@article{HammamiChaabeneKharratetal.2021, author = {Hammami, Raouf and Chaabene, Helmi and Kharrat, Fatma and Werfelli, Hanen and Duncan, Michael and Rebai, Haithem and Granacher, Urs}, title = {Acute effects of different balance exercise types on selected measures of physical fitness in youth female volleyball players}, series = {BMC Sports Science, Medicine and Rehabilitation}, volume = {13}, journal = {BMC Sports Science, Medicine and Rehabilitation}, publisher = {BioMed Central}, address = {London}, issn = {1758-2555}, doi = {10.1186/s13102-021-00249-5}, pages = {8}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Background Earlier studies have shown that balance training (BT) has the potential to induce performance enhancements in selected components of physical fitness (i.e., balance, muscle strength, power, speed). While there is ample evidence on the long-term effects of BT on components of physical fitness in youth, less is known on the short-term or acute effects of single BT sessions on selected measures of physical fitness. Objective To examine the acute effects of different balance exercise types on balance, change-of-direction (CoD) speed, and jump performance in youth female volleyball players. Methods Eleven female players aged 14 years participated in this study. Three types of balance exercises (i.e., anterior, posterolateral, rotational type) were conducted in randomized order. For each exercise, 3 sets including 5 repetitions were performed. Before and after the performance of the balance exercises, participants were tested for their static balance (center of pressure surface area [CoP SA] and velocity [CoP V]) on foam and firm surfaces, CoD speed (T-Half test), and vertical jump height (countermovement jump [CMJ] height). A 3 (condition: anterior, mediolateral, rotational balance exercise type) × 2 (time: pre, post) analysis of variance was computed with repeated measures on time. Results Findings showed no significant condition × time interactions for all outcome measures (p > 0.05). However, there were small main effects of time for CoP SA on firm and foam surfaces (both d = 0.38; all p < 0.05) with no effect for CoP V on both surface conditions (p > 0.05). For CoD speed, findings showed a large main effect of time (d = 0.91; p < 0.001). However, for CMJ height, no main effect of time was observed (p > 0.05). Conclusions Overall, our results indicated small-to-large changes in balance and CoD speed performances but not in CMJ height in youth female volleyball players, regardless of the balance exercise type. Accordingly, it is recommended to regularly integrate balance exercises before the performance of sport-specific training to optimize performance development in youth female volleyball players.}, language = {en} } @article{PrieskeChaabeneMoranetal.2022, author = {Prieske, Olaf and Chaabene, Helmi and Moran, Jason and Saeterbakken, Atle Hole}, title = {Adaptations to Advanced Resistance Training Strategies in Youth and Adult Athletes}, series = {Frontiers in physiology / Frontiers Research Foundation}, volume = {13}, journal = {Frontiers in physiology / Frontiers Research Foundation}, publisher = {Frontiers Media}, address = {Lausanne}, issn = {1664-042X}, doi = {10.3389/fphys.2022.888118}, pages = {3}, year = {2022}, language = {en} } @article{SchaeferDechBittmann2021, author = {Schaefer, Laura and Dech, Silas and Bittmann, Frank}, title = {Adaptive force and emotionally related imaginations}, series = {Heliyon}, volume = {7}, journal = {Heliyon}, number = {8}, publisher = {Elsevier}, address = {London}, issn = {2405-8440}, doi = {10.1016/j.heliyon.2021.e07827}, pages = {13}, year = {2021}, abstract = {The link between emotions and motor control has been discussed for years. The measurement of the Adaptive Force (AF) provides the possibility to get insights into the adaptive control of the neuromuscular system in reaction to external forces. It was hypothesized that the holding isometric AF is especially vulnerable to disturbing inputs. Here, the behavior of the AF under the influence of positive (tasty) vs. negative (disgusting) food imaginations was investigated. The AF was examined in n = 12 cases using an objectified manual muscle test of the hip flexors, elbow flexors or pectoralis major muscle, performed by one of two experienced testers while the participants imagined their most tasty or most disgusting food. The reaction force and the limb position were measured by a handheld device. While the slope of force rises and the maximal AF did not differ significantly between tasty and disgusting imaginations (p > 0.05), the maximal isometric AF was significantly lower and the AF at the onset of oscillations was significantly higher under disgusting vs. tasty imaginations (both p = 0.001). A proper length tension control of muscles seems to be a crucial functional parameter of the neuromuscular system which can be impaired instantaneously by emotionally related negative imaginations. This might be a potential approach to evaluate somatic reactions to emotions.}, language = {en} } @article{HeinzKieferSmolkaetal.2020, author = {Heinz, Andreas and Kiefer, Falk and Smolka, Michael N. and Endrass, Tanja and Beste, Christian and Beck, Anne and Liu, Shuyan and Genauck, Alexander and Romund, Lydia and Rapp, Michael A. and Tost, Heike and Spanagel, Rainer}, title = {Addiction research consortium: losing and regaining control over drug intake (ReCoDe) - from trajectories to mechanisms and interventions}, series = {Addiction Biology}, volume = {25}, journal = {Addiction Biology}, number = {2}, publisher = {John Wiley \& Sons, Inc.}, address = {New Jersey}, pages = {6}, year = {2020}, abstract = {One of the major risk factors for global death and disability is alcohol, tobacco, and illicit drug use. While there is increasing knowledge with respect to individual factors promoting the initiation and maintenance of substance use disorders (SUDs), disease trajectories involved in losing and regaining control over drug intake (ReCoDe) are still not well described. Our newly formed German Collaborative Research Centre (CRC) on ReCoDe has an interdisciplinary approach funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG) with a 12-year perspective. The main goals of our research consortium are (i) to identify triggers and modifying factors that longitudinally modulate the trajectories of losing and regaining control over drug consumption in real life, (ii) to study underlying behavioral, cognitive, and neurobiological mechanisms, and (iii) to implicate mechanism-based interventions. These goals will be achieved by: (i) using mobile health (m-health) tools to longitudinally monitor the effects of triggers (drug cues, stressors, and priming doses) and modify factors (eg, age, gender, physical activity, and cognitive control) on drug consumption patterns in real-life conditions and in animal models of addiction; (ii) the identification and computational modeling of key mechanisms mediating the effects of such triggers and modifying factors on goal-directed, habitual, and compulsive aspects of behavior from human studies and animal models; and (iii) developing and testing interventions that specifically target the underlying mechanisms for regaining control over drug intake.}, language = {en} } @misc{RandallJuengelRimannetal.2018, author = {Randall, Matthew J. and J{\"u}ngel, Astrid and Rimann, Markus and Wuertz-Kozak, Karin}, title = {Advances in the biofabrication of 3D Skin in vitro}, series = {Frontiers in Bioengineeringand Biotechnology}, volume = {6}, journal = {Frontiers in Bioengineeringand Biotechnology}, publisher = {Frontiers Research Foundation}, address = {Lausanne}, issn = {2296-4185}, doi = {10.3389/fbioe.2018.00154}, pages = {12}, year = {2018}, abstract = {The relevance for in vitro three-dimensional (3D) tissue culture of skin has been present for almost a century. From using skin biopsies in organ culture, to vascularized organotypic full-thickness reconstructed human skin equivalents, in vitro tissue regeneration of 3D skin has reached a golden era. However, the reconstruction of 3D skin still has room to grow and develop. The need for reproducible methodology, physiological structures and tissue architecture, and perfusable vasculature are only recently becoming a reality, though the addition of more complex structures such as glands and tactile corpuscles require advanced technologies. In this review, we will discuss the current methodology for biofabrication of 3D skin models and highlight the advantages and disadvantages of the existing systems as well as emphasize how new techniques can aid in the production of a truly physiologically relevant skin construct for preclinical innovation.}, language = {en} } @article{MenzeMuellerMuelleretal.2022, author = {Menze, Inga and M{\"u}ller, Patrick and M{\"u}ller, Notger Germar and Schmicker, Marlen}, title = {Age-related cognitive effects of the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions and associated mental health changes in Germans}, series = {Scientific reports}, volume = {12}, journal = {Scientific reports}, number = {1}, publisher = {Nature portfolio}, address = {Berlin}, issn = {2045-2322}, doi = {10.1038/s41598-022-11283-9}, pages = {16}, year = {2022}, abstract = {Restrictive means to reduce the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic have not only imposed broad challenges on mental health but might also affect cognitive health. Here we asked how restriction-related changes influence cognitive performance and how age, perceived loneliness, depressiveness and affectedness by restrictions contribute to these effects. 51 Germans completed three assessments of an online based study during the first lockdown in Germany (April 2020), a month later, and during the beginning of the second lockdown (November 2020). Participants completed nine online cognitive tasks of the MyBrainTraining and online questionnaires about their perceived strain and impact on lifestyle factors by the situation (affectedness), perceived loneliness, depressiveness as well as subjective cognitive performance. The results suggested a possible negative impact of depressiveness and affectedness on objective cognitive performance within the course of the lockdown. The younger the participants, the more pronounced these effects were. Loneliness and depressiveness moreover contributed to a worse evaluation of subjective cognition. In addition, especially younger individuals reported increased distress. As important educational and social input has partly been scarce during this pandemic and mental health problems have increased, future research should also assess cognitive long-term consequences.}, language = {en} } @article{JararnezhadgeroMamashliGranacher2021, author = {Jararnezhadgero, AmirAli and Mamashli, Elaheh and Granacher, Urs}, title = {An Endurance-Dominated Exercise Program Improves Maximum Oxygen Consumption, Ground Reaction Forces, and Muscle Activities in Patients With Moderate Diabetic Neuropathy}, series = {Frontiers in physiology / Frontiers Research Foundation}, volume = {12}, journal = {Frontiers in physiology / Frontiers Research Foundation}, publisher = {Frontiers Research Foundation}, address = {Lausanne, Schweiz}, issn = {1664-042X}, doi = {10.3389/fphys.2021.654755}, pages = {1 -- 15}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Background: The prevalence of diabetes worldwide is predicted to increase from 2.8\% in 2000 to 4.4\% in 2030. Diabetic neuropathy (DN) is associated with damage to nerve glial cells, their axons, and endothelial cells leading to impaired function and mobility. Objective: We aimed to examine the effects of an endurance-dominated exercise program on maximum oxygen consumption (VO2max), ground reaction forces, and muscle activities during walking in patients with moderate DN. Methods: Sixty male and female individuals aged 45-65 years with DN were randomly assigned to an intervention (IG, n = 30) or a waiting control (CON, n = 30) group. The research protocol of this study was registered with the Local Clinical Trial Organization (IRCT20200201046326N1). IG conducted an endurance-dominated exercise program including exercises on a bike ergometer and gait therapy. The progressive intervention program lasted 12 weeks with three sessions per week, each 40-55 min. CON received the same treatment as IG after the post-tests. Pre- and post-training, VO2max was tested during a graded exercise test using spiroergometry. In addition, ground reaction forces and lower limbs muscle activities were recorded while walking at a constant speed of ∼1 m/s. Results: No statistically significant baseline between group differences was observed for all analyzed variables. Significant group-by-time interactions were found for VO2max (p < 0.001; d = 1.22). The post-hoc test revealed a significant increase in IG (p < 0.001; d = 1.88) but not CON. Significant group-by-time interactions were observed for peak lateral and vertical ground reaction forces during heel contact and peak vertical ground reaction force during push-off (p = 0.001-0.037; d = 0.56-1.53). For IG, post-hoc analyses showed decreases in peak lateral (p < 0.001; d = 1.33) and vertical (p = 0.004; d = 0.55) ground reaction forces during heel contact and increases in peak vertical ground reaction force during push-off (p < 0.001; d = 0.92). In terms of muscle activity, significant group-by-time interactions were found for vastus lateralis and gluteus medius during the loading phase and for vastus medialis during the mid-stance phase, and gastrocnemius medialis during the push-off phase (p = 0.001-0.044; d = 0.54-0.81). Post-hoc tests indicated significant intervention-related increases in vastus lateralis (p = 0.001; d = 1.08) and gluteus medius (p = 0.008; d = 0.67) during the loading phase and vastus medialis activity during mid-stance (p = 0.001; d = 0.86). In addition, post-hoc tests showed decreases in gastrocnemius medialis during the push-off phase in IG only (p < 0.001; d = 1.28). Conclusions: This study demonstrated that an endurance-dominated exercise program has the potential to improve VO2max and diabetes-related abnormal gait in patients with DN. The observed decreases in peak vertical ground reaction force during the heel contact of walking could be due to increased vastus lateralis and gluteus medius activities during the loading phase. Accordingly, we recommend to implement endurance-dominated exercise programs in type 2 diabetic patients because it is feasible, safe and effective by improving aerobic capacity and gait characteristics.}, language = {en} } @article{BittmannDechSchaefer2023, author = {Bittmann, Frank and Dech, Silas and Schaefer, Laura}, title = {Another way to confuse motor control}, series = {Brain Sciences}, volume = {13}, journal = {Brain Sciences}, number = {7}, publisher = {MDPI}, address = {Basel}, issn = {2076-3425}, doi = {10.3390/brainsci13071105}, pages = {20}, year = {2023}, abstract = {Sensorimotor control can be impaired by slacked muscle spindles. This was shown for reflex responses and, recently, also for muscular stability in the sense of Adaptive Force (AF). The slack in muscle spindles was generated by contracting the lengthened muscle followed by passive shortening. AF was suggested to specifically reflect sensorimotor control since it requires tension-length control in adaptation to an increasing load. This study investigated AF parameters in reaction to another, manually performed slack procedure in a preselected sample (n = 13). The AF of 11 elbow and 12 hip flexors was assessed by an objectified manual muscle test (MMT) using a handheld device. Maximal isometric AF was significantly reduced after manual spindle technique vs. regular MMT. Muscle lengthening started at 64.93 \& PLUSMN; 12.46\% of maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC). During regular MMT, muscle length could be maintained stable until 92.53 \& PLUSMN; 10.12\% of MVIC. Hence, muscular stability measured by AF was impaired after spindle manipulation. Force oscillations arose at a significantly lower level for regular vs. spindle. This supports the assumption that they are a prerequisite for stable adaptation. Reduced muscular stability in reaction to slack procedures is considered physiological since sensory information is misled. It is proposed to use slack procedures to test the functionality of the neuromuscular system, which is relevant for clinical practice.}, language = {en} } @article{HerrmannBodenMaureretal.2022, author = {Herrmann, Matthias L. and Boden, Cindy and Maurer, Christoph and Kentischer, Felix and Mennig, Eva and Wagner, S{\"o}ren and Conzelmann, Lars O. and F{\"o}rstner, Bernd R. and Rapp, Michael A. and von Arnim, Christine A. F. and Denkinger, Michael and Eschweiler, Gerhard W. and Thomas, Christine}, title = {Anticholinergic drug exposure increases the risk of delirium in older patients undergoing elective surgery}, series = {Frontiers in medicine}, volume = {9}, journal = {Frontiers in medicine}, publisher = {Frontiers Media}, address = {Lausanne}, issn = {2296-858X}, doi = {10.3389/fmed.2022.871229}, pages = {8}, year = {2022}, abstract = {IntroductionPostoperative delirium (POD) is a common and serious adverse event of surgery in older people. Because of its great impact on patients' safety and quality of life, identification of modifiable risk factors could be useful. Although preoperative medication intake is assumed to be an important modifiable risk factor, the impact of anticholinergic drugs on the occurrence of POD seems underestimated in elective surgery. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between preoperative anticholinergic burden and POD. We hypothesized that a high preoperative anticholinergic burden is an independent, potentially modifiable predisposing and precipitating factor of POD in older people. MethodsBetween November 2017 and April 2019, 1,470 patients of 70 years and older undergoing elective orthopedic, general, cardiac, or vascular surgery were recruited in the randomized, prospective, multicenter PAWEL trial. Anticholinergic burden of a sub-cohort of 899 patients, who did not receive a multimodal intervention for preventing POD, was assessed by two different tools at hospital admission: The established Anticholinergic Risk Scale (ARS) and the recently developed Anticholinergic Burden Score (ABS). POD was detected by confusion assessment method (CAM) and a validated post discharge medical record review. Logistic regression analyses were performed to evaluate the association between anticholinergic burden and POD. ResultsPOD was observed in 210 of 899 patients (23.4\%). Both ARS and ABS were independently associated with POD. The association persisted after adjustment for relevant confounding factors such as age, sex, comorbidities, preoperative cognitive and physical status, number of prescribed drugs, surgery time, type of surgery and anesthesia, usage of heart-lung-machine, and treatment in intensive care unit. If a patient was taking one of the 56 drugs listed in the ABS, risk for POD was 2.7-fold higher (OR = 2.74, 95\% CI = 1.55-4.94) and 1.5-fold higher per additional point on the ARS (OR = 1.54, 95\% CI = 1.15-2.02). ConclusionPreoperative anticholinergic drug exposure measured by ARS or ABS was independently associated with POD in older patients undergoing elective surgery. Therefore, identification, discontinuation or substitution of anticholinergic medication prior to surgery may be a promising approach to reduce the risk of POD in older patients.}, language = {en} } @article{KoenigBlockBeckeretal.2018, author = {K{\"o}nig, Johanna and Block, Andrea and Becker, Mathias and Fenske, Kristin and Hertel, Johannes and Van der Auwera, Sandra and Zymara, Kathleen and Voelzke, Henry and Freyberger, Harald J{\"u}rgen and Grabe, Hans Joergen}, title = {Assessment of subjective emotional valence and long-lasting impact of life events}, series = {BMC Psychiatry}, volume = {18}, journal = {BMC Psychiatry}, publisher = {BioMed Central}, address = {London}, issn = {1471-244X}, doi = {10.1186/s12888-018-1649-3}, pages = {12}, year = {2018}, abstract = {Background: Life events (LEs) are associated with future physical and mental health. They are crucial for understanding the pathways to mental disorders as well as the interactions with biological parameters. However, deeper insight is needed into the complex interplay between the type of LE, its subjective evaluation and accompanying factors such as social support. The "Stralsund Life Event List" (SEL) was developed to facilitate this research. Methods: The SEL is a standardized interview that assesses the time of occurrence and frequency of 81 LEs, their subjective emotional valence, the perceived social support during the LE experience and the impact of past LEs on present life. Data from 2265 subjects from the general population-based cohort study "Study of Health in Pomerania" (SHIP) were analysed. Based on the mean emotional valence ratings of the whole sample, LEs were categorized as "positive" or "negative". For verification, the SEL was related to lifetime major depressive disorder (MDD; Munich Composite International Diagnostic Interview), childhood trauma (Childhood Trauma Questionnaire), resilience (Resilience Scale) and subjective health (SF-12 Health Survey). Conclusions: The SEL is a valid instrument that enables the analysis of the number and frequency of LEs, their emotional valence, perceived social support and current impact on life on a global score and on an individual item level. Thus, we can recommend its use in research settings that require the assessment and analysis of the relationship between the occurrence and subjective evaluation of LEs as well as the complex balance between distressing and stabilizing life experiences.}, language = {en} } @article{DechBittmannSchaefer2021, author = {Dech, Silas and Bittmann, Frank and Schaefer, Laura}, title = {Assessment of the adaptive force of Elbow extensors in healthy subjects quantified by a novel pneumatically driven measurement system with considerations of its quality criteria}, series = {Diagnostics : open access journal}, volume = {11}, journal = {Diagnostics : open access journal}, number = {6}, publisher = {MDPI}, address = {Basel}, issn = {2075-4418}, doi = {10.3390/diagnostics11060923}, pages = {23}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Adaptive Force (AF) reflects the capability of the neuromuscular system to adapt adequately to external forces with the intention of maintaining a position or motion. One specific approach to assessing AF is to measure force and limb position during a pneumatically applied increasing external force. Through this method, the highest (AFmax), the maximal isometric (AFisomax) and the maximal eccentric Adaptive Force (AFeccmax) can be determined. The main question of the study was whether the AFisomax is a specific and independent parameter of muscle function compared to other maximal forces. In 13 healthy subjects (9 male and 4 female), the maximal voluntary isometric contraction (pre- and post-MVIC), the three AF parameters and the MVIC with a prior concentric contraction (MVICpri-con) of the elbow extensors were measured 4 times on two days. Arithmetic mean (M) and maximal (Max) torques of all force types were analyzed. Regarding the reliability of the AF parameters between days, the mean changes were 0.31-1.98 Nm (0.61\%-5.47\%, p = 0.175-0.552), the standard errors of measurements (SEM) were 1.29-5.68 Nm (2.53\%-15.70\%) and the ICCs(3,1) = 0.896-0.996. M and Max of AFisomax, AFmax and pre-MVIC correlated highly (r = 0.85-0.98). The M and Max of AFisomax were significantly lower (6.12-14.93 Nm; p ≤ 0.001-0.009) and more variable between trials (coefficient of variation (CVs) ≥ 21.95\%) compared to those of pre-MVIC and AFmax (CVs ≤ 5.4\%). The results suggest the novel measuring procedure is suitable to reliably quantify the AF, whereby the presented measurement errors should be taken into consideration. The AFisomax seems to reflect its own strength capacity and should be detected separately. It is suggested its normalization to the MVIC or AFmax could serve as an indicator of a neuromuscular function.}, language = {en} } @article{KwanbunjanPanprathipPhosatetal.2018, author = {Kwanbunjan, Karunee and Panprathip, Pornpimol and Phosat, Chanchira and Chumpathat, Noppanath and Wechjakwen, Naruemon and Puduang, Somchai and Auyyuenyong, Ratchada and Henkel, Ina and Schweigert, Florian J.}, title = {Association of retinol binding protein 4 and transthyretin with triglyceride levels and insulin resistance in rural thais with high type 2 diabetes risk}, series = {BMC Endocrine Disorders}, volume = {18}, journal = {BMC Endocrine Disorders}, publisher = {BMC}, address = {London}, issn = {1472-6823}, doi = {10.1186/s12902-018-0254-2}, pages = {7}, year = {2018}, abstract = {Background: Retinol binding protein 4 (RBP4), a protein secreted by adipocytes and bound in plasma to transthyretin (TTR), has been associated with obesity, the early phase of insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, and type 2 diabetes mellitus. The objective of this study was to elucidate the relationship between RBP4, TTR, triglyceride (TG) and type 2 diabetes risk in rural Thailand. Results: RBP4 and TTR levels, as well as homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) values, were significantly elevated among subjects with high triglyceride levels (p < 0.01, p < 0.05, p < 0.05, respectively). Triglyceride levels correlated with RBP4 (r = 0.34, p < 0.001) and TTR (r= 0.26, p < 0.01) levels, as well as HOMA-IR values (r= 0.16, p < 0.05). After adjustment for age and gender, the risk of hypertriglyceridemia was 3.7 times greater (95\% Cl =1.42 -9.73, p = 0.008) in the highest RBP4 tertile as compared to the lowest tertile. Similarly, the highest TTR and HOMA-IR tertiles had greater risk of hypertriglyceridemia at 3.5 (95\% Cl = 1.30-9.20, p = 0.01) and 3.6 (95\% CI = 1.33- 9.58, p = 0.01) times higher than the respective lowest tertiles. The correlation between TTR and blood glucose was statistically significant (r 0.18, p < 0.05), but not found this relationship in RBP4. Conclusions: The associations of RBP4 and TTR with hypertriglyceridemia and insulin resistance may have important implications for the risk of heart disease and stroke.}, language = {en} } @article{WickKriemlerGranacher2022, author = {Wick, Kristin and Kriemler, Susi and Granacher, Urs}, title = {Associations between measures of physical fitness and cognitive performance in preschool children}, series = {BMC sports science, medicine \& rehabilitation}, volume = {14}, journal = {BMC sports science, medicine \& rehabilitation}, number = {1}, publisher = {BMC}, address = {London}, issn = {2052-1847}, doi = {10.1186/s13102-022-00470-w}, pages = {8}, year = {2022}, abstract = {Background: Given that recent studies report negative secular declines in physical fitness, associations between fitness and cognition in childhood are strongly discussed. The preschool age is characterized by high neuroplasticity which effects motor skill learning, physical fitness, and cognitive development. The aim of this study was to assess the relation of physical fitness and attention (including its individual dimensions (quantitative, qualitative)) as one domain of cognitive performance in preschool children. We hypothesized that fitness components which need precise coordination compared to simple fitness components are stronger related to attention. Methods: Physical fitness components like static balance (i.e., single-leg stance), muscle strength (i.e., handgrip strength), muscle power (i.e., standing long jump), and coordination (i.e., hopping on one leg) were assessed in 61 healthy children (mean age 4.5 +/- 0.6 years; girls n = 30). Attention was measured with the "Konzentrations-Handlungsverfahren fur Vorschulkinder" [concentration-action procedure for preschoolers]). Analyses were adjusted for age, body height, and body mass. Results: Results from single linear regression analysis revealed a significant (p < 0.05) association between physical fitness (composite score) and attention (composite score) (standardized ss = 0.40), showing a small to medium effect (F-2 = 0.14). Further, coordination had a significant relation with the composite score and the quantitative dimension of attention (standardized ss = 0.35; p < 0.01; standardized ss = - 0.33; p < 0.05). Coordination explained about 11\% (composite score) and 9\% (quantitative dimension) of the variance in the stepwise multiple regression model. Conclusion: The results indicate that performance in physical fitness, particularly coordination, is related to attention in preschool children. Thus, high performance in complex fitness components (i.e., hopping on one leg) tends to predict attention in preschool children. Further longitudinal studies should focus on the effectiveness of physical activity programs implementing coordination and complex exercises at preschool age to examine cause-effect relationships between physical fitness and attention precisely.}, language = {en} } @article{UrbachAwiszusLeissetal.2020, author = {Urbach, Dietmar and Awiszus, Friedemann and Leiß, Sven and Venton, Tamsin and De Specht, Alexander Vincent and Apfelbacher, Christian}, title = {Associations of medications with lower odds of typical COVID-19 symptoms}, series = {JMIR public health and surveillance}, volume = {6}, journal = {JMIR public health and surveillance}, number = {4}, publisher = {JMIR Publications}, address = {Toronto}, issn = {2369-2960}, doi = {10.2196/22521}, pages = {10}, year = {2020}, abstract = {Background: As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to spread across the globe, the search for an effective medication to treat the symptoms of COVID-19 continues as well. It would be desirable to identify a medication that is already in use for another condition and whose side effect profile and safety data are already known and approved. Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of different medications on typical COVID-19 symptoms by using data from an online surveillance survey. Methods: Between early April and late-July 2020, a total of 3654 individuals in Lower Saxony, Germany, participated in an online symptom-tracking survey conducted through the app covid-nein-danke.de. The questionnaire comprised items on typical COVID-19 symptoms, age range, gender, employment in patient-facing healthcare, housing status, postal code, previous illnesses, permanent medication, vaccination status, results of reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and antibody tests for COVID-19 diagnosis, and consequent COVID-19 treatment if applicable. Odds ratio estimates with corresponding 95\% CIs were computed for each medication and symptom by using logistic regression models. Results: Data analysis suggested a statistically significant inverse relationship between typical COVID-19 symptoms self-reported by the participants and self-reported statin therapy and, to a lesser extent, antihypertensive therapy. When COVID-19 diagnosis was based on restrictive symptom criteria (ie, presence of 4 out of 7 symptoms) or a positive RT-PCR test, a statistically significant association was found solely for statins (odds ratio 0.28, 95\% CI 0.1-0.78). Conclusions: Individuals taking statin medication are more likely to have asymptomatic COVID-19, in which case they may be at an increased risk of transmitting the disease unknowingly. We suggest that the results of this study be incorporated into symptoms-based surveillance and decision-making protocols in regard to COVID-19 management. Whether statin therapy has a beneficial effect in combating COVID-19 cannot be deduced based on our findings and should be investigated by further study.}, language = {en} } @article{WiesmeierDalinWehrleetal.2017, author = {Wiesmeier, Isabella K. and Dalin, Daniela and Wehrle, Anja and Granacher, Urs and Muehlbauer, Thomas and Dietterle, J{\"o}rg and Weiller, Cornelius and Gollhofer, Albert and Maurer, Christoph}, title = {Balance training enhances vestibular function and reduces overactive proprioceptive feedback in elderly}, series = {Frontiers in aging neuroscience}, volume = {9}, journal = {Frontiers in aging neuroscience}, publisher = {Frontiers Research Foundation}, address = {Lausanne}, issn = {1663-4365}, doi = {10.3389/fnagi.2017.00273}, pages = {13}, year = {2017}, abstract = {Objectives: Postural control in elderly people is impaired by degradations of sensory, motor, and higher-level adaptive mechanisms. Here, we characterize the effects of a progressive balance training programon these postural control impairments using a brain network model based on system identification techniques. Methods and Material: We analyzed postural control of 35 healthy elderly subjects and compared findings to data from 35 healthy young volunteers. Eighteen elderly subjects performed a 10 week balance training conducted twice per week. Balance training was carried out in static and dynamic movement states, on support surfaces with different elastic compliances, under different visual conditions and motor tasks. Postural control was characterized by spontaneous sway and postural reactions to pseudorandom anterior-posterior tilts of the support surface. Data were interpreted using a parameter identification procedure based on a brain network model. Conclusion: Balance training reduced overactive proprioceptive feedback and restored vestibular orientation in elderly. Based on the assumption of a linear deterioration of postural control across the life span, the training effect can be extrapolated as a juvenescence of 10 years. This study points to a considerable benefit of a continuous balance training in elderly, even without any sensorimotor deficits.}, language = {en} } @article{daSilvaCostaHortobagyidenOtteretal.2022, author = {da Silva Costa, Andreia Abud and Hortobagyi, Tibor and den Otter, Rob and Sawers, Andrew and Moraes, Renato}, title = {Beam width and arm position but not cognitive task affect walking balance in older adults}, series = {Scientific reports}, volume = {12}, journal = {Scientific reports}, number = {1}, publisher = {Nature Research}, address = {London}, issn = {2045-2322}, doi = {10.1038/s41598-022-10848-y}, pages = {10}, year = {2022}, abstract = {Detection of changes in dynamic balance could help identify older adults at fall risk. Walking on a narrow beam with its width, cognitive load, and arm position manipulated could be an alternative to current tests. Therefore, we examined additive and interactive effects of beam width, cognitive task (CT), and arm position on dynamic balance during beam walking in older adults. Twenty older adults (69 +/- 4y) walked on 6, 8, and 10-cm wide beams (2-cm high, 4-m-long), with and without CT, with three arm positions (free, crossed, akimbo). We determined cognitive errors, distance walked, step speed, root mean square (RMS) of center of mass (COM) displacement and trunk acceleration in the frontal plane. Beam width decrease progressively reduced distance walked and increased trunk acceleration RMS. Step speed decreased on the narrowest beam and with CT. Arm crossing decreased distance walked and step speed. COM displacement RMS and cognitive errors were not affected by any manipulation. In conclusion, distance walked indicated that beam width and arm position, but less so CT, affected dynamic balance, implying that beam walking has the potential to become a test of fall risk. Stability measurements suggested effective trunk adjustments to control COM position and keep dynamic balance during the task.}, language = {en} } @article{LehmannKuhnKelleretal.2022, author = {Lehmann, Nico and Kuhn, Yves-Alain and Keller, Martin and Aye, Norman and Herold, Fabian and Draganski, Bogdan and Taube, Wolfgang and Taubert, Marco}, title = {Brain activation during active balancing and its behavioral relevance in younger and older adults}, series = {Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience}, volume = {14}, journal = {Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience}, publisher = {Frontiers Media}, address = {Lausanne}, issn = {1663-4365}, doi = {10.3389/fnagi.2022.828474}, pages = {20}, year = {2022}, abstract = {Age-related deterioration of balance control is widely regarded as an important phenomenon influencing quality of life and longevity, such that a more comprehensive understanding of the neural mechanisms underlying this process is warranted. Specifically, previous studies have reported that older adults typically show higher neural activity during balancing as compared to younger counterparts, but the implications of this finding on balance performance remain largely unclear. Using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS), differences in the cortical control of balance between healthy younger (n = 27) and older (n = 35) adults were explored. More specifically, the association between cortical functional activity and balance performance across and within age groups was investigated. To this end, we measured hemodynamic responses (i.e., changes in oxygenated and deoxygenated hemoglobin) while participants balanced on an unstable device. As criterion variables for brain-behavior-correlations, we also assessed postural sway while standing on a free-swinging platform and while balancing on wobble boards with different levels of difficulty. We found that older compared to younger participants had higher activity in prefrontal and lower activity in postcentral regions. Subsequent robust regression analyses revealed that lower prefrontal brain activity was related to improved balance performance across age groups, indicating that higher activity of the prefrontal cortex during balancing reflects neural inefficiency. We also present evidence supporting that age serves as a moderator in the relationship between brain activity and balance, i.e., cortical hemodynamics generally appears to be a more important predictor of balance performance in the older than in the younger. Strikingly, we found that age differences in balance performance are mediated by balancing-induced activation of the superior frontal gyrus, thus suggesting that differential activation of this region reflects a mechanism involved in the aging process of the neural control of balance. Our study suggests that differences in functional brain activity between age groups are not a mere by-product of aging, but instead of direct behavioral relevance for balance performance. Potential implications of these findings in terms of early detection of fall-prone individuals and intervention strategies targeting balance and healthy aging are discussed.}, language = {en} } @article{ElAshkerChaabeneNegraetal.2018, author = {El-Ashker, Said and Chaabene, Helmi and Negra, Yassine and Prieske, Olaf and Granacher, Urs}, title = {Cardio-Respiratory Endurance Responses Following a Simulated 3 x 3 Minutes Amateur Boxing Contest in Elite Level Boxers}, series = {Sports}, volume = {6}, journal = {Sports}, number = {4}, publisher = {MDPI}, address = {Basel}, issn = {2075-4663}, doi = {10.3390/sports6040119}, pages = {8}, year = {2018}, abstract = {This study aimed at examining physiological responses (i.e., oxygen uptake [VO2] and heart rate [HR]) to a semi-contact 3 x 3-min format, amateur boxing combat simulation in elite level male boxers. Eleven boxers aged 21.4 +/- 2.1 years (body height 173.4 +/- 3.7, body mass 74.9 +/- 8.6 kg, body fat 12.1 +/- 1.9, training experience 5.7 +/- 1.3 years) volunteered to participate in this study. They performed a maximal graded aerobic test on a motor-driven treadmill to determine maximum oxygen uptake (VO2max), oxygen uptake (VO2AT) and heart rate (HRAT) at the anaerobic threshold, and maximal heart rate (HRmax). Additionally, VO2 and peak HR (HRpeak) were recorded following each boxing round. Results showed no significant differences between VO2max values derived from the treadmill running test and VO2 outcomes of the simulated boxing contest (p > 0.05, d = 0.02 to 0.39). However, HRmax and HRpeak recorded from the treadmill running test and the simulated amateur boxing contest, respectively, displayed significant differences regardless of the boxing round (p < 0.01, d = 1.60 to 3.00). In terms of VO2 outcomes during the simulated contest, no significant between-round differences were observed (p = 0.19, d = 0.17 to 0.73). Irrespective of the boxing round, the recorded VO2 was >90\% of the VO2max. Likewise, HRpeak observed across the three boxing rounds were >= 90\% of the HRmax. In summary, the simulated 3 x 3-min amateur boxing contest is highly demanding from a physiological standpoint. Thus, coaches are advised to systematically monitor internal training load for instance through rating of perceived exertion to optimize training-related adaptations and to prevent boxers from overreaching and/or overtraining.}, language = {en} } @article{SchaeferBittmann2023, author = {Schaefer, Laura and Bittmann, Frank}, title = {Case report}, series = {Frontiers in medicine}, volume = {9}, journal = {Frontiers in medicine}, publisher = {Frontiers Media}, address = {Lausanne}, issn = {2296-858X}, doi = {10.3389/fmed.2022.879971}, pages = {10}, year = {2023}, abstract = {The increasing prevalence of Long COVID is an imminent public health disaster, and established approaches have not provided adequate diagnostics or treatments. Recently, anesthetic blockade of the stellate ganglion was reported to improve Long COVID symptoms in a small case series, purportedly by "rebooting" the autonomic nervous system. Here, we present a novel diagnostic approach based on the Adaptive Force (AF), and report sustained positive outcome for one severely affected Long COVID patient using individualized pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) at the area C7/T1. AF reflects the capacity of the neuromuscular system to adapt adequately to external forces in an isometric holding manner. In case, maximal isometric AF (AFiso(max)) is exceeded, the muscle merges into eccentric muscle action. Thereby, the force usually increases further until maximal AF (AFmax) is reached. In case adaptation is optimal, AFiso(max) is similar to 99-100\% of AFmax. This holding capacity (AFiso(max)) was found to be vulnerable to disruption by unpleasant stimulus and, hence, was regarded as functional parameter. AF was assessed by an objectified manual muscle test using a handheld device. Prior to treatment, AFiso(max) was considerably lower than AFmax for hip flexors (62 N = similar to 28\% AFmax) and elbow flexors (71 N = similar to 44\% AFmax); i.e., maximal holding capacity was significantly reduced, indicating dysfunctional motor control. We tested PEMF at C7/T1, identified a frequency that improved neuromuscular function, and applied it for similar to 15 min. Immediately post-treatment, AFiso(max) increased to similar to 210 N (similar to 100\% AFmax) at hip and 184 N (similar to 100\% AFmax) at elbow. Subjective Long COVID symptoms resolved the following day. At 4 weeks post-treatment, maximal holding capacity was still on a similarly high level as for immediately post-treatment (similar to 100\% AFmax) and patient was symptom-free. At 6 months the patient's Long COVID symptoms have not returned. This case report suggests (1) AF could be a promising diagnostic for post-infectious illness, (2) AF can be used to test effective treatments for post-infectious illness, and (3) individualized PEMF may resolve post-infectious symptoms.}, language = {en} } @article{SchaeferBittmann2022, author = {Schaefer, Laura and Bittmann, Frank}, title = {Case Study: Intra- and Interpersonal Coherence of Muscle and Brain Activity of Two Coupled Persons during Pushing and Holding Isometric Muscle Action}, series = {Brain Sciences}, volume = {12}, journal = {Brain Sciences}, edition = {6}, publisher = {MDPI Open Access Publishing}, address = {Basel, Schweiz}, issn = {2076-3425}, doi = {10.3390/brainsci12060703}, pages = {27}, year = {2022}, abstract = {Inter-brain synchronization is primarily investigated during social interactions but had not been examined during coupled muscle action between two persons until now. It was previously shown that mechanical muscle oscillations can develop coherent behavior between two isometrically interacting persons. This case study investigated if inter-brain synchronization appears thereby, and if differences of inter- and intrapersonal muscle and brain coherence exist regarding two different types of isometric muscle action. Electroencephalography (EEG) and mechanomyography/mechanotendography (MMG/MTG) of right elbow extensors were recorded during six fatiguing trials of two coupled isometrically interacting participants (70\% MVIC). One partner performed holding and one pushing isometric muscle action (HIMA/PIMA; tasks changed). The wavelet coherence of all signals (EEG, MMG/MTG, force, ACC) were analyzed intra- and interpersonally. The five longest coherence patches in 8-15 Hz and their weighted frequency were compared between real vs. random pairs and between HIMA vs. PIMA. Real vs. random pairs showed significantly higher coherence for intra-muscle, intra-brain, and inter-muscle-brain activity (p < 0.001 to 0.019). Inter-brain coherence was significantly higher for real vs. random pairs for EEG of right and central areas and for sub-regions of EEG left (p = 0.002 to 0.025). Interpersonal muscle-brain synchronization was significantly higher than intrapersonal one, whereby it was significantly higher for HIMA vs. PIMA. These preliminary findings indicate that inter-brain synchronization can arise during muscular interaction. It is hypothesized both partners merge into one oscillating neuromuscular system. The results reinforce the hypothesis that HIMA is characterized by more complex control strategies than PIMA. The pilot study suggests investigating the topic further to verify these results on a larger sample size. Findings could contribute to the basic understanding of motor control and is relevant for functional diagnostics such as the manual muscle test which is applied in several disciplines, e.g., neurology, physiotherapy.}, language = {en} } @article{BouamraZouhalRateletal.2022, author = {Bouamra, Marwa and Zouhal, Hassane and Ratel, S{\´e}bastien and Makhlouf, Issam and Bezrati, Ikram and Chtara, Mokhtar and Behm, David G. and Granacher, Urs and Chaouachi, Anis}, title = {Concurrent training promotes greater gains on body composition and components of physical fitness than single-mode training (endurance or resistance) in youth with obesity}, series = {Frontiers in physiology}, volume = {13}, journal = {Frontiers in physiology}, publisher = {Frontiers Media}, address = {Lausanne}, issn = {1664-042X}, doi = {10.3389/fphys.2022.869063}, pages = {16}, year = {2022}, abstract = {The prevalence of obesity in the pediatric population has become a major public health issue. Indeed, the dramatic increase of this epidemic causes multiple and harmful consequences, Physical activity, particularly physical exercise, remains to be the cornerstone of interventions against childhood obesity. Given the conflicting findings with reference to the relevant literature addressing the effects of exercise on adiposity and physical fitness outcomes in obese children and adolescents, the effect of duration-matched concurrent training (CT) [50\% resistance (RT) and 50\% high-intensity-interval-training (HIIT)] on body composition and physical fitness in obese youth remains to be elucidated. Thus, the purpose of this study was to examine the effects of 9-weeks of CT compared to RT or HIIT alone, on body composition and selected physical fitness components in healthy sedentary obese youth. Out of 73 participants, only 37; [14 males and 23 females; age 13.4 +/- 0.9 years; body-mass-index (BMI): 31.2 +/- 4.8 kg center dot m-2] were eligible and randomized into three groups: HIIT (n = 12): 3-4 setsx12 runs at 80-110\% peak velocity, with 10-s passive recovery between bouts; RT (n = 12): 6 exercises; 3-4 sets x 10 repetition maximum (RM) and CT (n = 13): 50\% serial completion of RT and HIIT. CT promoted significant greater gains compared to HIIT and RT on body composition (p < 0.01, d = large), 6-min-walking test distance (6 MWT-distance) and on 6 MWT-VO2max (p < 0.03, d = large). In addition, CT showed substantially greater improvements than HIIT in the medicine ball throw test (20.2 vs. 13.6\%, p < 0.04, d = large). On the other hand, RT exhibited significantly greater gains in relative hand grip strength (p < 0.03, d = large) and CMJ (p < 0.01, d = large) than HIIT and CT. CT promoted greater benefits for fat, body mass loss and cardiorespiratory fitness than HIIT or RT modalities. This study provides important information for practitioners and therapists on the application of effective exercise regimes with obese youth to induce significant and beneficial body composition changes. The applied CT program and the respective programming parameters in terms of exercise intensity and volume can be used by practitioners as an effective exercise treatment to fight the pandemic overweight and obesity in youth.}, language = {en} } @article{BouamraZouhalRateletal.2022, author = {Bouamra, Marwa and Zouhal, Hassane and Ratel, S{\´e}bastien and Makhlouf, Issam and Bezrati, Ikram and Chtara, Moktar and Behm, David George and Granacher, Urs and Chaouachi, Anis}, title = {Concurrent Training Promotes Greater Gains on Body Composition and Components of Physical Fitness Than Single-Mode Training (Endurance or Resistance) in Youth With Obesity}, series = {Frontiers in Physiology}, volume = {13}, journal = {Frontiers in Physiology}, publisher = {Frontiers}, address = {Lausanne, Schweiz}, issn = {1664-042X}, doi = {10.3389/fphys.2022.869063}, pages = {1 -- 16}, year = {2022}, abstract = {The prevalence of obesity in the pediatric population has become a major public health issue. Indeed, the dramatic increase of this epidemic causes multiple and harmful consequences, Physical activity, particularly physical exercise, remains to be the cornerstone of interventions against childhood obesity. Given the conflicting findings with reference to the relevant literature addressing the effects of exercise on adiposity and physical fitness outcomes in obese children and adolescents, the effect of duration-matched concurrent training (CT) [50\% resistance (RT) and 50\% high-intensity-interval-training (HIIT)] on body composition and physical fitness in obese youth remains to be elucidated. Thus, the purpose of this study was to examine the effects of 9-weeks of CT compared to RT or HIIT alone, on body composition and selected physical fitness components in healthy sedentary obese youth. Out of 73 participants, only 37; [14 males and 23 females; age 13.4 ± 0.9 years; body-mass-index (BMI): 31.2 ± 4.8 kg·m-2] were eligible and randomized into three groups: HIIT (n = 12): 3-4 sets×12 runs at 80-110\% peak velocity, with 10-s passive recovery between bouts; RT (n = 12): 6 exercises; 3-4 sets × 10 repetition maximum (RM) and CT (n = 13): 50\% serial completion of RT and HIIT. CT promoted significant greater gains compared to HIIT and RT on body composition (p < 0.01, d = large), 6-min-walking test distance (6 MWT-distance) and on 6 MWT-VO2max (p < 0.03, d = large). In addition, CT showed substantially greater improvements than HIIT in the medicine ball throw test (20.2 vs. 13.6\%, p < 0.04, d = large). On the other hand, RT exhibited significantly greater gains in relative hand grip strength (p < 0.03, d = large) and CMJ (p < 0.01, d = large) than HIIT and CT. CT promoted greater benefits for fat, body mass loss and cardiorespiratory fitness than HIIT or RT modalities. This study provides important information for practitioners and therapists on the application of effective exercise regimes with obese youth to induce significant and beneficial body composition changes. The applied CT program and the respective programming parameters in terms of exercise intensity and volume can be used by practitioners as an effective exercise treatment to fight the pandemic overweight and obesity in youth.}, language = {en} } @article{SandauChaabeneGranacher2021, author = {Sandau, Ingo and Chaabene, Helmi and Granacher, Urs}, title = {Concurrent validity of barbell force measured from video-based barbell kinematics during the snatch in male elite weightlifters}, series = {PLOS ONE / Public Library of Science}, volume = {16}, journal = {PLOS ONE / Public Library of Science}, number = {7}, publisher = {PLOS}, address = {San Francisco}, issn = {1932-6203}, doi = {10.1371/journal.pone.0254705}, pages = {11}, year = {2021}, abstract = {This study examined the concurrent validity of an inverse dynamic (force computed from barbell acceleration [reference method]) and a work-energy (force computed from work at the barbell [alternative method]) approach to measure the mean vertical barbell force during the snatch using kinematic data from video analysis. For this purpose, the acceleration phase of the snatch was analyzed in thirty male medal winners of the 2018 weightlifting World Championships (age: 25.2±3.1 years; body mass: 88.9±28.6 kg). Vertical barbell kinematics were measured using a custom-made 2D real-time video analysis software. Agreement between the two computational approaches was assessed using Bland-Altman analysis, Deming regression, and Pearson product-moment correlation. Further, principal component analysis in conjunction with multiple linear regression was used to assess whether individual differences related to the two approaches are due to the waveforms of the acceleration time-series data. Results indicated no mean difference (p > 0.05; d = -0.04) and an extremely large correlation (r = 0.99) between the two approaches. Despite the high agreement, the total error of individual differences was 8.2\% (163.0 N). The individual differences can be explained by a multiple linear regression model (R2adj = 0.86) on principal component scores from the principal component analysis of vertical barbell acceleration time-series waveforms. Findings from this study indicate that the individual errors of force measures can be associated with the inverse dynamic approach. This approach uses vertical barbell acceleration data from video analysis that is prone to error. Therefore, it is recommended to use the work-energy approach to compute mean vertical barbell force as this approach did not rely on vertical barbell acceleration.}, language = {en} } @article{TeichFuehnerBaehretal.2023, author = {Teich, Paula and F{\"u}hner, Thea Heidi and Baehr, Florian and Puta, Christian and Granacher, Urs and Kliegl, Reinhold}, title = {Covid pandemic effects on the physical fitness of primary school children}, series = {Sports Medicine - Open}, volume = {9}, journal = {Sports Medicine - Open}, number = {1}, publisher = {Springer}, address = {New York}, issn = {2198-9761}, doi = {10.1186/s40798-023-00624-1}, pages = {19}, year = {2023}, abstract = {BackgroundIn spring of 2020, the Sars-CoV-2 incidence rate increased rapidly in Germany and around the world. Throughout the next 2 years, schools were temporarily closed and social distancing measures were put in place to slow the spread of the Covid-19 virus. Did these social restrictions and temporary school lockdowns affect children's physical fitness? The EMOTIKON project annually tests the physical fitness of all third-graders in the Federal State of Brandenburg, Germany. The tests assess cardiorespiratory endurance (6-min-run test), coordination (star-run test), speed (20-m sprint test), lower (powerLOW, standing long jump test), and upper (powerUP, ball-push test) limbs muscle power, and static balance (one-legged stance test with eyes closed). A total of 125,893 children were tested in the falls from 2016 to 2022. Primary analyses focused on 98,510 keyage third-graders (i.e., school enrollment according to the legal key date, aged 8 to 9 years) from 515 schools. Secondary analyses included 27,383 older-than-keyage third-graders (i.e., OTK, delayed school enrollment or repetition of a grade, aged 9 to 10 years), who have been shown to exhibit lower physical fitness than expected for their age. Linear mixed models fitted pre-pandemic quadratic secular trends, and took into account differences between children and schools.ResultsThird-graders exhibited lower cardiorespiratory endurance, coordination, speed and powerUP in the Covid pandemic cohorts (2020-2022) compared to the pre-pandemic cohorts (2016-2019). Children's powerLOW and static balance were higher in the pandemic cohorts compared to the pre-pandemic cohorts. From 2020 to 2021, coordination, powerLOW and powerUP further declined. Evidence for some post-pandemic physical fitness catch-up was restricted to powerUP. Cohen's |ds| for comparisons of the pandemic cohorts 2020-2022 with pre-pandemic cohorts 2016-2019 ranged from 0.02 for powerLOW to 0.15 for coordination. Within the pandemic cohorts, keyage children exhibited developmental losses ranging from approximately 1 month for speed to 5 months for cardiorespiratory endurance. For powerLOW and static balance, the positive pandemic effects translate to developmental gains of 1 and 7 months, respectively. Pre-pandemic secular trends may account for some of the observed differences between pandemic and pre-pandemic cohorts, especially in powerLOW, powerUP and static balance. The pandemic further increased developmental delays of OTK children in cardiorespiratory endurance, powerUP and balance.ConclusionsThe Covid-19 pandemic was associated with declines in several physical fitness components in German third-graders. Pandemic effects are still visible in 2022. Health-related interventions should specifically target those physical fitness components that were negatively affected by the pandemic (cardiorespiratory endurance, coordination, speed).