National Taiwan University of Sport

Summary: On April 3, 2024, an earthquake measuring 7.2 on the Richter scale occurred off the coast of Hualien County, Taiwan. This earthquake was the largest earthquake in Taiwan after the September 21 earthquake in 1999. The Taroko National Park, located in the northern part of Hualien City, had serious rockfalls and collapses; many tourists and vehicles were trapped on the trails and tunnels waiting to be rescued. The non-governmental organization, the Taiwan Development Association for Disaster Medical Teams, the disaster preparedness and rescue group, signed a cooperation agreement with the Special Search and Rescue (SSAR) Team and immediately formed an advance team to carry out the rescue mission. The SSAR team of the National Fire Agency and from neighboring counties and cities were responsible for coordinating rescue missions at the disaster site. Three of these teams have doctors, nurses, and emergency paramedics. Formation of an SSAR medical team to accompany the disaster relief mission. It was anticipated that more people or injuries would be extricated from the Taroko National Park on the second day of the disaster, and initial assessment, medical assistance, and medical evacuation assistance. The disaster medical advance team was dispatched by the on-site command center to perform medical operations at the scene of Taroko National Park with the SSAR medical team, sharing human resources and medical supplies, and at the same time being responsible for the evacuation of patients from the medical station. 181 people were monitored by the medical station and treated by the doctors for the evacuation. This was the first time that the disaster medical team and the SSAR medical teams cooperated in the rescue of a large-scale earthquake disaster in Taiwan in the past 25 years.

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is associated with cognitive decline and neurodegenerative disorders. Changes in the connections between brain regions responsible for emotions and memory might play a role in the reduced cognitive function observed in individuals with diabetes. Utilizing machine learning approaches on neuroimaging data shows potential for exploring these intricate associations. A research study was carried out with 40 individuals diagnosed with T2D and 30 control participants, all of whom were middle-aged and right-handed. The participants underwent neuropsychological assessments and fMRI scans while engaging in an emotional Stroop task. Our analysis concentrated on the functional connectivity of specific brain regions associated with cognitive control. We utilized a fully connected network (FCN)-based machine learning approach to predict cognitive decline using neural connectivity patterns. The FCN accurately forecasted Montreal Cognitive Assessment scores in patients with Type 2 Diabetes, showing a robust relationship between anticipated and observed scores in both the training and testing sets. It revealed important patterns of connectivity in the anterior cingulate cortex and other regions responsible for cognitive control, which played a vital role in predicting cognitive deterioration. Our results indicate that machine learning approach, when using functional connectivity information, have the capability to forecast cognitive deterioration in T2D patients. This method may aid in early identification and intervention plans, potentially reducing the effects of cognitive deficits in this group. Further studies should confirm these results with larger and more varied samples to improve their applicability and relevance for clinical practice.

This study systematically investigated the influence of approach kinematics on the subsequent kinetics and power production strategies during the approach to running jumps with a single leg (ARJSL). Twenty-five physically active male university students performed ARJSL trials under two prescribed approach speeds (fast and slow) and three approach distances (3, 6, and 9 m) in a 2 × 3 within-subjects design. Three-dimensional motion capture synchronized with force platform data was used to quantify jump height (JH), vertical touchdown velocity (TDv), reactive strength index (RSI), peak joint power (hip, knee, and ankle), and joint stiffness. Significant approach speed × distance interactions were observed for JH (p = 0.006), TDv (p < 0.001), RSI (p = 0.014), ankle stiffness (p = 0.006), and peak power generation at all lower-limb joints (all p < 0.034). The results demonstrate that changes in approach strategy systematically alter the distribution of mechanical power among the hip, knee, and ankle joints, thereby influencing the effectiveness of horizontal-to-vertical momentum conversion during take-off. Notably, RSI and ankle stiffness were particularly sensitive to combined manipulations of speed and distance, highlighting their value as neuromechanical indicators of stretch–shortening cycle intensity and joint loading demands. In conclusion, ARJSL performance depends on finely tuned, speed- and distance-specific biomechanical adaptations within the lower extremity. These findings provide a constrained, joint-level mechanical characterization of how approach speed and distance interact to influence power redistribution and stiffness behavior during ARJSL, without implying optimal or performance-maximizing strategies.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of three sprint start techniques: block, three-point, and standing starts on 50-meter sprint performance and neuromuscular control. Sixteen collegiate male sprinters, all of whom were Division I athletes from the National Taiwan University of Sport's track and field program, were recruited to complete three randomized trials for each of the three start conditions. Electromyography, joint kinematics, and spatiotemporal gait analyses were used to assess reaction time, movement time, segmental velocity, lower-limb muscle activation, joint motion, and step patterns across steps 1 to 9 during the initial sprint phase. A one-way repeated-measures ANOVA ( α = .05) was applied for statistical analysis. The results demonstrated that the block start yielded the shortest movement time ( p &lt; .001) and the highest velocity ( p &lt; . 01). The three-point start outperformed the standing start in terms of 50 m average sprint velocity ( p &lt; .001), peak gastrocnemius activation at the ankle ( p &lt; . 01), and rectus femoris activation at the knee ( p &lt; .001). These advantages were accompanied by greater pre-activation of key muscle groups and enhanced ankle and knee joint stability from the set position through the initial sprint phase. These findings suggest that the three-point start may serve as a practical alternative in scenarios where starting blocks are unavailable and could be implemented in youth training programs or cross-sport performance testing contexts.

