Abstract Study aim: Backpack carriage is a daily necessity for school-going children, but excessive loads and prolonged carrying durations may disrupt gait mechanics, potentially leading to musculoskeletal strain. The present study aimed to analyse the effect of progressive backpack weights and carrying durations on the contact time during the walking gait of school-aged boys. Additionally, it assessed the symmetry between left and right foot contact times under varying conditions. Material and methods: A total of 85 healthy male students (mean age = 11.06 ± 0.76 years, height 143.50 ± 5.11 cm, body weight 36.00 ± 4.05 kg) from Delhi National Capital Region participated in the study. Contact time was recorded using the Zebris FDM pressure plate under five backpack weights (0%, 8%, 12%, 16%, and 20% of body weight) and five intervals (0, 5, 10, 15, and 20 minutes). A 5 × 5 repeated measures design was used. Descriptive statistics, paired-sample t-tests and two-way repeated measures ANOVA were employed to evaluate the effects of backpack weight and duration. Results: Progressive backpack weights up to 12% of body weight increased contact time, reflecting biomechanical adjustments to maintain stability. However, loads of 16% and above caused fatigue, disrupting gait patterns. Prolonged carrying durations intensified these effects, leading to greater variability and asymmetry in contact time, particularly under heavier loads. Significant differences in contact time between the left and right foot were observed (p < 0.05), indicating uneven weight distribution and compensatory gait strategies. ANOVA findings confirmed a significant main effect of backpack weight, a significant interaction between weight and duration, and a statistically significant main effect of duration for the left foot. Conclusions: The findings suggest that excessive backpack weight and prolonged carrying duration significantly alter foot contact time and gait symmetry, which may contribute to musculoskeletal stress in school-aged children. A threshold effect emerged, where both backpack weight and duration—independently and interactively—disrupted natural gait stability, particularly in the non-dominant limb. The study supports limiting backpack weight to 10–12% of body weight and reducing prolonged carriage duration. Future studies should incorporate multifactorial models and longitudinal tracking to better understand the long-term impact of load-induced gait adaptations.

Abstract Study aim: Aerobic exercise has many benefits including improvements in mood and cognition. Group exercise has been suggested to better improve mood compared to exercise alone, but there is no consensus and few studies attempting to understand exercise and social influences on mood and cognition. This study’s purpose was to begin filling this gap by isolating socialization from exercise to determine how each affect mood and cognitive changes. Materials and methods: Twenty-five adults (24.2 ± 1.69 years) performed four 30-minute sessions including either acute exercise or sedentary, and either social interaction or limited social interaction. Mood was assessed using a Profile of Mood States and a State-trait Anxiety Inventory Questionnaire. Cognitive assessments were performed using computerized Stroop and Eriksen Flanker tasks. Mood and cognition were assessed prior-to and following each session. Differences in mood and cognitive performance were analyzed for main effects of both exercise and social interactions in a two-by-two within subject design. Results: Both exercise and social interactions influenced mood parameters, with fatigue being reduced by exercise and social interaction, total mood disturbance approaching significance for exercise, and hostility being reduced by socialization. Vigor approached significance for exercise and had a significant interaction with socialization. No cognitive improvements were observed, likely due to cognitive tasks lacking sufficient sensitivity for cognitively healthy young adults. Conclusion: Both exercise and social interactions can improve mood parameters, and when performed together there may be an additive effect for some mood parameters. Additional studies are needed to elucidate these acute effects.

Abstract Study aim: This study aimed to analyze the compensatory mechanisms during shoulder abduction by increased scapulothoracic joint upward rotation, focusing on acromiohumeral distance, shoulder muscle forces, and glenohumeral joint stability, using a musculoskeletal model simulation. Material and methods: Fifteen healthy males performed shoulder abduction along scapular plane. Acromiohumeral distance, shoulder muscle forces, and glenohumeral joint stability were estimated using a musculoskeletal model. Data estimated from the three models with different scapulothoracic joint upward rotation were compared using one-dimensional statistical parametric mapping. Differences among three models were analyzed using one-way repeated measures analysis of variance. As a post hoc test, paired t -tests with Bonferroni correction for multiple comparisons were used. Results: The model that increased scapulothoracic joint upward rotation showed significantly greater acromiohumeral distance, and greater muscle forces of supraspinatus and deltoid compared with the models with normal scapulothoracic joint upward rotation. Conversely, glenohumeral joint stability significantly decreased from the mid and late phase of arm elevation in the increased scapulothoracic joint upward rotation model. Conclusions: During shoulder abduction, increased scapulothoracic joint upward rotation magnified acromiohumeral distance for pain avoidance and contributed to increased muscle forces; it also decreased glenohumeral joint stability. In conclusion, the current study revealed the positive and negative aspects associated with increased scapulothoracic joint upward rotation. Therapists engaging in shoulder rehabilitation should remain mindful of these issues.

Abstract Study aim: The aim of this study was to examine statistical parameters and determine which had the greatest influence on the final score at the European and World Championships in the period of 2020-2024. Material and methods: The analysis included 24 water polo matches, featuring the top 8 placed teams from the last 3 European and World Championships. From the official statistical reports of the matches, 28 statistical parameters were analyzed, which were taken from the Total Waterpolo website. Results: Based on the descriptive statistics, flaws and analysis of the variance of water polo parameters in the game, a total of 7 variables (Total goals, Total goal efficiency, Penalty goals efficiency, Fastbrake goals, Fastbrake shots, Powerplay goals efficiency, Saved shots efficiency) were identified as significant for winning the matches at the European and World Championships 2020-2024, and 6 variables (Total goals, Total shots, Penalty shots, Penalty saved, Penalty goals, Blocked shots) were found to be significantly different between the games at the European and World Championships, while the leading parameters were the number of shots on target and saved shots. Conclusion: In this research, we found that the outcome of a match can be predicted and scientifically explained with 95.8% accuracy, based on the statistical parameters and their analysis.