}, language = {en} } @article{KhudairMarcuzziNgetal.2022, author = {Khudair, Mohammed and Marcuzzi, Anna and Ng, Kwok and Tempest, Gavin Daniel and Bartoš, František and Peric, Ratko and Maier, Maximilian and Beccia, Flavia and Boccia, Stefania and Brandes, Mirko and Cardon, Greet and Carlin, Angela and Castagna, Carolina and Chaabene, Helmi and Chalkley, Anna and Ciaccioni, Simone and Cieślińska-Świder, Joanna and Čingienė, Vilma and Cortis, Cristina and Corvino, Chiara and de Geus, Eco J. C. and Di Baldassarre, Angela and Di Credico, Andrea and Drid, Patrik and Tarazaga, Rosa Ma Fern{\´a}ndez and Gall{\`e}, Francesca and S{\´a}nchez, Esther Garcia and Gebremariam, Mekdes and Ghinassi, Barbara and Goudas, Marios and Hayes, Grainne and Honorio, Samuel and Izzicupo, Pascal and Jahre, Henriette and Jelsma, Judith and Juric, Petra and Kolovelonis, Athanasios and Kongsvold, Atle and Kouidi, Evangelia and Mansergh, Fiona and Masanovic, Bojan and Mekonnen, Teferi and Mork, Paul Jarle and Murphy, Marie and O'Hara, Kelly and Torun, Ayse Ozbil and Palumbo, Federico and Popovic, Stevo and Prieske, Olaf and Puharic, Zrinka and Ribeiro, Jos{\´e} Carlos and Rumbold, Penny Louise Sheena and Sandu, Petru and Soric, Maroje and Stavnsbo, Mette and Syrmpas, Ioannis and van der Ploeg, Hidde P. and Van Hoye, Aur{\´e}lie and Vilela, Sofia and Woods, Catherine and Wunsch, Kathrin and Caprinica, Laura and MacDonncha, Ciaran and Ling, Fiona Chun Man}, title = {DE-PASS Best Evidence Statement (BESt): modifiable determinants of physical activity and sedentary behaviour in children and adolescents aged 5-19 years-a protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis}, series = {BMJ open}, volume = {12}, journal = {BMJ open}, number = {9}, publisher = {BMJ Publishing Group}, address = {London}, organization = {DE-PASS}, issn = {2044-6055}, doi = {10.1136/bmjopen-2021-059202}, pages = {8}, year = {2022}, abstract = {Introduction Physical activity among children and adolescents remains insufficient, despite the substantial efforts made by researchers and policymakers. Identifying and furthering our understanding of potential modifiable determinants of physical activity behaviour (PAB) and sedentary behaviour (SB) is crucial for the development of interventions that promote a shift from SB to PAB. The current protocol details the process through which a series of systematic literature reviews and meta-analyses (MAs) will be conducted to produce a best-evidence statement (BESt) and inform policymakers. The overall aim is to identify modifiable determinants that are associated with changes in PAB and SB in children and adolescents (aged 5-19 years) and to quantify their effect on, or association with, PAB/SB. Methods and analysis A search will be performed in MEDLINE, SportDiscus, Web of Science, PsychINFO and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and controlled trials (CTs) that investigate the effect of interventions on PAB/SB and longitudinal studies that investigate the associations between modifiable determinants and PAB/SB at multiple time points will be sought. Risk of bias assessments will be performed using adapted versions of Cochrane's RoB V.2.0 and ROBINS-I tools for RCTs and CTs, respectively, and an adapted version of the National Institute of Health's tool for longitudinal studies. Data will be synthesised narratively and, where possible, MAs will be performed using frequentist and Bayesian statistics. Modifiable determinants will be discussed considering the settings in which they were investigated and the PAB/SB measurement methods used. Ethics and dissemination No ethical approval is needed as no primary data will be collected. The findings will be disseminated in peer-reviewed publications and academic conferences where possible. The BESt will also be shared with policy makers within the DE-PASS consortium in the first instance. Systematic review registration CRD42021282874.}, language = {en} } @article{HeidlerSalzwedelJoebgesetal.2018, author = {Heidler, Maria-Dorothea and Salzwedel, Annett and J{\"o}bges, Michael and L{\"u}ck, Olaf and Dohle, Christian and Seifert, Michael and von Helden, Andrea and Hollweg, Wibke and V{\"o}ller, Heinz}, title = {Decannulation of tracheotomized patients after long-term mechanical ventilation - results of a prospective multicentric study in German neurological early rehabilitation hospitals}, series = {BMC Anesthesiology}, volume = {18}, journal = {BMC Anesthesiology}, publisher = {BMC}, address = {London}, issn = {1471-2253}, doi = {10.1186/s12871-018-0527-3}, pages = {7}, year = {2018}, abstract = {Background: In the course of neurological early rehabilitation, decannulation is attempted in tracheotomized patients after weaning due to its considerable prognostic significance. We aimed to identify predictors of a successful tracheostomy decannulation. Methods: From 09/2014 to 03/2016, 831 tracheotomized and weaned patients (65.4 +/- 12.9 years, 68\% male) were included consecutively in a prospective multicentric observation study. At admission, sociodemographic and clinical data (e.g. relevant neurological and internistic diseases, duration of mechanical ventilation, tracheotomy technique, and nutrition) as well as functional assessments (Coma Recovery Scale-Revised (CRS-R), Early Rehabilitation Barthel Index, Bogenhausener Dysphagia Score) were collected. Complications and the success of the decannulation procedure were documented at discharge. Results: Four hundred seventy patients (57\%) were decannulated. The probability of decannulation was significantly negatively associated with increasing age (OR 0.68 per SD = 12.9 years, p < 0.001), prolonged duration of mechanical ventilation (OR 0.57 per 33.2 days, p < 0.001) and complications. An oral diet (OR 3.80; p < 0.001) and a higher alertness at admission (OR 3.07 per 7.18 CRS-R points; p < 0.001) were positively associated. Conclusions: This study identified practically measurable predictors of decannulation, which in the future can be used for a decannulation prognosis and supply optimization at admission in the neurological early rehabilitation clinic.}, language = {en} } @article{AhmadiHeratAlizadehetal.2021, author = {Ahmadi, Hamid and Herat, Nehara and Alizadeh, Shahab and Button, Duane C. and Granacher, Urs and Behm, David G.}, title = {Effect of an inverted seated position with upper arm blood flow restriction on measures of elbow flexors neuromuscular performance}, series = {PLOS ONE / Public Library of Science}, volume = {16}, journal = {PLOS ONE / Public Library of Science}, number = {5}, publisher = {PLoS}, address = {San Fransisco}, issn = {1932-6203}, doi = {10.1371/journal.pone.0245311}, pages = {19}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Purpose The objective of the investigation was to determine the concomitant effects of upper arm blood flow restriction (BFR) and inversion on elbow flexors neuromuscular responses. Methods Randomly allocated, 13 volunteers performed four conditions in a within-subject design: rest (control, 1-min upright position without BFR), control (1-min upright with BFR), 1-min inverted (without BFR), and 1-min inverted with BFR. Evoked and voluntary contractile properties, before, during and after a 30-s maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) exercise intervention were examined as well as pain scale. Results Inversion induced significant pre-exercise intervention decreases in elbow flexors MVC (21.1\%, Z2p = 0.48, p = 0.02) and resting evoked twitch forces (29.4\%, Z2p = 0.34, p = 0.03). The 30-s MVC induced significantly greater pre- to post-test decreases in potentiated twitch force (Z2p = 0.61, p = 0.0009) during inversion (75\%) than upright (65.3\%) conditions. Overall, BFR decreased MVC force 4.8\% (Z2p = 0.37, p = 0.05). For upright position, BFR induced 21.0\% reductions in M-wave amplitude (Z2p = 0.44, p = 0.04). There were no significant differences for electromyographic activity or voluntary activation as measured with the interpolated twitch technique. For all conditions, there was a significant increase in pain scale between the 40-60 s intervals and post-30-s MVC (upright< inversion, and without BFR< BFR). Conclusion The concomitant application of inversion with elbow flexors BFR only amplified neuromuscular performance impairments to a small degree. Individuals who execute forceful contractions when inverted or with BFR should be cognizant that force output may be impaired.}, language = {en} } @article{ChaabeneMarkovPrieskeetal.2022, author = {Chaabene, Helmi and Markov, Adrian and Prieske, Olaf and Moran, Jason and Behrens, Martin and Negra, Yassine and Ramirez-Campillo, Rodrigo and Koch, Ulrike and Mkaouer, Bessem}, title = {Effect of flywheel versus traditional resistance training on change of direction performance in male athletes}, series = {International journal of environmental research and public health : IJERPH}, volume = {19}, journal = {International journal of environmental research and public health : IJERPH}, number = {12}, publisher = {MDPI}, address = {Basel}, issn = {1661-7827}, doi = {10.3390/ijerph19127061}, pages = {17}, year = {2022}, abstract = {Objective: This study aimed to systematically review and meta-analyze the effect of flywheel resistance training (FRT) versus traditional resistance training (TRT) on change of direction (CoD) performance in male athletes. Methods: Five databases were screened up to December 2021. Results: Seven studies were included. The results indicated a significantly larger effect of FRT compared with TRT (standardized mean difference [SMD] = 0.64). A within-group comparison indicated a significant large effect of FRT on CoD performance (SMD = 1.63). For TRT, a significant moderate effect was observed (SMD = 0.62). FRT of <= 2 sessions/week resulted in a significant large effect (SMD = 1.33), whereas no significant effect was noted for >2 sessions/week. Additionally, a significant large effect of <= 12 FRT sessions (SMD = 1.83) was observed, with no effect of >12 sessions. Regarding TRT, no significant effects of any of the training factors were detected (p > 0.05). Conclusions: FRT appears to be more effective than TRT in improving CoD performance in male athletes. Independently computed single training factor analyses for FRT indicated that <= 2 sessions/week resulted in a larger effect on CoD performance than >2 sessions/week. Additionally, a total of <= 12 FRT sessions induced a larger effect than >12 training sessions. Practitioners in sports, in which accelerative and decelerative actions occur in quick succession to change direction, should regularly implement FRT.}, language = {en} } @article{ArntzMkaouerMarkovetal.2022, author = {Arntz, Fabian and Mkaouer, Bessem and Markov, Adrian and Schoenfeld, Brad and Moran, Jason and Ramirez-Campillo, Rodrigo and Behrens, Martin and Baumert, Philipp and Erskine, Robert M. and Hauser, Lukas and Chaabene, Helmi}, title = {Effect of plyometric jump training on skeletal muscle hypertrophy in healthy individuals}, series = {Frontiers in Physiology}, volume = {13}, journal = {Frontiers in Physiology}, edition = {888464}, publisher = {Frontiers}, address = {Lausanne, Schweiz}, issn = {1664-042X}, doi = {10.3389/fphys.2022.888464}, pages = {1 -- 17}, year = {2022}, abstract = {Objective: To examine the effect of plyometric jump training on skeletal muscle hypertrophy in healthy individuals. Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted in the databases PubMed, SPORTDiscus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library up to September 2021. Results: Fifteen studies met the inclusion criteria. The main overall finding (44 effect sizes across 15 clusters median = 2, range = 1-15 effects per cluster) indicated that plyometric jump training had small to moderate effects [standardised mean difference (SMD) = 0.47 (95\% CIs = 0.23-0.71); p < 0.001] on skeletal muscle hypertrophy. Subgroup analyses for training experience revealed trivial to large effects in non-athletes [SMD = 0.55 (95\% CIs = 0.18-0.93); p = 0.007] and trivial to moderate effects in athletes [SMD = 0.33 (95\% CIs = 0.16-0.51); p = 0.001]. Regarding muscle groups, results showed moderate effects for the knee extensors [SMD = 0.72 (95\% CIs = 0.66-0.78), p < 0.001] and equivocal effects for the plantar flexors [SMD = 0.65 (95\% CIs = -0.25-1.55); p = 0.143]. As to the assessment methods of skeletal muscle hypertrophy, findings indicated trivial to small effects for prediction equations [SMD = 0.29 (95\% CIs = 0.16-0.42); p < 0.001] and moderate-to-large effects for ultrasound imaging [SMD = 0.74 (95\% CIs = 0.59-0.89); p < 0.001]. Meta-regression analysis indicated that the weekly session frequency moderates the effect of plyometric jump training on skeletal muscle hypertrophy, with a higher weekly session frequency inducing larger hypertrophic gains [β = 0.3233 (95\% CIs = 0.2041-0.4425); p < 0.001]. We found no clear evidence that age, sex, total training period, single session duration, or the number of jumps per week moderate the effect of plyometric jump training on skeletal muscle hypertrophy [β = -0.0133 to 0.0433 (95\% CIs = -0.0387 to 0.1215); p = 0.101-0.751]. Conclusion: Plyometric jump training can induce skeletal muscle hypertrophy, regardless of age and sex. There is evidence for relatively larger effects in non-athletes compared with athletes. Further, the weekly session frequency seems to moderate the effect of plyometric jump training on skeletal muscle hypertrophy, whereby more frequent weekly plyometric jump training sessions elicit larger hypertrophic adaptations.}, language = {en} } @article{ArntzMkaouerMarkovetal.2022, author = {Arntz, Fabian and Mkaouer, Bessem and Markov, Adrian and Schoenfeld, Brad Jon and Moran, Jason J. and Ramirez-Campillo, Rodrigo and Behrens, Martin and Baumert, Philipp and Erskine, Robert M. and Hauser, Lukas and Chaabene, Helmi}, title = {Effect of plyometric jump training on skeletal muscle hypertrophy in healthy individuals: a systematic review with multilevel meta-analysis}, series = {Frontiers in physiology}, volume = {13}, journal = {Frontiers in physiology}, publisher = {Frontiers Media}, address = {Lausanne}, issn = {1664-042X}, doi = {10.3389/fphys.2022.888464}, pages = {17}, year = {2022}, abstract = {Objective: To examine the effect of plyometric jump training on skeletal muscle hypertrophy in healthy individuals. Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted in the databases PubMed, SPORTDiscus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library up to September 2021. Results: Fifteen studies met the inclusion criteria. The main overall finding (44 effect sizes across 15 clusters median = 2, range = 1-15 effects per cluster) indicated that plyometric jump training had small to moderate effects [standardised mean difference (SMD) = 0.47 (95\% CIs = 0.23-0.71); p < 0.001] on skeletal muscle hypertrophy. Subgroup analyses for training experience revealed trivial to large effects in non-athletes [SMD = 0.55 (95\% CIs = 0.18-0.93); p = 0.007] and trivial to moderate effects in athletes [SMD = 0.33 (95\% CIs = 0.16-0.51); p = 0.001]. Regarding muscle groups, results showed moderate effects for the knee extensors [SMD = 0.72 (95\% CIs = 0.66-0.78), p < 0.001] and equivocal effects for the plantar flexors [SMD = 0.65 (95\% CIs = -0.25-1.55); p = 0.143]. As to the assessment methods of skeletal muscle hypertrophy, findings indicated trivial to small effects for prediction equations [SMD = 0.29 (95\% CIs = 0.16-0.42); p < 0.001] and moderate-to-large effects for ultrasound imaging [SMD = 0.74 (95\% CIs = 0.59-0.89); p < 0.001]. Meta-regression analysis indicated that the weekly session frequency moderates the effect of plyometric jump training on skeletal muscle hypertrophy, with a higher weekly session frequency inducing larger hypertrophic gains [beta = 0.3233 (95\% CIs = 0.2041-0.4425); p < 0.001]. We found no clear evidence that age, sex, total training period, single session duration, or the number of jumps per week moderate the effect of plyometric jump training on skeletal muscle hypertrophy [beta = -0.0133 to 0.0433 (95\% CIs = -0.0387 to 0.1215); p = 0.101-0.751]. Conclusion: Plyometric jump training can induce skeletal muscle hypertrophy, regardless of age and sex. There is evidence for relatively larger effects in non-athletes compared with athletes. Further, the weekly session frequency seems to moderate the effect of plyometric jump training on skeletal muscle hypertrophy, whereby more frequent weekly plyometric jump training sessions elicit larger hypertrophic adaptations.}, language = {en} } @article{MuellerMuellerStolletal.2022, author = {Mueller, Steffen and Mueller, Juliane and Stoll, Josefine and Mayer, Frank}, title = {Effect of six-week resistance and sensorimotor training on trunk strength and stability in elite adolescent athletes}, series = {Frontiers in physiology}, volume = {13}, journal = {Frontiers in physiology}, publisher = {Frontiers Media}, address = {Lausanne}, issn = {1664-042X}, doi = {10.3389/fphys.2022.802315}, pages = {10}, year = {2022}, abstract = {Intervention in the form of core-specific stability exercises is evident to improve trunk stability. The purpose was to assess the effect of an additional 6 weeks sensorimotor or resistance training on maximum isokinetic trunk strength and response to sudden dynamic trunk loading (STL) in highly trained adolescent athletes. The study was conducted as a single-blind, 3-armed randomized controlled trial. Twenty-four adolescent athletes (14f/10 m, 16 +/- 1 yrs.;178 +/- 10 cm; 67 +/- 11 kg; training sessions/week 15 +/- 5; training h/week 22 +/- 8) were randomized into resistance training (RT; n = 7), sensorimotor training (SMT; n = 10), and control group (CG; n = 7). Athletes were instructed to perform standardized, center-based training for 6 weeks, two times per week, with a duration of 1 h each session. SMT consisted of four different core-specific sensorimotor exercises using instable surfaces. RT consisted of four trunk strength exercises using strength training machines, as well as an isokinetic dynamometer. All participants in the CG received an unspecific heart frequency controlled, ergometer-based endurance training (50 min at max. heart frequency of 130HF). For each athlete, each training session was documented in an individual training diary (e.g., level of SMT exercise; 1RM for strength exercise, pain). At baseline (M1) and after 6 weeks of intervention (M2), participants' maximum strength in trunk rotation (ROM:63 degrees) and flexion/extension (ROM:55 degrees) was tested on an isokinetic dynamometer (concentric/eccentric 30 degrees/s). STL was assessed in eccentric (30 degrees/s) mode with additional dynamometer-induced perturbation as a marker of core stability. Peak torque [Nm] was calculated as the main outcome. The primary outcome measurements (trunk rotation/extension peak torque: con, ecc, STL) were statistically analyzed by means of the two-factor repeated measures analysis of variance (alpha = 0.05). Out of 12 possible sessions, athletes participated between 8 and 9 sessions (SMT: 9 +/- 3; RT: 8 +/- 3; CG: 8 +/- 4). Regarding main outcomes of trunk performance, experimental groups showed no significant pre-post difference for maximum trunk strength testing as well as for perturbation compensation (p > 0.05). It is concluded, that future interventions should exceed 6 weeks duration with at least 2 sessions per week to induce enhanced trunk strength or compensatory response to sudden, high-intensity trunk loading in already highly trained adolescent athletes, regardless of training regime.}, language = {en} } @article{TrounsonBuschCollieretal.2020, author = {Trounson, Karl M. and Busch, Aglaja and Collier, Neil French and Robertson, Samuel}, title = {Effects of acute wearable resistance loading on overground running lower body kinematics}, series = {PLoS one}, volume = {15}, journal = {PLoS one}, number = {12}, publisher = {PLoS}, address = {San Francisco, California, US}, issn = {1932-6203}, doi = {10.1371/journal.pone.0244361}, pages = {19}, year = {2020}, abstract = {Field-based sports require athletes to run sub-maximally over significant distances, often while contending with dynamic perturbations to preferred coordination patterns. The ability to adapt movement to maintain performance under such perturbations appears to be trainable through exposure to task variability, which encourages movement variability. The aim of the present study was to investigate the extent to which various wearable resistance loading magnitudes alter coordination and induce movement variability during running. To investigate this, 14 participants (three female and 11 male) performed 10 sub-maximal velocity shuttle runs with either no weight, 1\%, 3\%, or 5\% of body weight attached to the lower limbs. Sagittal plane lower limb joint kinematics from one complete stride cycle in each run were assessed using functional data analysis techniques, both across the participant group and within-individuals. At the group-level, decreases in ankle plantarflexion following toe-off were evident in the 3\% and 5\% conditions, while increased knee flexion occurred during weight acceptance in the 5\% condition compared with unloaded running. At the individual-level, between-run joint angle profiles varied, with six participants exhibiting increased joint angle variability in one or more loading conditions compared with unloaded running. Loading of 5\% decreased between-run ankle joint variability among two individuals, likely in accordance with the need to manage increased system load or the novelty of the task. In terms of joint coordination, the most considerable alterations to coordination occurred in the 5\% loading condition at the hip-knee joint pair, however, only a minority of participants exhibited this tendency. Coaches should prescribe wearable resistance individually to perturb preferred coordination patterns and encourage movement variability without loading to the extent that movement options become limited.}, language = {en} } @article{KimLinHenschkeetal.2023, author = {Kim, MyoungHwee and Lin, Chiao-I and Henschke, Jakob and Quarmby, Andrew James and Engel, Tilman and Cassel, Michael}, title = {Effects of exercise treatment on functional outcome parameters in mid-portion achilles tendinopathy}, series = {Frontiers in Sports and Active Living}, volume = {5}, journal = {Frontiers in Sports and Active Living}, publisher = {Frontiers Media}, address = {Lausanne}, issn = {2624-9367}, doi = {10.3389/fspor.2023.1144484}, pages = {12}, year = {2023}, abstract = {Exercise interventions are evident in the treatment of mid-portion Achilles tendinopathy (AT). However, there is still a lack of knowledge concerning the effect of different exercise treatments on improving a specific function (e.g., strength) in this population. Thus, this study aimed to systematically review the effect of exercise treatments on different functional outcomes in mid-portion AT. An electronic database of Pubmed, Web of Science, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched from inception to 21 February 2023. Studies that investigated changes in plantar flexor function with exercise treatments were considered in mid-portion AT. Only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and clinical controlled trials (CCTs) were included. Functional outcomes were classified by kinetic (e.g., strength), kinematic [e.g., ankle range of motion (ROM)], and sensorimotor (e.g., balance index) parameters. The types of exercise treatments were classified into eccentric, concentric, and combined (eccentric plus concentric) training modes. Quality assessment was appraised using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database scale for RCTs, and the Joanna Briggs Institute scale for CCTs. The search yielded 2,260 records, and a total of ten studies were included. Due to the heterogeneity of the included studies, a qualitative synthesis was performed. Eccentric training led to improvements in power outcomes (e.g., height of countermovement jump), and in strength outcomes (e.g., peak torque). Concentric training regimens showed moderate enhanced power outcomes. Moreover, one high-quality study showed an improvement in the balance index by eccentric training, whereas the application of concentric training did not. Combined training modalities did not lead to improvements in strength and power outcomes. Plantarflexion and dorsiflexion ROM measures did not show relevant changes by the exercise treatments. In conclusion, eccentric training is evident in improving strength outcomes in AT patients. Moreover, it shows moderate evidence improvements in power and the sensorimotor parameter "balance index". Concentric training presents moderate evidence in the power outcomes and can therefore be considered as an alternative to improve this function. Kinematic analysis of plantarflexion and dorsiflexion ROM might not be useful in AT people. This study expands the knowledge what types of exercise regimes should be considered to improve the functional outcomes in AT.}, language = {en} } @article{BehrendtBielitzkiBehrensetal.2022, author = {Behrendt, Tom and Bielitzki, Robert and Behrens, Martin and Herold, Fabian and Schega, Lutz}, title = {Effects of intermittent hypoxia-hyperoxia on performance- and health-related outcomes in humans}, series = {Sports medicine - open}, volume = {8}, journal = {Sports medicine - open}, number = {1}, publisher = {Springer}, address = {Berlin [u.a.]}, issn = {2199-1170}, doi = {10.1186/s40798-022-00450-x}, pages = {28}, year = {2022}, abstract = {Background: Intermittent hypoxia applied at rest or in combination with exercise promotes multiple beneficial adaptations with regard to performance and health in humans. It was hypothesized that replacing normoxia by moderate hyperoxia can increase the adaptive response to the intermittent hypoxic stimulus. Objective: Our objective was to systematically review the current state of the literature on the effects of chronic intermittent hypoxia-hyperoxia (IHH) on performance- and health-related outcomes in humans. Methods: PubMed, Web of Science (TM), Scopus, and Cochrane Library databases were searched in accordance with PRISMA guidelines (January 2000 to September 2021) using the following inclusion criteria: (1) original research articles involving humans, (2) investigation of the chronic effect of IHH, (3) inclusion of a control group being not exposed to IHH, and (4) articles published in peer-reviewed journals written in English. Results: Of 1085 articles initially found, eight studies were included. IHH was solely performed at rest in different populations including geriatric patients (n = 1), older patients with cardiovascular (n = 3) and metabolic disease (n = 2) or cognitive impairment (n = 1), and young athletes with overtraining syndrome (n = 1). The included studies confirmed the beneficial effects of chronic exposure to IHH, showing improvements in exercise tolerance, peak oxygen uptake, and global cognitive functions, as well as lowered blood glucose levels. A trend was discernible that chronic exposure to IHH can trigger a reduction in systolic and diastolic blood pressure. The evidence of whether IHH exerts beneficial effects on blood lipid levels and haematological parameters is currently inconclusive. A meta-analysis was not possible because the reviewed studies had a considerable heterogeneity concerning the investigated populations and outcome parameters. Conclusion: Based on the published literature, it can be suggested that chronic exposure to IHH might be a promising non-pharmacological intervention strategy for improving peak oxygen consumption, exercise tolerance, and cognitive performance as well as reducing blood glucose levels, and systolic and diastolic blood pressure in older patients with cardiovascular and metabolic diseases or cognitive impairment. However, further randomized controlled trials with adequate sample sizes are needed to confirm and extend the evidence. This systematic review was registered on the international prospective register of systematic reviews (PROSPERO-ID: CRD42021281248) (https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/).}, language = {en} } @article{JafarnezhadgeroFakhriGranacher2021, author = {Jafarnezhadgero, Amir Ali and Fakhri, Ehsan and Granacher, Urs}, title = {Effects of nail softness and stiffness with distance running shoes on ground reaction forces and vertical loading rates in male elite long-distance runners with pronated feet}, series = {BMC sports science, medicine \& rehabilitation}, volume = {13}, journal = {BMC sports science, medicine \& rehabilitation}, publisher = {BioMed Central}, address = {London}, issn = {2052-1847}, doi = {10.1186/s13102-021-00352-7}, pages = {1 -- 9}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Background To improve propulsion during running, athletes often wear spike shoes designed for training and/or competition. Running with spike shoes may cause pain and/or injuries. To address this problem, a modified spike shoe was tested. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of running with dual-versus single-stiffness spike running shoes on running mechanics in long-distance runners with pronated feet. Methods Sixteen male elite (national competitive level) runners (5000 or 10,000 m) aged 28.2 ± 2.5 years with pronated feet volunteered to participate in this study. To be included, participants had to have achieved personal best race times over 5- and/or 10-km races under 17 or 34 min during official running competitions. All participants were heel strikers and had a history of 11.2 ± 4.2 years of training. For the assessment of running kinetics, a force plate was imbedded into a walkway. Running kinematics were recorded using a Vicon-motion-capture system. Nike Zoom Rival shoes (Nike, Nike Zoom Rival, USA) were selected and adapted according to spike softness and stiffness. Participants ran at a constant speed of ~4.0 m/s across the walkway with both shoe conditions in randomized order. Six trials were recorded per condition. The main outcomes included peak ground reaction forces and their time-to-peak, average and instantaneous vertical loading rates, free moments, and peak ankle eversion angles. Results Paired t-tests revealed significantly lower lateral (p = 0.021, d = 0.95) and vertical (p = 0.010, d = 1.40) forces at heel contact during running with dual-stiffness spike shoes. Running with dual-stiffness spike shoes resulted in a significantly longer time-to-peak vertical (p = 0.004, d = 1.40) force at heel contact. The analysis revealed significantly lower average (p = 0.005, d = 0.46) and instantaneous (p = 0.021, d = 0.49) loading rates and peak negative free moment amplitudes (p = 0.016, d = 0.81) when running with dual-stiffness spike shoes. Finally, significantly lower peak ankle eversion angles were observed with dual-stiffness spike shoes (p < 0.001, d = 1.29). Conclusions Running in dual- compared with single-stiffness spike distance running shoes resulted in lower loading rates, free moment amplitudes, and peak ankle eversion angles of long-distance runners with pronated feet.