Polish Wood Cluster

This study evaluated the effects of lymphatic drainage (LD) and intense sports massage (IM) on muscle recovery after eccentric quadriceps exercise in combat sports athletes. Thirty-six athletes (24 men, 12 women; mean age 27.4 ± 4.1 years) were randomized into three groups: LD, IM, or Control. After a fatigue-inducing plyometric jump protocol, the LD and IM groups received six 30-minute recovery sessions over 72h, while the Control group rested passively. Athletes were assessed at five time points-pre-exercise, immediately post-exercise, and a 24, 48, and 72h-measuring perfusion (PU, Power Doppler Score), pressure pain threshold (PPT), maximal voluntary contraction (MVC), creatine kinase, C-reactive protein (CRP), and perceived recovery (TQR scale). Both IM and LD groups showed significantly greater increase in PPT at 24, 48, and 72h compared to controls (p = 0.004-<0.001), with LD showing superior outcomes at 24h. IM consistently increased perfusion (p < 0.001-0.026). LD also led to lower creatine kinase and CRP levels (p < 0.001-0.017). In conclusion, LD and IM enhanced muscle recovery after intense exercise, with LD showing stronger effects on pain, inflammation, and IM improving tissue perfusion.Clinical trial registration: Registered as a clinical trial under the number ISRCTN10033645.

Different levels of arterial occlusion pressure (AOP) can influence microcirculatory responses and autonomic nervous system activity, potentially affecting individuals undergoing training methods that incorporate AOP, such as blood flow restriction (BFR) training. Therefore, this study aimed to compare the effects of four distinct AOP levels on microcirculatory responses and autonomic nervous system activity—specifically investigating the relationship between post-occlusive reactive hyperemia (PORH), hemodynamic parameters, and heart rate variability (HRV) metrics. This prospective experimental study involved 30 healthy adults who underwent standardized assessments of heart rate variability (HRV) and post-occlusive reactive hyperemia (PORH) across four arterial occlusion pressure (AOP) levels (40, 80, 100, 130%). Measurements were conducted under controlled environmental conditions and consistent body positioning, enabling an analysis of microcirculatory and autonomic responses under progressive vascular occlusion. The results showed no significant changes in resting flow across AOP levels (p = 0.847), while all other parameters—biological zero, peak hyperemia, time to peak, average NN interval, standard deviation of NN intervals, and heart rate—exhibited significant differences between AOP conditions (all p < 0.001, except low frequency to high frequency ratio p < 0.05). However, for most variables, no significant differences were observed between 100 and 130% AOP (p > 0.999), indicating a possible stabilization of physiological responses at higher occlusion pressures. This study concludes that while increasing arterial occlusion pressure significantly affects multiple physiological parameters, responses tend to stabilize between 100 and 130% AOP, suggesting a threshold beyond which further increases yield minimal additional physiological impact.Trial registration trial number ISRCTN15418049.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1038/s41598-025-25132-y.

Background. Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly permeating sports medicine and performance science, propelled by high-volume data from wearables, video, and clinical systems. Beyond traditional analytics, modern machine learning (ML) and deep learning (DL) can model complex, nonlinear relationships to support diagnosis, injury prevention, load management, and tactical decisions. Yet adoption remains uneven due to concerns about data quality, bias, interpretability, governance, and the appropriate balance between automation and expert judgment. Aim. To synthesize emerging evidence on AI applications across sports medicine and performance optimization, clarifying opportunities, constraints, and ethical considerations required for safe, effective, and equitable integration. Material and methods. Narrative review of AI modalities, core data ecosystems and representative use cases spanning MSK imaging, injury-risk modeling, movement analysis, recovery optimization, and tactical decision support. The review emphasizes multimodal data fusion, model oversight, and real-world implementation factors. Current state of knowledge. Evidence indicates AI can enhance diagnostic speed and accuracy in MSK imaging, improve early detection of overuse and acute injury risk via spatiotemporal and physiological signals. enable individualized load management and adaptive training through time-series modeling; and support coaching and education via NLP and LLM-powered tools. Key limitations include dataset heterogeneity, biased sampling and gaps between prototype performance and field deployment. Conclusions. AI can make training and care more precise, proactive, and accessible, but benefits hinge on high-quality data pipelines, transparent models, clinician/coach oversight, and ethical safeguards. Interdisciplinary collaboration is essential to realize performance gains while protecting athlete welfare and equity.

The relevance of studying customer attitudes towards AI-driven support systems has grown significantly amid the expanding integration of artificial intelligence in service industries. This research aims to explore the perceptions, trust levels, and preferences of Polish consumers regarding AI in customer support, testing hypotheses related to trust, demographic influences, and user experience. The study was conducted through a structured online survey in Poland during 2025, involving 103 adult respondents representing diverse demographics, including age, gender, and education level, with both AI-experienced users and novices. Results revealed that 65% of respondents showed skepticism towards trusting AI for sensitive tasks, and only 34% endorsed full reliance on AI support, confirming limited trust. Despite a general preference for human interaction (82%), over half of participants supported AI as an initial contact with fallback options for human agents. The survey further indicated that younger respondents and those with prior AI experience exhibited higher acceptance levels. Additionally, 47% reported that positive AI interactions increased their future willingness to use such systems, while concerns over data security persisted among 55%. These findings underscore the necessity of developing hybrid, transparent, and personalized AI support models. Future research should focus on enhancing trust factors, ethical considerations, and adaptive learning to foster wider acceptance and efficacy of AI in customer service environments.

