Segmental trunk control is central to upright motor development in preterm infants, yet evidence linking specific home environment attributes to condition-specific control in late infancy remains limited. This study aims to examine the associations between characteristics of commercial baby containers-defined as restricting equipment or furniture such as playpens and cots-and segmental trunk control during the standing-walking window. Additionally, age-related usage patterns of these containers from 8 to 13 months corrected age were described. In a prospective longitudinal study of 76 moderate-to-late preterm infants, caregivers provided monthly reports on container usage, specifically categorizing attributes of size, rail height, and floor surface compliance. Segmental trunk control was assessed monthly using the Segmental Assessment of Trunk Control (SATCo) under static, active, and reactive conditions. Results indicated that trunk control improved with age across all conditions, although reactive control initially developed more slowly than static and active control before converging at full proficiency by 13 months. Larger container size was consistently linked to better trunk control across static, active, and reactive conditions. Floor surface compliance also played a significant role; soft floors were associated with better static and active control but did not influence reactive control. Conversely, the height of the container rails showed no independent relationship with trunk control performance. Usage patterns shifted over time toward larger spaces and firmer surfaces. These findings suggest that in late infancy, expanded physical space consistently supports segmental trunk control, while surface compliance specifically benefits steady-state and anticipatory control. The results support low-cost, home-based guidance that encourages expanding safe play areas and selecting appropriately compliant surfaces to foster motor development in preterm infants.

Introduction: Falls among older adults lead to significant morbidity and increased healthcare costs. Physical performance measures like strength, mobility, and balance are crucial for fall risk prediction, but existing assessments often rely on single measures, which may not fully capture fall risk. Objective: To develop a multivariate logistic regression model for fall risk prediction, integrating the lower limb muscle strength-to-body weight (LS/BW) ratio, the Timed Up and Go Test (TTUGT), and the Power Sit-to-Stand Test (PSTS). Methodology: Data from 108 community-dwelling elderly individuals (mean age 65.59 ± 4.32 years) were analyzed. Participants underwent physical performance assessments, including TTUGT, MVIC of lower limb strength, LS/BW ratio, and PSTS. A binary logistic regression model was used to analyze the relationship between these variables and fall risk, with model performance evaluated using AUC of the receiver operating characteristic (ROC). Results: The model, incorporating LS/BW ratio, TTUGT, and PSTS, explained 70.6% of the variance in fall risk. Significant predictors included lower LS/BW ratio (adj.OR = 0.980), longer TTUGT times (adj.OR = 1.617), and lower PSTS values (adj.OR = 0.953). The Fall Risk Score equation provides a practical tool for identifying high-risk individuals. Conclusion: The multivariate model effectively predicts fall risk, offering a reliable tool for fall risk screening and prevention in older adults, supporting personalized interventions to reduce fall incidence.

This study aimed to identify personal, occupational, and health-related factors associated with lung function among farmers. A total of 102 farmers were recruited. Participants were assessed for personal characteristics (sex, age, height, weight, body mass index; BMI), occupational characteristics (pesticide use and duration of pesticide use), and health-related information, including exercise habits, underlying medical conditions, history of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection (timing and duration), and COVID-19 vaccination history. Lung function outcomes included forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), and FEV1/FVC ratio. For FVC (% predicted), increasing age was associated with lower FVC (B = -0.302, p = 0.033). For FEV1 (% predicted), female sex was associated with lower FEV1 compared with male sex (B = -6.167, p = 0.037), and a history of COVID-19 infection was associated with reduced FEV1 (B = -8.573, p = 0.002). For FEV1/FVC (% predicted), a history of COVID-19 infection was associated with a lower ratio (B = -7.320, p = 0.026). A history of COVID-19 infection is associated with reduced lung function, reflected in both lung volume (FVC) and airflow (FEV1), and it may also be related to a lower FEV1/FVC ratio. In addition, age and BMI were contributors to lower.

