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Gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) and transgender individuals face heightened risks of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Surveillance within these populations is critical, and community testing services play a pivotal role in preventing and controlling HIV and STIs. This study investigates the trends in HIV, syphilis and hepatitis C (HCV) infections among participants in an apps-driven rapid test program from 2016 to 2023 in Barcelona, Spain, examining associated factors. Trend analysis utilized Wilcoxon-type test and associated factors were determined through multivariate logistic analysis. The prevalence of new HIV diagnosis was 1.81% (CI 1.18–2.64), active syphilis was 3.37% (CI 2.46–4.50) and acute HCV was 0.40% (CI 0.11–1.02). While infection rates showed no significant changes, there was significant increasing in sex work and chemsex and decreasing in condom use. Additionally, a peak in dating apps use for sex and a specific reduction in number of sexual partners were observed in 2020. Factors associated with HIV diagnoses included migrant status (aOR = 11.19; CI 2.58–48.53) and inconsistent condom use during the previous 12 months (aOR = 3.12; CI 1.02–9.51). For syphilis, associated factors were migrant status (aOR = 2.46; CI 1.14–5.29), inconsistent condom use (aOR = 3.38; CI 1.37–8.36), and chemsex practice during the previous 12 months (aOR = 2.80; CI 1.24–6.30). Our findings emphasize the need for tailored interventions, including culturally sensitive outreach for migrants and comprehensive strategies addressing substance use in sexual contexts. Technological innovations and targeted educational initiatives could reduce the burden of HIV and STIs within the GBMSM and transgender communities, providing valuable insights for public health strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pelvic floor dysfunctions, associated with alterations in respiratory mechanics and, consequently, quality of life, are the cause of the most frequent gynecological problems. Pelvic floor muscle training emerges as a first-line treatment, with new approaches such as hypopressive exercises. The aim of this study was to analyze the efficacy of an 8-week supervised training program of hypopressive exercises on the pelvic floor and its impact on improving the ventilatory mechanics and quality of life in women. Analysis of the spirometric parameters showed a significant main Group × Time effect for three parameters: the ratio of FEV1/FVC (p = 0.030), the forced expiratory flow at 75% of the expired vital capacity (p < 0.001), and the forced expiratory flow over the middle half of the forced vital capacity (p = 0.005). No statistical significance was found regarding the SF-12 questionnaire components; only differences were found over time in the physical role (p = 0.023), bodily pain (p = 0.001), and vitality (p < 0.010) domains and in the physical component summary score (p = 0.010). After an 8-week intervention of hypopressive exercises, an improvement in the ventilatory and pulmonary capacities can be observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We evaluated the response rate, acceptability, and effectiveness of a preventive programme offering rapid HIV and other STI testing, as well as sexual counselling to gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) via dating apps over a 4-year period. The programme was carried out in 9 out of the 10 districts in the city of Barcelona, Spain. The response rate was defined as the proportion of people responding to the message sent, acceptability as the proportion of those responding favourably, and effectiveness as the proportion of users requesting a test. We performed univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression in relation with the response rate, acceptability and effectiveness. A total of 5,254 messages were send to different users. The response rate was 33.1% (n = 1,741), acceptability was 86.2% (n = 1,500), and effectiveness was 10.1% (n = 532). The factors associated with user response were recent connection to the app (aOR = 1.85; CI:1.39–2.46) and the presence of a profile photograph (aOR = 1.34; CI:1.11–1.64). Acceptability was associated with recent connection to the app (aOR = 1.98; CI:1.09–3.58). Effectiveness was associated with lower reported age (aOR = 0.98; CI:0.97–0.99), contact before 14:00 (aOR = 2.47; CI: 1.77–3.46), and recent connection to the app (aOR = 4.89; CI:1.98–12.08). Effectiveness was also greater in districts that were more disadvantaged or had fewer sexual health services. This study demonstrates that the use of these apps is an acceptable and effective method of prevention and sexual health promotion in GBMSM in this setting and identifies the associated factors that could guide such interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To identify, critically appraise, and synthesize the existing evidence regarding the effects of therapeutic interventions on arthrogenic muscle inhibition (AMI) in patients with chronic ankle instability (CAI). Two reviewers independently performed exhaustive database searches in Web of Science, PubMed, Medline, CINAHL, and SPORTDiscus. Nine studies were finally included. Five types of disinhibitory interventions were identified: focal ankle joint cooling (FAJC), manual therapy, fibular reposition taping (FRT), whole-body vibration (WBV), and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS). There were moderate effects of FAJC on spinal excitability in ankle muscles (g = 0.55, 95% CI = 0.03–1.08, p = 0.040 for the soleus and g = 0.54, 95% CI = 0.01–1.07, p = 0.046 for the fibularis longus). In contrast, manual therapy, FRT, WBV were not effective. Finally, 4 weeks