ObjectivesThis study aimed to (1) analyze the reliability of the Kinvent K-push handheld dynamometer for assessing quadriceps maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) and rate of force development (RFD), and (2) evaluate inter-rater reliability by assessing the reproducibility of measurements between examiners.MethodsA blinded, randomized, comparative study evaluated the reliability of quadriceps femoris MVC and RFD measurements obtained by two independent researchers. Forty-four male volunteers participated, divided into three groups based on motor skill level: elite mixed martial arts (MMA) athletes (n = 15), amateur football players (n = 15), and untrained healthy volunteers (n = 14). Three measurements per leg were taken during the experimental session, with the Kinvent K-push handheld dynamometer automatically calculating the average MVC and RFD.ResultsPearson correlations revealed that MVC and RFD measurements were highly consistent, with the left quadriceps showing nearly perfect correlations (r = 0.96 for MVC, r = 0.97 for RFD), while the right quadriceps displayed more variability, particularly in MVC. Inter-examiner comparisons showed high reproducibility, with minimal differences between the two measurers (p > 0.05). The ICC further supported this, with very high intraclass correlation values, especially for RFD (ICC = 0.999), confirming almost perfect agreement between the measurers. Group comparisons revealed that athletes, particularly MMA fighters and footballers, had significantly higher muscle strength and RFD compared to the general non-training group (p < 0.05), with athletes showing similar values for both MVC and RFD, while the general non-training group exhibited greater variability in both parameters. Bland-Altman analysis revealed strong agreement between measurers across all quadriceps measurements, with minimal systematic bias and acceptable variability, particularly in MVC assessments.ConclusionMVC and RFD measurements in the quadriceps using the K-push handheld dynamometer are highly reliable and consistent, with minimal inter-examiner variability. These findings, in conjunction with high ICC and low MAE/MSE values, underscore the reliability of the measurement protocol used in this study. The tested instrument provides consistent and accurate results, ensuring reliable measurements across different examiners.

This study investigated the effects of a 10-week plyometric training program on sprint performance, reactive power, and biomechanical muscle properties in soccer players. Twenty soccer players were randomly assigned to an experimental group (n = 10) or a control group (n = 10). Both groups maintained their regular weekly training, with the experimental group performing additional plyometric sessions twice weekly. Pre- and post-intervention assessments included 5 m and 30 m sprint times, Reactive Strength Index (RSI), and biomechanical properties (tension, stiffness, elasticity) of the rectus femoris (RF) and vastus lateralis (VL). The experimental group demonstrated significant improvements in 5 m (p &lt; 0.01; ES = 1.44) and 30 m (p &lt; 0.01; ES = 1.11) sprint times and RSI (p &lt; 0.05; ES = 0.87). No significant changes were observed in muscle tension, stiffness, or elasticity at the group level. However, correlations indicated that higher baseline elasticity in the VL was linked to greater 5 m sprint improvements, while changes in RF elasticity were negatively associated with 5 m sprint gains. These findings suggest that plyometric training effectively enhances short-distance sprint performance and reactive power in soccer players. Although group-level biomechanical properties did not change significantly, individual variability in muscle elasticity may modulate training outcomes, supporting the integration of plyometric exercises into soccer training regimens.

近年，世界中でエアタクシー，いわゆる空飛ぶクルマに対する関心が高まっている．機体開発が進められている一方で，利用意向や離着陸場位置などのインフラ整備に関する研究は不十分である．そこで本研究では，中京都市圏を対象にエアタクシー利用意向を調査し，エアタクシー利用行動モデルを構築するとともに，パーソントリップデータを用いて離着陸場位置の選定を行った．感度分析の結果，離着陸場の数と待ち時間が利用者数に大きな影響を与えることや，離着陸場の数を増加させる場合，都心から郊外へと配置を広げることで利用者を確保できることが示された．さらに，業務・観光目的の利用者を対象とした方が，通勤・業務・観光目的の場合より，1 台あたりで多くの利用者を輸送できることが示された．

&lt;p&gt;This study explores the potential of quantum machine learning and quantum computing for climate change detection, climate modeling, and climate digital twin. We additionally consider the time and energy consumption of quantum machines and classical computers. Moreover, we identified several use-case instances for climate change detection, climate modeling, and climate digital twin that are challenging for conventional computers but can be tackled efficiently with quantum machines or by integrating them with classical computers. We also evaluated the efficacy of quantum annealers, quantum simulators, and universal quantum computers, each designed to solve specific types and kinds of computational problems that are otherwise difficult.&lt;/p&gt;

Sella turcica abnormalities were reported in malocclusions and clefts. No studies were found on sella turcica abnormalities in CPO patients. This study aimed to compare the prevalence of sella turcica abnormalities on cephalometric radiographs in CPO versus non-cleft orthodontic patients. Cephalograms of CPO patients (n = 89) and controls (n = 89) were analyzed for normal sella turcicae and sella turcica abnormalities. Then, cephalometric analysis was performed using specialized software. Statistical analysis was performed using the Rv.4.1.1 package. No variation in or anomaly of the sella turcica was more frequent in CPO compared to non-cleft individuals. Patients with hypertrophic posterior clinoid process had higher interincisal and 1+:Nasion-A angles. Subjects with hypertrophic posterior clinoid process and double contour of the floor had higher Sella-Nasion-A, Sella-Nasion-B and Sella-Nasion-Pogonion and lower ANB. A pyramidal shape of the dorsum sellae was more prevalent in males, as was double contour of the floor in females. Subjects with an oblique anterior wall had lower SNB, GntgoAr and NLA. Subjects with a normal sella had higher SNPg, ML-NSL and 1+:NAmm. A normal sella was more prevalent in younger patients. CPO is not associated with sella turcica abnormalities compared to non-cleft orthodontic patients.