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Background: This study explored the effect of running exercises at low [30% heart rate reserve (HRR)] and moderate (60%HRR) intensities on cognitive performances in individuals with intellectual disability (ID). Methods: Participants performed randomly reaction time (RT) tests: visual RT [simple RT (SRT) and choice RT (CRT)], auditory SRT (ASRT) and working memory (WM) (Corsi test) before and after the exercises. Results: The results showed that after both exercises, SRT decreased significantly (P < 0.001) in both groups with higher extent (P < 0.05) at 60%HRR compared with 30%HRR. CRT decreased (P < 0.01), similarly, after the both exercises in both groups with higher (P < 0.001) extent in the intellectual disability group (IDG). ASRT decreased significantly, at 30%HRR, in IDG (P < 0.001) and in control group (CG) (P < 0.01) with greater extent in IDG (P < 0.001). At 60%HRR, ASRT decreased significantly in both groups (P < 0.001) with greater extent in IDG (P < 0.001). The ΔASRT% was significantly (P < 0.05) higher at 30%HRR compared with 60%HRR in IDG. In CG, no significant (P = 0.21) difference was reported between intensities. The Corsi forward and the Corsi backward scores increased significantly (P < 0.01) in both groups after both intensities with higher extent in IDG (P < 0.01). Conclusions: Our results suggest that low and moderate running exercises improve similarly simple and choice visual RT as well as WM in individuals with ID. Furthermore, low‐intensity exercise could be more appropriate to enhance ASRT compared the moderate one in these individuals. Therefore, low‐intensity exercise seems to be an efficient strategy to improve cognitive performances in individuals with ID. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The dual task training (DTT) has been shown to improve postural and cognitive performances in many populations. Therefore, it seems of interest to explore the effect of such training modality in individuals with Down syndrome (DS) presenting both cognitive and postural deficits., Aims: This study explored the effect of a DTT compared to a single task training (STT) on postural and cognitive performances in adolescents with DS., Methods and Procedures: The center of pressure velocity (CoP Vm ) and the cognitive performance in the selective word recall test were recorded under single task (ST) and DT conditions before and after 8 weeks in the STT group (STTG), the DTTG and the control group (CG)., Outcomes and Results: Before training, CoP Vm values increased and cognitive performances decreased (p < 0.001) during the DT compared to ST conditions in all groups. After training, CoP Vm decreased (p < 0.001) in the DTTG and the STTG under the ST conditions. However, under DT conditions, these values decreased (p < 0.001) only in the DTTG. The cognitive performance increased (p < 0.001) only in the DTTG in both ST and DT conditions., Conclusion: The DTT is strongly recommended to improve both postural and cognitive performances in individuals with DS notably in DT conditions., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

In the current study we aimed to investigate the effect of specific dual task training (SDTT) compared to conventional soccer training (CST) on motor and cognitive performances in U13 elite soccer players. Twenty-four young soccer players (all males) participated in this study. We measured their change of direction ability (CODA) and cognitive performances (cognitive flexibility and inhibition) before and after four weeks in either the SDTT group or the CST group. We administered the Trail-Making Test (TMT) to evaluate cognitive flexibility and the Stroop test to evaluate cognitive inhibition. We assessed CODA using the t test (TT). After training, CODA ( p < .001), cognitive flexibility ( p < .001), and inhibition ( p < .001) were improved only in the SDTT group. These results suggest that SDTT seems more suitable than CST to optimally improve both CODA and cognitive performances in U13 elite soccer players., Competing Interests: Declaration of Conflicting InterestsThe author(s) declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

This study explored the effect of different dual-task (DT) training programs on DT interference in adults with intellectual disability. Center-of-pressure (CoP) mean velocity in single-task (ST) and cognitive-DT conditions and the Timed Up-and-Go Test (TUGT) during ST, cognitive-DT, and motor-DT conditions were assessed before and after intervention in a cognitive-motor training group, a motor-motor training group, and a control group. Before training, CoP mean velocity and TUGT time increased (p < .001) in DT compared with the ST condition. After training, the CoP mean velocity values remained unchanged (p = .07) in DT compared with the ST condition among the cognitive-motor training group. Furthermore, compared with the ST condition, no increase (p = 1) was reported in the TUGT time during the cognitive-DT condition for the cognitive-motor training group and during the motor-DT for the motor-motor training group (p = .12). The effect of DT training on DT interference depends on the training modality.

In this study, we explored the immediate and three-month follow-up effects of physical training on physical fitness in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). We randomly assigned 20 children with ASD (age 8-11 years) into an experimental group (EG; n = 10) and a control group (CG; n = 10). The EG participated in an 8-week training program involving both strength and proprioceptive exercises (three 60-minute sessions/week), while the CG simply maintained their daily activities. We assessed physical fitness components for each participant at baseline, post-training, and at a 3-month follow-up. The physical training intervention significantly improved physical fitness of these children with ASD in terms of their flexibility ( p < .001; 32.46%), lower limbs strength ( p = .003; 36.98%), lower body power ( p < .001; 41.78%) and functional mobility ( p < .001; 25.56%). However, these addition training-induced gains were lost at follow-up for lower limbs strength ( p < .001), flexibility ( p < .001), and functional mobility ( p = .034)). Physical training was effective for improving physical fitness in children with ASD, but the loss of these gains at three months follow-up underscored the need for continuous physical exercise., Competing Interests: Declaration of Conflicting InterestsThe author(s) declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