This study aimed to compare lung function between farmers with and without post-COVID-19 and to examine the correlations between lung function parameters and participant characteristics. Eighty-four farmers were recruited and divided into two groups: those without a history of COVID-19 and those with post-COVID-19. Lung function, upper limb muscle strength, and muscular endurance were assessed using spirometry, hand grip strength, and the 1-min sit to stand test (1STS), respectively. There were no significant differences in demographic data between groups (P > 0.05). Farmers without post-COVID-19 showed significantly higher handgrip strength, better 1STS performance, and higher FEV1% predicted compared to those with post-COVID-19 (P < 0.05). Exercise behavior was positively correlated with FVC% predicted and PEFR% predicted, while 1STS performance was also significantly associated with PEFR% predicted (P < 0.05). Farmers with post-COVID-19 showed reduced muscle strength, lower limb endurance, and decreased FEV1% predicted compared to those without post-COVID-19, indicating persistent impacts on lung function and physical performance. Exercise behavior and lower limb endurance were positively associated with lung function, highlighting the importance of regular physical activity in maintaining respiratory health, especially in individuals recovering from COVID-19.

Objective: To examine the test-retest, intra-rater, and inter-rater reliability of the five-times sit-to-stand test (FTSST) among sedentary community-dwelling older adults when administered by a licensed physical therapist and a trained village health volunteer (VHV). Materials and Methods: The cross-sectional study included 34 sedentary community-dwelling older adults aged 60 years or older. The FTSST was administered in two sessions one week apart by an experienced physical therapist and a VHV. Test-retest, intra-rater, and inter-rater reliability were evaluated using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC), standard error of measurement (SEM), and minimal detectable change (MDC). Results: The FTSST showed excellent reliability across all assessments, with ICC values ranging from 0.920 to 0.958. SEM ranged from 0.409 to 0.554 seconds (4.00% to 5.43%) and MDC ranged from 1.133 to 1.537 seconds (11.10% to 15.05%). The agreement between the physical therapist and the VHV was high, indicating consistent test performance. Conclusion: The FTSST shows good reliability in sedentary older adults, and that administration by trained VHV is feasible in community settings.

This study aims to evaluate the reliability and minimal detectable change (MDC) of the 2 min marching test (2MMT) for cardiovascular response, as well as to compare its outcomes with those of the 6 min walk test (6MWT), in youth recovering from post-COVID-19 condition. Forty-four youth with post-COVID-19 condition underwent two assessment sessions, separated by five days, utilizing both the 6MWT and 2MMT to measure cardiorespiratory response parameters. Test–retest reliability was found to be excellent for the 6MWT (ICC = 0.83; MDC95 = 8.06%) and good for the 2MMT (ICC = 0.78; MDC95 = 15.61%) between initial and follow-up measurements. The 2MMT demonstrates good reliability and validity for assessing cardiovascular response in youth with post-COVID-19 condition. The reported MDC values provide clinically meaningful thresholds that enable clinicians to distinguish true changes in performance from measurement error. These findings support the use of the 2MMT as a practical tool for clinical assessment, providing preliminary guidance for interpreting changes in performance. However, longitudinal monitoring of patient progress was not directly assessed in this study.

Background: Positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) influences respiratory mechanics, ventilation distribution, and lung aeration. However, comparative responses to incremental PEEP among healthy individuals, cigarette smokers, electronic cigarette users, and individuals with asthma remain poorly understood. This study aimed to characterize differential respiratory responses to incremental PEEP across these populations. Methods: A secondary analysis was conducted using an open-access respiratory physiology dataset obtained from PhysioNet. Eighty adults were included and categorized into four groups (n = 20 per group): healthy controls, cigarette smokers, electronic cigarette users, and individuals with asthma. Airway pressure, respiratory flow, tidal volume, chest circumference, abdominal circumference, and global aeration were evaluated across incremental PEEP levels ranging from 4 to 12 cmH2O. Results: Increasing PEEP significantly affected all respiratory and aeration outcomes (all p < 0.001). Significant Group × PEEP interactions were observed for airway pressure (p < 0.001), respiratory flow (p = 0.009), chest circumference (p = 0.002), and abdominal circumference (p = 0.005), indicating differential physiological responses among groups. In contrast, tidal volume (p = 0.067) and global aeration (p = 0.170) demonstrated similar response patterns across groups despite significant overall PEEP effects. Conclusions: Incremental PEEP significantly influenced respiratory mechanics, thoracoabdominal motion, and lung aeration. Respiratory responses differed among healthy controls, cigarette smokers, electronic cigarette users, and individuals with asthma, suggesting group-specific adaptations to increasing PEEP.