<title>Abstract</title> Despite extensive research on the mental health effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, limited attention has been given to how pandemic-related stressors uniquely influence self-injury and suicidal ideation among global student populations. This cross-national study examines both psychological and pandemic-driven predictors of self-harm in international and domestic Indonesian students, highlighting divergent drivers of self-injury across these groups. Conducted as a cross-sectional study from 2022 to 2023, the research involved 393 participants—200 studying overseas and 193 based in Indonesia. Data were collected via online questionnaires, including the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS) and the Self-Harm Inventory (SHI). Additional assessments captured social and educational factors such as living arrangements, marital status, family income, perceived study difficulties, academic performance, and financial concerns. Hierarchical clustering of correlation matrices was used to identify distinct patterns in mental health outcomes and associated drivers. The analysis revealed no significant differences in overall mental health outcomes—such as depression, anxiety, or loneliness—between international and domestic students. However, the factors linked to severe self-harm behaviors differed markedly. Counterintuitively, self-harm among domestic students was primarily associated with pandemic-related stressors, while broader psychological vulnerabilities were more predictive of self-harm in international students. Subcluster analyses further underscored the distinct psychological and contextual dynamics influencing these patterns. These findings highlight the need to address the unique psychological and social challenges faced by both international and domestic students. A holistic, culturally responsive approach to student mental health is critical, particularly in mitigating the risks of self-injury and suicidal ideation. These insights can support educators and institutions in identifying at-risk students and implementing effective support strategies, especially for global learners in times of crisis.

Teng, N-C, Hu, Y-H, Wu, T-I, Shiu, Y-J, Yen, C-W, Chan, W-J, and Chiu, C-H. Biting on customized mouthguards improves vertical jump and slider quality of baseball pitchers. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2025-The concurrent activation potentiation induced by biting on customized mouthguards may improve strength performance. The purpose of this study is to investigate whether the use of customized mouthguards is effective in improving the athletic performance of baseball pitchers and further improving the sharpness of fastball and breaking balls. Ten professional (age: 20.50 ± 1.08 years; height: 177.6 ± 4.7 cm; body mass: 77.7 ± 9.6 kg) baseball pitchers were recruited and randomly divided into customized mouthguards trial (MG) and control trial (N-MG) without wearing customized mouthguards. Subjects were tested for bite force, grip strength, counter movement jump, and pitching tests after wearing mouthguards (MG trial) and without mouthguards (N-MG trial). The bite force was significantly higher in the MG trial than in the N-MG trial (MG: 1,512.5 ± 531.7 N; N-MG: 1,159.1 ± 407.0 N; p = 0.014; Cohen's d = 0.75). The spin rate of sliders was significantly higher in the MG trial than in the N-MG trial (MG: 2086.3 ± 243.2 rpm; N-MG:1939.0 ± 312.9 rpm; p = 0.014; Cohen's d = 0.52). The jump height of counter movement jump was significantly higher in the MG trial than in the N-MG trial (MG: 48.8 ± 4.2 cm; N-MG: 47.3 ± 4.0 cm; p = 0.024; Cohen's d = 0.37) with a small effect size. There were no significant differences in grip strength and other pitching parameters. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that customized mouthguards significantly enhanced the bite force of the subjects and augmented the spin rate and the sharpness of the slider.

IntroductionThe goal of this study was to examine the neural activities, which contribute to performance efficiency in the early stages of motor skill learning, such as amateur versus novice. To achieve this goal, electroencephalography (EEG) was employed to compare the differences in EEG power that can be used to assess neural excitability between amateur and novice golfers during a visuomotor task (i.e., golf putting task).Methods16 amateurs (9 females, 7 males, mean age = 20.81 ± 1.83; an intermediate skill level with an average handicap of 33 ± 5.68 and 3.81 ± 1.83 years of experience) and 16 novice golfers (9 females, 7 males, mean age = 22.25 ± 1.61; no prior experience in golf or formal training) were asked to perform a golf putting task while their EEG was recorded. During the warm-up session, each participant determined their individual putting distance, targeting a 40–60% success rate. Once established, participants were asked to perform 10 putts per block across 6 blocks in the experimental session.ResultsThe results of the study indicated that amateur golfers demonstrated: (1) higher Fz Theta power, (2) higher Fz, Pz, T7, T8 Alpha 2 power, (3) higher Mu 2 power, and (4) higher SMR power compared with novices during motor preparation. These findings suggest that amateur golfers exhibited reduced motor programming (as indicated by higher Alpha 2 power at Fz and Mu 2 power), reduced verbal-analytical engagement (higher T7 Alpha 2 power), reduced conscious perception of sensations (higher SMR power), reduced visuospatial processes (higher Alpha 2 power at Pz and T8), and enhanced cognitive control of sustained attention (higher Fz Theta power).DiscussionThese findings support the notion that the achievement of psychomotor efficiency involves the selective activation and inhibition of neuromotor processes. The study outcomes not only contribute to a broader understanding of the refinement of neuromotor processes during the transition from novice to amateur, but also specify neuromotor processes that can be categorized within the framework of psychomotor efficiency.