}, language = {en} } @article{RamirezCampilloAndradeNikolaidisetal.2020, author = {Ramirez-Campillo, Rodrigo and Andrade, David C. and Nikolaidis, Pantelis T. and Moran, Jason and Clemente, Filipe Manuel and Chaabene, Helmi and Comfort, Paul}, title = {Effects of plyometric jump training on vertical jump height of volleyball players: a systematic review with meta-analysis of randomized-controlled trial}, series = {Journal of Sports Science and Medicine}, volume = {19}, journal = {Journal of Sports Science and Medicine}, publisher = {Wiley-Blackwell}, address = {Oxford}, pages = {11}, year = {2020}, abstract = {This meta-analysis aimed to assess the effects of plyometric jump training (PJT) on volleyball players' vertical jump height (VJH), comparing changes with those observed in a matched control group. A literature search in the databases of PubMed, MEDLINE, Web of Science, and SCOPUS was conducted. Only randomized-controlled trials and studies that included a pre-to-post intervention assessment of VJH were included. They involved only healthy volleyball players with no restrictions on age or sex. Data were independently extracted from the included studies by two authors. The Physiotherapy Evidence Database scale was used to assess the risk of bias, and methodological quality, of eligible studies included in the review. From 7,081 records, 14 studies were meta-analysed. A moderate Cohen's d effect size (ES = 0.82, p <0.001) was observed for VJH, with moderate heterogeneity (I2 = 34.4\%, p = 0.09) and no publication bias (Egger's test, p = 0.59). Analyses of moderator variables revealed no significant differences for PJT program duration (≤8 vs. >8 weeks, ES = 0.79 vs. 0.87, respectively), frequency (≤2 vs. >2 sessions/week, ES = 0.83 vs. 0.78, respectively), total number of sessions (≤16 vs. >16 sessions, ES = 0.73 vs. 0.92, respectively), sex (female vs. male, ES = 1.3 vs. 0.5, respectively), age (≥19 vs. <19 years of age, ES = 0.89 vs. 0.70, respectively), and volume (>2,000 vs. <2,000 jumps, ES = 0.76 vs. 0.79, respectively). In conclusion, PJT appears to be effective in inducing improvements in volleyball players' VJH. Improvements in VJH may be achieved by both male and female volleyball players, in different age groups, with programs of relatively low volume and frequency. Though PJT seems to be safe for volleyball players, it is recommended that an individualized approach, according to player position, is adopted with some players (e.g. libero) less prepared to sustain PJT loads.}, language = {en} } @article{JafarnezhadgeroAmirzadehFatollahietal.2022, author = {Jafarnezhadgero, Amir Ali and Amirzadeh, Nasrin and Fatollahi, Amir and Siahkouhian, Marefat and de Souza Castelo Oliveira, Anderson and Granacher, Urs}, title = {Effects of running on sand vs. stable ground on kinetics and muscle activities in individuals with over-pronated feet}, series = {Frontiers in physiology / Frontiers Research Foundation}, volume = {12}, journal = {Frontiers in physiology / Frontiers Research Foundation}, publisher = {Frontiers Research Foundation}, address = {Lausanne, Schweiz}, issn = {1664-042X}, doi = {10.3389/fphys.2021.822024}, pages = {1 -- 10}, year = {2022}, abstract = {Background: In terms of physiological and biomechanical characteristics, over-pronation of the feet has been associated with distinct muscle recruitment patterns and ground reaction forces during running. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of running on sand vs. stable ground on ground-reaction-forces (GRFs) and electromyographic (EMG) activity of lower limb muscles in individuals with over-pronated feet (OPF) compared with healthy controls. Methods: Thirty-three OPF individuals and 33 controls ran at preferred speed and in randomized-order over level-ground and sand. A force-plate was embedded in an 18-m runway to collect GRFs. Muscle activities were recorded using an EMG-system. Data were adjusted for surface-related differences in running speed. Results: Running on sand resulted in lower speed compared with stable ground running (p < 0.001; d = 0.83). Results demonstrated that running on sand produced higher tibialis anterior activity (p = 0.024; d = 0.28). Also, findings indicated larger loading rates (p = 0.004; d = 0.72) and greater vastus medialis (p < 0.001; d = 0.89) and rectus femoris (p = 0.001; d = 0.61) activities in OPF individuals. Controls but not OPF showed significantly lower gluteus-medius activity (p = 0.022; d = 0.63) when running on sand. Conclusion: Running on sand resulted in lower running speed and higher tibialis anterior activity during the loading phase. This may indicate alterations in neuromuscular demands in the distal part of the lower limbs when running on sand. In OPF individuals, higher loading rates together with greater quadriceps activity may constitute a proximal compensatory mechanism for distal surface instability.}, language = {en} } @article{SinghKushwahSinghetal.2022, author = {Singh, Gaurav and Kushwah, Gaurav Singh and Singh, Tanvi and Thapa, Rohit Kumar and Granacher, Urs and Ramirez-Campillo, Rodrigo}, title = {Effects of sand-based plyometric-jump training in combination with endurance running on outdoor or treadmill surface on physical fitness in young adult males}, series = {Journal of sports science \& medicine}, volume = {21}, journal = {Journal of sports science \& medicine}, number = {2}, publisher = {Department of Sports Medicine, Medical Faculty of Uludag University}, address = {Bursa}, issn = {1303-2968}, doi = {10.52082/jssm.2022.277}, pages = {277 -- 286}, year = {2022}, abstract = {This study aimed at examining the effects of nine weeks of sand-based plyometric jump training (PJT) combined with endurance running on either outdoor or treadmill surface on measures of physical fitness. Male participants (age, 20.1 +/- 1.7 years) were randomly assigned to a sand-based PJT combined with endurance running on outdoor surface (OT, n = 25) or treadmill surface (TT, n = 25). The endurance miming intervention comprised a mixed training method, i.e., long slow distance, tempo, and interval running drills. A control group was additionally included in this study (CG, n = 25). Participants in CG followed their regular physical activity as OT and TT but did not receive any specific intervention. Individuals were assessed for their 50-m linear sprint time, standing long jump (SLJ) distance, cardiorespiratory fitness (i.e., Cooper test), forced vital capacity (FVC), calf girth, and resting heart rate (RHR). A three (groups: OT, TT, CG) by two (time: pre, post) ANOVA for repeated measures was used to analyze the exercise-specific effects. In case of significant group-by-time interactions, Bonferroni adjusted paired (within-group) and independent (between-group comparisons at post) t-tests were used for post-hoc analyses. Significant group-by-time interactions were found for all dependent variables (p < 0.001 - 0.002, eta(2)(p) = 0.16 - 0.78). Group-specific post-hoc tests showed improvements for all variables after OT (p < 0.001, Hedges'g effect size [g] = 0.05 - 1.94) and TT (p < 0.001, g = 0.04 - 2.73), but not in the CG (p = 0.058 - 1.000, g = 0.00 - 0.34). Compared to CG, OT showed larger SLJ (p = 0.001), cardiorespiratory fitness (p = 0.004), FVC (p = 0.008), and RHR (p < 0.001) improvements. TT showed larger improvements in SLJ (p = 0.036), cardiorespiratory fitness (p < 0.001), and RHR (p < 0.001) compared with CG. Compared to OT, TT showed larger improvements for SLJ (p = 0.018). In conclusion, sand-based PJT combined with either OT or TT similarly improved most measures of physical fitness, with greater SLJ improvement after TT. Coaches may use both concurrent exercise regimes based on preferences and logistical constrains (e.g., weather; access to treadmill equipment).}, language = {en} } @article{SandauGranacher2020, author = {Sandau, Ingo and Granacher, Urs}, title = {Effects of the barbell load on the acceleration phase during the snatch in elite Olympic weightlifting}, series = {Sports}, volume = {8}, journal = {Sports}, number = {5}, publisher = {MDPI}, address = {Basel}, issn = {2075-4663}, doi = {10.3390/sports8050059}, pages = {10}, year = {2020}, abstract = {The load-depended loss of vertical barbell velocity at the end of the acceleration phase limits the maximum weight that can be lifted. Thus, the purpose of this study was to analyze how increased barbell loads affect the vertical barbell velocity in the sub-phases of the acceleration phase during the snatch. It was hypothesized that the load-dependent velocity loss at the end of the acceleration phase is primarily associated with a velocity loss during the 1st pull. For this purpose, 14 male elite weightlifters lifted seven load-stages from 70-100\% of their personal best in the snatch. The load-velocity relationship was calculated using linear regression analysis to determine the velocity loss at 1st pull, transition, and 2nd pull. A group mean data contrast analysis revealed the highest load-dependent velocity loss for the 1st pull (t = 1.85, p = 0.044, g = 0.49 [-0.05, 1.04]) which confirmed our study hypothesis. In contrast to the group mean data, the individual athlete showed a unique response to increased loads during the acceleration sub-phases of the snatch. With the proposed method, individualized training recommendations on exercise selection and loading schemes can be derived to specifically improve the sub-phases of the snatch acceleration phase. Furthermore, the results highlight the importance of single-subject assessment when working with elite athletes in Olympic weightlifting.}, language = {en} } @article{HortobagyiLesinskiGaebleretal.2015, author = {Hortob{\´a}gyi, Tibor and Lesinski, Melanie and G{\"a}bler, Martijn and VanSwearingen, Jessie M. and Malatesta, Davide and Granacher, Urs}, title = {Effects of three types of exercise interventions on healthy old adults' gait speed}, series = {Sports medicine}, volume = {45}, journal = {Sports medicine}, publisher = {Springer}, address = {Berlin}, issn = {1179-2035}, doi = {10.1007/s40279-015-0371-2}, pages = {1627 -- 1643}, year = {2015}, abstract = {Background: Habitual walking speed predicts many clinical conditions later in life, but it declines with age. However, which particular exercise intervention can minimize the age-related gait speed loss is unclear. Purpose: Our objective was to determine the effects of strength, power, coordination, and multimodal exercise training on healthy old adults' habitual and fast gait speed. Methods: We performed a computerized systematic literature search in PubMed and Web of Knowledge from January 1984 up to December 2014. Search terms included 'Resistance training', 'power training', 'coordination training', 'multimodal training', and 'gait speed (outcome term). Inclusion criteria were articles available in full text, publication period over past 30 years, human species, journal articles, clinical trials, randomized controlled trials, English as publication language, and subject age C65 years. The methodological quality of all eligible intervention studies was assessed using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scale. We computed weighted average standardized mean differences of the intervention-induced adaptations in gait speed using a random-effects model and tested for overall and individual intervention effects relative to no-exercise controls. Results: A total of 42 studies (mean PEDro score of 5.0 +/- 1.2) were included in the analyses (2495 healthy old adults; age 74.2 years [64.4-82.7]; body mass 69.9 +/- 4.9 kg, height 1.64 +/- 0.05 m, body mass index 26.4 +/- 1.9 kg/m(2), and gait speed 1.22 +/- 0.18 m/s). The search identified only one power training study, therefore the subsequent analyses focused only on the effects of resistance, coordination, and multimodal training on gait speed. The three types of intervention improved gait speed in the three experimental groups combined (n = 1297) by 0.10 m/s (+/- 0.12) or 8.4 \% (+/- 9.7), with a large effect size (ES) of 0.84. Resistance (24 studies; n = 613; 0.11 m/s; 9.3 \%; ES: 0.84), coordination (eight studies, n = 198; 0.09 m/s; 7.6 \%; ES: 0.76), and multimodal training (19 studies; n = 486; 0.09 m/s; 8.4 \%, ES: 0.86) increased gait speed statistically and similarly. Conclusions: Commonly used exercise interventions can functionally and clinically increase habitual and fast gait speed and help slow the loss of gait speed or delay its onset.}, language = {en} } @article{JafarnezhadgeroFatollahiGranacher2022, author = {Jafarnezhadgero, Amir Ali and Fatollahi, Amir and Granacher, Urs}, title = {Eight weeks of exercising on sand has positive effects on biomechanics of walking and muscle activities in individuals with pronated feet}, series = {Sports : open access journal}, volume = {10}, journal = {Sports : open access journal}, number = {5}, publisher = {MDPI}, address = {Basel}, issn = {2075-4663}, doi = {10.3390/sports10050070}, pages = {16}, year = {2022}, abstract = {This study aimed to investigate the effects of eight weeks of barefoot running exercise on sand versus control on measures of walking kinetics and muscle activities in individuals with diagnosed pronated feet. Sixty physically active male adults with pronated feet were randomly allocated into an intervention or a waiting control group. The intervention group conducted an 8-weeks progressive barefoot running exercise program on sand (e.g., short sprints) with three weekly sessions. Pre and post intervention, participants walked at a constant speed of 1.3 m/s +/- 5\% on a 18 m walkway with a force plate embedded in the middle of the walkway. Results showed significant group-by-time interactions for peak impact vertical and lateral ground reaction forces. Training but not control resulted in significantly lower peak impact vertical and lateral ground reaction forces. Significant group-by-time interactions were observed for vastus lateralis activity during the loading phase. Training-induced increases were found for the vastus lateralis in the intervention but not in the control group. This study revealed that the applied exercise program is a suitable means to absorb ground reaction forces (e.g., lower impact vertical and lateral peaks) and increase activities of selected lower limb muscles (e.g., vastus lateralis) when walking on stable ground.}, language = {en} } @article{LoepfeDussZafeiropoulouetal.2019, author = {L{\"o}pfe, Moira and Duss, Anja and Zafeiropoulou, Katerina-Alexandra and Bjoergvinsdottir, Oddny and Eglin, David and Fortunato, Giuseppino and Klasen, J{\"u}rgen and Ferguson, Stephen J. and W{\"u}rtz-Kozak, Karin and Krupkova, Olga}, title = {Electrospray-Based Microencapsulation of Epigallocatechin 3-Gallate for Local Delivery into the Intervertebral Disc}, series = {Pharmaceutics}, volume = {11}, journal = {Pharmaceutics}, number = {9}, publisher = {MDPI}, address = {Basel}, issn = {1999-4923}, doi = {10.3390/pharmaceutics11090435}, pages = {15}, year = {2019}, abstract = {Locally delivered anti-inflammatory compounds can restore the homeostasis of the degenerated intervertebral disc (IVD). With beneficial effects on IVD cells, epigallocatechin 3-gallate (EGCG) is a promising therapeutic candidate. However, EGCG is prone to rapid degradation and/or depletion. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to develop a method for controlled EGCG delivery in the degenerated IVD. Primary IVD cells were isolated from human donors undergoing IVD surgeries. EGCG was encapsulated into microparticles by electrospraying of glutaraldehyde-crosslinked gelatin. The resulting particles were characterized in terms of cytocompatibility and anti-inflammatory activity, and combined with a thermoresponsive carrier to produce an injectable EGCG delivery system. Subsequently, electrospraying was scaled up using the industrial NANOSPIDER (TM) technology. The produced EGCG microparticles reduced the expression of inflammatory (IL-6, IL-8, COX-2) and catabolic (MMP1, MMP3, MMP13) mediators in pro-inflammatory 3D cell cultures. Combining the EGCG microparticles with the carrier showed a trend towards modulating EGCG activity/release. Electrospray upscaling was achieved, leading to particles with homogenous spherical morphologies. In conclusion, electrospray-based encapsulation of EGCG resulted in cytocompatible microparticles that preserved the activity of EGCG and showed the potential to control EGCG release, thus favoring IVD health by downregulating local inflammation. Future studies will focus on further exploring the biological activity of the developed delivery system for potential clinical use.}, language = {en} } @article{HerzogJennyNickeletal.2020, author = {Herzog, Stefan M. and Jenny, Mirjam A. and Nickel, Christian and Ortega, Ricardo Nieves and Bingisser, Roland}, title = {Emergency department patients with weakness or fatigue}, series = {PLOS ONE}, volume = {15}, journal = {PLOS ONE}, number = {11}, publisher = {Public Library of Science}, address = {San Francisco, California, US}, issn = {1932-6203}, doi = {10.1371/journal.pone.0239902}, pages = {20}, year = {2020}, abstract = {Background Generalized weakness and fatigue are underexplored symptoms in emergency medicine. Triage tools often underestimate patients presenting to the emergency department (ED) with these nonspecific symptoms (Nemec et al., 2010). At the same time, physicians' disease severity rating (DSR) on a scale from 0 (not sick at all) to 10 (extremely sick) predicts key outcomes in ED patients (Beglinger et al., 2015; Rohacek et al., 2015). Our goals were (1) to characterize ED patients with weakness and/or fatigue (W|F); to explore (2) to what extent physicians' DSR at triage can predict five key outcomes in ED patients with W|F; (3) how well DSR performs relative to two commonly used benchmark methods, the Emergency Severity Index (ESI) and the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI); (4) to what extent DSR provides predictive information beyond ESI, CCI, or their linear combination, i.e., whether ESI and CCI should be used alone or in combination with DSR; and (5) to what extent ESI, CCI, or their linear combination provide predictive information beyond DSR alone, i.e., whether DSR should be used alone or in combination with ESI and / or CCI. Methods Prospective observational study between 2013-2015 (analysis in 2018-2020, study team blinded to hypothesis) conducted at a single center. We study an all-comer cohort of 3,960 patients (48\% female patients, median age = 51 years, 94\% completed 1-year follow-up). We looked at two primary outcomes (acute morbidity (Bingisser et al., 2017; Weigel et al., 2017) and all-cause 1- year mortality) and three secondary outcomes (in-hospital mortality, hospitalization and transfer to ICU). We assessed the predictive power (i.e., resolution, measured as the Area under the ROC Curve, AUC) of the scores and, using logistic regression, their linear combinations. Findings Compared to patients without W|F (n = 3,227), patients with W|F (n = 733) showed higher prevalences for all five outcomes, reported more symptoms across both genders, and received higher DSRs (median = 4; interquartile range (IQR) = 3-6 vs. median = 3; IQR = 2-5). DSR predicted all five outcomes well above chance (i.e., AUCs > similar to 0.70), similarly well for both patients with and without W|F, and as good as or better than ESI and CCI in patients with and without W|F (except for 1-year mortality where CCI performs better). For acute morbidity, hospitalization, and transfer to ICU there is clear evidence that adding DSR to ESI and/or CCI improves predictions for both patient groups; for 1-year mortality and in-hospital mortality this holds for most, but not all comparisons. Adding ESI and/or CCI to DSR generally did not improve performance or even decreased it. Conclusions The use of physicians' disease severity rating has never been investigated in patients with generalized weakness and fatigue. We show that physicians' prediction of acute morbidity, mortality, hospitalization, and transfer to ICU through their DSR is also accurate in these patients. Across all patients, DSR is less predictive of acute morbidity for female than male patients, however. Future research should investigate how emergency physicians judge their patients' clinical state at triage and how this can be improved and used in simple decision aids.}, language = {en} } @article{SchaeferDechWolffetal.2022, author = {Schaefer, Laura and Dech, Silas and Wolff, Lara L. and Bittmann, Frank}, title = {Emotional Imagery Influences the Adaptive Force in Young Women}, series = {Brain Sciences}, volume = {12}, journal = {Brain Sciences}, number = {10}, publisher = {MDPI}, address = {Basel, Schweiz}, issn = {2076-3425}, doi = {10.3390/brainsci12101318}, pages = {23}, year = {2022}, abstract = {The link between emotions and motor function has been known for decades but is still not clarified. The Adaptive Force (AF) describes the neuromuscular capability to adapt to increasing forces and was suggested to be especially vulnerable to interfering inputs. This study investigated the influence of pleasant an unpleasant food imagery on the manually assessed AF of elbow and hip flexors objectified by a handheld device in 12 healthy women. The maximal isometric AF was significantly reduced during unpleasant vs. pleasant imagery and baseline (p < 0.001, dz = 0.98-1.61). During unpleasant imagery, muscle lengthening started at 59.00 ± 22.50\% of maximal AF, in contrast to baseline and pleasant imagery, during which the isometric position could be maintained mostly during the entire force increase up to ~97.90 ± 5.00\% of maximal AF. Healthy participants showed an immediately impaired holding function triggered by unpleasant imagery, presumably related to negative emotions. Hence, AF seems to be suitable to test instantaneously the effect of emotions on motor function. Since musculoskeletal complaints can result from muscular instability, the findings provide insights into the understanding of the causal chain of linked musculoskeletal pain and mental stress. A case example (current stress vs. positive imagery) suggests that the approach presented in this study might have future implications for psychomotor diagnostics and therapeutics.}, language = {en} } @article{WetzelKochPreiseretal.2022, author = {Wetzel, Anna-Jasmin and Koch, Roland and Preiser, Christine and M{\"u}ller, Regina and Klemmt, Malte and Ranisch, Robert and Ehni, Hans-J{\"o}rg and Wiesing, Urban and Rieger, Monika A. and Henking, Tanja and Joos, Stefanie}, title = {Ethical, legal, and social implications of symptom checker Apps in primary Health Care (CHECK.APP)}, series = {JMIR Research Protocols}, volume = {11}, journal = {JMIR Research Protocols}, number = {5}, publisher = {JMIR Research Protocols}, address = {Toronto}, issn = {1929-0748}, doi = {10.2196/34026}, pages = {11}, year = {2022}, abstract = {Background: Symptom checker apps (SCAs) are accessible tools that provide early symptom assessment for users. The ethical, legal, and social implications of SCAs and their impact on the patient-physician relationship, the health care providers, and the health care system have sparsely been examined. This study protocol describes an approach to investigate the possible impacts and implications of SCAs on different levels of health care provision. It considers the perspectives of the users, nonusers, general practitioners (GPs), and health care experts. Objective: We aim to assess a comprehensive overview of the use of SCAs and address problematic issues, if any. The primary outcomes of this study are empirically informed multi-perspective recommendations for different stakeholders on the ethical, legal, and social implications of SCAs. Methods: Quantitative and qualitative methods will be used in several overlapping and interconnected study phases. In study phase 1, a comprehensive literature review will be conducted to assess the ethical, legal, social, and systemic impacts of SCAs. Study phase 2 comprises a survey that will be analyzed with a logistic regression. It aims to assess the user degree of SCAs in Germany as well as the predictors for SCA usage. Study phase 3 will investigate self-observational diaries and user interviews, which will be analyzed as integrated cases to assess user perspectives, usage pattern, and arising problems. Study phase 4 will comprise GP interviews to assess their experiences, perspectives, self-image, and concepts and will be analyzed with the basic procedure by Kruse. Moreover, interviews with health care experts will be conducted in study phase 3 and will be analyzed by using the reflexive thematical analysis approach of Braun and Clark. Results: Study phase 1 will be completed in November 2021. We expect the results of study phase 2 in December 2021 and February 2022. In study phase 3, interviews are currently being conducted. The final study endpoint will be in February 2023. Conclusions: The possible ethical, legal, social, and systemic impacts of a widespread use of SCAs that affect stakeholders and stakeholder groups on different levels of health care will be identified. The proposed methodological approach provides a multifaceted and diverse empirical basis for a broad discussion on these implications.}, language = {en} } @article{TimmeBrandRaboldt2023, author = {Timme, Sinika and Brand, Ralf and Raboldt, Michaela}, title = {Exercise or not?}, series = {Frontiers in psychology}, volume = {14}, journal = {Frontiers in psychology}, publisher = {Frontiers Media}, address = {Lausanne}, issn = {1664-1078}, doi = {10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1049356}, pages = {10}, year = {2023}, abstract = {Objective: Individuals' decisions to engage in exercise are often the result of in-the-moment choices between exercise and a competing behavioral alternative. The purpose of this study was to investigate processes that occur in-the-moment (i.e., situated processes) when individuals are faced with the choice between exercise and a behavioral alternative during a computerized task. These were analyzed against the background of interindividual differences in individuals' automatic valuation and controlled evaluation of exercise. Method: In a behavioral alternatives task 101 participants were asked whether they would rather choose an exercise option or a behavioral alternative in 25 trials. Participants' gaze behavior (first gaze and fixations) was recorded using eye-tracking. An exercise-specific affect misattribution procedure (AMP) was used to assess participants' automatic valuation of exercise before the task. After the task, self-reported feelings towards exercise (controlled evaluation) and usual weekly exercise volume were assessed. Mixed effects models with random effects for subjects and trials were used for data analysis. Results: Choosing exercise was positively correlated with individuals' automatic valuation (r = 0.20, p = 0.05), controlled evaluation (r = 0.58, p < 0.001), and their weekly exercise volume (r = 0.43, p < 0.001). Participants showed no bias in their initial gaze or number of fixations towards the exercise or the non-exercise alternative. However, participants were 1.30 times more likely to fixate on the chosen alternative first and more frequently, but this gaze behavior was not related to individuals' automatic valuation, controlled evaluation, or weekly exercise volume. Conclusion: The results suggest that situated processes arising from defined behavioral alternatives may be independent of individuals' general preferences. Despite one's best general intention to exercise more, the choice of a non-exercise alternative behavior may seem more appealing in-the-moment and eventually be chosen. New psychological theories of health behavior change should therefore better consider the role of potentially conflicting alternatives when it comes to initiating physical activity or exercise.}, language = {en} } @article{ZechSchuchPerezChaparroetal.2020, author = {Zech, Philipp and Schuch, Felipe and P{\´e}rez Chaparro, Camilo Germ{\´a}n Alberto and Kangas, Maria and Rapp, Michael A. and Heissel, Andreas}, title = {Exercise, Comorbidities, and Health-Related Quality of Life in People Living with HIV}, series = {International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health}, volume = {17}, journal = {International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health}, number = {14}, publisher = {MDPI AG}, address = {Basel}, issn = {1660-4601}, doi = {10.3390/ijerph17145138}, pages = {15}, year = {2020}, abstract = {(1) Background: People with HIV (PWH) may perform more than one type of exercise cumulatively. The objective of this study is to investigate recreational exercise and its association with health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and comorbidities in relation to potential covariates. (2) Methods: The HIBES study (HIV-Begleiterkrankungen-Sport) is a cross-sectional study for people with HIV. The differences between non-exercisers versus exercisers (cumulated vs. single type of exercises) were investigated using regression models based on 454 participants. (3) Results: Exercisers showed a higher HRQOL score compared to non-exercisers (Wilcox r = 0.2 to 0.239). Psychological disorders were identified as the main covariate. Participants performing exercise cumulatively showed higher scores in duration, frequency, and intensity when compared to participants performing only one type of exercise. The mental health summary score was higher for the cumulated and single type of exercise if a psychological disorder existed. Duration and intensity were associated with an increase of HRQOL, whilst a stronger association between psychological disorders and exercise variables were evident. Exercise duration (minutes) showed a significant effect on QOL (standardized beta = 0.1) and for participants with psychological disorders (standardized beta = 0.3), respectively. (4) Conclusions: Psychological disorders and other covariates have a prominent effect on HRQOL and its association with exercise. For PWH with a psychological disorder, a stronger relationship between HRQOL with exercise duration and intensity emerged. However, differentiation of high-HRQOL individuals warrants further investigation by considering additional factors.