This study aimed to identify clinical predictors of impaired pulmonary diffusing capacity in patients recovering from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) using a secondary analysis of multicentre datasets. # Methods This secondary analysis included adults with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 who underwent pulmonary function testing during the post-acute recovery phase. In total, 572 post-COVID-19 patients were included. Demographic characteristics and pulmonary function parameters were extracted from the datasets. Impaired pulmonary diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide (DLCO) was defined as a DLCO Z-score < -1.645 (below the lower limit of normal) according to Global Lung Function Initiative reference equations. Univariable logistic regression was used as an initial screening step, and variables with p < 0.10, together with clinically relevant variables, were considered for multivariable analysis. # Results Of the 572 post-COVID-19 patients, 145 had impaired DLCO. Baseline characteristics differed significantly between patients with normal and impaired DLCO, particularly in age, sex, forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), and total lung capacity (TLC) (p < 0.05). Age, sex, FVC, FEV1, and TLC were significantly associated with impaired DLCO in multivariable analysis. In multivariable logistic regression, age (adjusted OR 1.025; p = 0.002), female sex (adjusted OR 0.379; p < 0.001), and TLC (adjusted OR 0.603; p < 0.001) remained statistically associated with impaired DLCO. The model showed acceptable apparent discrimination in the development dataset (AUC 0.710). # Conclusions Impaired pulmonary diffusing capacity was observed in approximately one-quarter of patients recovering from COVID-19. Older age, sex, and lower total lung capacity were independently associated with impaired DLCO in this secondary analysis. These findings should be interpreted as exploratory associations rather than causal or validated predictive effects.

This study aims to evaluate physical performance levels using a handgrip strength test, leg strength test, 1-minute sit-to-stand test (1-min STS), and 6-minute walk test (6MWT), and also to determine the correlation between the distance of a 6MWT, handgrip strength test, quadriceps muscle strength test, and 1-min STS in healthy youths and youths with recovery from mild Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). Forty-two youths were recruited in this study. The subjects were evaluated for their muscle strength using a handgrip strength test and leg strength test and evaluated for cardiorespiratory fitness using a 1-min STS and 6MWT. Youths without COVID-19 had no significant difference in handgrip strength test, quadriceps muscle strength test, the number of repetitions of 1-min STS, and the distance of the 6MWT when compared with youths with recovery from mild COVID-19. In addition, the distance of the 6MWT was positively correlated with the handgrip strength test and quadriceps muscle strength test. The present study showed that physical performance levels using a hand grip strength test, leg strength test, 1-min STS, and 6MWT had no significant difference between youths with and without recovery from mild COVID-19.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVE:This study aimed to compare and determine the correlation of BMI on physical health, including muscle strength, balance, and cardiorespiratory fitness in older adults without sedentary behavior. METHODS:A total of 65 older adults without sedentary behavior were recruited and divided into 3 groups on the basis of body mass index (BMI): normal weight (n= 22/group), overweight (n= 22/- group), and obese (n= 21/group). All the older adults were evaluated for upper limb muscle strength using the handgrip strength test, lower limb muscle strength using the sit-to-stand (STS10) test, balance ability using the time up and go (TUG) test, and cardiorespiratory fitness using the 6-minute walk test (6MWT). RESULTS:The handgrip strength test, STS10 test, and distance of 6MWT showed no difference among the groups (p> 0.05). However, overweight group had a significantly longer duration for the TUG test when compared to normal weight, while obese group had a significantly longer duration for the TUG test when compared with overweight and normal weight groups (p< 0.01). In addition, BMI was positively correlated with the duration of the TUG test. Whereas, the handgrip strength test, STS10 test, and distance of 6MWT were not correlated with BMI. CONCLUSION:The BMI does not impact upper and lower limb muscle strength or the cardiorespiratory fitness test, except for the ability to balance in older adults without sedentary behavior.

