross-domain developmental gains in early childhood.
Background: The plantar fascia is anatomically connected to the posterior chain through the superficial back line and may influence hamstring flexibility and body segment movement. However, evidence regarding the combined effects of plantar fascia mobilization (PFM) and posterior chain stretching across consecutive intervention sessions remains limited. Objectives: To compare the effects of active posterior chain stretching (APCS) alone and APCS combined with PFM (APCS+PFM) on hamstring flexibility, body segment kinematics, and sit and reach performance in individuals with hamstring tightness. Methods: Eighteen female university students with hamstring tightness were randomly allocated to the APCS or APCS+PFM group. Popliteal angle, body segment angular excursions, and sit and reach score excursion were assessed at baseline (T0), immediately post-intervention (T1), and after three consecutive days (T2). Data were analyzed using a 2 × 3 (group × time) mixed-design repeated-measures ANOVA. Results: A significant group × time interaction was observed for popliteal angle (p = 0.046; Effect size = 0.122), with greater improvement in the APCS+PFM group. Significant main effects of time were found for pelvic and hip angular excursions and sit and reach score excursion (p < 0.05), with post hoc analysis indicating progressive improvements over time. Conclusion: APCS+PFM produced greater short-term improvements in hamstring flexibility than APCS alone. Both interventions also improved pelvic and hip kinematics and sit and reach performance over time. These findings provide preliminary evidence supporting PFM as an adjunct to enhance the effectiveness of posterior chain stretching in female university students with hamstring tightness.