}, language = {en} } @article{KamedaZvickVuketal.2019, author = {Kameda, Takuya and Zvick, Joel and Vuk, Miriam and Sadowska, Aleksandra and Tam, Wai Kit and Leung, Victor Y. and B{\"o}lcskei, Kata and Helyes, Zsuzsanna and Applegate, Lee Ann and Hausmann, Oliver N. and Klasen, Juergen and Krupkova, Olga and W{\"u}rtz-Kozak, Karin}, title = {Expression and Activity of TRPA1 and TRPV1 in the Intervertebral Disc}, series = {International journal of molecular sciences}, volume = {20}, journal = {International journal of molecular sciences}, number = {7}, publisher = {MDPI}, address = {Basel}, issn = {1422-0067}, doi = {10.3390/ijms20071767}, pages = {23}, year = {2019}, abstract = {Transient receptor potential (TRP) channels have emerged as potential sensors and transducers of inflammatory pain. The aims of this study were to investigate (1) the expression of TRP channels in intervertebral disc (IVD) cells in normal and inflammatory conditions and (2) the function of Transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 (TRPA1) and Transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) in IVD inflammation and matrix homeostasis. RT-qPCR was used to analyze human fetal, healthy, and degenerated IVD tissues for the gene expression of TRPA1 and TRPV1. The primary IVD cell cultures were stimulated with either interleukin-1 beta (IL-1) or tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-) alone or in combination with TRPA1/V1 agonist allyl isothiocyanate (AITC, 3 and 10 mu M), followed by analysis of calcium flux and the expression of inflammation mediators (RT-qPCR/ELISA) and matrix constituents (RT-qPCR). The matrix structure and composition in caudal motion segments from TRPA1 and TRPV1 wild-type (WT) and knock-out (KO) mice was visualized by FAST staining. Gene expression of other TRP channels (A1, C1, C3, C6, V1, V2, V4, V6, M2, M7, M8) was also tested in cytokine-treated cells. TRPA1 was expressed in fetal IVD cells, 20\% of degenerated IVDs, but not in healthy mature IVDs. TRPA1 expression was not detectable in untreated cells and it increased upon cytokine treatment, while TRPV1 was expressed and concomitantly reduced. In inflamed IVD cells, 10 mu M AITC activated calcium flux, induced gene expression of IL-8, and reduced disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs 5 (ADAMTS5) and collagen 1A1, possibly via upregulated TRPA1. TRPA1 KO in mice was associated with signs of degeneration in the nucleus pulposus and the vertebral growth plate, whereas TRPV1 KO did not show profound changes. Cytokine treatment also affected the gene expression of TRPV2 (increase), TRPV4 (increase), and TRPC6 (decrease). TRPA1 might be expressed in developing IVD, downregulated during its maturation, and upregulated again in degenerative disc disease, participating in matrix homeostasis. However, follow-up studies with larger sample sizes are needed to fully elucidate the role of TRPA1 and other TRP channels in degenerative disc disease.}, language = {en} } @article{HeWuertzKozakKuehletal.2021, author = {He, Yangyang and W{\"u}rtz-Kozak, Karin and K{\"u}hl, Linn Kristina and Wippert, Pia-Maria}, title = {Extracellular vesicles}, series = {International journal of molecular sciences}, volume = {22}, journal = {International journal of molecular sciences}, number = {11}, publisher = {Molecular Diversity Preservation International}, address = {Basel}, issn = {1422-0067}, doi = {10.3390/ijms22115846}, pages = {15}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Osteoporosis is characterized by low bone mass and damage to the bone tissue's microarchitecture, leading to increased fracture risk. Several studies have provided evidence for associations between psychosocial stress and osteoporosis through various pathways, including the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical axis, the sympathetic nervous system, and other endocrine factors. As psychosocial stress provokes oxidative cellular stress with consequences for mitochondrial function and cell signaling (e.g., gene expression, inflammation), it is of interest whether extracellular vesicles (EVs) may be a relevant biomarker in this context or act by transporting substances. EVs are intercellular communicators, transfer substances encapsulated in them, modify the phenotype and function of target cells, mediate cell-cell communication, and, therefore, have critical applications in disease progression and clinical diagnosis and therapy. This review summarizes the characteristics of EVs, their role in stress and osteoporosis, and their benefit as biological markers. We demonstrate that EVs are potential mediators of psychosocial stress and osteoporosis and may be beneficial in innovative research settings.}, language = {en} } @article{KuschelSonnenburgEngel2022, author = {Kuschel, Luciano Bruno and Sonnenburg, Dominik and Engel, Tilman}, title = {Factors of muscle quality and determinants of muscle strength}, series = {Healthcare}, volume = {10}, journal = {Healthcare}, publisher = {MDPI}, address = {Basel}, issn = {2227-9032}, doi = {10.3390/healthcare10101937}, pages = {29}, year = {2022}, abstract = {Muscle quality defined as the ratio of muscle strength to muscle mass disregards underlying factors which influence muscle strength. The aim of this review was to investigate the relationship of phase angle (PhA), echo intensity (EI), muscular adipose tissue (MAT), muscle fiber type, fascicle pennation angle (θf), fascicle length (lf), muscle oxidative capacity, insulin sensitivity (IS), neuromuscular activation, and motor unit to muscle strength. PubMed search was performed in 2021. The inclusion criteria were: (i) original research, (ii) human participants, (iii) adults (≥18 years). Exclusion criteria were: (i) no full-text, (ii) non-English or -German language, (iii) pathologies. Forty-one studies were identified. Nine studies found a weak-moderate negative (range r: [-0.26]-[-0.656], p < 0.05) correlation between muscle strength and EI. Four studies found a weak-moderate positive correlation (range r: 0.177-0.696, p < 0.05) between muscle strength and PhA. Two studies found a moderate-strong negative correlation (range r: [-0.446]-[-0.87], p < 0.05) between muscle strength and MAT. Two studies found a weak-strong positive correlation (range r: 0.28-0.907, p < 0.05) between θf and muscle strength. Muscle oxidative capacity was found to be a predictor of muscle strength. This review highlights that the current definition of muscle quality should be expanded upon as to encompass all possible factors of muscle quality.}, language = {en} } @article{EngelSchraplauWochatzetal.2021, author = {Engel, Tilman and Schraplau, Anne and Wochatz, Monique and Kopinski, Stephan and Sonnenburg, Dominik and Schom{\"o}ller, Anne and Risch, Lucie and Kaplick, Hannes and Mayer, Frank}, title = {Feasability of An Eccentric Isokinetic Protocol to Induce Trunk Muscle Damage: A Pilot Study}, series = {Sports Medicine International Open}, volume = {6}, journal = {Sports Medicine International Open}, edition = {1}, publisher = {Thieme}, address = {Stuttgart}, issn = {2367-1890}, doi = {10.1055/a-1757-6724}, pages = {E9 -- E17}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Eccentric exercise is discussed as a treatment option for clinical populations, but specific responses in terms of muscle damage and systemic inflammation after repeated loading of large muscle groups have not been conclusively characterized. Therefore, this study tested the feasibility of an isokinetic protocol for repeated maximum eccentric loading of the trunk muscles. Nine asymptomatic participants (5 f/4 m; 34±6 yrs; 175±13 cm; 76±17 kg) performed three isokinetic 2-minute all-out trunk strength tests (1x concentric (CON), 2x eccentric (ECC1, ECC2), 2 weeks apart; flexion/extension, 60°/s, ROM 55°). Outcomes were peak torque, torque decline, total work, and indicators of muscle damage and inflammation (over 168 h). Statistics were done using the Friedman test (Dunn's post-test). For ECC1 and ECC2, peak torque and total work were increased and torque decline reduced compared to CON. Repeated ECC bouts yielded unaltered torque and work outcomes. Muscle damage markers were highest after ECC1 (soreness 48 h, creatine kinase 72 h; p<0.05). Their overall responses (area under the curve) were abolished post-ECC2 compared to post-ECC1 (p<0.05). Interleukin-6 was higher post-ECC1 than CON, and attenuated post-ECC2 (p>0.05). Interleukin-10 and tumor necrosis factor-α were not detectable. All markers showed high inter-individual variability. The protocol was feasible to induce muscle damage indicators after exercising a large muscle group, but the pilot results indicated only weak systemic inflammatory responses in asymptomatic adults.}, language = {en} } @article{HeroldTheobaldGronwaldetal.2022, author = {Herold, Fabian and Theobald, Paula and Gronwald, Thomas and Rapp, Michael A. and M{\"u}ller, Notger Germar}, title = {Going digital - a commentary on the terminology used at the intersection of physical activity and digital health}, series = {European review of aging and physical activity}, volume = {19}, journal = {European review of aging and physical activity}, publisher = {Springer}, address = {Berlin ; Heidelberg}, issn = {1861-6909}, doi = {10.1186/s11556-022-00296-y}, pages = {7}, year = {2022}, abstract = {In recent years digital technologies have become a major means for providing health-related services and this trend was strongly reinforced by the current Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. As it is well-known that regular physical activity has positive effects on individual physical and mental health and thus is an important prerequisite for healthy aging, digital technologies are also increasingly used to promote unstructured and structured forms of physical activity. However, in the course of this development, several terms (e.g., Digital Health, Electronic Health, Mobile Health, Telehealth, Telemedicine, and Telerehabilitation) have been introduced to refer to the application of digital technologies to provide health-related services such as physical interventions. Unfortunately, the above-mentioned terms are often used in several different ways, but also relatively interchangeably. Given that ambiguous terminology is a major source of difficulty in scientific communication which can impede the progress of theoretical and empirical research, this article aims to make the reader aware of the subtle differences between the relevant terms which are applied at the intersection of physical activity and Digital Health and to provide state-of-art definitions for them.}, language = {en} } @article{SackFerrariFriesenetal.2022, author = {Sack, Carolin and Ferrari, Nina and Friesen, David and Haas, Fabiola and Klaudius, Marlen and Schmidt, Lisa and Torbahn, Gabriel and Wulff, Hagen and Joisten, Christine}, title = {Health risks of sarcopenic obesity in overweight children and adolescents: data from the CHILT III Programme (Cologne)}, series = {Journal of Clinical Medicine : open access journal}, volume = {11}, journal = {Journal of Clinical Medicine : open access journal}, number = {1}, publisher = {MDPI}, address = {Basel}, issn = {2077-0383}, doi = {10.3390/jcm11010277}, pages = {12}, year = {2022}, abstract = {Sarcopenic obesity is increasingly found in youth, but its health consequences remain unclear. Therefore, we studied the prevalence of sarcopenia and its association with cardiometabolic risk factors as well as muscular and cardiorespiratory fitness using data from the German Children's Health InterventionaL Trial (CHILT III) programme. In addition to anthropometric data and blood pressure, muscle and fat mass were determined with bioelectrical impedance analysis. Sarcopenia was classified via muscle-to-fat ratio. A fasting blood sample was taken, muscular fitness was determined using the standing long jump, and cardiorespiratory fitness was determined using bicycle ergometry. Of the 119 obese participants included in the analysis (47.1\% female, mean age 12.2 years), 83 (69.7\%) had sarcopenia. Affected individuals had higher gamma-glutamyl transferase, higher glutamate pyruvate transaminase, higher high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, higher diastolic blood pressure, and lower muscular and cardiorespiratory fitness (each p < 0.05) compared to participants who were 'only' obese. No differences were found in other parameters. In our study, sarcopenic obesity was associated with various disorders in children and adolescents. However, the clinical value must be tested with larger samples and reference populations to develop a unique definition and appropriate methods in terms of identification but also related preventive or therapeutic approaches.}, language = {en} } @article{DelfanJuybariGorganiFiruzjaeeetal.2022, author = {Delfan, Maryam and Juybari, Raheleh Amadeh and Gorgani-Firuzjaee, Sattar and H{\o}iriis Nielsen, Jens and Delfan, Neda and Laher, Ismail and Saeidi, Ayoub and Granacher, Urs and Zouhal, Hassane}, title = {High-intensity interval training improves cardiac function by miR-206 dependent HSP60 induction in diabetic rats}, series = {Frontiers in cardiovascular medicine}, volume = {9}, journal = {Frontiers in cardiovascular medicine}, publisher = {Frontiers Media}, address = {Lausanne}, issn = {2297-055X}, doi = {10.3389/fcvm.2022.927956}, pages = {11}, year = {2022}, abstract = {ObjectiveA role for microRNAs is implicated in several biological and pathological processes. We investigated the effects of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) on molecular markers of diabetic cardiomyopathy in rats. MethodsEighteen male Wistar rats (260 +/- 10 g; aged 8 weeks) with streptozotocin (STZ)-induced type 1 diabetes mellitus (55 mg/kg, IP) were randomly allocated to three groups: control, MICT, and HIIT. The two different training protocols were performed 5 days each week for 5 weeks. Cardiac performance (end-systolic and end-diastolic dimensions, ejection fraction), the expression of miR-206, HSP60, and markers of apoptosis (cleaved PARP and cytochrome C) were determined at the end of the exercise interventions. ResultsBoth exercise interventions (HIIT and MICT) decreased blood glucose levels and improved cardiac performance, with greater changes in the HIIT group (p < 0.001, eta(2): 0.909). While the expressions of miR-206 and apoptotic markers decreased in both training protocols (p < 0.001, eta(2): 0.967), HIIT caused greater reductions in apoptotic markers and produced a 20\% greater reduction in miR-206 compared with the MICT protocol (p < 0.001). Furthermore, both training protocols enhanced the expression of HSP60 (p < 0.001, eta(2): 0.976), with a nearly 50\% greater increase in the HIIT group compared with MICT. ConclusionsOur results indicate that both exercise protocols, HIIT and MICT, have the potential to reduce diabetic cardiomyopathy by modifying the expression of miR-206 and its downstream targets of apoptosis. It seems however that HIIT is even more effective than MICT to modulate these molecular markers.}, language = {en} } @article{BittmannDechSchaefer2023, author = {Bittmann, Frank and Dech, Silas and Schaefer, Laura}, title = {How to confuse motor control}, series = {Life : open access journal}, volume = {13}, journal = {Life : open access journal}, number = {4}, publisher = {MDPI}, address = {Basel}, issn = {2075-1729}, doi = {10.3390/life13040911}, pages = {18}, year = {2023}, abstract = {Adaptation to external forces relies on a well-functioning proprioceptive system including muscle spindle afferents. Muscle length and tension control in reaction to external forces is most important regarding the Adaptive Force (AF). This study investigated the effect of different procedures, which are assumed to influence the function of muscle spindles, on the AF. Elbow flexors of 12 healthy participants (n = 19 limbs) were assessed by an objectified manual muscle test (MMT) with different procedures: regular MMT, MMT after precontraction (self-estimated 20\% MVIC) in lengthened position with passive return to test position (CL), and MMT after CL with a second precontraction in test position (CL-CT). During regular MMTs, muscles maintained their length up to 99.7\% +/- 1.0\% of the maximal AF (AF(max)). After CL, muscles started to lengthen at 53.0\% +/- 22.5\% of AF(max). For CL-CT, muscles were again able to maintain the static position up to 98.3\% +/- 5.5\% of AF(max). AFiso(max) differed highly significantly between CL vs. CL-CT and regular MMT. CL was assumed to generate a slack of muscle spindles, which led to a substantial reduction of the holding capacity. This was immediately erased by a precontraction in the test position. The results substantiate that muscle spindle sensitivity seems to play an important role for neuromuscular functioning and musculoskeletal stability.}, language = {en} } @article{SariatiHammamiZouhaletal.2021, author = {Sariati, Dorsaf and Hammami, Raouf and Zouhal, Hassane and Clark, Cain Craig Truman and Nebigh, Ammar and Chtara, Moktar and Chortane, Sabri Gaied and Hackney, Anthony C. and Souissi, Nizar and Granacher, Urs and Ben Ounis, Omar}, title = {Improvement of Physical Performance Following a 6 Week Change-of-Direction Training Program in Elite Youth Soccer Players of Different Maturity Levels}, series = {Frontiers in physiology}, volume = {12}, journal = {Frontiers in physiology}, editor = {Trecroci, Athos}, publisher = {Frontiers Research Foundation}, address = {Lausanne, Schweiz}, issn = {1664-042X}, doi = {10.3389/fphys.2021.668437}, pages = {1 -- 8}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Background: Change-of-direction (CoD) is a necessary physical ability of a field sport and may vary in youth players according to their maturation status. Objectives: The aim of this study is: to compare the effectiveness of a 6-week CoD training intervention on dynamic balance (CS-YBT), horizontal jump (5JT), speed (10 and 30-m linear sprint times), CoD with (15 m-CoD + B) and without (15 m-CoD) the ball, in youth male soccer players at different levels of maturity [pre- and post-peak height velocity (PHV)]. Materials and Methods: Thirty elite male youth soccer players aged 10-17 years from the Tunisian first division participated in this study. The players were divided into pre- (G1, n = 15) and post-PHV (G2, n = 15) groups. Both groups completed a similar 6-week training program with two sessions per week of four CoD exercises. All players completed the following tests before and after intervention: CS-YBT; 5 JT; 10, 30, and 15 m-CoD; and 15 m-CoD + B, and data were analyzed using ANCOVA. Results: All 30 players completed the study according to the study design and methodology. Adherence rate was 100\% across all groups, and no training or test-related injuries were reported. Pre-PHV and post-PHV groups showed significant amelioration post-intervention for all dependent variables (after test > before test; p < 0.01, d = 0.09-1.51). ANOVA revealed a significant group × time interaction only for CS-YBT (F = 4.45; p < 0.04; η2 = 0.14), 5JT (F = 6.39; p < 0.02; η2 = 0.18), and 15 m-CoD (F = 7.88; p < 0.01; η2 = 0.22). CS-YBT, 5JT, and 15 m-CoD improved significantly in the post-PHV group (+ 4.56\%, effect size = 1.51; + 4.51\%, effect size = 1.05; and -3.08\%, effect size = 0.51, respectively), more than the pre-PHV group (+ 2.77\%, effect size = 0.85; + 2.91\%, effect size = 0.54; and -1.56\%, effect size = 0.20, respectively). Conclusion: The CoD training program improved balance, horizontal jump, and CoD without the ball in male preadolescent and adolescent soccer players, and this improvement was greater in the post-PHV players. The maturity status of the athletes should be considered when programming CoD training for soccer players.}, language = {en} } @article{RischStollSchomoelleretal.2020, author = {Risch, Lucie and Stoll, Josefine and Schom{\"o}ller, Anne and Engel, Tilman and Mayer, Frank and Cassel, Michael}, title = {Intraindividual Doppler Flow Response to Exercise Differs Between Symptomatic and Asymptomatic Achilles Tendons}, series = {Frontiers in physiology}, volume = {12}, journal = {Frontiers in physiology}, publisher = {Frontiers Research Foundation}, address = {Lausanne, Schweiz}, issn = {1664-042X}, doi = {10.3389/fphys.2021.617497}, pages = {1 -- 8}, year = {2020}, abstract = {Objective: This study investigated intraindividual differences of intratendinous blood flow (IBF) in response to running exercise in participants with Achilles tendinopathy. Design: This is a cross-sectional study. Setting: The study was conducted at the University Outpatient Clinic. Participants: Sonographic detectable intratendinous blood flow was examined in symptomatic and contralateral asymptomatic Achilles tendons of 19 participants (42 ± 13 years, 178 ± 10 cm, 76 ± 12 kg, VISA-A 75 ± 16) with clinically diagnosed unilateral Achilles tendinopathy and sonographic evident tendinosis. Intervention: IBF was assessed using Doppler ultrasound "Advanced Dynamic Flow" before (Upre) and 5, 30, 60, and 120 min (U5-U120) after a standardized submaximal constant load run. Main Outcome Measure: IBF was quantified by counting the number (n) of vessels in each tendon. Results: At Upre, IBF was higher in symptomatic compared with asymptomatic tendons [mean 6.3 (95\% CI: 2.8-9.9) and 1.7 (0.4-2.9), p < 0.01]. Overall, 63\% of symptomatic and 47\% of asymptomatic Achilles tendons responded to exercise, whereas 16 and 11\% showed persisting IBF and 21 and 42\% remained avascular throughout the investigation. At U5, IBF increased in both symptomatic and asymptomatic tendons [difference to baseline: 2.4 (0.3-4.5) and 0.9 (0.5-1.4), p = 0.05]. At U30 to U120, IBF was still increased in symptomatic but not in asymptomatic tendons [mean difference to baseline: 1.9 (0.8-2.9) and 0.1 (-0.9 to 1.2), p < 0.01]. Conclusion: Irrespective of pathology, 47-63\% of Achilles tendons responded to exercise with an immediate acute physiological IBF increase by an average of one to two vessels ("responders"). A higher amount of baseline IBF (approximately five vessels) and a prolonged exercise-induced IBF response found in symptomatic ATs indicate a pain-associated altered intratendinous "neovascularization."}, language = {en} } @article{Mueller2022, author = {M{\"u}ller, Notger Germar}, title = {Keeping the aging brain healthy through exercise}, series = {Brain Sciences}, volume = {12}, journal = {Brain Sciences}, number = {6}, publisher = {MDPI}, address = {Basel}, issn = {2076-3425}, doi = {10.3390/brainsci12060717}, pages = {2}, year = {2022}, abstract = {The interaction of physical activity and brain function with respect to what we now call successful aging has been and remains extensively studied. In general, a wealth of studies indicates that short- and long-term physical activity can induce neuroplasticity even in the adult brain, can enhance cognitive performance positively and may reduce the risk of neurodegenerative diseases. However, the underlying neurobiological mechanisms of physical activity on the human central nervous systems are not yet fully understood. Additionally, what type of exercise might be optimal for keeping the brain fit in old age and whether imagined as opposed to real exercise has the potential to be effective as well is not yet clear. In this Special Issue of Brain Sciences, six high-quality articles assess the mentioned open questions.}, language = {en} } @article{BittmannDechAehleetal.2020, author = {Bittmann, Frank and Dech, Silas and Aehle, Markus and Schaefer, Laura}, title = {Manual Muscle Testing—Force Profiles and Their Reproducibility}, series = {Diagnostics}, volume = {10}, journal = {Diagnostics}, number = {12}, publisher = {MDPI}, address = {Basel}, issn = {2075-4418}, doi = {10.3390/diagnostics10120996}, pages = {30}, year = {2020}, abstract = {The manual muscle test (MMT) is a flexible diagnostic tool, which is used in many disciplines, applied in several ways. The main problem is the subjectivity of the test. The MMT in the version of a "break test" depends on the tester's force rise and the patient's ability to resist the applied force. As a first step, the investigation of the reproducibility of the testers' force profile is required for valid application. The study examined the force profiles of n = 29 testers (n = 9 experiences (Exp), n = 8 little experienced (LitExp), n = 12 beginners (Beg)). The testers performed 10 MMTs according to the test of hip flexors, but against a fixed leg to exclude the patient's reaction. A handheld device recorded the temporal course of the applied force. The results show significant differences between Exp and Beg concerning the starting force (padj = 0.029), the ratio of starting to maximum force (padj = 0.005) and the normalized mean Euclidean distances between the 10 trials (padj = 0.015). The slope is significantly higher in Exp vs. LitExp (p = 0.006) and Beg (p = 0.005). The results also indicate that experienced testers show inter-tester differences and partly even a low intra-tester reproducibility. This highlights the necessity of an objective MMT-assessment. Furthermore, an agreement on a standardized force profile is required. A suggestion for this is given.}, language = {en} } @article{SchaeferLoefflerKleinetal.2021, author = {Schaefer, Laura and L{\"o}ffler, Nils and Klein, Julia and Bittmann, Frank}, title = {Mechanomyography and acceleration show interlimb asymmetries in Parkinson patients without tremor compared to controls during a unilateral motor task}, series = {Scientific reports}, volume = {11}, journal = {Scientific reports}, number = {1}, publisher = {Macmillan}, address = {London}, issn = {2045-2322}, doi = {10.1038/s41598-021-81672-z}, pages = {15}, year = {2021}, abstract = {The mechanical muscular oscillations are rarely the objective of investigations regarding the identification of a biomarker for Parkinson's disease (PD). Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate whether or not this specific motor output differs between PD patients and controls. The novelty is that patients without tremor are investigated performing a unilateral isometric motor task. The force of armflexors and the forearm acceleration (ACC) were recorded as well as the mechanomyography of the biceps brachii (MMGbi), brachioradialis (MMGbra) and pectoralis major (MMGpect) muscles using a piezoelectric-sensor-based system during a unilateral motor task at 70\% of the MVIC. The frequency, a power-frequency-ratio, the amplitude variation, the slope of amplitudes and their interlimb asymmetries were analysed. The results indicate that the oscillatory behavior of muscular output in PD without tremor deviates from controls in some parameters: Significant differences appeared for the power-frequency-ratio (p=0.001, r=0.43) and for the amplitude variation (p=0.003, r=0.34) of MMGpect. The interlimb asymmetries differed significantly concerning the power-frequency-ratio of MMGbi (p=0.013, r=0.42) and MMGbra (p=0.048, r=0.39) as well as regarding the mean frequency (p=0.004, r=0.48) and amplitude variation of MMGpect (p=0.033, r=0.37). The mean (M) and variation coefficient (CV) of slope of ACC differed significantly (M: p=0.022, r=0.33; CV: p=0.004, r=0.43). All other parameters showed no significant differences between PD and controls. It remains open, if this altered mechanical muscular output is reproducible and specific for PD.}, language = {en} } @article{SchaeferLoefflerKleinetal.2021, author = {Schaefer, Laura and L{\"o}ffler, Nils and Klein, Julia and Bittmann, Frank}, title = {Mechanomyography and acceleration show interlimb asymmetries in Parkinson patients without tremor compared to controls during a unilateral motor task}, series = {Scientific Reports}, volume = {11}, journal = {Scientific Reports}, publisher = {Springer Nature}, address = {Berlin}, issn = {2045-2322}, doi = {10.1038/s41598-021-81672-z}, pages = {15}, year = {2021}, abstract = {The mechanical muscular oscillations are rarely the objective of investigations regarding the identification of a biomarker for Parkinson's disease (PD). Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate whether or not this specific motor output differs between PD patients and controls. The novelty is that patients without tremor are investigated performing a unilateral isometric motor task. The force of armflexors and the forearm acceleration (ACC) were recorded as well as the mechanomyography of the biceps brachii (MMGbi), brachioradialis (MMGbra) and pectoralis major (MMGpect) muscles using a piezoelectric-sensor-based system during a unilateral motor task at 70\% of the MVIC. The frequency, a power-frequency-ratio, the amplitude variation, the slope of amplitudes and their interlimb asymmetries were analysed. The results indicate that the oscillatory behavior of muscular output in PD without tremor deviates from controls in some parameters: Significant differences appeared for the power-frequency-ratio (p = 0.001, r = 0.43) and for the amplitude variation (p = 0.003, r = 0.34) of MMGpect. The interlimb asymmetries differed significantly concerning the power-frequency-ratio of MMGbi (p = 0.013, r = 0.42) and MMGbra (p = 0.048, r = 0.39) as well as regarding the mean frequency (p = 0.004, r = 0.48) and amplitude variation of MMGpect (p = 0.033, r = 0.37). The mean (M) and variation coefficient (CV) of slope of ACC differed significantly (M: p = 0.022, r = 0.33; CV: p = 0.004, r = 0.43). All other parameters showed no significant differences between PD and controls. It remains open, if this altered mechanical muscular output is reproducible and specific for PD.