Background: This study aims to investigate the impact of neuromuscular training (NMT) on static and dynamic postural balance (PB) among high-level male runners with intellectual disability., Method: Twenty-seven runners were randomly assigned to a NMT group and a control group who maintained their conventional training. Static and dynamic PB were assessed using the centre of pressure (CoP) excursions (in bipedal and unipedal stances under open eyes (OE) and closed eyes (CE) conditions) and the star excursion balance test (SEBT), respectively, at pre-training and post-training., Results: The NMT group showed significantly (p < 0.05) decreased CoP values and increased SEBT scores at post-training compared to pre-training. The switch from OE to CE did not affect static PB in the bipedal stance, only in the NMT group., Conclusions: The NMT was effective in improving static and dynamic PB in runners with intellectual disability. The NMT could reduce visual dependency., (© 2024 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

The study explored the effects of two combined training (Strength-Proprioceptive versus Cognitive-Balance) programs on postural balance during single-task and dual-task conditions in children with intellectual disability. The postural balance and the second cognitive-task performances were evaluated before and after 8-week of training in two groups: Strength-Proprioceptive Group (n = 12) and Cognitive-Balance Group (n = 10). Results showed that, in both groups and regardless of the training effect, the postural balance performance was significantly (p < 0.05) altered in the dual-task condition compared to the single-task one. After-training session, postural balance performance was improved significantly (p < 0.001) for all task conditions. After training session, the second cognitive-task performance was improved in the Strength-Proprioceptive Group (p < 0.001) and Cognitive-Balance Groupe (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the combined training programs, Strength-Proprioceptive and Cognitive-Balance, improved postural balance performance in single-task and dual-task conditions in children with intellectual disability., Competing Interests: Declaration of Conflicting InterestsThe author(s) declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

Background: Individuals with Down syndrome (DS) presented both cognitive and motor impairments that could influence each other. Therefore, exploring cognitive-motor interference during standing stance is relevant in this population., Aims: This study explored the dual task (DT) effects on postural balance during diverse cognitive tasks and sensory manipulations in individuals with DS, compared to those with typical development (TD)., Methods and Procedures: Fifteen adolescents with DS (age = 14.26 ± 1.27 years; height = 1.50 ± 0.02; weight = 46.46 ± 4.03 kg; BMI =20.54 ± 1.51 kg/m 2 ) and thirteen with TD (age = 14.07 ± 1.11 years; height = 1.50 ± 0.05; weight = 44.92 ± 4.15 kg; BMI =19.77 ± 0.94 kg/m 2 ) participated in this study. Postural and cognitive performances for the selective span task (SST) and the verbal fluency (VF) were recorded during single task (ST) and DT conditions. Postural conditions were: firm eyes open (firm-EO), firm eyes closed (firm-EC) and foam-EO. Motor and cognitive DT costs (DTC) were calculated and analyzed across these different cognitive and postural conditions., Outcomes and Results: In the DS group, postural performance was significantly (p < 0.001) altered during all DT conditions, compared to the ST situation. Moreover, the motor DTC was significantly (p < 0.001) higher while performing the VF task than the SST. However, in the control group, postural performance was significantly (p < 0.001) impaired only while performing the VF test in the DT-Firm EO condition. For both groups, cognitive performances were significantly (p < 0.05) altered in all DT conditions compared to the ST one., Conclusion: Adolescents with DS are more prone to DT effects on postural balance than those with TD., (Copyright © 2023 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: The present study aimed to evaluate the postural balance of young tennis players and young swimming practitioners in static and dynamic conditions., Methods: Thirty-six children (5-6 years old) participated in 3 groups: 12 tennis players, 12 swimming practitioners and 12 controls. Static and dynamic [in medial lateral (ML) and anterior posterior (AP) planes] postural balance were assessed by the centre of pressure sways using a stabilometric force platform in the eyes opened (EO) and eyes closed (EC) conditions., Results: In the EO condition, swimming practitioners and tennis players had a significantly lower ( p  < 0.05) centre of pressure mean velocity (CoP Vm ) compared to controls in both static and dynamic medial-lateral (D-ML) postures. In the D-ML posture, swimming practitioners showed lower CoP Vm compared to tennis players. However, in the EC condition, only the swimming practitioners showed better static and D-ML postural balance ( p  < 0.05) compared to their counterparts. In the static posture, the Romberg index value was significantly higher ( p  < 0.05) in tennis players compared to the two other groups., Conclusion: Tennis players developed a higher reliance on vision to maintain balance, whereas swimming practitioners were more stable in challenging postural conditions. Clinicians should consider incorporating swimming training rather than tennis as an appropriate balance training in fall-prevention programs.

Background: Dual-task designs have been used to study the degree of automatic and controlled processing involved in postural balance. The aim of the present study was to explore postural balance performance during dual-task condition in children with intellectual disability compared to those with typical development., Methods: Fifteen children with intellectual disability aged from 7 to 12 years old and fifteen age-matched children with typical development participated in this study. Participants were asked to maintain static balance on a force platform during a baseline condition (single task) and while performing the Picture Recognition Memory Test (dual-task condition)., Results: The results showed that dual-task similarly affects postural performance of both typically developing children and those with intellectual disability ( p  < .001)., Conclusions: Children with intellectual disability and children with typical development have difficulties in maintaining their balance when carrying out a concurrent cognitive task. Intellectual disability did not lead to a more strongly compromised balance performance in dual-task situation.

