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Introduction: This study investigates the comparative efficacy of neuromodulation therapy using the EXOPULSE Mollii Suit and a structured exercise program in pain modulation and muscle oxygenation in Fibromyalgia patients.Methods: A randomized, crossover, longitudinal, and experimental study design was employed, involving 10 female Fibromyalgia patients. Participants were subjected to two distinct treatment modalities: neuromodulation therapy with the EXOPULSE Mollii Suit and a strength-based High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) exercise program, each conducted over 16 sessions. Outcome measures included pain severity, assessed using the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), and muscle oxygenation variables measured via Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS).Results: Both interventions demonstrated significant reductions in NRS scores and improvements in muscle oxygenation. However, the exercise program yielded more pronounced long term basal adaptations in muscle oxygenation compared to the neuromodulation therapy.Discussion: The findings underscore the potential of integrating non-pharmacological treatments, particularly structured exercise programs, in managing Fibromyalgia. While neuromodulation therapy presents a viable alternative, the exercise regimen’s capacity to induce basal muscle oxygenation adaptations suggests its superiority in addressing the complex symptoms of Fibromyalgia. Furthermore, these therapeutic approaches may enhance patients’ vocational values and employability opportunities by improving their functional capabilities and overall quality of life.

Mental health is an increasing topic of focus since more than 500 million people in the world suffer from depression and anxiety. In this multifactorial disorder, parameters such as inflammation, the state of the microbiota and, therefore, the patient’s nutrition are receiving more attention. In addition, food products are the source of many essential ingredients involved in the regulation of mental processes, including amino acids, neurotransmitters, vitamins, and others. For this reason, this narrative review was carried out with the aim of analyzing the role of nutrition in depression and anxiety disorders. To reach the review aim, a critical review was conducted utilizing both primary sources, such as scientific publications and secondary sources, such as bibliographic indexes, web pages, and databases. The search was conducted in PsychINFO, MedLine (Pubmed), Cochrane (Wiley), Embase, and CinAhl. The results show a direct relationship between what we eat and the state of our nervous system. The gut–brain axis is a complex system in which the intestinal microbiota communicates directly with our nervous system and provides it with neurotransmitters for its proper functioning. An imbalance in our microbiota due to poor nutrition will cause an inflammatory response that, if sustained over time and together with other factors, can lead to disorders such as anxiety and depression. Changes in the functions of the microbiota–gut–brain axis have been linked to several mental disorders. It is believed that the modulation of the microbiome composition may be an effective strategy for a new treatment of these disorders. Modifications in nutritional behaviors and the use of ergogenic components are presented as important non-pharmacological interventions in anxiety and depression prevention and treatment. It is desirable that the choice of nutritional and probiotic treatment in individual patients be based on the results of appropriate biochemical and microbiological tests.

This narrative review examines the interplay among body image perceptions, social media influence, physical measurements, and their impact on psychological well-being, focusing on the roles of cultural and gender differences and the need to understand the research methodologies employed in this field. In the age of digital proliferation, platforms like Instagram and Facebook have reshaped body image concerns, often leading to increased dissatisfaction and psychological distress due to constant exposure to idealized images and a culture of social comparison. Physical attributes such as weight, height, and BMI are scrutinized under societal standards of health and attractiveness, contributing to a spectrum of mental health issues including low self-esteem, depression, and eating disorders. This examination reveals how cultural norms and gender expectations further complicate body image perceptions, affecting individuals differently based on societal and personal ideals. It synthesizes current research and types of methods to illuminate how these factors together influence mental health and self-esteem, advocating for comprehensive interventions and policy measures aimed at mitigating body dissatisfaction and promoting a healthier, more inclusive understanding of body image. By delving into the complexities of body image satisfaction and its psychological implications, this review highlights the necessity of addressing these concerns within public health and social policy frameworks, underscoring the importance of a multifaceted approach to enhance individual and societal well-being.

This narrative review examines the intricate psychophysiological interplay between cognitive functions and physical responses within military personnel engaged in combat. It elucidates the spectrum of responses elicited by symmetric and asymmetric warfare alongside specialised combat scenarios, including close-quarters and subterranean warfare. Central to this discourse is the emphasis on integrating training programs beyond physical conditioning to encompass psychological resilience and decision-making efficacy under duress. The exploration further ventures into applying advanced technologies such as virtual reality and wearable devices, highlighting their pivotal role in augmenting training outcomes and supporting soldier health. Through a detailed analysis of psychophysiological variations across different military branches of service, the narrative review advocates for bespoke training regimens and support frameworks tailored to address the unique exigencies of each service branch. Concluding observations stress the importance of evolving military training paradigms, advocating for adopting realistic, immersive training simulations that mirror the complexities of the contemporary battlefield. This synthesis aims to contribute to the ongoing discourse on optimising military training protocols and enhancing the operational readiness and well-being of armed forces personnel. This narrative review is essential for military psychologists, trainers, and policymakers, aiming to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical implementation in military training programs.