of tDCS combined with eccentric exercise showed large effects on corticospinal excitability in 2 weeks after the intervention (g = 0.99, 95% CI = 0.14–1.85 for the fibularis longus and g = 1.02, 95% CI = 0.16–1.87 for the tibialis anterior). FAJC and tDCS may be effective in counteracting AMI. However, the current evidence of mainly short-term studies to support the use of disinhibitory interventions is too limited to draw definitive conclusions. Therapeutic interventions on arthrogenic muscle inhibition (AMI) in patients with chronic ankle instability are scarce. Current studies incorporate mainly short-term therapeutic interventions. Focal ankle joint cooling seems effective to treat AMI. Several weeks of transcranial direct current stimulation may also be effective to counteract arthrogenic muscle inhibition but more studies are needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aibar-Almazán, A, Martínez-Amat, A, Cruz-Díaz, D, Jesús de la Torre-Cruz, M, Jiménez-García, JD, Zagalaz-Anula, N, Redecillas-Peiró, MT, Mendoza-Ladrón de Guevara, N, and Hita-Contreras, F. The influence of Pilates exercises on body composition, muscle strength, and gait speed in community-dwelling older women: a randomized controlled trial. J Strength Cond Res 36(8): 2298–2305, 2022—Population aging is a global phenomenon that has wide-ranging consequences for the health of individuals, including age-related obesity, muscle loss, and a decline in muscle strength and gait speed. These alterations are associated with disability, functional decline, and mortality in older adults. The objective of this study was to analyze the effects of Pilates exercises on body composition, handgrip strength, and physical performance among community-dwelling Spanish women aged 60 and older. A randomized controlled trial of a 12-week Pilates training program was conducted. A total of 109 women were randomly allocated to either a control (n = 54) or a Pilates (n = 55) group. Body composition was evaluated by bioelectrical impedance. Body mass index (BMI), percentage of body fat, and height-adjusted skeletal muscle mass index (SMI) were assessed before and immediately after the intervention, as were physical performance, estimated by gait speed (timed up-and-go test), and handgrip strength. Statistically significant improvements (p < 0.05) were observed both within and between groups for handgrip strength (Cohen's d = 0.40 and 0.52 respectively) and gait speed (Cohen's d = 0.86 and 0.87 respectively). After 12 weeks, BMI significantly decreased (Cohen's d = 0.07) only in the Pilates group. No significant differences were observed regarding SMI. In conclusion, a 12-week Pilates exercise intervention on community dwelling women over 60 years old shows beneficial effects on muscle strength, physical performance, and BMI, but failed to induce any changes on body composition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Ankle-joint mobilization and neuromuscular and strength training have been deemed beneficial in the management of patients with chronic ankle instability (CAI). CrossFit training is a sport modality that involves these techniques. Objective: To determine and compare the influence of adding self-mobilization of the ankle joint to CrossFit training versus CrossFit alone or no intervention in patients with CAI. Design: Randomized controlled clinical trial. Setting: Research laboratory. Patients or Other Participants: Seventy recreational athletes with CAI were randomly allocated to either self-mobilization plus CrossFit training, CrossFit training alone, or a control group. Intervention(s): Participants in the self-mobilization plus CrossFit group and the CrossFit training-alone group pursued a CrossFit training program twice a week for 12 weeks. The selfmobilization plus CrossFit group performed an ankle selfmobilization protocol before their CrossFit training, and the control group received no intervention. Main Outcome Measure(s): Ankle-dorsiflexion range of motion (DFROM), subjective feeling of instability, and dynamic postural control were assessed via the weight-bearing lunge test, Cumberland Ankle Instability Tool, and Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT), respectively. Results: After 12 weeks of the intervention, both the selfmobilization plus CrossFit and CrossFit training-alone groups improved compared with the control group (P < .001). The selfmobilization plus CrossFit intervention was superior to the CrossFit training-alone intervention regarding ankle DFROM as well as the posterolateral- and posteromedial-reach distances of the SEBT but not for the anterior-reach distance of the SEBT or the Cumberland Ankle Instability Tool. Conclusions: Ankle-joint self-mobilization and CrossFit training were effective in improving ankle DFROM, dynamic postural control and self-reported instability in patients with CAI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To assess the effectiveness of 12 weeks of Pilates practice on disability, pain and kinesiophobia in patients with chronic non-specific low back pain. Design: This is a randomized controlled trial. Setting: This study was conducted in the university laboratory. Subjects: A total of 64 participants with chronic non-specific low back pain were included. Interventions: Participants were randomly allocated to intervention group consisted in Pilates intervention during 12 weeks (n = 32) or control group who received no treatment (n = 32). Main measures: Disability, pain and kinesiophobia were assessed by Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire, visual analogue scale and Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia, respectively. Measurements were performed at baseline, at 6 and 12 weeks after study completion. Results: There