This study explored the acute effects of different running intensities on cognitive and motor performances in individuals with intellectual disability (ID). An ID group (age, M = 15.25 years, SD = 2.76) and a control group without ID (age, M = 15.11 years, SD = 1.54) performed visual simple and choice reaction times, auditory simple reaction time, and finger tapping tests before and after running at low or moderate intensity (30% and 60% of heart rate reserve [HRR], respectively). Visual simple reaction time values decreased (p < .001) after both intensities at all time points with higher (p = .007) extend after the 60% HRR intensity for both groups. After both intensities, the VCRT decreased (p < .001) in the ID group at all time points compared with preexercise (Pre-EX) while, in the control group, these values decreased (p < .001) only immediately (IM-EX) and after 10 min (Post-10) of exercise cessation. Compared withs Pre-EX, in the ID group, the auditory simple reaction time values decreased (p < .001) at all time points after the 30% HHR intensity whereas, after the 60% HRR, these values decreased only at IM-EX (p < .001), Post-10 (p = .001) and Post-20 (p < .001). In the control group, auditory simple reaction time values decreased (p = .002) only after the 30% HRR intensity at IM-EX. The finger tapping test increased at IM-EX (p < .001) and at Post-20 (p = .001) compared to Pre-EX in both groups only after the 30% HHR intensity and for the dominant hand. The effect of physical exercise on cognitive performances in individuals with ID seems to depend on the cognitive test type as well as the exercise intensity.

We aimed to investigate the effect of music on visually impaired adolescents' postural balance across different somatosensory and vestibular input conditions. We recruited 19 adolescent participants (9 males, 10 females) with severe congenital visual impairment. We recorded their mean center of pressure velocity (CoP Vm ) during static upright bipedal standing under somatosensory (firm and foam surfaces) and vestibular (head facing forward (HFF), head rotated 90° to the right (HRR), and head rotated 90° to the left (HRL)) perturbations in three auditory conditions (no-music, listening to Jupiter, and listening to their preferred music). We found that CoP Vm decreased significantly when listening to both Jupiter and preferred music, compared to the no-music condition on both firm ( p < .05) and foam ( p < .001) surfaces and with the HFF ( p < .05), rotated to the right ( p < .001) or rotated to the left ( p < .001). Moreover, CoP Vm values increased significantly with somatosensory manipulation ( p < .001) in all the auditory conditions and with vestibular manipulation ( p < .01) only in the no-music condition. We concluded that listening to both Jupiter and preferred music improved postural balance in visually impaired adolescents, even in challenged postural conditions.

Background: This study compared the acute effects of aerobic (AE) and resistance (RE) exercise on reaction time (RT) and working memory (WM) in individuals with intellectual disability., Methods: RT tests and Corsi test for WM were performed before and after three intervention sessions: AE, RE, or control session consisting on watching video., Results: The RT values decreased significantly (p < .001) after both of AE and RE with higher extend after the RE but did not vary following the control session. Corsi scores increased significantly (p < .001) after AE but not after RE or control session., Conclusions: These findings suggest that the effects of acute exercise on cognitive function in individuals with intellectual disability depend on the exercise mode as well as the nature of the cognitive task. The RE seems to be more recommended for RT enhancement whereas only the aerobic one could improve WM in these individuals., (© 2022 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

This study explored the effect of dual task (DT) training compared to single task (ST) training on postural and cognitive performances in DT conditions in individuals with intellectual disability (ID). Postural sways and cognitive performances were measured separately and simultaneously before and after 8 weeks in the ST training group (STTG), the DT training group (DTTG) and the control group (CG) that did not received any training. Before training, postural sways and cognitive performances were higher in the DT condition compared to ST one in all groups. After training, postural sways were higher in the DT condition compared to the ST only in the STTG and the CG. The cognitive performance increased after training only in the DTTG.

Abstract: Graja, A, Kacem, M, Hammouda, O, Borji, R, Bouzid, MA, Souissi, N, and Rebai, H. Physical, biochemical, and neuromuscular responses to repeated sprint exercise in eumenorrheic female handball players: effect of menstrual cycle phases. J Strength Cond Res 36(8): 2268-2276, 2022-Very few studies have been interested in the relationship between ovarian hormones and physiological function in female athletes. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of menstrual phases (MP) on physical, neuromuscular, and biochemical responses after repeated sprint exercise (RSE) in female handball players. Ten eumenorrheic athletes (22.5 ± 1.5 years, 1.70 ± 0.04 m) participated in 3 study visits (follicular phase [FP], luteal phase [LP], and premenstrual phase [PMP]). During each MP, they performed 20 × 5-second cycle sprints interspersed with 25 seconds of rest. Maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) tests of the knee extensor muscles at 90° of knee flexion were performed before and after RSE. Peak force and electromyography (EMG) signals were measured during the MVC tests. Blood samples were collected before and 3 minutes after each session. The percentage of decrement in peak power output over the 20 × 5-second cycle test (i.e., fatigue index) calculated between sprints 1 and 20 decreased significantly during PMP (-43.3% ± 5.7%) but not in LP (-39.2% ± 7.7%) compared with FP (-32.44% ± 6.3%) ( p < 0.05). Moreover, no significant difference was found between MP in all frequency components of EMG before RSE ( p > 0.05). Maximal voluntary contraction, neuromuscular efficiency, and median frequency values of vastus lateralis and rectus femoris were significantly decreased in PMP compared with FP and LP ( p < 0.05). Creatine kinase (CK) levels were significantly higher in PMP compared with FP and LP after RSE ( p < 0.05). These findings suggest that RSE induces more peripheral fatigue associated with muscle damage in PMP. This might be attributable to hormonal variation across MP. Therefore, FP seems to be the right time for intense training to improve strength performance., (Copyright © 2020 National Strength and Conditioning Association.)