Background and Objectives: Fibromyalgia, a chronic condition, manifests as widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, sleep disturbances, autonomic and cognitive dysfunction, hypersensitivity to stimuli, and various somatic and psychiatric symptoms. This study, a controlled and randomized experiment, aimed to evaluate and compare the immediate effects of different treatments on fibromyalgia patients. Materials and Methods: The treatments included the EXOPULSE Mollii suit, a combination of the EXOPULSE Mollii suit with a virtual reality (VR) protocol, and a physical exercise regimen. A cohort of 89 female fibromyalgia patients was randomly assigned to one of four groups: Control (n = 20), Suit only (n = 22), Suit combined with VR (n = 21), and Exercise (n = 26). Results: This study found notable differences across the groups in several key parameters. In the Control group, significant changes were observed in Forced Expiratory Volume (FEV 1/FEV 6), the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) for pain, Pressure Pain Threshold (PPT) at the epicondyle, cortical arousal levels, the 10 m up-and-go test, and in all measured variables related to temperature and muscle oxygenation. For the group using the suit alone, there were significant differences noted in the NRS, the chair stand test, palm temperature, and all muscle oxygenation parameters. The Suit + VR group showed significant changes in the NRS, PPT at the knee, handgrip strength test, the 10 m up-and-go test, one-leg balance test with the right leg, muscle oxygen saturation (SmO2), deoxygenated hemoglobin (HHb), and oxygenated hemoglobin (O2Hb). Finally, the Exercise group exhibited significant differences in FEV 1/FEV 6, chest perimeter difference, NRS, PPT at both the epicondyle and knee, cortical arousal, the chair stand test, the 10-m up-and-go test, and in SmO2, HHb, and O2Hb levels. Conclusions: combining neuromodulation with VR and targeted exercise regimens can effectively alleviate fibromyalgia symptoms, offering promising avenues for non-pharmacological management.

The dietary practices of athletes play a crucial role in shaping their body composition, influencing sports performance, training adaptations, and overall health. However, despite the widely acknowledged significance of dietary intake in athletic success, there exists a gap in our understanding of the intricate relationships between nutrition, body composition, and performance. Furthermore, emerging evidence suggests that many athletes fail to adopt optimal nutritional practices, which can impede their potential achievements. In response, this Special Issue seeks to gather research papers that delve into athletes’ dietary practices and their potential impacts on body composition and sports performance. Additionally, studies focusing on interventions aimed at optimizing dietary habits are encouraged. This paper outlines the key aspects and points that will be developed in the ensuing articles of this Special Issue.

This comprehensive review article delves into the critical role of the human microbiota in the development and management of endocrine-related diseases. We explore the complex interactions between the microbiota and the endocrine system, emphasizing the implications of microbiota dysbiosis for the onset and progression of various endocrine disorders. The review aims to synthesize current knowledge, highlighting recent advancements and the potential of novel therapeutic approaches targeting microbiota-endocrine interactions. Key topics include the impact of microbiota on hormone regulation, its role in endocrine pathologies, and the promising avenues of microbiota modulation through diet, probiotics, prebiotics, and fecal microbiota transplantation. We underscore the importance of this research in advancing personalized medicine, offering insights for more tailored and effective treatments for endocrine-related diseases.

This review examines the transformation of educational practices to online and distance learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. It specifically focuses on the challenges, innovative approaches, and successes of this transition, emphasizing the integration of educational technology, student well-being, and teacher development. The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly transformed the educational landscape, necessitating a rapid shift to online and distance learning. This review has highlighted key strategies and innovations in online teaching, emphasizing the importance of engaging, adaptable, and inclusive educational practices. It underscores the need for continuous professional development for educators, the integration of advanced technological tools, and the importance of prioritizing student well-being and academic success in digital environments. As we move forward, the insights gathered from this experience will be invaluable in shaping a resilient and dynamic educational framework that is well suited for the post-pandemic era, focusing on inclusivity, engagement, and the effective use of technology to enhance learning experiences.