were significant differences between groups with observed improvement in Pilates intervention group in all variables after treatment (P < 0.001). Major changes on disability and kinesiophobia were observed at six weeks of intervention with no significant difference after 12 weeks (P < 0.001). Mean changes of the intervention group compared with the control group were 4.00 (0.45) on the Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire and 5.50 (0.67) in the Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia. Pain showed better results at six weeks with a slightly but statistically significant improvement at 12 weeks with Visual Analogue Scale scores of 2.40 (0.26) (P < 0.001). Conclusion: Pilates intervention in patients with chronic non-specific low back pain is effective in the management of disability, pain and kinesiophobia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To examine the reliability and validity of the Spanish version of the Activities-specific Balance Confidence scale (ABC-S), and its ability to discriminate between patients with and without a history of falls among a Spanish population with vestibular disorders. Method: A total of 84 participants completed the ABC-S. Internal consistency, test-retest reliability and construct validity (exploratory factor analysis) were analysed. Concurrent validity was evaluated using the 12-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-12) and the Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI). To determine the accuracy of the ABC total score in discriminating patients with and without a history of falls, a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed. Results: The ABC-S showed excellent internal consistency (Cronbach's α = 0.916) and substantial test-retest reliability (ICC = 0.86, 95% CI: 0.74-0.93), with standard error and minimal detectable change values of 8.64 and 16.94, respectively. Factor analyses suggested a three-factor structure (explained variance was 62.24%). The ABC total score significantly correlated with the physical component summary score of the SF-12 and with the DHI-P, DHI-E, DHI-F and DHI total scores (p < 0.001). The ABC-S was significantly able to discriminate between participants with and without a history of falls (p < 0.006). Conclusions: The ABC-S is a valid and reliable instrument, suitable to assess balance confidence in Spanish patients with vestibular disorders. Implications for Rehabilitation: The Spanish version of the ABC scale is a valid and reliable measure of balance confidence in patients with vestibular disorders. In persons with vestibular disorders, the Spanish version of the ABC scale has shown the ability to discriminate between patients with and without a history of falls in the last year. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose:To determine the short- and long-term effectiveness of the application of Clinical Pilates in addition to physical therapy versus a physical therapy treatment alone in a population of postmenopausal women with chronic low back pain (CLBP).Methods: A single-blind randomized controlled trial with repeated measures and a follow-up period. One hundred and one patients were randomly allocated to a Pilates + physical therapy (PPT) group or to a physical therapy (PT) only group for six weeks. Pain and disability were measured by visual analog scale (VAS) and the Oswestry disability index respectively preintervention, after 6 weeks of treatment and after 1-year follow-up.Results: There were significant differences between groups in pain and disability after 6 weeks of treatment, with better results in the PPT group with an effect size ofd = 3.14 andd = 2.33 for pain and disability. After 1-year follow-up, only PPT group showed better results compared with baseline with an effect size ofd = 2.49 andd = 4.98 for pain and disability.Conclusion: The results suggest that using Clinical Pilates in addition to physical therapy provides improved results on pain management and functional status for postmenopausal woman with CLBP and that its benefits still linger after one year.Implications for RehabilitationChronic Low Back Pain could benefit from the Pilates practice in postmenopausal women.Improvement in pain and disability derived from CLBP seem to be maintained over time due to Pilates practice.Pilates constitutes a safe tool to be applied in older population with CLBP due to its ability to be adapted to every performance and physical level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the present study is to test the hypothesis that sprint swimming performance is enhanced by in-water passive recovery (IN) after sprint swimming bouts in well-trained adolescent swimmers. Using a randomized crossover study design, twelve well-trained adolescent swimmers performed two tests at the swimming pool after preliminary testing. They performed 5 bouts of 100m all-out swimming separated by 5 minutes of passive rest. Their individual in- or out-of-water passive recovery condition was randomized on the first day. In their second visit to the swimming pool the opposite recovery condition was indicated. More than 60% of the subjects which rested in-water were faster in the 5th bout when compared to the OUT group. However, no significant differences were found in blood lactate when IN and OUT were compared. After the first bout peak heart rate (HR peak) was lower in subsequent bouts for IN recovery when compared with OUT (p < 0.001). Thus, coaches and researchers should take into account that IN passive recovery may decrease loss of performance and diminish HR peak during sprint swimming bouts. This is particularly important given the use that many coaches give to HR as a tool in daily training. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]