The aim of the present study was to compare the dual-task (DT) performance in blind children with sighted ones while concurrently performing a motor task (upright standing) with cognitive (Letter fluency (LF) or Category fluency (CF)) tasks. The Center of pressure mean velocity (CoP Vm ) and the cognitive performances were recorded during single (ST) and DT conditions. Results showed that, for both groups, CoP Vm values increased significantly (p < 0.05) in the DT compared to ST condition. The CoP Vm values were significantly (p < 0.001) higher in blind children, compared to controls only in the DT-CF condition. In conclusion, balance performance of blind and typically developed children is affected by dual tasking. Interference between motor and cognitive tasks has more pronounced effects on balance performance in blind children, compared to controls. This difference was observed only when performing the CF task concurrently with the postural balance task.

This study explored the fatigue effect on postural control (PC) across menstrual cycle phases (MCPs) in female athletes. Isometric maximal voluntary contraction (IMVC), the center of pressure sway area (CoParea), CoP length in the medio-lateral (CoP LX ) and antero-posterior (CoP LY ) directions, and Y-balance test (YBT) were assessed before and after a fatiguing exercise during the follicular phase (FP), mid-luteal phase (LP), and premenstrual phase (PMP). Baseline normalized reach distances (NRDs) for the YBT were lower ( p = 0.00) in the PMP compared to others MCPs, but the IMVC, CoParea, CoP LX , and CoP LY remained unchanged. After exercise, the IMVC and the NRD decrease was higher at PMP compared to FP ( p = 0.00) and LP ( p = 0.00). The CoParea, CoP LX , and CoP LY increase was higher in the PMP compared to FP ( p = 0.00) and LP ( p = 0.00). It was concluded that there is an accentuated PC impairment after exercise observed at PMP., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2021 Kacem, Borji, Sahli and Rebai.)

The present study was designed to assess time-of-day effects on postural balance and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. A total of 15 American College of Rheumatology functional class I and II RA patients and 15 healthy controls aged between 45 and 55 (mean age: 50  ±  3) years of age voluntarily participated. We conducted a case-control, repeated-measures in design study. Postural balance, axillary temperature, pain intensity, fatigue, and sleepiness were measured during five test sessions at 06:00, 10:00, 14:00, 18:00, and 22:00 h. Participants were randomized to the order of test sessions, and each session was separated by >36 hours to minimize/eliminate learning effects. Center of pressure area (CoP area) ( p < .001), pain ( p < .01), and sleepiness ( p < .05) values were significantly higher at 06:00 and 22:00 h compared to 10:00, 14:00, and 18:00 h in the RA group. Fatigue significantly increased ( p < .05) at 22:00 h in comparison to 10:00, 14:00, and 18:00 h in the RA group. Axillary temperature was significantly ( p < .001) lower at 06:00 and at 22:00 h compared to 10:00, 14:00, and 18:00 h in the RA group. In the control group, there were no significant time-of-day difference in fatigue, but axillary temperature was significantly lower ( p < .01) at 06:00 h compared to 10:00 h, 14:00, 18:00, and 22:00 h, sleepiness values were significantly higher ( p < .05) at 06:00 and 22:00 h compared to 10:00, 14:00, and 18:00 h, and revealed CoP area values were significantly ( p < .05) higher at 06:00 h compared to 14:00 h. Finally, in the RA group, significant correlations were found between values of CoP area and pain (r = 0.47; p < .001), sleepiness (r = 0.39; p < .01), fatigue (r = -0.46; p < .001), and also axillary temperature (r = -0.35; p < .001). Multiple linear regression analysis further indicated that in the RA group, time-of-day variation in postural balance was predicted collectively by that in pain and fatigue (30.7%) (R2 = 0.307; F = 11.53; p < .001). Our results first suggest that time-of-day significantly affects postural balance, axillary temperature, pain intensity, fatigue, and sleepiness in RA patients and second that the temporal variation observed in pain, fatigue, and somnolence are concomitant with that observed in postural balance. Abbreviations : RA: Rheumatoid arthritis; H&O questionnaire: Horne and Ostberg questionnaire; PSQI: Pittsburgh sleep quality index; HAQ: Health assessment questionnaire; SF-36: the short form-36; WOMAC: Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index; CoP: The Center of foot Pressure; CoP area : The Center of foot Pressure area; VAS: The Visual Analogue Scale; KSS: Karolinska Sleepiness Scale.

The authors explored neuromuscular fatigue in athletes with intellectual disability (AID) compared with sedentary individuals with intellectual disability (SID) and individuals with typical development. Force, voluntary activation level, potentiated resting twitch, and electromyography signals were assessed during isometric maximal voluntary contractions performed before and immediately after an isometric submaximal exhaustive contraction (15% isometric maximal voluntary contractions) and during recovery period. AID presented shorter time to task failure than SID (p < .05). The three groups presented similar isometric maximal voluntary contraction decline and recovery kinetic. Both groups with intellectual disability presented higher voluntary activation level and root mean square normalized to peak-to-peak M-wave amplitude declines (p < .05) compared with individuals with typical development. These declines were more pronounced in SID (p < .05) than in AID. The AID recovered their initial voluntary activation level later than controls, whereas SID did not. SID presented lower potentiated resting twitch decline compared with AID and controls with faster recovery (p < .05). AID presented attenuated central fatigue and accentuated peripheral fatigue compared with their sedentary counterparts, suggesting a neuromuscular profile close to that of individuals with typical development.