This study aims to assess the reliability and Minimal Detectable Change (MDC) scores of the 2-Minute Step Test (2MST) for evaluating cardiorespiratory function and to compare its outcomes with those of the 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT) in post-COVID-19 individuals. A total of 44 post-COVID-19 individuals participated in the study. Assessments of cardiorespiratory response parameters were conducted using the 2MST and 6MWT on two separate occasions, with a 5-day interval between sessions. Test-retest reliability between the initial and follow-up measurements was excellent for both the 2MST and the 6MWT. The Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) for the 2MST was 0.92, with MDC95 of 2.92%. Similarly, the ICC for the 6MWT was 0.95, with an MDC95 at 2.56%. The 2MST is a reliable and valid method for assessing exercise tolerance in individuals recovering from COVID-19 and is suitable for use in clinical settings to monitor significant patient improvements.

BACKGROUND:Accurate assessment of lower limb muscle strength is essential for fall risk screening and rehabilitation in older adults. The Nintendo Wii Balance Board (NWBB), a portable and low-cost tool, has potential in clinical assessment, yet its reliability for knee extensor strength remains underexplored. OBJECTIVE:To evaluate the test-retest reliability of the NWBB in measuring knee extensor strength using single, maximum, and averaged trial strategies in older adults. METHODS:Thirty older adults (n = 30; 15 males and 15 females; mean age 65.2 ± 4.1 years) completed two NWBB assessments, one week apart. Each session involved three maximal isometric contractions of the knee extensors. Reliability indices were calculated using ICC3,1, standard error of measurement (SEM), and minimum detectable change (MDC95) across three trial strategies: single trial, maximum of three trials, and average of three trials. Bland-Altman plots evaluated agreement. RESULTS:No significant differences were observed between test days (p > 0.05), confirming temporal stability. Single trials showed moderate reliability (ICC3,1 = 0.786-0.823) and high MDC95 % (>25 %). Averaged trials showed the highest reliability (ICC3,1 = 0.984), lowest SEM (3.21 kg), and MDC95 % (7.11 %). Subgroup analysis showed excellent reliability across genders, with MDC95 % as low as 2.67 % in females. CONCLUSION:NWBB provides excellent reliability when using averaged trials, supporting its use in assessing knee extensor strength in older adults. Averaging trials enhances sensitivity and reduces error, making it suitable for clinical and research use.

Background: This cross-sectional study reports exploratory observations on respiratory symptom patterns in individuals with prior coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), evaluating associations with exercise habits, number of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection episodes, vaccine doses received, body mass index (BMI), age, sex, and comorbidities. Methods: A total of 240 participants were assessed for age, sex, height, weight, BMI, comorbidities, SARS-CoV-2 infection episodes, vaccine doses received, and exercise habits; the self-reported duration of symptomatic periods was summarized descriptively and was not modeled as an exposure or outcome. Results: Compared with the first SARS-CoV-2 infection episode (reference), patients who experienced a second episode had higher odds of dyspnea (adjusted odds ratio; OR = 7.61; 95% confidence interval CI = 1.54–37.66). In univariate analysis, patients who received three vaccine doses had lower odds of dyspnea than those who received two doses (OR = 0.39; 95% CI = 0.16–0.98), but this association was not significant after adjustment (adjusted OR = 0.46; 95% CI = 0.13–1.63). After adjustment, patients who exercised had lower odds of secretion compared with those who did not (adjusted OR = 0.30; 95% CI = 0.12–0.73). Conclusions: These cross-sectional, hypothesis-generating observations suggest higher adjusted odds of dyspnea among individuals with repeat infection and lower adjusted odds of sputum among those reporting regular exercise; estimates are imprecise and subject to residual confounding due to unbalanced group sizes. Confirmation in larger, longitudinal cohorts is required.