}, language = {en} } @article{SchaeferBittmann2021, author = {Schaefer, Laura and Bittmann, Frank}, title = {Mechanotendography}, series = {European journal of translational myology : European journal ; basic applied myology ; BAM online ; myology reviews}, journal = {European journal of translational myology : European journal ; basic applied myology ; BAM online ; myology reviews}, number = {31}, publisher = {Unipress}, address = {Padova, Italien}, issn = {2037-7460}, doi = {10.4081/ejtm.2021.9553}, pages = {10}, year = {2021}, abstract = {The mechanotendography (MTG) is a method for analyzing the mechanical oscillations of tendons during muscular actions. The aim of this investigation was to evaluate the technical reliability of a piezo-based measurement system used for MTG. The reliability measurements were performed by using audio samples played by a subwoofer. The thereby generated pressure waves were recorded by a piezo-based measurement system. An audio of 40 Hz sine oscillations and four different formerly in vivo recorded MTG-signals were converted into audio files and were used as test signals. Five trials with each audio were performed and one audio was used for repetition trials on another day. The signals' correlation was estimated by Spearman (MCC) and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC(3,1)), Cronbach's alpha (CA) and by mean distances (MD). All parameters were compared between repetition and randomized matched signals. The repetition trials show high correlations (MCC: 0.86 ± 0.13, ICC: 0.89 ± 0.12, CA: 0.98 ± 0.03), low MD (0.03 ± 0.03V) and differ significantly from the randomized matched signals (MCC: 0.15 ± 0.10, ICC: 0.17 ± 0.09, CA: 0.37 ± 0.16, MD: 0.19 ± 0.01V) (p = 0.001 - 0.043). This speaks for an excellent reliability of the measurement system. Presuming the skin above superficial tendons oscillates adequately, we estimate this tool as valid for the application in musculoskeletal system.}, language = {en} } @article{BuschKuboschBendauetal.2022, author = {Busch, Aglaja and Kubosch, Eva Johanna and Bendau, Antonia and Leonhart, Rainer and Meidl, Verena and Bretthauer, Berit and Petzold, Moritz Bruno and Dallmann, Petra and Wrobel, Nina and Plag, Jens and Str{\"o}hle, Andreas and Hirschm{\"u}ller, Anja}, title = {Mental health in German paralympic athletes during the 1st year of the COVID-19 pandemic compared to a general population sample}, series = {Frontiers in sports and active living}, volume = {4}, journal = {Frontiers in sports and active living}, publisher = {Frontiers Media}, address = {Lausanne}, issn = {2624-9367}, doi = {10.3389/fspor.2022.870692}, pages = {9}, year = {2022}, abstract = {IntroductionThe COVID-19 pandemic has huge influences on daily life and is not only associated with physical but also with major psychological impacts. Mental health problems and disorders are frequently present in elite paralympic athletes. Due to the pandemic situation, new stressors (e.g., loss of routine, financial insecurity) might act upon the athletes. Therefore, the assessment of mental health in athletes during the COVID-19 pandemic is important to identify prevalence of psychological problems and propose countermeasures. MethodsThe mental health of German paralympic athletes was longitudinally monitored (starting in May 2019). The athletes completed the Patient Health Questionnaire 4 (PHQ-4) on a weekly basis and reported a stress level, training hours, and training load. During the pandemic, 8 measurement time points (March 2020 to April 2021) were used to reflect the psychological health course of the athletes. In parallel, a convenience sample of the general population was questioned about their psychological distress, including the PHQ-4. To be included in the analysis, participants of both groups had to complete at least 4 measurement time points. Matching of the para-athletes and the general population sample was prioritized upon completion of the same measurement time points, gender, and age. ResultsSeventy-eight paralympic athletes (40 women, 38 men, age: 29.8 +/- 11.4 years) met the inclusion criteria. Seventy-eight matched pairs of the general population (40 women; 38 men; age: 30.5 +/- 10.9 years) were identified. The para-athletes had a significantly (p r <0.48) lower PHQ-4 value at each measurement time point compared to the matched control group. No significant age or sex differences were evident regarding the symptom burden. In para-athletes, no significant and a weak positive correlation was found between decreased training load and PHQ-4 values and a stress level, respectively. Reduced physical activity was significantly (p <0.0001) associated with higher PHQ-4 values in the general population sample. DiscussionLower PHQ-4 values were reported by the para-athletes compared to the general population sample. However, small sample sizes must be considered while interpreting the data. Nevertheless, adequate support for individuals suffering from severe psychopathological symptoms should be provided for para-athletes as well as for the general population.}, language = {en} } @article{SchraplauBlockHaeusleretal.2021, author = {Schraplau, Anne and Block, Andrea and H{\"a}usler, Andreas and Wippert, Pia-Maria and Rapp, Michael A. and V{\"o}ller, Heinz and Bonaventura, Klaus and Mayer, Frank}, title = {Mobile diagnostics and consultation for the prevention of the metabolic syndrome and its secondary diseases in Brandenburg—study protocol of a regional prospective cohort study}, series = {Pilot and Feasibility Studies}, volume = {7}, journal = {Pilot and Feasibility Studies}, publisher = {BioMed Central (Springer Nature)}, address = {London}, issn = {2055-5784}, doi = {10.1186/s40814-021-00898-w}, pages = {1 -- 11}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Background The metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a risk cluster for a number of secondary diseases. The implementation of prevention programs requires early detection of individuals at risk. However, access to health care providers is limited in structurally weak regions. Brandenburg, a rural federal state in Germany, has an especially high MetS prevalence and disease burden. This study aims to validate and test the feasibility of a setup for mobile diagnostics of MetS and its secondary diseases, to evaluate the MetS prevalence and its association with moderating factors in Brandenburg and to identify new ways of early prevention, while establishing a "Mobile Brandenburg Cohort" to reveal new causes and risk factors for MetS. Methods In a pilot study, setups for mobile diagnostics of MetS and secondary diseases will be developed and validated. A van will be equipped as an examination room using point-of-care blood analyzers and by mobilizing standard methods. In study part A, these mobile diagnostic units will be placed at different locations in Brandenburg to locally recruit 5000 participants aged 40-70 years. They will be examined for MetS and advice on nutrition and physical activity will be provided. Questionnaires will be used to evaluate sociodemographics, stress perception, and physical activity. In study part B, participants with MetS, but without known secondary diseases, will receive a detailed mobile medical examination, including MetS diagnostics, medical history, clinical examinations, and instrumental diagnostics for internal, cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, and cognitive disorders. Participants will receive advice on nutrition and an exercise program will be demonstrated on site. People unable to participate in these mobile examinations will be interviewed by telephone. If necessary, participants will be referred to general practitioners for further diagnosis. Discussion The mobile diagnostics approach enables early detection of individuals at risk, and their targeted referral to local health care providers. Evaluation of the MetS prevalence, its relation to risk-increasing factors, and the "Mobile Brandenburg Cohort" create a unique database for further longitudinal studies on the implementation of home-based prevention programs to reduce mortality, especially in rural regions. Trial registration German Clinical Trials Register, DRKS00022764; registered 07 October 2020—retrospectively registered.}, language = {en} } @misc{BridwellCavanaghCollinsetal.2018, author = {Bridwell, David A. and Cavanagh, James F. and Collins, Anne G. E. and Nunez, Michael D. and Srinivasan, Ramesh and Stober, Sebastian and Calhoun, Vince D.}, title = {Moving Beyond ERP Components}, series = {Frontiers in human neuroscienc}, volume = {12}, journal = {Frontiers in human neuroscienc}, publisher = {Frontiers Research Foundation}, address = {Lausanne}, issn = {1662-5161}, doi = {10.3389/fnhum.2018.00106}, pages = {17}, year = {2018}, abstract = {Relationships between neuroimaging measures and behavior provide important clues about brain function and cognition in healthy and clinical populations. While electroencephalography (EEG) provides a portable, low cost measure of brain dynamics, it has been somewhat underrepresented in the emerging field of model-based inference. We seek to address this gap in this article by highlighting the utility of linking EEG and behavior, with an emphasis on approaches for EEG analysis that move beyond focusing on peaks or "components" derived from averaging EEG responses across trials and subjects (generating the event-related potential, ERP). First, we review methods for deriving features from EEG in order to enhance the signal within single-trials. These methods include filtering based on user-defined features (i.e., frequency decomposition, time-frequency decomposition), filtering based on data-driven properties (i.e., blind source separation, BSS), and generating more abstract representations of data (e.g., using deep learning). We then review cognitive models which extract latent variables from experimental tasks, including the drift diffusion model (DDM) and reinforcement learning (RL) approaches. Next, we discuss ways to access associations among these measures, including statistical models, data-driven joint models and cognitive joint modeling using hierarchical Bayesian models (HBMs). We think that these methodological tools are likely to contribute to theoretical advancements, and will help inform our understandings of brain dynamics that contribute to moment-to-moment cognitive function.}, language = {en} } @article{DechBittmannSchaefer2021, author = {Dech, Silas and Bittmann, Frank and Schaefer, Laura}, title = {Muscle oxygenation level might trigger the regulation of capillary venous blood filling during fatiguing isometric muscle actions}, series = {Diagnostics : open access journal}, volume = {11}, journal = {Diagnostics : open access journal}, number = {11}, publisher = {MDPI}, address = {Basel}, issn = {2075-4418}, doi = {10.3390/diagnostics11111973}, pages = {17}, year = {2021}, abstract = {The regulation of oxygen and blood supply during isometric muscle actions is still unclear. Recently, two behavioral types of oxygen saturation (SvO(2)) and relative hemoglobin amount (rHb) in venous microvessels were described during a fatiguing holding isometric muscle action (HIMA) (type I: nearly parallel behavior of SvO(2) and rHb; type II: partly inverse behavior). The study aimed to ascertain an explanation of these two regulative behaviors. Twelve subjects performed one fatiguing HIMA trial with each arm by weight holding at 60\% of the maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) in a 90 \& DEG; elbow flexion. Six subjects additionally executed one fatiguing PIMA trial by pulling on an immovable resistance with 60\% of the MVIC with each side and same position. Both regulative types mentioned were found during HIMA (I: n = 7, II: n = 17) and PIMA (I: n = 3, II: n = 9). During the fatiguing measurements, rHb decreased initially and started to increase in type II at an average SvO(2)-level of 58.75 \& PLUSMN; 2.14\%. In type I, SvO(2) never reached that specific value during loading. This might indicate the existence of a threshold around 59\% which seems to trigger the increase in rHb and could explain the two behavioral types. An approach is discussed to meet the apparent incompatibility of an increased capillary blood filling (rHb) despite high intramuscular pressures which were found by other research groups during isometric muscle actions.}, language = {en} } @article{KellisEllinoudisIntziegiannietal.2020, author = {Kellis, Eleftherios and Ellinoudis, Athanasios and Intziegianni, Konstantina and Kofotolis, Nikolaos}, title = {Muscle thickness during core stability exercises in children and adults}, series = {Journal of human kinetics}, volume = {71}, journal = {Journal of human kinetics}, number = {1}, publisher = {Academy of Physical Education}, address = {Katowice}, issn = {1640-5544}, doi = {10.2478/hukin-2019-0079}, pages = {131 -- 144}, year = {2020}, abstract = {Core stability exercises are regular part of exercise programs for asymptomatic individuals across ages. The purpose of this study was to examine deep abdominal and multifidus muscle thickness in children and adults and to determine reliability of the rehabilitative ultrasound (RUSI) imaging. Transversus abdominis and lumbar multifidus thickness at rest and during core stability exercise were examined in pre-pubertal children (N = 23), adolescents (N = 20), young adults (N = 21) and middle-aged adults (N = 22). Thirty-nine participants were re-tested one week after to establish reliability. Muscle thickness at rest was lower in children and adolescents compared with young and middle-aged adults (p < 0.008). Young adults displayed the highest relative transversus abdominis thickness upon contraction (p < 0.008). Lumbar multfidus contraction thickness was greater in young-adults than middle-aged adults and prepubertal children (p < 0.008), but it was similar between young-adults and adolescents (p > 0.008). Reliability was high for both muscles (ICC3,3 = 0.76 - 0.99). The age-related differences in muscle thickness indicate that core stability exercises may be beneficial for children and middle-aged adults.}, language = {en} } @article{SaalChaabeneHelmetal.2022, author = {Saal, Christian and Chaabene, Helmi and Helm, Norman and Warnke, Torsten and Prieske, Olaf}, title = {Network analysis of associations between anthropometry, physical fitness, and sport-specific performance in young canoe sprint athletes}, series = {Frontiers in sports and active living}, volume = {4}, journal = {Frontiers in sports and active living}, publisher = {Frontiers Media}, address = {Lausanne}, issn = {2624-9367}, doi = {10.3389/fspor.2022.1038350}, pages = {13}, year = {2022}, abstract = {Introduction Anthropometric and physical fitness data can predict sport-specific performance (e.g., canoe sprint race time) in young athletes. Of note, inter-item correlations (i.e., multicollinearity) may exist between tests assessing similar physical qualities. However, multicollinearity among tests may change across age and/or sex due to age-/sex-specific non-linear development of test performances. Therefore, the present study aimed at analyzing inter-item correlations between anthropometric, physical fitness, and sport-specific performance data as a function of age and sex in young canoe sprint athletes. Methods Anthropometric, physical fitness, and sport-specific performance data of 618 male and 297 female young canoe sprint athletes (discipline: male/female kayak, male canoe) were recorded during a national talent identification program between 1992 and 2019. For each discipline, a correlation matrix (i.e., network analysis) was calculated for age category (U13, U14, U15, U16) and sex including anthropometrics (e.g., standing body height, body mass), physical fitness (e.g., cardiorespiratory endurance, muscle power), and sport-specific performance (i.e., 250 and 2,000-m on-water canoe sprint time). Network plots were used to explore the correlation patterns by visual inspection. Further, trimmed means (mu(trimmed)) of inter-item Pearson's correlations coefficients were calculated for each discipline, age category, and sex. Effects of age and sex were analyzed using one-way ANOVAs. Results Visual inspection revealed consistent associations among anthropometric measures across age categories, irrespective of sex. Further, associations between physical fitness and sport-specific performance were lower with increasing age, particularly in males. In this sense, statistically significant differences for mu(trimmed) were observed in male canoeists (p < 0.01, xi = 0.36) and male kayakers (p < 0.01, xi = 0.38) with lower mu(trimmed) in older compared with younger athletes (i.e., >= U15). For female kayakers, no statistically significant effect of age on mu(trimmed) was observed (p = 0.34, xi = 0.14). Discussion Our study revealed that inter-item correlation patterns (i.e., multicollinearity) of anthropometric, physical fitness, and sport-specific performance measures were lower in older (U15, U16) versus younger (U13, U14) male canoe sprint athletes but not in females. Thus, age and sex should be considered to identify predictors for sport-specific performance and design effective testing batteries for talent identification programs in canoe sprint athletes.}, language = {en} } @article{BaritelloKhajooeiEngeletal.2020, author = {Baritello, Omar and Khajooei, Mina and Engel, Tilman and Kopinski, Stephan and Quarmby, Andrew James and M{\"u}ller, Steffen and Mayer, Frank}, title = {Neuromuscular shoulder activity during exercises with different combinations of stable and unstable weight mass}, series = {BMC sports science, medicine and rehabilitation}, volume = {12}, journal = {BMC sports science, medicine and rehabilitation}, number = {1}, publisher = {BioMed Central}, address = {London}, issn = {2052-1847}, doi = {10.1186/s13102-020-00168-x}, pages = {14}, year = {2020}, abstract = {Background Recent shoulder injury prevention programs have utilized resistance exercises combined with different forms of instability, with the goal of eliciting functional adaptations and thereby reducing the risk of injury. However, it is still unknown how an unstable weight mass (UWM) affects the muscular activity of the shoulder stabilizers. Aim of the study was to assess neuromuscular activity of dynamic shoulder stabilizers under four conditions of stable and UWM during three shoulder exercises. It was hypothesized that a combined condition of weight with UWM would elicit greater activation due to the increased stabilization demand. Methods Sixteen participants (7 m/9 f) were included in this cross-sectional study and prepared with an EMG-setup for the: Mm. upper/lower trapezius (U.TA/L.TA), lateral deltoid (DE), latissimus dorsi (LD), serratus anterior (SA) and pectoralis major (PE). A maximal voluntary isometric contraction test (MVIC; 5 s.) was performed on an isokinetic dynamometer. Next, internal/external rotation (In/Ex), abduction/adduction (Ab/Ad) and diagonal flexion/extension (F/E) exercises (5 reps.) were performed with four custom-made-pipes representing different exercise conditions. First, the empty-pipe (P; 0.5 kg) and then, randomly ordered, water-filled-pipe (PW; 1 kg), weight-pipe (PG; 4.5 kg) and weight + water-filled-pipe (PWG; 4.5 kg), while EMG was recorded. Raw root-mean-square values (RMS) were normalized to MVIC (\%MVIC). Differences between conditions for RMS\%MVIC, scapular stabilizer (SR: U.TA/L.TA; U.TA/SA) and contraction (CR: concentric/eccentric) ratios were analyzed (paired t-test; p <= 0.05; Bonferroni adjusted alpha = 0.008). Results PWG showed significantly greater muscle activity for all exercises and all muscles except for PE compared to P and PW. Condition PG elicited muscular activity comparable to PWG (p > 0.008) with significantly lower activation of L.TA and SA in the In/Ex rotation. The SR ratio was significantly higher in PWG compared to P and PW. No significant differences were found for the CR ratio in all exercises and for all muscles. Conclusion Higher weight generated greater muscle activation whereas an UWM raised the neuromuscular activity, increasing the stabilization demands. Especially in the In/Ex rotation, an UWM increased the RMS\%MVIC and SR ratio. This might improve training effects in shoulder prevention and rehabilitation programs.}, language = {en} } @misc{GranacherPutaGabrieletal.2018, author = {Granacher, Urs and Puta, Christian and Gabriel, Holger H. W. and Behm, David George and Arampatzis, Adamantios}, title = {Neuromuscular Training and Adaptations in Youth Athletes}, series = {Frontiers in physiology}, volume = {9}, journal = {Frontiers in physiology}, publisher = {Frontiers Research Foundation}, address = {Lausanne}, issn = {1664-042X}, doi = {10.3389/fphys.2018.01264}, pages = {5}, year = {2018}, language = {en} } @article{SchaeferBittmann2021, author = {Schaefer, Laura and Bittmann, Frank}, title = {Paired personal interaction reveals objective differences between pushing and holding isometric muscle action}, series = {PLOS One}, volume = {16}, journal = {PLOS One}, number = {5}, publisher = {PLOS}, address = {San Francisco}, issn = {1932-6203}, doi = {10.1371/journal.pone.0238331}, pages = {21}, year = {2021}, abstract = {In sports and movement sciences isometric muscle function is usually measured by pushing against a stable resistance. However, subjectively one can hold or push isometrically. Several investigations suggest a distinction of those forms. The aim of this study was to investigate whether these two forms of isometric muscle action can be distinguished by objective parameters in an interpersonal setting. 20 subjects were grouped in 10 same sex pairs, in which one partner should perform the pushing isometric muscle action (PIMA) and the other partner executed the holding isometric muscle action (HIMA). The partners had contact at the distal forearms via an interface, which included a strain gauge and an acceleration sensor. The mechanical oscillations of the triceps brachii (MMGtri) muscle, its tendon (MTGtri) and the abdominal muscle (MMGobl) were recorded by a piezoelectric-sensor-based measurement system. Each partner performed three 15s (80\% MVIC) and two fatiguing trials (90\% MVIC) during PIMA and HIMA, respectively. Parameters to compare PIMA and HIMA were the mean frequency, the normalized mean amplitude, the amplitude variation, the power in the frequency range of 8 to 15 Hz, a special power-frequency ratio and the number of task failures during HIMA or PIMA (partner who quit the task). A "HIMA failure" occurred in 85\% of trials (p < 0.001). No significant differences between PIMA and HIMA were found for the mean frequency and normalized amplitude. The MMGobl showed significantly higher values of amplitude variation (15s: p = 0.013; fatiguing: p = 0.007) and of power-frequency-ratio (15s: p = 0.040; fatiguing: p = 0.002) during HIMA and a higher power in the range of 8 to 15 Hz during PIMA (15s: p = 0.001; fatiguing: p = 0.011). MMGtri and MTGtri showed no significant differences. Based on the findings it is suggested that a holding and a pushing isometric muscle action can be distinguished objectively, whereby a more complex neural control is assumed for HIMA.}, language = {en} } @article{GarbusowNebeSommeretal.2019, author = {Garbusow, Maria and Nebe, Stephan and Sommer, Christian and Kuitunen-Paul, S{\"o}ren and Sebold, Miriam and Schad, Daniel and Friedel, Eva and Veer, Ilya M. and Wittchen, Hans-Ulrich and Rapp, Michael A. and Ripke, Stephan and Walter, Henrik and Huys, Quentin J. M. and Schlagenhauf, Florian and Smolka, Michael N. and Heinz, Andreas}, title = {Pavlovian-To-Instrumental Transfer and Alcohol Consumption in Young Male Social Drinkers}, series = {Journal of Clinical Medicine}, volume = {8}, journal = {Journal of Clinical Medicine}, number = {8}, publisher = {MDPI}, address = {Basel}, issn = {2077-0383}, doi = {10.3390/jcm8081188}, pages = {14}, year = {2019}, abstract = {In animals and humans, behavior can be influenced by irrelevant stimuli, a phenomenon called Pavlovian-to-instrumental transfer (PIT). In subjects with substance use disorder, PIT is even enhanced with functional activation in the nucleus accumbens (NAcc) and amygdala. While we observed enhanced behavioral and neural PIT effects in alcohol-dependent subjects, we here aimed to determine whether behavioral PIT is enhanced in young men with high-risk compared to low-risk drinking and subsequently related functional activation in an a-priori region of interest encompassing the NAcc and amygdala and related to polygenic risk for alcohol consumption. A representative sample of 18-year old men (n = 1937) was contacted: 445 were screened, 209 assessed: resulting in 191 valid behavioral, 139 imaging and 157 genetic datasets. None of the subjects fulfilled criteria for alcohol dependence according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-IV-TextRevision (DSM-IV-TR). We measured how instrumental responding for rewards was influenced by background Pavlovian conditioned stimuli predicting action-independent rewards and losses. Behavioral PIT was enhanced in high-compared to low-risk drinkers (b = 0.09, SE = 0.03, z = 2.7, p < 0.009). Across all subjects, we observed PIT-related neural blood oxygen level-dependent (BOLD) signal in the right amygdala (t = 3.25, p(SVC) = 0.04, x = 26, y = -6, z = -12), but not in NAcc. The strength of the behavioral PIT effect was positively correlated with polygenic risk for alcohol consumption (r(s) = 0.17, p = 0.032). We conclude that behavioral PIT and polygenic risk for alcohol consumption might be a biomarker for a subclinical phenotype of risky alcohol consumption, even if no drug-related stimulus is present. The association between behavioral PIT effects and the amygdala might point to habitual processes related to out PIT task. In non-dependent young social drinkers, the amygdala rather than the NAcc is activated during PIT; possible different involvement in association with disease trajectory should be investigated in future studies.}, language = {en} } @article{RebitschekGigerenzerWagner2021, author = {Rebitschek, Felix G. and Gigerenzer, Gerd and Wagner, Gert G.}, title = {People underestimate the errors made by algorithms for credit scoring and recidivism prediction but accept even fewer errors}, series = {Scientific reports}, volume = {11}, journal = {Scientific reports}, number = {1}, publisher = {Macmillan Publishers Limited}, address = {London}, issn = {2045-2322}, doi = {10.1038/s41598-021-99802-y}, pages = {11}, year = {2021}, abstract = {This study provides the first representative analysis of error estimations and willingness to accept errors in a Western country (Germany) with regards to algorithmic decision-making systems (ADM). We examine people's expectations about the accuracy of algorithms that predict credit default, recidivism of an offender, suitability of a job applicant, and health behavior. Also, we ask whether expectations about algorithm errors vary between these domains and how they differ from expectations about errors made by human experts. In a nationwide representative study (N = 3086) we find that most respondents underestimated the actual errors made by algorithms and are willing to accept even fewer errors than estimated. Error estimates and error acceptance did not differ consistently for predictions made by algorithms or human experts, but people's living conditions (e.g. unemployment, household income) affected domain-specific acceptance (job suitability, credit defaulting) of misses and false alarms. We conclude that people have unwarranted expectations about the performance of ADM systems and evaluate errors in terms of potential personal consequences. Given the general public's low willingness to accept errors, we further conclude that acceptance of ADM appears to be conditional to strict accuracy requirements.}, language = {en} } @article{ChaabeneLesinskiBehmetal.2020, author = {Chaabene, Helmi and Lesinski, Melanie and Behm, David George and Granacher, Urs}, title = {Performance- and healthrelated benefits of youth resistance training}, series = {Sports Orthopaedics and Traumatology}, volume = {36}, journal = {Sports Orthopaedics and Traumatology}, number = {3}, publisher = {Elsevier}, address = {Amsterdam}, pages = {10}, year = {2020}, abstract = {Performance- and healthrelated benefits of yoThere is ample evidence that youth resistance training (RT) is safe, joyful, and effective for different markers of performance (e.g., muscle strength, power, linear sprint speed) and health (e.g., injury prevention). Accordingly, the first aim of this narrative review is to present and discuss the relevance of muscle strength for youth physical development. The second purpose is to report evidence on the effectiveness of RT on muscular fitness (muscle strength, power, muscle endurance), on movement skill performance and injury prevention in youth. There is evidence that RT is effective in enhancing measures of muscle fitness in children and adolescents, irrespective of sex. Additionally, numerous studies indicate that RT has positive effects on fundamental movement skills (e.g., jumping, running, throwing) in youth regardless of age, maturity, training status, and sex. Further, irrespective of age, sex, and training status, regular exposure to RT (e.g., plyometric training) decreases the risk of sustaining injuries in youth. This implies that RT should be a meaningful element of youths' exercise programming. This has been acknowledged by global (e.g., World Health Organization) and national (e.g., National Strength and Conditioning Association) health- and performance-related organizations which is why they recommended to perform RT as an integral part of weekly exercise programs to promote muscular strength, fundamental movement skills, and to resist injuries in youth.uth resistance training}, language = {en} } @article{TeichFuehnerGranacheretal.2023, author = {Teich, Paula and F{\"u}hner, Thea Heidi and Granacher, Urs and Kliegl, Reinhold}, title = {Physical fitness of primary school children differs depending on their timing of school enrollment}, series = {Scientific reports}, volume = {13}, journal = {Scientific reports}, number = {1}, publisher = {Springer Nature}, address = {London}, issn = {2045-2322}, doi = {10.1038/s41598-023-35727-y}, pages = {16}, year = {2023}, abstract = {Previous research has shown that children who were enrolled to school according to the legal key date (i.e., keyage children, between eight and nine years in third grade) exhibited a linear physical fitness development in the ninth year of life. In contrast, children who were enrolled with a delay (i.e., older-than-keyage children [OTK], between nine and ten years in third grade) exhibited a lower physical fitness compared to what would be expected for their age. In these studies, cross-sectional age differences within third grade and timing of school enrollment were confounded. The present study investigated the longitudinal development of keyage and OTK children from third to fifth grade. This design also afforded a comparison of the two groups at the same average chronological age, that is a dissociation of the effects of timing of school enrollment and age. We tested six physical fitness components: cardiorespiratory endurance, coordination, speed, power of lower and upper limbs, and static balance. 