Mental health is an increasing topic of focus since more than 500 million people in the world suffer from depression and anxiety. In this multifactorial disorder, parameters such as inflammation, the state of the microbiota and, therefore, the patient's nutrition are receiving more attention. In addition, food products are the source of many essential ingredients involved in the regulation of mental processes, including amino acids, neurotransmitters, vitamins, and others. For this reason, this narrative review was carried out with the aim of analyzing the role of nutrition in depression and anxiety disorders. To reach the review aim, a critical review was conducted utilizing both primary sources, such as scientific publications and secondary sources, such as bibliographic indexes, web pages, and databases. The search was conducted in PsychINFO, MedLine (Pubmed), Cochrane (Wiley), Embase, and CinAhl. The results show a direct relationship between what we eat and the state of our nervous system. The gut–brain axis is a complex system in which the intestinal microbiota communicates directly with our nervous system and provides it with neurotransmitters for its proper functioning. An imbalance in our microbiota due to poor nutrition will cause an inflammatory response that, if sustained over time and together with other factors, can lead to disorders such as anxiety and depression. Changes in the functions of the microbiota–gut–brain axis have been linked to several mental disorders. It is believed that the modulation of the microbiome composition may be an effective strategy for a new treatment of these disorders. Modifications in nutritional behaviors and the use of ergogenic components are presented as important non-pharmacological interventions in anxiety and depression prevention and treatment. It is desirable that the choice of nutritional and probiotic treatment in individual patients be based on the results of appropriate biochemical and microbiological tests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: This study investigates the comparative efficacy of neuromodulation therapy using the EXOPULSE Mollii Suit and a structured exercise program in pain modulation and muscle oxygenation in Fibromyalgia patients. Methods: A randomized, crossover, longitudinal, and experimental study design was employed, involving 10 female Fibromyalgia patients. Participants were subjected to two distinct treatment modalities: neuromodulation therapy with the EXOPULSE Mollii Suit and a strength-based High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) exercise program, each conducted over 16 sessions. Outcome measures included pain severity, assessed using the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), and muscle oxygenation variables measured via Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS). Results: Both interventions demonstrated significant reductions in NRS scores and improvements in muscle oxygenation. However, the exercise program yielded more pronounced long term basal adaptations in muscle oxygenation compared to the neuromodulation therapy. Discussion: The findings underscore the potential of integrating non- pharmacological treatments, particularly structured exercise programs, in managing Fibromyalgia. While neuromodulation therapy presents a viable alternative, the exercise regimen's capacity to induce basal muscle oxygenation adaptations suggests its superiority in addressing the complex symptoms of Fibromyalgia. Furthermore, these therapeutic approaches may enhance patients' vocational values and employability opportunities by improving their functional capabilities and overall quality of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Fibromyalgia is a chronic disorder marked by widespread muscle and joint pain, persistent fatigue, sleep disturbances, and irregularities in the autonomic nervous system (ANS). Methods: This study compared the effectiveness of neuromodulation using the EXOPULSE Mollii suit with a structured exercise program in regulating ANS function in fibromyalgia patients. In this randomized, longitudinal crossover study, 10 female patients were randomly assigned to either the Suit + Exercise group or the Exercise + Suit group. Each group participated in two sessions per week for eight weeks, followed by a two-week washout period before switching to the other intervention. We measured cortical arousal, microcirculation, and heart rate variability (HRV) before and after the 1st, 8th, and 16th sessions. Results: The results showed significant improvements in cortical arousal, HRV, and microcirculation with the neuromodulation treatment whereas the exercise program only produced short-term improvements in cortical arousal. Conclusion: The EXOPULSE Mollii suit exhibited cumulative benefits on ANS modulation over time, suggesting potential long-term advantages for managing fibromyalgia. However, further research is needed to explore the delayed effects of both treatments on ANS modulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This narrative review examines the interplay among body image perceptions, social media influence, physical measurements, and their impact on psychological well-being, focusing on the roles of cultural and gender differences and the need to understand the research methodologies employed in this field. In the age of digital proliferation, platforms like Instagram and Facebook have reshaped body image concerns, often leading to increased dissatisfaction and psychological distress due to constant exposure to idealized images and a culture of social comparison. Physical attributes such as weight, height, and BMI are scrutinized under societal standards of health and attractiveness, contributing to a spectrum of mental health issues including low self-esteem, depression, and eating disorders. This examination reveals how cultural norms and gender expectations further complicate body image perceptions, affecting individuals differently based on societal and personal ideals. It synthesizes current research and types of methods to illuminate how these factors together influence mental health and self-esteem, advocating for comprehensive interventions and policy measures aimed at mitigating body dissatisfaction and promoting a healthier, more inclusive understanding of body image. By delving into the complexities of body image satisfaction and its psychological implications, this review highlights the necessity of addressing these concerns within public health and social policy frameworks, underscoring the importance of a multifaceted approach to enhance individual and societal well-being. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review examines the transformation of educational practices to online and distance learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. It specifically focuses on the challenges, innovative approaches, and successes of this transition, emphasizing the integration of educational technology, student well-being, and teacher development. The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly transformed the educational landscape, necessitating a rapid shift to online and distance learning. This review has highlighted key strategies and innovations in online teaching, emphasizing the importance of engaging, adaptable, and inclusive educational practices. It underscores the need for continuous professional development for educators, the integration of advanced technological tools, and the importance of prioritizing student well-being and academic success in digital environments. As we move forward, the insights gathered from this experience will be invaluable in shaping a resilient and dynamic educational framework that is well suited for the post-pandemic era, focusing on inclusivity, engagement, and the effective use of technology to enhance learning experiences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