This study aims to examine differences in physical fitness among young adults in three distinct groups: individuals with long COVID, those who had recovered from COVID-19 without lingering symptoms, and healthy individuals with no history of infection. A total of 105 participants were equally divided into the three groups (n = 35 each). Evaluations included handgrip strength for upper body strength, handheld dynamometry for quadricep strength, and a six-minute walk test (6MWT) to assess the cardiorespiratory performance. Participants with long COVID demonstrated significantly lower handgrip strengths compared to the control group. Additionally, both post-COVID groups showed reduced 6MWT distances and elevated post-exercise physiological responses, including heart rate, systolic blood pressure, perceived exertion, and leg fatigue, regardless of symptom persistence. These findings indicate that individuals recovering from COVID-19, especially those with persistent symptoms, exhibit measurable declines in muscular and cardiorespiratory fitness, along with heightened physiological stress during physical activity.

Background: This study aims to investigate and monitor cardiorespiratory fitness levels, measured by the 6-minute walk test (6MWT) and quality of life (QoL), assessed using the Short form-36 (SF-36), in patients with hypertension, both with and without coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), at a 3-month follow-up. Methods: Sixty participants were recruited, comprising two groups: hypertensive patients with COVID-19 and hypertensive patients without COVID-19, with 30 individuals in each group. Cardiorespiratory response parameters were assessed before and after performing the 6MWT. QoL was evaluated using the SF-36 at baseline and again at 3 months. Results: Hypertensive patients who recovered from COVID-19 showed significant improvements, including reduced post-exercise HR, SBP, SpO2, RPE, and leg fatigue, as well as increased 6MWT distance and enhanced QoL compared to baseline (p < 0.05). These parameters improved and returned to levels similar to those of hypertensive patients without COVID-19 by the 3-month follow-up. Conclusions: Hypertensive patients who have recovered from COVID-19 can achieve cardiorespiratory fitness and QoL levels comparable to those of hypertensive individuals who did not contract COVID-19 by the 3-month follow-up.

Background: This study aims to identify the factors related to demographic variables and physical performance associated with quality of life (QoL) in post-COVID-19 pa-tients who have recovered from mild infection and were not hospitalized. Methods: Seventy-four post-COVID-19 individuals who recovered from mild COVID-19 infec-tion were assessed for the baseline demographic variables (age, sex, height, weight, body mass index; BMI) and clinical information (comorbidities, duration of COVID-19 infection, and exercise habits). Vital signs (heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen sat-uration; SpO2) were measured. Physical performance was evaluated for upper- and lower-limb muscle strength, ability of balance, and cardiorespiratory performance. All participants were assessed for QoL. Results: Hand grip strength was negatively asso-ciated with gender and age while positively associated with the duration of COVID-19. Quadricep strength also showed a negative association with gender and duration of COVID-19. Age was positively associated with multiple quality of life dimensions, while emotional role limitations were negatively associated with the duration of COVID-19 and waist circumference. Mental health was negatively linked to BMI. Conclusions: This study highlights the complex impact of COVID-19 on physical per-formance and QoL, revealing that older adults often report better QoL despite reduced muscle strength, particularly in women. The findings emphasize the need for targeted rehabilitation programs addressing both physical and emotional health for vulnerable groups.

Background: This study aims to determine test–retest reliability and to calculate minimal detectable change (MDC) scores for the functional capacity of the 6-minute step test (6MST) and 1 min sit-to-stand test (1-min-STST), and compare these outcomes with the 6-minute walk test (6MWT) in post-COVID-19 patients. Methods: A total of 42 post-COVID-19 patients aged 18 years or older were recruited for this study. The post-COVID-19 patients were investigated for cardiovascular response parameters induced by a 6MWT, 6MST, and 1-min-STST on two different days, with a five-day interval between the first and second days. Results: The test–retest reliability obtained between the initial measurement and the measurement recorded five days later in the post-COVID-19 patients was excellent for all three of the 6MWT, 6MST, and 1-min-STST. The ICC of the 6MWT was 0.97 with MDC95 at 5.57%. The ICC of the 6MST was 0.93 with MDC95 at 12.21%, while, the ICC of the 1-min-STST was 0.96 with MDC95 at 3.61%. Conclusions: The 6MST and 1-min-STST were valid and acceptable for the evaluation of functional capacity in post- COVID-19 patients and can be used to investigate whether each post-COVID-19 patient had made significant improvement in a clinical setting.