1502 children (i.e., 1206 keyage and 296 OTK children) from 35 schools were tested in third, fourth, and fifth grade. Except for cardiorespiratory endurance, both groups developed from third to fourth and from fourth to fifth grade and keyage children outperformed OTK children at the average ages of 9.5 or 10.5 years. For cardiorespiratory endurance, there was no significant gain from fourth to fifth grade and keyage and OTK children did not differ significantly at 10.5 years of age. One reason for a delayed school enrollment could be that a child is (or is perceived as) biologically younger than their chronological age at the school entry examination, implying a negative correlation between chronological and biological age for OTK children. Indeed, a simple reflection of chronological age brought the developmental rate of the chronologically youngest OTK children in line with the developmental rate observed for keyage children, but did not eliminate all differences. The mapping of chronological and biological age of OTK children and other possible reasons for lower physical fitness of OTK children remain a task for future research.}, language = {en} } @article{PerezChaparroSchuchZechetal.2021, author = {P{\´e}rez Chaparro, Camilo Germ{\´a}n Alberto and Schuch, Felipe Barreto and Zech, Philipp and Kangas, Maria and Rapp, Michael A. and Heißel, Andreas}, title = {Recreational exercising and self-reported cardiometabolic diseases in German people living with HIV}, series = {International journal of environmental research and public health : IJERPH / Molecular Diversity Preservation International}, volume = {18}, journal = {International journal of environmental research and public health : IJERPH / Molecular Diversity Preservation International}, number = {21}, publisher = {MDPI}, address = {Basel, Schweiz}, issn = {1660-4601}, doi = {10.3390/ijerph182111579}, pages = {1 -- 10}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Exercise is known for its beneficial effects on preventing cardiometabolic diseases (CMDs) in the general population. People living with the human immunodeficiency virus (PLWH) are prone to sedentarism, thus raising their already elevated risk of developing CMDs in comparison to individuals without HIV. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to determine if exercise is associated with reduced risk of self-reported CMDs in a German HIV-positive sample (n = 446). Participants completed a self-report survey to assess exercise levels, date of HIV diagnosis, CD4 cell count, antiretroviral therapy, and CMDs. Participants were classified into exercising or sedentary conditions. Generalized linear models with Poisson regression were conducted to assess the prevalence ratio (PR) of PLWH reporting a CMD. Exercising PLWH were less likely to report a heart arrhythmia for every increase in exercise duration (PR: 0.20: 95\% CI: 0.10-0.62, p < 0.01) and diabetes mellitus for every increase in exercise session per week (PR: 0.40: 95\% CI: 0.10-1, p < 0.01). Exercise frequency and duration are associated with a decreased risk of reporting arrhythmia and diabetes mellitus in PLWH. Further studies are needed to elucidate the mechanisms underlying exercise as a protective factor for CMDs in PLWH.}, language = {en} } @article{WyckmansOttoSeboldetal.2019, author = {Wyckmans, Florent and Otto, A. Ross and Sebold, Miriam and Daw, Nathaniel and Bechara, Antoine and Saeremans, M{\´e}lanie and Kornreich, Charles and Chatard, Armand and Jaafari, Nemat and No{\"e}l, Xavier}, title = {Reduced model-based decision-making in gambling disorder}, series = {Scientific reports}, volume = {9}, journal = {Scientific reports}, publisher = {Nature Publ. Group}, address = {London}, issn = {2045-2322}, doi = {10.1038/s41598-019-56161-z}, pages = {10}, year = {2019}, abstract = {Compulsive behaviors (e.g., addiction) can be viewed as an aberrant decision process where inflexible reactions automatically evoked by stimuli (habit) take control over decision making to the detriment of a more flexible (goal-oriented) behavioral learning system. These behaviors are thought to arise from learning algorithms known as "model-based" and "model-free" reinforcement learning. Gambling disorder, a form of addiction without the confound of neurotoxic effects of drugs, showed impaired goal-directed control but the way in which problem gamblers (PG) orchestrate model-based and model-free strategies has not been evaluated. Forty-nine PG and 33 healthy participants (CP) completed a two-step sequential choice task for which model-based and model-free learning have distinct and identifiable trial-by-trial learning signatures. The influence of common psychopathological comorbidities on those two forms of learning were investigated. PG showed impaired model-based learning, particularly after unrewarded outcomes. In addition, PG exhibited faster reaction times than CP following unrewarded decisions. Troubled mood, higher impulsivity (i.e., positive and negative urgency) and current and chronic stress reported via questionnaires did not account for those results. These findings demonstrate specific reinforcement learning and decision-making deficits in behavioral addiction that advances our understanding and may be important dimensions for designing effective interventions.}, language = {en} } @article{HaileFuehnerGranacheretal.2021, author = {Haile, Sarah R. and F{\"u}hner, Thea Heidi and Granacher, Urs and Stocker, Julien and Radtke, Thomas and Kriemler, Susi}, title = {Reference values and validation of the 1-minute sit-to-stand test in healthy 5-16-year-old youth}, series = {BMJ open}, volume = {11}, journal = {BMJ open}, number = {5}, publisher = {BMJ Publishing Group}, address = {London}, issn = {2044-6055}, doi = {10.1136/bmjopen-2021-049143}, pages = {7}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Objectives: It is essential to have simple, reliable and valid tests to measure children's functional capacity in schools or medical practice. The 1-minute sit-to-stand (STS) test is a quick fitness test requiring little equipment or space that is increasingly used in both healthy populations and those with chronic disease. We aimed to provide age-specific and sex-specific reference values of STS test in healthy children and adolescents and to evaluate its short-term reliability and construct validity. Design setting and participants: Cross-sectional convenience sample from six public schools and one science fair in central Europe. Overall, 587 healthy participants aged 5-16 years were recruited and divided into age groups of 3 years each. Outcomes: 1-minute STS. To evaluate short-term reliability, some children performed the STS test twice. To evaluate construct validity, some children also performed a standing long jump (SLJ) and a maximal incremental exercise test. Results: Data from 547 youth aged 5-16 years were finally included in the analyses. The median number of repetitions in 1 min in males (females) ranged from 55 [95\% CI: 38 to 72] (53 [95\% CI: 35 to 76]) in 14-16-year olds to 59 [95\% CI: 41 to 77] (60 [95\% CI: 38 to 77]) in 8-10-year olds. Children who repeated STS showed a learning effect of on average 4.8 repetitions more than the first test (95\% limits of agreement: -6.7 to 16.4). Moderate correlations were observed between the STS and the SLJ (r=0.48) tests and the maximal exercise test (r=0.43). Conclusions: The reported STS reference values can be used to interpret STS test performance in children and adolescents. The STS appears to have good test- retest reliability, but a learning effect of about 10\%. The association of STS with other measures of physical fitness should be further explored in a larger study and technical standards for its conduct are needed.}, language = {en} } @article{SchaeferCarnariusDechetal.2023, author = {Schaefer, Laura and Carnarius, Friederike and Dech, Silas and Bittmann, Frank}, title = {Repeated measurements of Adaptive Force}, series = {Frontiers in physiology}, volume = {14}, journal = {Frontiers in physiology}, publisher = {Frontiers Research Foundation}, address = {Lausanne}, issn = {1664-042X}, doi = {10.3389/fphys.2023.1020954}, pages = {19}, year = {2023}, abstract = {The Adaptive Force (AF) reflects the neuromuscular capacity to adapt to external loads during holding muscle actions and is similar to motions in real life and sports. The maximal isometric AF (AFisoₘₐₓ) was considered to be the most relevant parameter and was assumed to have major importance regarding injury mechanisms and the development of musculoskeletal pain. The aim of this study was to investigate the behavior of different torque parameters over the course of 30 repeated maximal AF trials. In addition, maximal holding vs. maximal pushing isometric muscle actions were compared. A side consideration was the behavior of torques in the course of repeated AF actions when comparing strength and endurance athletes. The elbow flexors of n = 12 males (six strength/six endurance athletes, non-professionals) were measured 30 times (120 s rest) using a pneumatic device. Maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) was measured pre and post. MVIC, AFisoₘₐₓ, and AFₘₐₓ (maximal torque of one AF measurement) were evaluated regarding different considerations and statistical tests. AFₘₐₓ and AFisoₘₐₓ declined in the course of 30 trials [slope regression (mean ± standard deviation): AFₘₐₓ = -0.323 ± 0.263; AFisoₘₐₓ = -0.45 ± 0.45]. The decline from start to end amounted to -12.8\% ± 8.3\% (p < 0.001) for AFₘₐₓ and -25.41\% ± 26.40\% (p < 0.001) for AFisoₘₐₓ. AF parameters declined more in strength vs. endurance athletes. Thereby, strength athletes showed a rather stable decline for AFmax and a plateau formation for AFisoₘₐₓ after 15 trials. In contrast, endurance athletes reduced their AFₘₐₓ, especially after the first five trials, and remained on a rather similar level for AFisomax. The maximum of AFisoₘₐₓ of all 30 trials amounted 67.67\% ± 13.60\% of MVIC (p < 0.001, n = 12), supporting the hypothesis of two types of isometric muscle action (holding vs. pushing). The findings provided the first data on the behavior of torque parameters after repeated isometric-eccentric actions and revealed further insights into neuromuscular control strategies. Additionally, they highlight the importance of investigating AF parameters in athletes based on the different behaviors compared to MVIC. This is assumed to be especially relevant regarding injury mechanisms.}, language = {en} } @article{PrieskeChaabeneGaebleretal.2020, author = {Prieske, Olaf and Chaabene, Helmi and G{\"a}bler, Martijn and Herz, Michael and Helm, Norman and Markov, Adrian and Granacher, Urs}, title = {Seasonal changes in anthropometry, body composition, and physical fitness and the relationships with sporting success in young sub-elite judo athletes}, series = {International journal of environmental research and public health : IJERPH}, volume = {17}, journal = {International journal of environmental research and public health : IJERPH}, number = {19}, publisher = {MDPI AG}, address = {Basel}, issn = {1660-4601}, doi = {10.3390/ijerph17197169}, pages = {17}, year = {2020}, abstract = {This exploratory study aimed to monitor long-term seasonal developments in measures of anthropometry, body composition, and physical fitness in young judo athletes, and to compute associations between these measures and sporting success. Forty-four young judoka (20 females, 24 males) volunteered to participate. Tests for the assessment of anthropometry (e.g., body height/mass), body-composition (e.g., lean body mass), muscle strength (isometric handgrip strength), vertical jumping (e.g., countermovement-jump (CMJ) height), and dynamic balance (Y-balance test) were conducted at the beginning and end of a 10-month training season. Additionally, sporting success at the end of the season was recorded for each athlete. Analyses revealed significant time x sex interaction effects for lean-body-mass, isometric handgrip strength, and CMJ height (0.7 <= d <= 1.6). Post-hoc analyses showed larger gains for all measures in young males (1.9 <= d <= 6.0) compared with females (d = 2.4) across the season. Additionally, significant increases in body height and mass as well as Y-balance test scores were found from pre-to-post-test (1.2 <= d <= 4.3), irrespective of sex. Further, non-significant small-to-moderate-sized correlations were identified between changes in anthropometry/body composition/physical fitness and sporting success (p > 0.05; -0.34 <= rho <= 0.32). Regression analysis confirmed that no model significantly predicted sporting success. Ten months of judo training and/or growth/maturation contributed to significant changes in anthropometry, body composition, and physical fitness, particularly in young male judo athletes.}, language = {en} } @article{HeisselPietrekSchwefeletal.2020, author = {Heissel, Andreas and Pietrek, Anou F. and Schwefel, Melanie and Abula, Kahar and Wilbertz, Gregor and Heinzel, Stephan and Rapp, Michael A.}, title = {STEP.De study}, series = {BMJ open}, volume = {10}, journal = {BMJ open}, number = {4}, publisher = {BMJ Publishing Group}, address = {London}, issn = {2044-6055}, doi = {10.1136/bmjopen-2019-036287}, pages = {10}, year = {2020}, abstract = {Introduction Although exercise therapy has widely been shown to be an efficacious treatment modality for depression, evidence for its effectiveness and cost efficiency is lacking. The Sport/Exercise Therapy for Depression study is a multicentre cluster-randomised effectiveness trial that aims to compare the effectiveness and cost efficiency of exercise therapy and psychotherapy as antidepressant treatment.
Methods and analysis 480 patients (aged 18-65) with an International Classification of Diseases diagnosis associated with depressive symptoms are recruited. Up to 30 clusters (psychotherapists) are randomly assigned to allocate patients to either an exercise or a psychotherapy treatment as usual in a 2: 1 ratio. The primary outcome (depressive symptoms) and the secondary outcomes (work and social adjustment, quality of life) will be assessed at six measurement time points (t0: baseline, t1: 8 weeks after treatment initiation, t2: 16 weeks after treatment initiation, t3/ 4/5: 2, 6, 12 months after treatment). Linear regression analyses will be used for the primary endpoint data analysis. For the secondary endpoints, mixed linear and logistic regression models with fixed and random factors will be added. For the cost efficiency analysis, expenditures in the 12 months before and after the intervention and the outcome difference will be compared between groups in a multilevel model. Recruitment start date was 1 July 2018 and the planned recruitment end date is 31 December 2020.
Ethics and dissemination The study protocol was approved by the ethics committee of the University of Potsdam (No. 17/2018) and the Freie Universitat Berlin (No. 206/2018) and registered in the ISRCTN registry. Informed written consent will be obtained from all participants. The study will be reported in accordance with the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials and the Recommendations for Interventional Trials statements. The results will be published in peer-reviewed academic journals and disseminated to the public.}, language = {en} } @article{GaeblerBerberyanPrieskeetal.2021, author = {G{\"a}bler, Martijn and Berberyan, Hermine S. and Prieske, Olaf and Elferink-Gemser, Marije Titia and Hortob{\´a}gyi, Tibor and Warnke, Torsten and Granacher, Urs}, title = {Strength Training Intensity and Volume Affect Performance of Young Kayakers/Canoeists}, series = {Frontiers in physiology}, volume = {12}, journal = {Frontiers in physiology}, publisher = {Frontiers Research Foundation}, address = {Lausanne, Schweiz}, issn = {1664-042X}, doi = {10.3389/fphys.2021.686744}, pages = {1 -- 10}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Purpose: The aim of this study was to compare the effects of moderate intensity, low volume (MILV) vs. low intensity, high volume (LIHV) strength training on sport-specific performance, measures of muscular fitness, and skeletal muscle mass in young kayakers and canoeists. Methods: Semi-elite young kayakers and canoeists (N = 40, 13 ± 0.8 years, 11 girls) performed either MILV (70-80\% 1-RM, 6-12 repetitions per set) or LIHV (30-40\% 1-RM, 60-120 repetitions per set) strength training for one season. Linear mixed-effects models were used to compare effects of training condition on changes over time in 250 and 2,000 m time trials, handgrip strength, underhand shot throw, average bench pull power over 2 min, and skeletal muscle mass. Both between- and within-subject designs were used for analysis. An alpha of 0.05 was used to determine statistical significance. Results: Between- and within-subject analyses showed that monthly changes were greater in LIHV vs. MILV for the 2,000 m time trial (between: 9.16 s, SE = 2.70, p < 0.01; within: 2,000 m: 13.90 s, SE = 5.02, p = 0.01) and bench pull average power (between: 0.021 W⋅kg-1, SE = 0.008, p = 0.02; within: 0.010 W⋅kg-1, SE = 0.009, p > 0.05). Training conditions did not affect other outcomes. Conclusion: Young sprint kayakers and canoeists benefit from LIHV more than MILV strength training in terms of 2,000 m performance and muscular endurance (i.e., 2 min bench pull power).}, language = {en} } @article{WippertPuertoValenciaDriesslein2022, author = {Wippert, Pia-Maria and Puerto Valencia, Laura and Drießlein, David}, title = {Stress and pain}, series = {Frontiers in medicine}, volume = {9}, journal = {Frontiers in medicine}, publisher = {Frontiers Media}, address = {Lausanne, Schweiz}, issn = {2296-858X}, doi = {10.3389/fmed.2022.828954}, pages = {14}, year = {2022}, abstract = {Introduction: Low back pain (LBP) leads to considerable impairment of quality of life worldwide and is often accompanied by psychosomatic symptoms. Objectives: First, to assess the association between stress and chronic low back pain (CLBP) and its simultaneous appearance with fatigue and depression as a symptom triad. Second, to identify the most predictive stress-related pattern set for CLBP for a 1-year diagnosis. Methods: In a 1-year observational study with four measurement points, a total of 140 volunteers (aged 18-45 years with intermittent pain) were recruited. The primary outcomes were pain [characteristic pain intensity (CPI), subjective pain disability (DISS)], fatigue, and depressive mood. Stress was assessed as chronic stress, perceived stress, effort reward imbalance, life events, and physiological markers [allostatic load index (ALI), hair cortisol concentration (HCC)]. Multiple linear regression models and selection procedures for model shrinkage and variable selection (least absolute shrinkage and selection operator) were applied. Prediction accuracy was calculated by root mean squared error (RMSE) and receiver-operating characteristic curves. Results: There were 110 participants completed the baseline assessments (28.2 7.5 years, 38.1\% female), including HCC, and a further of 46 participants agreed to ALI laboratory measurements. Different stress types were associated with LBP, CLBP, fatigue, and depressive mood and its joint occurrence as a symptom triad at baseline; mainly social-related stress types were of relevance. Work-related stress, such as "excessive demands at work"[b = 0.51 (95\%CI -0.23, 1.25), p = 0.18] played a role for upcoming chronic pain disability. "Social overload" [b = 0.45 (95\%CI -0.06, 0.96), p = 0.080] and "over-commitment at work" [b = 0.28 (95\%CI -0.39, 0.95), p = 0.42] were associated with an upcoming depressive mood within 1-year. Finally, seven psychometric (CPI: RMSE = 12.63; DISS: RMSE = 9.81) and five biomarkers (CPI: RMSE = 12.21; DISS: RMSE = 8.94) could be derived as the most predictive pattern set for a 1-year prediction of CLBP. The biomarker set showed an apparent area under the curve of 0.88 for CPI and 0.99 for DISS. Conclusion: Stress disrupts allostasis and favors the development of chronic pain, fatigue, and depression and the emergence of a "hypocortisolemic symptom triad," whereby the social-related stressors play a significant role. For translational medicine, a predictive pattern set could be derived which enables to diagnose the individuals at higher risk for the upcoming pain disorders and can be used in practice.}, language = {en} } @article{SeboldChenOenaletal.2022, author = {Sebold, Miriam and Chen, Hao and {\"O}nal, Aleyna and Kuitunen-Paul, S{\"o}ren and Mojtahedzadeh, Negin and Garbusow, Maria and Nebe, Stephan and Wittchen, Hans-Ulrich and Huys, Quentin J. M. and Schlagenhauf, Florian and Rapp, Michael A. and Smolka, Michael N. and Heinz, Andreas}, title = {Stronger prejudices are associated with decreased model-based control}, series = {Frontiers in psychology}, volume = {12}, journal = {Frontiers in psychology}, publisher = {Frontiers Research Foundation}, address = {Lausanne}, issn = {1664-1078}, doi = {10.3389/fpsyg.2021.767022}, pages = {10}, year = {2022}, abstract = {Background: Prejudices against minorities can be understood as habitually negative evaluations that are kept in spite of evidence to the contrary. Therefore, individuals with strong prejudices might be dominated by habitual or "automatic" reactions at the expense of more controlled reactions. Computational theories suggest individual differences in the balance between habitual/model-free and deliberative/model-based decision-making. Methods: 127 subjects performed the two Step task and completed the blatant and subtle prejudice scale. Results: By using analyses of choices and reaction times in combination with computational modeling, subjects with stronger blatant prejudices showed a shift away from model-based control. There was no association between these decision-making processes and subtle prejudices. Conclusion: These results support the idea that blatant prejudices toward minorities are related to a relative dominance of habitual decision-making. This finding has important implications for developing interventions that target to change prejudices across societies.}, language = {en} } @article{NiehuesGerlachWendebornetal.2022, author = {Niehues, Maike and Gerlach, Erin and Wendeborn, Thomas and Sallen, Jeffrey}, title = {Successful in sports but worse in school?}, series = {Frontiers in education}, volume = {7}, journal = {Frontiers in education}, publisher = {Frontiers Media}, address = {Lausanne}, issn = {2504-284X}, doi = {10.3389/feduc.2022.946284}, pages = {14}, year = {2022}, abstract = {Studies have evaluated the effectiveness of dual career (DC) support services among student-athletes by examining scholastic performances. These studies investigated self-reported grades student-athletes or focused on career choices student-athletes made after leaving school. Most of these studies examined scholastic performances cross-sectionally among lower secondary school student-athletes or student-athletes in higher education. The present longitudinal field study in a quasi-experimental design aims to evaluate the development of scholastic performances among upper secondary school students aged 16-19 by using standardized scholastic assessments and grade points in the subject English over a course of 3-4 years. A sample of 159 students (54.4\% females) at three German Elite Sport Schools (ESS) and three comprehensive schools participated in the study. The sample was split into six groups according to three criteria: (1) students' athletic engagement, (2) school type attendance, and (3) usage of DC support services in secondary school. Repeated-measurement analyses of variance were conducted in order to evaluate the impact of the three previously mentioned criteria as well as their interaction on the development of scholastic performances. Findings indicated that the development of English performance levels differ among the six groups.}, language = {en} } @article{PuschmannLinWippert2021, author = {Puschmann, Anne-Katrin and Lin, Chiao-I and Wippert, Pia-Maria}, title = {Sustainability of a motor control exercise intervention}, series = {Frontiers in sports and active living}, volume = {3}, journal = {Frontiers in sports and active living}, publisher = {Frontiers Media}, address = {Lausanne, Schweiz}, issn = {2624-9367}, doi = {10.3389/fspor.2021.659982}, pages = {1 -- 8}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Development of chronic pain after a low back pain episode is associated with increased pain sensitivity, altered pain processing mechanisms and the influence of psychosocial factors. Although there is some evidence that multimodal therapy (such as behavioral or motor control therapy) may be an important therapeutic strategy, its long-term effect on pain reduction and psychosocial load is still unclear. Prospective longitudinal designs providing information about the extent of such possible long-term effects are missing. This study aims to investigate the long-term effects of a homebased uni- and multidisciplinary motor control exercise program on low back pain intensity, disability and psychosocial variables. 14 months after completion of a multicenter study comparing uni- and multidisciplinary exercise interventions, a sample of one study center (n = 154) was assessed once more. Participants filled in questionnaires regarding their low back pain symptoms (characteristic pain intensity and related disability), stress and vital exhaustion (short version of the Maastricht Vital Exhaustion Questionnaire), anxiety and depression experiences (the Hospital and Anxiety Depression Scale), and pain-related cognitions (the Fear Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire). Repeated measures mixed ANCOVAs were calculated to determine the long-term effects of the interventions on characteristic pain intensity and disability as well as on the psychosocial variables. Fifty four percent of the sub-sample responded to the questionnaires (n = 84). Longitudinal analyses revealed a significant long-term effect of the exercise intervention on pain disability. The multidisciplinary group missed statistical significance yet showed a medium sized long-term effect. The groups did not differ in their changes of the psychosocial variables of interest. There was evidence of long-term effects of the interventions on pain-related disability, but there was no effect on the other variables of interest. This may be partially explained by participant's low comorbidities at baseline. Results are important regarding costless homebased alternatives for back pain patients and prevention tasks. Furthermore, this study closes the gap of missing long-term effect analysis in this field.}, language = {en} } @article{WeberPutaLesinskietal.2018, author = {Weber, Stephanie and Puta, Christian and Lesinski, Melanie and Gabriel, Brunhild and Steidten, Thomas and B{\"a}r, Karl-J{\"u}rgen and Herbsleb, Marco and Granacher, Urs and Gabriel, Holger H. W.}, title = {Symptoms of anxiety and depression in young athletes using the hospital anxiety and depression scale}, series = {Frontiers in physiology}, volume = {9}, journal = {Frontiers in physiology}, publisher = {Frontiers Research Foundation}, address = {Lausanne}, issn = {1664-042X}, doi = {10.3389/fphys.2018.00182}, pages = {12}, year = {2018}, abstract = {Elite young athletes have to cope with multiple psychological demands such as training volume, mental and physical fatigue, spatial separation of family and friends or time management problems may lead to reduced mental and physical recovery. While normative data regarding symptoms of anxiety and depression for the general population is available (Hinz and Brahler, 2011), hardly any information exists for adolescents in general and young athletes in particular. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess overall symptoms of anxiety and depression in young athletes as well as possible sex differences. The survey was carried out within the scope of the study "Resistance Training in Young Athletes" (KINGS-Study). Between August 2015 and September 2016, 326 young athletes aged (mean +/- SD) 14.3 +/- 1.6 years completed the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HAD Scale). Regarding the analysis of age on the anxiety and depression subscales, age groups were classified as follows: late childhood (12-14 years) and late adolescence (15-18 years). The participating young athletes were recruited from Olympic weight lifting, handball, judo, track and field athletics, boxing, soccer, gymnastics, ice speed skating, volleyball, and rowing. Anxiety and depression scores were (mean +/- SD) 4.3 +/- 3.0 and 2.8 +/- 2.9, respectively. In the subscale anxiety, 22 cases (6.7\%) showed subclinical scores and 11 cases (3.4\%) showed clinical relevant score values. When analyzing the depression subscale, 31 cases (9.5\%) showed subclinical score values and 12 cases (3.7\%) showed clinically important values. No significant differences were found between male and female athletes (p >= 0.05). No statistically significant differences in the HADS scores were found between male athletes of late childhood and late adolescents (p >= 0.05). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report describing questionnaire based indicators of symptoms of anxiety and depression in young athletes. Our data implies the need for sports medical as well as sports psychiatric support for young athletes. In addition, our results demonstrated that the chronological classification concerning age did not influence HAD Scale outcomes. Future research should focus on sports medical and sports psychiatric interventional approaches with the goal to prevent anxiety and depression as well as teaching coping strategies to young athletes.}, language = {en} } @article{OuerguiDelleliBouassidaetal.2021, author = {Ouergui, Ibrahim and Delleli, Slaheddine and Bouassida, Anissa and Bouhlel, Ezdine and Chaabene, Helmi and Ardig{\`o}, Luca Paolo and Franchini, Emerson}, title = {Technical-tactical analysis of small combat games in male kickboxers}, series = {BMC Sports Science, Medicine and Rehabilitation}, journal = {BMC Sports Science, Medicine and Rehabilitation}, number = {13}, publisher = {Springer Nature}, address = {Berlin}, issn = {2052-1847}, doi = {10.1186/s13102-021-00391-0}, pages = {8}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Background: To handle the competition demands, sparring drills are used for specific technical-tactical training as well as physical-physiological conditioning in combat sports. While the effects of different area sizes and number of within-round sparring partners on physiological and perceptive responses in combats sports were examined in previous studies, technical and tactical aspects were not investigated. This study investigated the effect of different within-round sparring partners number (i.e., at a time; 1 vs. 1, 1 vs. 2, and 1 vs. 4) and area sizes (2 m × 2 m, 4 m × 4 m, and 6 m × 6 m) variation on the technical-tactical aspects of small combat games in kickboxing. Method: Twenty male kickboxers (mean ± standard deviation, age: 20.3 ± 0.9 years), regularly competing in regional and national events randomly performed nine different kickboxing combats, lasting 2 min each. All combats were video recorded and analyzed using the software Dartfish. Results: Results showed that the total number of punches was significantly higher in 1 versus 4 compared with 1 versus 1 (p = 0.011, d = 0.83). Further, the total number of kicks was significantly higher in 1 versus 4 compared with 1 versus 1 and 1 versus 2 (p < 0.001; d = 0.99 and d = 0.83, respectively). Moreover, the total number of kick combinations was significantly higher in 1 versus 4 compared with 1 versus 1 and 1 versus 2 (p < 0.001; d = 1.05 and d = 0.95, respectively). The same outcome was significantly lower in 2 m × 2 m compared with 4 m × 4 m and 6 m × 6 m areas (p = 0.010 and d = - 0.45; p < 0.001 and d = - 0.6, respectively). The number of block-and-parry was significantly higher in 1 versus 4 compared with 1 versus 1 (p < 0.001, d = 1.45) and 1 versus 2 (p = 0.046, d = 0.61) and in 2 m × 2 m compared with 4 m × 4 m and 6 × 6 m areas (p < 0.001; d = 0.47 and d = 0.66, respectively). Backwards lean actions occurred more often in 2 m × 2 m compared with 4 m × 4 m (p = 0.009, d = 0.53) and 6 m × 6 m (p = 0.003, d = 0.60). However, the number of foot defenses was significantly lower in 2 m × 2 m compared with 6 m × 6 m (p < 0.001, d = 1.04) and 4 m × 4 m (p = 0.004, d = 0.63). Additionally, the number of clinches was significantly higher in 1 versus 1 compared with 1 versus 2 (p = 0.002, d = 0.7) and 1 versus 4 (p = 0.034, d = 0.45). Conclusions: This study provides practical insights into how to manipulate within-round sparring partners' number and/or area size to train specific kickboxing technical-tactical fundamentals.}, language = {en} } @article{KatherHadzicHehleetal.2020, author = {Kather, Fritz and Hadzic, Miralem and Hehle, Teresa and Eichler, Sarah and Klein, Julia and V{\"o}ller, Heinz and Salzwedel, Annett}, title = {Test-retest reliability of the Mini Nutritional Assessment- Short Form (MNA-SF) in older patients undergoing cardiac rehabilitation}, series = {Journal of geriatric cardiology}, volume = {17}, journal = {Journal of geriatric cardiology}, number = {9}, publisher = {English China Online Journals, ECOJ}, address = {Windsor [u.a.]}, issn = {1671-5411}, doi = {10.11909/j.issn.1671-5411.2020.09.007}, pages = {574 -- 579}, year = {2020}, language = {en} } @article{GellertHaeuslerSuhretal.2018, author = {Gellert, Paul and H{\"a}usler, Andreas and Suhr, Ralf and Gholami, Maryam and Rapp, Michael A. and Kuhlmey, Adelheid and Nordheim, Johanna}, title = {Testing the stress-buffering hypothesis of social support in couples coping with early-stage dementia}, series = {PLoS one}, volume = {13}, journal = {PLoS one}, number = {1}, publisher = {PLoS}, address = {San Fransisco}, issn = {1932-6203}, doi = {10.1371/journal.pone.0189849}, pages = {14}, year = {2018}, abstract = {Purpose: To test whether the negative relationship between perceived stress and quality of life (Hypothesis 1) can be buffered by perceived social support in patients with dementia as well as in caregivers individually (Hypothesis 2: actor effects) and across partners (Hypothesis 3: partner effects and actor-partner effects). Method: A total of 108 couples (N = 216 individuals) comprised of one individual with early-stage dementia and one caregiving partner were assessed at baseline and one month apart. Moderation effects were investigated by applying linear mixed models and actor-partner interdependence models. Results: Although the stress-quality of life association was more pronounced in caregivers (beta = -.63, p<.001) compared to patients (beta= -.31, p<.001), this association was equally moderated by social support in patients (beta = .14, p<.05) and in the caregivers (beta =.13, p<.05). From one partner to his or her counterpart, the partner buffering and actor-partner-buffering effect were not present. Conclusion: The stress-buffering effect has been replicated in individuals with dementia and caregivers but not across partners. Interventions to improve quality of life through perceived social support should not only focus on caregivers, but should incorporate both partners.}, language = {en} } @article{SchaeferBittmann2023, author = {Schaefer, Laura and Bittmann, Frank}, title = {The adaptive force as a potential biomechanical parameter in the recovery process of patients with long COVID}, series = {Diagnostics}, volume = {13}, journal = {Diagnostics}, number = {5}, publisher = {MDPI}, address = {Basel}, issn = {2075-4418}, doi = {10.3390/diagnostics13050882}, pages = {25}, year = {2023}, abstract = {Long COVID patients show symptoms, such as fatigue, muscle weakness and pain. Adequate diagnostics are still lacking. Investigating muscle function might be a beneficial approach. The holding capacity (maximal isometric Adaptive Force; AFisomax) was previously suggested to be especially sensitive for impairments. This longitudinal, non-clinical study aimed to investigate the AF in long COVID patients and their recovery process. AF parameters of elbow and hip flexors were assessed in 17 patients at three time points (pre: long COVID state, post: immediately after first treatment, end: recovery) by an objectified manual muscle test. The tester applied an increasing force on the limb of the patient, who had to resist isometrically for as long as possible. The intensity of 13 common symptoms were queried. At pre, patients started to lengthen their muscles at ~50\% of the maximal AF (AFmax), which was then reached during eccentric motion, indicating unstable adaptation. At post and end, AFisomax increased significantly to ~99\% and 100\% of AFmax, respectively, reflecting stable adaptation. AFmax was statistically similar for all three time points. Symptom intensity decreased significantly from pre to end. The findings revealed a substantially impaired maximal holding capacity in long COVID patients, which returned to normal function with substantial health improvement. AFisomax might be a suitable sensitive functional parameter to assess long COVID patients and to support therapy process}, language = {en} } @article{FoerstnerBoettgerMoldavskietal.2023, author = {F{\"o}rstner, Bernd Rainer and B{\"o}ttger, Sarah Jane and Moldavski, Alexander and Bajbouj, Malek and Pfennig, Andrea and Manook, Andre and Ising, Marcus and Pittig, Andre and Heinig, Ingmar and Heinz, Andreas and Mathiak, Klaus and Schulze, Thomas G. and Schneider, Frank and Kamp-Becker, Inge and Meyer-Lindenberg, Andreas and Padberg, Frank and Banaschewski, Tobias and Bauer, Michael and Rupprecht, Rainer and Wittchen, Hans-Ulrich and Rapp, Michael A. and Tschorn, Mira}, title = {The associations of positive and negative valence systems, cognitive systems and social processes on disease severity in anxiety and depressive disorders}, series = {Frontiers in psychiatry}, volume = {14}, journal = {Frontiers in psychiatry}, publisher = {Frontiers Research Foundation}, address = {Lausanne}, issn = {1664-0640}, doi = {10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1161097}, pages = {10}, year = {2023}, abstract = {Background Anxiety and depressive disorders share common features of mood dysfunctions. This has stimulated interest in transdiagnostic dimensional research as proposed by the Research Domain Criteria (RDoC) approach by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) aiming to improve the understanding of underlying disease mechanisms. The purpose of this study was to investigate the processing of RDoC domains in relation to disease severity in order to identify latent disorder-specific as well as transdiagnostic indicators of disease severity in patients with anxiety and depressive disorders. Methods Within the German research network for mental disorders, 895 participants (n = 476 female, n = 602 anxiety disorder, n = 257 depressive disorder) were recruited for the Phenotypic, Diagnostic and Clinical Domain Assessment Network Germany (PD-CAN) and included in this cross-sectional study. We performed incremental regression models to investigate the association of four RDoC domains on disease severity in patients with affective disorders: Positive (PVS) and Negative Valance System (NVS), Cognitive Systems (CS) and Social Processes (SP). Results The results confirmed a transdiagnostic relationship for all four domains, as we found significant main effects on disease severity within domain-specific models (PVS: \& beta; = -0.35; NVS: \& beta; = 0.39; CS: \& beta; = -0.12; SP: \& beta; = -0.32). We also found three significant interaction effects with main diagnosis showing a disease-specific association. Limitations The cross-sectional study design prevents causal conclusions. Further limitations include possible outliers and heteroskedasticity in all regression models which we appropriately controlled for. Conclusion Our key results show that symptom burden in anxiety and depressive disorders is associated with latent RDoC indicators in transdiagnostic and disease-specific ways.}, language = {en} } @article{FliesserDeWittHubertsWippert2017, author = {Fliesser, Michael and De Witt Huberts, Jessie and Wippert, Pia-Maria}, title = {The choice that matters: the relative influence of socioeconomic status indicators on chronic back pain- a longitudinal study}, series = {BMC health services research}, volume = {17}, journal = {BMC health services research}, publisher = {BioMed Central}, address = {London}, issn = {1472-6963}, doi = {10.1186/s12913-017-2735-9}, pages = {8}, year = {2017}, abstract = {Background: In health research, indicators of socioeconomic status (SES) are often used interchangeably and often lack theoretical foundation. This makes it difficult to compare results from different studies and to explore the relationship between SES and health outcomes. To aid researchers in choosing appropriate indicators of SES, this article proposes and tests a theory-based selection of SES indicators using chronic back pain as a health outcome. Results: Chronic back pain intensity was best predicted by the multidimensional index (beta = 0.31, p < 0.05), followed by job position (beta = 0.29, p < 0.05) and education (beta = -0.29, p < 0.05); whereas, income exerted no significant influence. Back pain disability was predicted strongest by education (beta = -0.30, p < 0.05) and job position (beta = 0. 29, p < 0.05). Here, multidimensional index and income had no significant influence. Conclusions: The choice of SES indicators influences predictive power on both back pain dimensions, suggesting SES predictors cannot be used interchangeably. Therefore, researchers should carefully consider prior to each study which SES indicator to use. The introduced framework can be valuable in supporting this decision because it allows for a stable prediction of SES indicator influence and their hierarchy on a specific health outcomes.}, language = {en} } @article{LinKhajooeiEngeletal.2021, author = {Lin, Chiao-I and Khajooei, Mina and Engel, Tilman and Nair, Alexandra and Heikkila, Mika and Kaplick, Hannes and Mayer, Frank}, title = {The effect of chronic ankle instability on muscle activations in lower extremities}, series = {PLOS ONE / Public Library of Science}, volume = {16}, journal = {PLOS ONE / Public Library of Science}, number = {2}, publisher = {PLOS}, address = {San Francisco}, issn = {1932-6203}, doi = {10.1371/journal.pone.0247581}, pages = {15}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Background/Purpose Muscular reflex responses of the lower extremities to sudden gait disturbances are related to postural stability and injury risk. Chronic ankle instability (CAI) has shown to affect activities related to the distal leg muscles while walking. Its effects on proximal muscle activities of the leg, both for the injured- (IN) and uninjured-side (NON), remain unclear. Therefore, the aim was to compare the difference of the motor control strategy in ipsilateral and contralateral proximal joints while unperturbed walking and perturbed walking between individuals with CAI and matched controls. Materials and methods In a cross-sectional study, 13 participants with unilateral CAI and 13 controls (CON) walked on a split-belt treadmill with and without random left- and right-sided perturbations. EMG amplitudes of muscles at lower extremities were analyzed 200 ms after perturbations, 200 ms before, and 100 ms after (Post100) heel contact while walking. Onset latencies were analyzed at heel contacts and after perturbations. Statistical significance was set at alpha≤0.05 and 95\% confidence intervals were applied to determine group differences. Cohen's d effect sizes were calculated to evaluate the extent of differences. Results Participants with CAI showed increased EMG amplitudes for NON-rectus abdominus at Post100 and shorter latencies for IN-gluteus maximus after heel contact compared to CON (p<0.05). Overall, leg muscles (rectus femoris, biceps femoris, and gluteus medius) activated earlier and less bilaterally (d = 0.30-0.88) and trunk muscles (bilateral rectus abdominus and NON-erector spinae) activated earlier and more for the CAI group than CON group (d = 0.33-1.09). Conclusion Unilateral CAI alters the pattern of the motor control strategy around proximal joints bilaterally. Neuromuscular training for the muscles, which alters motor control strategy because of CAI, could be taken into consideration when planning rehabilitation for CAI.}, language = {en} } @article{MoranValiDruryetal.2022, author = {Moran, Jason and Vali, Norodin and Drury, Ben and Hammami, Raouf and Tallent, Jamie and Chaabene, Helmi and Ramirez-Campillo, Rodrigo}, title = {The effect of volume equated 1-versus 2-day formats of Nordic hamstring exercise training on fitness in youth soccer players}, series = {PLOS ONE}, volume = {17}, journal = {PLOS ONE}, number = {12}, publisher = {PLOS}, address = {San Francisco, California, US}, issn = {1932-6203}, doi = {10.1371/journal.pone.0277437}, pages = {13}, year = {2022}, abstract = {Purpose This randomised controlled trial examined the effect of an 8-week volume-equated programme of Nordic hamstring exercise (NHE) training, executed at frequencies of 1- or 2-days per week, on fitness (10 m and 40 m sprint, '505' change of direction [COD] and standing long jump [SLJ]) in male youth soccer players (mean age: 16.4 0.81 years). Method Players were divided into an experimental group (n = 16) which was further subdivided into 1-day (n = 8) and 2-day (n = 8) per week training groups and a control group (n = 8). Results There were significant group-by-time interactions for 10-m sprint (p<0.001, eta(2) = 0.120, d = 2.05 [0.57 to 3.53]), 40-m sprint (p = 0.001, eta(2) = 0.041, d = 1.09 [-0.23 to 2.4]) and COD (p = 0.002, eta(2) = 0.063, d = 1.25 [-0.09 to 2.59). The experimental group demonstrated a 'very large' effect size (d = 3.02 [1.5 to 4.54]) in 10-m sprint, and 'large' effect sizes in 40-m sprint (d = 1.94 [0.98 to 2.90]) and COD (d = 1.84 [0.85 to 2.83). The control group showed no significant changes. There were no significant differences between the 1-day and 2-day training groups. In three of the four tests (40 m, COD, SLJ) the 2-day group demonstrated larger effect sizes. Ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) were significantly lower in the 2-day group (p<0.001, 3.46 [1.83 to 5.04). Conclusion The NHE increases fitness in youth soccer players and there may be advantages to spreading training over two days instead of one.}, language = {en} } @article{SammoudNegraBouguezzietal.2021, author = {Sammoud, Senda and Negra, Yassine and Bouguezzi, Raja and Hachana, Younes and Granacher, Urs and Chaabene, Helmi}, title = {The effects of plyometric jump training on jump and sport-specific performances in prepubertal female swimmers}, series = {Journal of exercise science and fitness : JESF : official journal of The Society of Chinese Scholars on Exercise Physiology and Fitness and Hong Kong Association of Sports Medicine \& Sports Science}, volume = {19}, journal = {Journal of exercise science and fitness : JESF : official journal of The Society of Chinese Scholars on Exercise Physiology and Fitness and Hong Kong Association of Sports Medicine \& Sports Science}, number = {1}, publisher = {Elsevier}, address = {Singapore}, issn = {1728-869x}, doi = {10.1016/j.jesf.2020.07.003}, pages = {25 -- 31}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Background/objective Dry land-training (e.g., plyometric jump training) can be a useful mean to improve swimming performance. This study examined the effects of an 8-week plyometric jump training (PJT) program on jump and sport-specific performances in prepubertal female swimmers. Methods Twenty-two girls were randomly assigned to either a plyometric jump training group (PJTG; n = 12, age: 10.01 ± 0.57 years, maturity-offset = -1.50 ± 0.50, body mass = 36.39 ± 6.32 kg, body height = 146.90 ± 7.62 cm, body mass index = 16.50 ± 1.73 kg/m2) or an active control (CG; n = 10, age: 10.50 ± 0.28 years, maturity-offset = -1.34 ± 0.51, body mass = 38.41 ± 9.42 kg, body height = 143.60 ± 5.05 cm, body mass index = 18.48 ± 3.77 kg/m2). Pre- and post-training, tests were conducted for the assessment of muscle power (e.g., countermovement-jump [CMJ], standing-long-jump [SLJ]). Sport-specific-performances were tested using the timed 25 and 50-m front crawl with a diving-start, timed 25-m front crawl without push-off from the wall (25-m WP), and a timed 25-m kick without push-off from the wall (25-m KWP). Results Findings showed a significant main effect of time for the CMJ (d = 0.78), the SLJ (d = 0.91), 25-m front crawl test (d = 2.5), and the 25-m-KWP (d = 1.38) test. Significant group × time interactions were found for CMJ, SLJ, 25-m front crawl, 50-m front crawl, 25-m KWP, and 25-m WP test (d = 0.29-1.63) in favor of PJTG (d = 1.34-3.50). No significant pre-post changes were found for CG (p > 0.05). Conclusion In sum, PJT is effective in improving muscle power and sport-specific performances in prepubertal swimmers. Therefore, PJT should be included from an early start into the regular training program of swimmers.}, language = {en} } @article{JebabliZouhalBoullosaetal.2022, author = {Jebabli, Nidhal and Zouhal, Hassane and Boullosa, Daniel and Govindasamy, Karuppasamy and Tourny, Claire and Hackney, Anthony C. and Granacher, Urs and Ben Abderrahman, Abderraouf}, title = {The effects of preferred music and its timing on performance, pacing, and psychophysiological responses during the 6-min test}, series = {Journal of human kinetics}, volume = {82}, journal = {Journal of human kinetics}, number = {1}, publisher = {Academy of Physical Education}, address = {Katowice}, issn = {1640-5544}, doi = {10.2478/hukin-2022-0038}, pages = {123 -- 133}, year = {2022}, abstract = {The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of listening to preferred music during a warm up or exercise, on performance during a 6-min all-out exercise test (6-MT) in young adult males. Twenty-five healthy males volunteered to participate in this study. Following a within subject design, participants performed three test conditions (MDT: music during the test; MDW: music during the warm-up; WM: without music) in random order. Outcomes included mean running speed over the 6-min test (MRS6), total distance covered (TDC), heart rate responses (HRpeak, HRmean), blood lactate (3-min after the test), and the rating of perceived exertion (RPE); additionally, feeling scale scores were recorded. Listening to preferred music during running resulted in significant TDC (Delta up arrow 10\%, p=0.006, ES=0.80) and MRS6 (Delta up arrow 14\%, p=0.012, ES=1.02) improvement during the 6-MT, improvement was also noted for the warm-up with music condition (TDC:Delta up arrow 8\%, p=0.028, ES=0.63; MRS6:Delta up arrow 8\%, p=0.032, ES=0.61). A similar reverse "J-shaped" pacing profile was detected during the three conditions. Blood lactate was lower in the MDT condition by 8\% (p=0.01, ES=1.10), but not the MDW condition, compared to MW. In addition, no statistically significant differences were found between the test sessions for the HR, RPE, and feeling scale scores. In conclusion, listening to music during exercise testing would be more beneficial for optimal TDC and MRS6 performances compared to MDW and WM.}, language = {en} } @article{LinHoutenbosLuetal.2021, author = {Lin, Chiao-I and Houtenbos, Sanne and Lu, Yu-Hsien and Mayer, Frank and Wippert, Pia-Maria}, title = {The epidemiology of chronic ankle instability with perceived ankle instability}, series = {Journal of foot and ankle research / Australasian Podiatry Council; Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists (UK)}, volume = {14}, journal = {Journal of foot and ankle research / Australasian Podiatry Council; Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists (UK)}, publisher = {BioMed Central}, address = {London}, issn = {1757-1146}, doi = {10.1186/s13047-021-00480-w}, pages = {11}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Background: Chronic ankle instability, developing from ankle sprain, is one of the most common sports injuries. Besides it being an ankle issue, chronic ankle instability can also cause additional injuries. Investigating the epidemiology of chronic ankle instability is an essential step to develop an adequate injury prevention strategy. However, the epidemiology of chronic ankle instability remains unknown. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the epidemiology of chronic ankle instability through valid and reliable self-reported tools in active populations. Methods: An electronic search was performed on PubMed and Web of Science in July 2020. The inclusion criteria for articles were peer-reviewed, published between 2006 and 2020, using one of the valid and reliable tools to evaluate ankle instability, determining chronic ankle instability based on the criteria of the International Ankle Consortium, and including the outcome of epidemiology of chronic ankle instability. The risk of bias of the included studies was evaluated with an adapted tool for the sports injury review method. Results: After removing duplicated studies, 593 articles were screened for eligibility. Twenty full-texts were screened and finally nine studies were included, assessing 3804 participants in total. The participants were between 15 and 32 years old and represented soldiers, students, athletes and active individuals with a history of ankle sprain. The prevalence of chronic ankle instability was 25\%, ranging between 7 and 53\%. The prevalence of chronic ankle instability within participants with a history of ankle sprains was 46\%, ranging between 9 and 76\%. Five included studies identified chronic ankle instability based on the standard criteria, and four studies applied adapted exclusion criteria to conduct the study. Five out of nine included studies showed a low risk of bias. Conclusions: The prevalence of chronic ankle instability shows a wide range. This could be due to the different exclusion criteria, age, sports discipline, or other factors among the included studies. For future studies, standardized criteria to investigate the epidemiology of chronic ankle instability are required. The epidemiology of CAI should be prospective. Factors affecting the prevalence of chronic ankle instability should be investigated and clearly described.}, language = {en} } @article{HeroldBehrendtMeissneretal.2022, author = {Herold, Fabian and Behrendt, Tom and Meißner, Caroline and M{\"u}ller, Notger Germar and Schega, Lutz}, title = {The Influence of acute sprint interval training on cognitive performance of healthy younger adults}, series = {International journal of environmental research and public health : IJERPH / Molecular Diversity Preservation International}, volume = {19}, journal = {International journal of environmental research and public health : IJERPH / Molecular Diversity Preservation International}, number = {1}, publisher = {MDPI}, address = {Basel}, issn = {1660-4601}, doi = {10.3390/ijerph19010613}, pages = {14}, year = {2022}, abstract = {There is considerable evidence showing that an acute bout of physical exercises can improve cognitive performance, but the optimal exercise characteristics (e.g., exercise type and exercise intensity) remain elusive. In this regard, there is a gap in the literature to which extent sprint interval training (SIT) can enhance cognitive performance. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the effect of a time-efficient SIT, termed as "shortened-sprint reduced-exertion high-intensity interval training" (SSREHIT), on cognitive performance. Nineteen healthy adults aged 20-28 years were enrolled and assessed for attentional performance (via the d2 test), working memory performance (via Digit Span Forward/Backward), and peripheral blood lactate concentration immediately before and 10 min after an SSREHIT and a cognitive engagement control condition (i.e., reading). We observed that SSREHIT can enhance specific aspects of attentional performance, as it improved the percent error rate (F\%) in the d-2 test (t (18) = -2.249, p = 0.037, d = -0.516), which constitutes a qualitative measure of precision and thoroughness. However, SSREHIT did not change other measures of attentional or working memory performance. In addition, we observed that the exercise-induced increase in the peripheral blood lactate levels correlated with changes in attentional performance, i.e., the total number of responses (GZ) (r(m) = 0.70, p < 0.001), objective measures of concentration (SKL) (r(m) = 0.73, p < 0.001), and F\% (r(m) = -0.54, p = 0.015). The present study provides initial evidence that a single bout of SSREHIT can improve specific aspects of attentional performance and conforming evidence for a positive link between cognitive improvements and changes in peripheral blood lactate levels.}, language = {en} } @article{BoernertRinglebWestphalZarubaetal.2020, author = {B{\"o}rnert-Ringleb, Moritz and Westphal, Andrea and Zaruba, Nicole and Gutmann, Franziska and Vock, Miriam}, title = {The relationship between attitudes toward inclusion, beliefs about teaching and learning, and subsequent automatic evaluations amongst student teachers}, series = {Frontiers in education}, volume = {5}, journal = {Frontiers in education}, publisher = {Frontiers Media}, address = {Lausanne}, issn = {2504-284X}, doi = {10.3389/feduc.2020.584464}, pages = {11}, year = {2020}, abstract = {Teachers' attitudes toward inclusion are frequently cited as being an important predictor of how successfully a given inclusive school system is implemented. At the same time, beliefs about the nature of teaching and learning are discussed as a possible predictor of attitudes toward inclusion. However, more recent research emphasizes the need of considering implicit processes, such as automatic evaluations, when describing attitudes and beliefs. Previous evidence on the association of attitudes toward inclusion and beliefs about teaching and learning is solely based on explicit reports. Therefore, this study aims to examine the relationship between attitudes toward inclusion, beliefs about teaching and learning, and the subsequent automatic evaluations of pre-service teachers (N = 197). The results revealed differences between pre-service teachers' explicit attitudes/beliefs and their subsequent automatic evaluations. Differences in the relationship between attitudes toward inclusion and beliefs about teaching and learning occur when teachers focus either on explicit measures or automatic evaluations. These differences might be due to different facets of the same attitude object being represented. Relying solely on either explicit measures or automatic evaluations at the exclusion of the other might lead to erroneous assumptions about the relation of attitudes toward inclusion and beliefs about teaching and learning.}, language = {en} }