BackgroundThe interaction between fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and genetic factors can lead to epigenetic modifications, potentially increasing the risk of SLE development. However, the impact of PM2.5 on incident SLE development remains unelucidated. This study investigated the effects of year-to-year variations in PM2.5 exposure on incident SLE risk in Taiwanese adults.MethodsIn this longitudinal study, we followed up 268 254 adults from the Taiwan MJ cohort (2005–2017) for 9.8 years to identify incident SLE cases, ascertained from patients’ clinical and laboratory reports. Residential address-specific annual PM2.5 concentrations were obtained from Taiwan Air Quality-Monitoring sites. We employed a time-dependent Cox regression model, considering death as a competing risk, to assess the impact of year-to-year variations of PM2.5 exposure on SLE development.ResultsDuring 2 628 889 person-years of follow-up, 151 (0.1%) individuals developed new-onset SLE. Participants with higher levels of PM2.5 exposure (per 5 μg/m3 increase) had significantly higher risk of incident SLE (adjusted HR 3.35; 95% CI 2.94 to 3.82). We observed a significant positive linear relation between increasing level of PM2.5 exposure and higher risk of incident SLE in all individual subgroups after stratifying study subjects by age and sex (p<0.001).ConclusionPM2.5 exposure emerged as a risk factor for incident SLE. Air pollution mitigation strategies should be considered as a preventive measure for SLE.

This study explores how artificial intelligence (AI) can support the evaluation of assistive technology outcomes in adaptive sports, focusing on elite boccia athletes with disabilities. Using a multi-stage motion analysis framework, we integrated OpenPose, ViTPose, and Lifting to estimate seated joint kinematics with greater precision. Match footage from 12 athletes at the 2018 Asia-Pacific Boccia Open was analyzed across five biomechanical phases: preparation, acceleration, peak, release, and follow-through. AI-enhanced 2D and 3D pose estimation methods were applied to assess throwing strategies and motor variability. ViTPose outperformed OpenPose in joint detection accuracy (F1-score: 85% vs. 79.5%), while Lifting improved 3D estimation by reducing joint position error by 16%. Principal Component Analysis revealed greater movement consistency in overhand throws compared to underhand techniques. The proposed pipeline provides an interpretable and scalable method for measuring performance, motor control, and strategy-specific movement outcomes in boccia, offering practical applications for evidence-based coaching, athlete classification, and the design of inclusive assistive sport technologies.

BackgroundThe purpose of this study was to investigate effects of caffeinated chewing gum-induced sympathetic activation and diuretic effect on the rapid rate of weight loss in bodybuilders.MethodsFourteen current elite natural bodybuilding athletes (age: 26 ± 7 years old; BMI: 26.9 ± 7.1 kg/m2; muscle mass: 40.4 ± 7.1 kg; %body fat: 15.5 ± 4.4%) were included as participants. After confirming the specific gravity of the urine, the participants chewing either caffeinate Gum containing 3 mg/kg of caffeine (CAF trial) or placebo gum without containing caffeine (PL trial) for 10 min, with a randomized, double-blind, cross-over design. Following a 15-minute period of rest, the participants undergo a weight reduction process by engaging in cycling on a bicycle with an adjustable resistance level. The cycling is performed until the participant has experienced a dehydration state, resulting in a weight reduction of 2% of their initial body weight. Record time, heart rate, heart rate variability (HRV) urination volume and energy expenditure from exercise to completion of dehydration.ResultsThe urination volume (P = 0.040) and sympathetic activation were significantly higher in the CAF trial than in the PL trial during dehydration exercise (P < 0.05). Time to dehydration (P = 0.024) and the rating of perceived exertion (RPE) score during exercise were significantly lower in the CAF trial than in the PL trial. There were no significant differences in heart rate and energy expenditure during dehydration exercise between the two trials (P < 0.05).ConclusionsThis study found that chewing caffeinated gum increased sympathetic nerve activity and accelerated dehydration in bodybuilders.Trial registrationThis study was registered in ClinicalTrials.gov (Date: 04/08/2024; ID “NCT06431035”; https://register.clinicaltrials.gov).