Background: The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the effects of dual-task (DT) constraints on walking performance in children with intellectual disability (ID)., Methods: Fifteen children with intellectual disability and fifteen age-matched typically developed children were asked to walk at a preferred speed: along a path (baseline condition), while carrying a glass of water and while quoting animal names., Results: The present study findings showed that DTs affect walking performance of both typically developed children and those with intellectual disability. In children with intellectual disability, DT walking decrements were significantly higher when performing a concurrent motor task than cognitive one., Conclusions: DT constraints with a secondary motor or cognitive tasks seemed challenging for children with intellectual disability suggesting that future treatments or assessments should consider using DT constraints to manipulate the difficulty of tasks., (© 2019 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Objective : This study explored the time of day effect of balance performance, functional capacities and risk of fall in three different times in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and the association between these variations and those of RA symptoms. Methods : A "discontinual" protocol, composed of three test sessions, carried out at 6 am, 2 pm and 10 pm was set up, in order to investigate the time of day effect of balance performance, functional capacities, risk of fall, stiffness, range of motion, swollen and painful joints in women with RA. Results : Time Up and Go Test (TUGT), Functional Reach Test (FRT) and tinetti test scores were significantly higher ( p < .01) at 6 am and at 10 pm compared to 2 pm. Stiffness, range of motion, swollen and painful joints values were significantly higher ( p < .01) at 6 am and at 10 pm compared to 2 pm. A significant difference was observed on the stiffness, range of motion and swollen joints values between 6 am and 10 pm that were higher at 6 am ( p < .05).Using Pearson's coefficient, correlations were found between RA symptom values; and TUGT, FRT and Tinetti test scores. Conclusion : Results showed a time of day effect of balance performance, functional capacities and risk of falls in women with RA. This variation indicates an alteration of performance at 6 am and 10 pm. Fluctuations of stiffness, limited range of motion, swollen and painful joints noted are concomitant to those of balance performance, functional capacities, and risk of fall. Abbreviations: RA: rheumatoid arthritis; H&O questionnaire: Horne and Ostberg questionnaire; PSQI: Pittsburgh sleep quality index; HAQ: health assessment questionnaire; SF-36: the short form-36; WOMAC: Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index; TUGT: Time Up and Go Test; FRT: Functional Reach Test.

Fathi, A, Hammami, R, Moran, J, Borji, R, Sahli, S, and Rebai, H. Effect of a 16-week combined strength and plyometric training program followed by a detraining period on athletic performance in pubertal volleyball players. J Strength Cond Res 33(8): 2117-2127, 2019-The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of 16 weeks of combined strength and plyometric training or plyometric training alone and how a detraining program can modify adaptations in response to the training stimulus. Sixty male volleyball players (circa peak-height-velocity [PHV]: -1 to +1 year from PHV) were assigned to a combined training group (CTG) (n = 20), a plyometric training group (PTG) (n = 20), or a control group (n = 20). The experimental groups (CTG and PTG) participated in training twice weekly for 16 weeks. Thigh muscle volume, body fat, flexibility, sprint, jump height, and medicine ball throw were measured before and after the intervention and after the period of detraining. Respectively, the CTG and PTG showed increases in thigh muscle volume (effect size: 0.71 and 0.42) and decreases in body fat (-0.42 and -0.34), as well as improvements in 5-m sprint (-0.69 and -0.46), 10-m sprint (-0.31 and -0.3), lower-body muscle power (0.44 and 0.36), and upper-body muscle power (1.32 and 0.7). After the detraining period, all groups maintained previously attained muscle power (6.79-9.87%; p < 0.001). In conclusion, combined strength and plyometric training provided better improvements than plyometric training only. The combination of strength and plyometric training is a time-effective training modality that confers improvements in physical performance measures, muscle size, and body fat. A temporary period of detraining may not undermine performance gains in pubertal volleyball players.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of Ramadan intermittent fasting (RIF) on the underlying mechanisms of force production capacity during maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) using the superimposed twitch technique. Ten healthy male physical education students performed three MVIC of the knee extensor superimposed with nerve electrical stimulation during four testing phases: one week before Ramadan (BR), at the end of the first week of Ramadan (R-1), during the fourth week of Ramadan (R-4) and two weeks after Ramadan (AR). This study was performed during Ramadan 2016. MVIC values, voluntary activation level (VAL), potentiated resting twitch and electromyography signals were recorded during each MVIC. The French version of the Profile of Mood States questionnaire (POMS-f) was used to evaluate the subjective mood states in each testing session. The results showed that MVIC values (890.57 ± 67.90 vs. 816.46 ± 54.72 N) and VAL (87.73 ± 3.27 vs. 77.32 ± 7.87%) decreased at R-1 compared to BR (p < 0.001). However, the neuromuscular efficiency and the potentiated resting twitch remained unchanged during Ramadan (R). Results showed that depression (p < 0.01; 6.3 ± 1.57 vs. 4.7 ± 1.25), fatigue (p < 0.001; 9.2 ± 1.93 vs. 4.6 ± 2.01) and anxiety (p < 0.001; 6.4 ± 1.51 vs. 11.8 ± 1.23) scores of POMS-f were higher during R-1 compared to BR. In conclusion, RIF-related impairment of maximal muscle force seems to be related to nervous alterations of the VAL, whereas the RIF did not adversely affect peripheral mechanisms. Abbreviations' List: ANOVA: Analysis of variance; AR: After Ramadan; BMI: Body-mass index; BR: Before Ramadan; EMG: Electromyography; ER: End of Ramadan; MF: Mean frequency; M max : Peak-to-peak M-wave amplitudes; MVIV: Maximal voluntary isometric contraction; NES: Nerve electrical stimulation; NME: Neuromuscular efficiency; POMS-f: French version of the Profile of Mood States questionnaire; R: Ramadan; R-1: First week of Ramadan; R-4: Fourth week of Ramadan; RF: Rectus femoris; RIF: Ramadan intermittent fasting; RMS: Root mean square; VAL: Voluntary activation level; VL: Vastus lateralis; VM: Vastus medialis.