Overweight and obesity in young adults increase fall risk due to impaired balance and altered biomechanics, emphasizing the need for precise assessments. This study evaluated dynamic balance across weight groups using the single-leg sit-to-stand test (SLSTST) combined with the Nintendo Wii Balance Board (NWBB). Centre of Pressure (CoP) parameters, Path Length Sway, anterior-posterior (AP), and medial-lateral (ML) sway, were recorded during SLSTST and single-leg standing balance tests on hard (SLST_HS) and soft (SLST_SS) surfaces. Sixty young adults (20 normal weight, 20 overweight, 20 obese) participated. One-Way ANOVA revealed significant differences in CoP parameters across groups (eta 2 = 0.138-0.742, p < 0.001-0.014). Unlike static balance test (SLST), the SLSTST distinguished balance differences between normal weight and overweight groups. The obesity group consistently showed the greatest sway. These findings highlight the SLSTST's sensitivity in detecting balance deficits, supporting its use for fall risk assessment and targeted interventions in young adults.

Objectives. This study aimed to evaluate and compare the functional capacity of young adults recovering from COVID-19 using the 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT) and 2-Minute Step Test (2MST), focusing on cardiovascular parameters, and to examine correlations between these tests, demographic factors, and muscle strength. Materials and methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 34 young participants (mean age: 20.62 years, 88.24 % female), all experiencing mild post-COVID-19 symptoms. Muscle strength (grip and quadriceps strength) was assessed, and functional capacity was evaluated using the 6MWT and 2MST, with the test order randomized by drawing lots. Hemodynamic responses, fatigue, and dyspnea were measured before and after both tests. Paired t-tests were used to compare cardiovascular parameters and leg fatigue between the 6MWT and 2MST. Pearson’s correlation coefficient assessed relationships between both tests, demographics, and muscle strength. Results. The study revealed an increase in heart rate and leg fatigue after the 6MWT compared to the 2MST, whereas systolic blood pressure was elevated following the 2MST compared to the 6MWT. The 6MWT showed a significant positive correlation with the 2MST (r = 0.350, p = 0.043). Additionally, quadriceps strength was positively correlated with both the 6MWT (r = 0.372, p = 0.030) and the 2MST (r = 0.395, p = 0.021). Conclusions. The findings of this study indicate that both the 6MWT and 2MST are effective in assessing functional capacity in young individuals recovering from COVID-19, showing distinct physiological responses. Furthermore, quadriceps strength is correlated with both tests, highlighting the importance of muscle strength in recovery.

Background: To evaluate and compare cardiorespiratory function, assessed by the 6-minute walk test (6MWT), and musculoskeletal function, assessed by the handgrip strength test and the sit-to-stand test (STS10) in post-coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients. Participants were stratified based on the time since infection (≤6 months and >6 months) and compared with matched healthy controls. Methods: A total of 111 participants were recruited and divided into three groups (n = 37/group). Cardiorespiratory function was assessed using the 6MWT, while musculoskeletal function was evaluated through the handgrip strength test and the STS10. Results: All three groups had normal body mass index values. Group 2 demonstrated significantly lower handgrip strength and a shorter 6MWT distance compared to both Group 1 and Group 3. Additionally, Group 2 required significantly more time to complete the STS10 than Group 1. Following the 6MWT, Group 2 exhibited significantly higher heart rate and systolic blood pressure compared to both Group 1 and Group 3. Diastolic blood pressure was significantly lower in Group 3 compared to the other two groups. Furthermore, Group 2 had significantly lower pulse oxygen saturation than both Group 1 and Group 3. The rate of perceived exertion was significantly lower in Group 1 than in Group 2. Additionally, leg fatigue was significantly lower in Group 1 compared to both Group 2 and Group 3. Conclusions: These findings highlight significant differences in physical performance and physiological responses between post-COVID-19 patients and healthy individuals, emphasizing the potential long-term effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection on cardiorespiratory and musculoskeletal function.