COVID-19 restrictions stipulate the mandatory use of surgical masks during outdoor and indoor physical activities. The impact of this on athletic performance and especially on anaerobic physical activities is poorly known. The aim of the present research was to analyze the effect of surgical mask use on the anaerobic running performance of athletes. Modifications in running time, blood lactate, blood glucose, blood oxygen saturation, subjective perceived stress, rating of perceived exertion, and heart rate variability were measured in 50 m and 400 m maximal running tests with and without the use of surgical masks in 72 athletes. The use of a surgical mask increased blood lactate concentration, sympathetic autonomic modulation, perceived exertion, perceived stress, and decreased blood oxygen saturation in 50 and 400 m running tests. Thus, the higher levels of blood lactate and lower blood oxygen saturation require adaptation of the athlete’s rest and recovery periods to the acute workload. The higher level of sympathetic activation makes the acute and chronic control of autonomic modulation essential for an efficient training periodization. Finally, the use of acid buffers such as bicarbonate or sodium citrate would be a recommended ergogenic strategy.

Introduction: This study investigates the comparative efficacy of neuromodulation therapy using the EXOPULSE Mollii Suit and a structured exercise program in pain modulation and muscle oxygenation in Fibromyalgia patients. Methods: A randomized, crossover, longitudinal, and experimental study design was employed, involving 10 female Fibromyalgia patients. Participants were subjected to two distinct treatment modalities: neuromodulation therapy with the EXOPULSE Mollii Suit and a strength-based High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) exercise program, each conducted over 16 sessions. Outcome measures included pain severity, assessed using the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), and muscle oxygenation variables measured via Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS). Results: Both interventions demonstrated significant reductions in NRS scores and improvements in muscle oxygenation. However, the exercise program yielded more pronounced long term basal adaptations in muscle oxygenation compared to the neuromodulation therapy. Discussion: The findings underscore the potential of integrating non-pharmacological treatments, particularly structured exercise programs, in managing Fibromyalgia. While neuromodulation therapy presents a viable alternative, the exercise regimen's capacity to induce basal muscle oxygenation adaptations suggests its superiority in addressing the complex symptoms of Fibromyalgia. Furthermore, these therapeutic approaches may enhance patients' vocational values and employability opportunities by improving their functional capabilities and overall quality of life., 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 © 2024 Rubio-Zarapuz, Apolo-Arenas, Tornero-Aguilera, Parraca and Clemente-Suárez.)

Fibromyalgia, characterized as a complex chronic pain syndrome, presents with symptoms of pervasive musculoskeletal pain, significant fatigue, and pronounced sensitivity at specific anatomical sites. Despite extensive research efforts, the origins of fibromyalgia remain enigmatic. This narrative review explores the intricate relationship between muscle oxygen saturation and fibromyalgia, positing that disruptions in the oxygenation processes within muscle tissues markedly influence the symptom profile of this disorder. Muscle oxygen saturation, crucial for muscle function, has been meticulously investigated in fibromyalgia patients through non-invasive techniques such as near-infrared spectroscopy and magnetic resonance imaging. The body of evidence consistently indicates substantial alterations in oxygen utilization within muscle fibers, manifesting as reduced efficiency in oxygen uptake during both rest and physical activity. These anomalies play a significant role in fibromyalgia's symptomatology, especially in terms of chronic pain and severe fatigue, potentially creating conditions that heighten pain sensitivity and accumulate metabolic byproducts. Hypothesized mechanisms for these findings encompass dysfunctions in microcirculation, mitochondrial irregularities, and autonomic nervous system disturbances, all meriting further research. Understanding the dynamics of muscle oxygen saturation in fibromyalgia is of paramount clinical importance, offering the potential for tailored therapeutic approaches to alleviate symptoms and improve the quality of life for sufferers. This investigation not only opens new avenues for innovative research but also fosters hope for more effective treatment strategies and improved outcomes for individuals with fibromyalgia., (Copyright © 2024 Copyright: © 2024 Medical Gas Research.)