Purpose: This study aimed to explore neuromuscular fatigue and recovery profiles in individuals with intellectual disability (ID) after exhausting submaximal contraction., Methods: Ten men with ID were compared to 10 men without ID. The evaluation of neuromuscular function consisted in brief (3 s) isometric maximal voluntary contraction (IMVC) of the knee extension superimposed with electrical nerve stimulation before, immediately after, and during 33 min after an exhausting submaximal isometric task at 15% of the IMVC. Force, voluntary activation level (VAL), potentiated twitch (Ptw), and electromyography (EMG) signals were measured during IMVC and then analyzed., Results: Individuals with ID developed lower baseline IMVC, VAL, Ptw, and RMS/M max ratio (root-mean-square value normalized to the maximal peak-to-peak amplitude of the M-wave) than controls ( p  < 0.05). Nevertheless, the time to task failure was significantly longer in ID vs . controls ( p  < 0.05). The 2 groups presented similar IMVC decline and recovery kinetics after the fatiguing exercise. However, individuals with ID presented higher VAL and RMS/M max ratio declines but lower Ptw decline compared to those without ID. Moreover, individuals with ID demonstrated a persistent central fatigue but faster recovery from peripheral fatigue., Conclusion: These differences in neuromuscular fatigue profiles and recovery kinetics should be acknowledged when prescribing training programs for individuals with ID.

In Parkour activity, the aim is to move from one place to another as quickly and efficiently as possible by running, climbing, swinging, vaulting, rolling, crawling and jumping on tiny obstacles … . Performing these actions places a great demand on the postural control system. The purpose of the present study was to investigate postural control of Parkour practitioners - called Traceurs - compared to recreationally active (RA) subjects in different postural conditions after manipulating the visual and/or proprioceptive sensory inputs. Ten Traceurs (mean experience 5.9 ± 0.9 years; >5 hours per week) and 10 RA subjects participated in this study. We measured the centre of pressure area (CoP A ) of the upright standing bipedal and unipedal postures in different postural conditions: on a firm and on a foam surfaces; on an oscillating surface in the sagittal plane and in the frontal plane in eyes open and eyes closed. To evaluate vision contribution, the Romberg index (RI) was calculated. Results showed that Traceurs presented a significant (P < .001) lower CoP A values compared to RA subjects in eyes closed condition, suggesting that they were able to maintain a better balance control when vision is removed. Traceurs seems to be less dependent on visual cues (lower RI values) and proprioceptive inputs for maintaining balance than RA subjects. According to our study, Parkour training (experience for at least five years with a minimum of five hours per week) may improve postural abilities of young adult practitioners in specific postural conditions.

Our purpose was to compare the effects of Ramadan fasting on postural control in elderly fallers and non-fallers. The protocol involved twenty-four healthy old volunteer males divided into two groups: fallers (mean age = 75.43 ± 5.26 years, weight = 67.25 ± 5.30 kg and height = 1.65 ± 0.02 m) and non-fallers (mean age = 72.3 ± 6.42 years, weight = 65.5 ± 6.15 kg and height = 1.64 ± 0.03 m). Participants performed a simple reaction time test (SRT) and a postural control protocol on four different occasions: one week before Ramadan (BR), during the second (SWR) and the fourth week (FWR) of Ramadan and three weeks after Ramadan (AR). Center of pressure (CoP) parameters [the CoP medial-lateral length (CoP X ), and the CoP antero-posterior length (CoP Y )] were assessed using a force platform under two surface conditions: Firm surface and Foam surface. The results showed that Ramadan fasting influences similarly fallers and non-fallers. In fact, for both groups, the CoP X and the CoP Y values increased significantly during the SWR and the FWR compared to BR. These CoP parameters decreased significantly in the Firm surface conditions in the FWR. Moreover, the CoP parameters were significantly higher during the FWR and AR in comparison with BR in the Foam surface conditions. However, the amplitude of increase of the CoP [X] % and the CoP [Y] % (ΔCoP [X] % and ΔCoP [Y] %) between BR and the SWR was significantly higher in the fallers than non-fallers. The SRT of elderly fallers and non-fallers was significantly higher in the SWR and in the FWR compared to BR. In conclusion, Ramadan fasting alters similarly postural control of elderly fallers and non-fallers, but the amplitude (ΔCoP [X] % and ΔCoP [Y] %) of this alteration seems to be more pronounced in fallers than non-fallers. A probable beginning of adaptation occurs at the FWR. However, three weeks seems to be insufficient to recover postural control alterations due to Ramadan fasting in difficult sensory conditions in elderly fallers and non-fallers.

Physical-cognitive interventions seem promising to improve balance and gait performances and prevent falls in the elderly. Although these beneficial effects, it is still not clear whether these physical-cognitive training modalities leads to more general non-specific adaptations that can be transferred to some measures reflecting every day abilities. This randomized controlled trial examined postural (center of pressure oscillations), physical (lower body strength, gait speed, functional mobility, dynamic balance) and cognitive performances (reaction time) and postural performance during daily life tasks (walking while conversing on a phone and maintaining an upright standing posture while buttoning a shirt) in older adults (66.29±3.61years) pre- and post- 6-months physical and physical-cognitive interventions. Results showed that both training modalities improve balance (p<0.001), physical functions (p<0.01) and attention (p<0.001) in older adults. Only simultaneous physical-cognitive training enhances performance in daily life tasks. Three months after the intervention, these improvements were generally maintained for physical functions and attention and were not maintained for the postural performances in daily life task. In conclusion, physical training improves postural balance, mobility, attention and physical functions in older adults. Only simultaneous physical-cognitive training modality enhances performance in some tasks relative to every day abilities. Nonetheless, these gains were lost after 3 months of detraining period suggesting a need for older people to participate regularly in such training for their daily life independence., (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of a hopping and jumping training programme (HJP) versus a sensorimotor rehabilitation programme (SRP) on postural performances in children with intellectual disability., Methods: Three groups of children with intellectual disability participated in the study: the HJP group, the SRP group and a control group. Postural capacities were tested with the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and the Tinetti tests. The HJP and the SRP groups participated in the training programmes for eight weeks. Then, all participants were retested., Results: Results showed that before the training period, there are no significant differences between the three groups. After the training period, the BBS and the Tinetti scores increased significantly in the HJP group and the SRP group with greater extent in the HJP group than in the STP group., Conclusion: We suggest that HJP training is more recommended to improve postural capacities in children with intellectual disability., (© 2017 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between bone mass and bone turnover markers with lean mass (LM) in pubescent soccer players. Two groups participated in this study, which included 65 elite young soccer players who trained for 6-8 hours per week and 60 controls. Bone mineral density; bone mineral content in the whole body, lower limbs, lumbar spine, and femoral neck; biochemical markers of osteocalcin; bone-specific alkaline phosphatase; C-telopeptide type I collagen; and total LM were assessed. Young soccer players showed higher bone mineral density and bone mineral content in the whole body and weight-bearing sites (P < .001). Indeed, the total LM correlated with whole-body bone mineral density and bone mineral content (P < .001). There were significant differences within the bone formation markers and osteocalcin (formation)/C-telopeptide type I collagen (resorption) ratio between young soccer players compared with the control group, but no significant difference in C-telopeptide type I collagen was observed between the 2 groups. This study showed a significant positive correlation among bone-specific alkaline phosphatase, osteocalcin, and total LM (r = .29; r = .31; P < .05) only for the young soccer players. Findings of this study highlight the importance of soccer practice for bone mineral parameters and bone turnover markers during the puberty stage.

This study aimed to explore the effect of local muscle fatigue on the unipedal stance in men with intellectual disability (ID). The Centre of pressure (CoP) excursions and the isometric maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) were measured before and after a fatiguing exercise. Higher baseline values of CoP excursions and lower MVC values were recorded in the ID group. After the fatiguing exercise, this group showed higher MVC decrease and higher percentage of increase of the mean CoP velocity. In conclusion, men with ID are more vulnerable to the disturbing effects of fatigue during the unipedal stance compared to men without ID.

Cell phone use is considered as an essential part of everyday life saturating all age groups and demographics. This study aimed to explore the effect of various cell phone functions on postural control and mobility in the elderly. Twenty healthy older (mean age 72.5±2.9) and twenty young (26.3±2.8) adults participated in this study. Postural balance was assessed by measuring the center of pressure (CoP) displacement with (talking on a cell phone (CONVERSE), dialing a number (DIAL) and listening to music (MUSIC)) and without cell phone use. Mobility was assessed by the Timed Up and Go Test (TUGT). Results showed that for both groups, the CoP parameters increased significantly during the CONVERSE (p<0.001) and the DIAL (CoP area , CoP X : p<0.05; CoP Y : p<0.01) conditions compared to the control condition. Moreover, the CoP area values were significantly higher during the CONVERSE condition in comparison to the DIAL (p<0.05) one. In older adults, the TUGT scores increased significantly in the DIAL (p<0.01) condition compared to the CONVERSE and the MUSIC conditions. In conclusion, cell phone use impairs similarly standing postural balance of elderly and young adults. Interestingly, in the elderly, all cell phone functions used altered mobility with the dialing function causing the largest mobility deterioration., (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background/aims: Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is associated with an increased risk of morbidity and mortality in patients with pre-existing renal dysfunction. Numerous measures have been implemented to overcome this problem; however, no improvement in outcomes has been achieved. This study was aimed at investigating the effects of prophylactic dialysis on mortality and morbidity in these patients., Methods: This randomized-controlled clinical trial enrolled 88 non-dialysis-dependent patients with chronic kidney disease awaiting CABG surgery. Thirty-nine randomly selected patients received dialysis 3 times prior to surgery, and 49 patients formed the control group. Kaplan-Meier analysis and Cox proportional-hazards models were used to identify factors associated with survival., Results: There was no significant difference in the development of morbidities between the groups (p = 0.413). A significant difference was evident in the average survival time (p = 0.037). Cox proportional-hazards models determined that the hazard ratio of death after surgery was 10.854-fold greater in non-dialysis patients than in patients who received dialysis (hazard ratio = 2)., Conclusion: Prophylactic dialysis prior to CABG decreases mortality, but does not affect morbidity, in patients with renal insufficiency., (© 2017 S. Karger AG, Basel.)

The aim of our study was to investigate the effect of a combined strength and proprioception training (CSPT) program on muscle strength and postural balance in children with intellectual disability (ID). The maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) and postural parameters (CoPVm, CoPLX, CoPLY) of 20 children with ID were recorded before and after 8 weeks of a CSPT program. The participants were divided into two groups: an experimental group who attended a CSPT program and a control group who continued with daily activities. In the trained group, the MVC increased significantly (p<0.001) after the training period and the postural parameters decreased significantly in Double-Leg Stance (DLS) and One-Leg Stance (OLS) during the firm surface condition as well as in the DLS during the foam surface condition; in both eyes open (EO) and eyes closed (EC) conditions. A CSPT program improves postural balance in children with ID could be due to the enhancement in muscle strength and proprioceptive input integration., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

The aim of this study was to explore the voluntary activation level during maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) in individuals with intellectual disability (ID) versus individuals without ID using the twitch interpolation technique. Ten individuals with mild ID (ID group) and 10 sedentary men without ID (control group) participated in this study. The evaluation of neuromuscular function consisted in three brief MVCs (3s) of the knee extension superimposed with electrical nerve stimulation (NES) to measure voluntary activation. Muscle activity levels were also measured with surface EMG. The root mean square (RMS) was extracted from the EMG signal. The RMS/Mmax ratio and the neuromuscular efficiency (NME) were calculated. Our results reported that individuals with ID present lower muscle strength (p < 0.001), lower voluntary activation level (p < 0.001), lower RMS values of vastus lateralis (p < 0.05), vastus medialis (p < 0.05), and rectus femoris (p < 0.001) muscles. In addition, our results showed lower RMS/Mmax values in the ID group than in the control group for the VM (0.05 ± 0.01 mV vs. 0.04 ± 0.01 mV; p < 0.05) and the RF (0.06 ± 0.02 mV vs. 0.05 ± 0.02 mV; p < 0.05) muscles. However, no significant difference was reported for the VL muscle (0.05 ± 0.02 mV vs. 0.05 ± 0.02 mV; p=0.463). Moreover, Individuals with ID present smaller potentiated twitch (p < 0.001). However, no significant difference was reported in the NME ratio. These results suggest that the lower muscle strength known in individuals with ID is related to a central nervous system failure to activate motor units and to some abnormal intrinsic muscle properties. It seems that the inactive lifestyle adopted by individuals with ID is one of the most important factors of their lower voluntary activation levels. Therefore, physical activities should be introduced in life style of individuals with ID to improve their neuromuscular function., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

This study examined neuromuscular fatigue after high-intensity intermittent exercise in 10 men with mild intellectual disability (ID) in comparison with 10 controls. Both groups performed three maximal voluntary contractions (MVC) of knee extension with 5 min in-between. The highest level achieved was selected as reference MVC. The fatiguing exercise consists of five sets with a maximal number of flexion-extension cycles at 80% of the one maximal repetition (1RM) for the right leg at 90° with 90 s rest interval between sets. The MVC was tested again after the last set. Peak force and electromyography (EMG) signals were measured during the MVC tests. Root Mean Square (RMS) and Median Frequency (MF) were calculated. Neuromuscular efficiency (NME) was calculated as the ratio of peak force to the RMS. Before exercise, individuals with ID had a lower MVC (p<0.05) and a lower RMS (p<0.05). No significant difference between groups in MF and NME. After exercise, MVC decreases significantly in both groups (p<0.001). Individuals with ID have greater force decline (p<0.001 vs. p<0.01). RMS decreased significantly (p<0.001) whereas the NME increased significantly (p<0.05) in individuals with ID, but both remained unchanged in controls. The MF decreased significantly in both groups (p<0.001). In conclusion, individuals with ID presented a lower peak force than individuals without ID. After a high-intensity intermittent exercise, individuals with ID demonstrated a greater force decline caused by neural activation failure. When rehabilitation and sport train ID individuals, they should consider this nervous system weakness., (Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Background/aims: As a common gastrointestinal (GI) disorder, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) has been reported to be associated with some psychological and neurological factors. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence rate of restless legs syndrome (RLS) in a sample of IBS patients and to compare this prevalence with that of matched healthy controls., Methods: This prospective comparative study was conducted in Tehran, Iran during 2010-2011. Based on the Rome III criteria, a total number of 225 definite IBS patients and 262 age- and sex-matched healthy controls were recruited in the final assessment to compare the prevalence rate of RLS between the 2 groups., Results: RLS was significantly more frequent in IBS group (25.3% vs 6.5%, P < 0.001) which led to an odds ratio (OR) of 4.89 (95% CI, 2.75-8.70). IBS patients with co-morbid RLS significantly suffered more from stomach pain (96.5% vs 86.3%, OR = 4.36 [95% CI, 1.00-19.12]), nausea (40.4% vs 21.4%, OR = 2.48 [95% CI, 1.30-4.73]) and vomiting (10.5% vs 2.4%, OR = 4.82 [95% CI, 1.31-17.76])., Conclusions: By enrolling a considerable number of IBS patients and healthy controls, our study showed a significantly higher prevalence of RLS in IBS patients. Surprisingly, a higher prevalence rate of RLS was also accompanied with a more severe discomfort and stomach pain in IBS patients. It seems that screening patients with IBS for RLS may lead to greater identification of RLS and improved treatment for both conditions.

Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) is the most common paediatric malignancy. However, it may rarely associate with eosinophilia. Patients with ALL associated with eosinophilia (ALL/ Eo) have a grave prognosis and higher incidence of cardiac complications compared to standard lymphoblastic leukaemia. Reports of ALL/Eo disclosed a few case with cardiac involvement early in the course of leukaemia. Here, the authors report a case of 13-year-old boy who presented with peripheral eosinophilia, chest pain and a large left ventricular mass early in the course of precursor B- cell ALL associated with eosinophilia. He received multi-agent chemotherapy but succumbed to death 25 days after chemotherapy due to a refractory cardio respiratory failure.