Abstract Study aim: This study aimed to develop vertical jumping power normative-reference standards based on a large cohort of Canadian university students. Material and methods: Data were collected from a sample of 960 male and female participants, aged 20 to 29 years (mean body mass index [BMI]: 24.44± 3.80). Participants performed the Sargent jump-and-reach test using a wall-mounted vertical jumping height scale, where vertical jump distance (VJD) was determined by subtracting standing reach height from vertical jumping reach height. An independent samples t-test was conducted to compare the means of all variables (i.e., absolute power, relative power, and VJD) and to test for statistical significance between sexes. Results: Data from all variables were higher (P < 0.05) among male participants, including absolute power (W), relative power (W·kg−1), and VJD (m), and statistically significant differences between sexes were noted. Collected data facilitated the creation of sex-specific normative-reference standards including percentile rankings and seven performance classifications. Conclusions: These norms will be instrumental in supporting the convenient and practical evaluation of vertical jumping power performance data and may even reduce the need for other, more exhaustive testing methods (e.g., Wingate Anaerobic Test).

Abstract Study aim This study aimed to examine the effects of lymphedema on upper extremity function, posture and quality of life in patients with upper extremity lymphedema after unilateral breast cancer. Material and methods Twenty-seven women (46.65 ± 3.44 years) were included in this study. Upper extremity circumference and range of motion measurements were performed on the unaffected and affected sides. New York Posture Analysis (NYPA) was used for posture evaluation. Upper extremity functions and quality of life were assessed by the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) and the Lymphedema Functionality, Disability and Health Questionnaire (Lymph-ICF), Upper Extremity Lymphedema-27 (ULL-27) and Quality of Life Measure for Limb Lymphedema – Arm (LYMQOL-Arm), respectively. Results The results showed a significant positive correlation between the DASH and Lymph-ICF, ULL-27, and LYMQOL-Arm (r = 0.618, r = 0.637, r = 0.529, p < 0.05). Furthermore, there was a significant correlation between ULL-27 and LYMQOLArm (r = 0.557, p < 0.05). No significant correlation between posture and upper extremity functions (DASH, Lymph-ICF) and quality of life was found (ULL-27, LYMQOL-Arm) (r = –0.205, r = –0.087, r = –0.238, r = –0.122, p > 0.05). Conclusions Upper extremity lymphedema can affect upper extremity functions and quality of life. Addressing lymphedema-specific quality of life and related measures is essential for the management of lymphedema.

Abstract Study aim: The aim of the research was to present a unique intervention for restoring limb function in cases of hemiplegia based on a modified constraint-induced movement therapy (mCIMT) combined with bimanual training (BIT) carried out as part of “The Pirate Group” program, and long-term observation of its effects. Material and methods: The study included five boys aged three to five years, diagnosed with cerebral palsy (CP) with a form of hemiplegia (unilateral cerebral palsy). The effectiveness of the therapy and its long-term effect were analysed based on the Small Kids-AHA test conducted before the therapy, after two weeks of therapy, and six months after the end of therapy. Results: Some differences were noted between the global scores of Small Kids-AHA test obtained before and after two weeks of therapy. No differences were found between the global scores of Small Kids-AHA test obtained after two weeks of therapy and six months after the end of therapy. Conclusion: Modified constraint-induced movement therapy combined with bimanual training carried out as part of “The Pirate Group” program is an effective therapeutic intervention, and its effects may persist for six months after the end of therapy.

Abstract Study aim The study compared the effects of speed, agility, and quickness (SAQ) training performed on grass versus sand surfaces on improvements in sprinting, jumping, and change of direction speed (CODS). Materials and methods Twenty-four male university soccer players were randomly assigned to SAQ training on grass or sand surfaces. The intervention lasted four weeks with a weekly frequency of two sessions. The variables assessed were 30-m linear sprint, CODS, countermovement jump (CMJ), drop jump (DJ; jump height, ground contact time [GCT], reactive strength index [RSI]), squat jump (SJ), standing long jump (SLJ), and triple-hop distance. A two-by-two mixed design ANOVA was used to analyze the training effects. Results A significant positive main effect of time was observed for CMJ, DJ, and SJ height (p < 0.001) and triple-hop distance, with significant pre-to-post improvement in both groups (all p < 0.001). In addition, a negative main effect of time was observed for DJ GCT and DJ RSI (p = <0.001–0.024), with a significant increase in DJ GCT for both groups but a significant decrease in DJ RSI only for the group training on sand. No main effect of time was found for the 30-m linear sprint, CODS, or SLJ distance (p = 0.080–0.792). An interaction effect on CMJ height was noted (p = 0.027), favoring the group training on the sand surface. Conclusion SAQ training on grass and sand surfaces showed similar improvements in the DJ, SJ, and triple-hop performance. However, compared to the grass surface, training on the sand surface induced greater improvements in CMJ but showed negative effects on DJ RSI.

Abstract Study aim : Maximal oxygen uptake (VO 2max ) is the greatest rate at which the body can use oxygen and is an indicator of aerobic power. Although aerobic fitness is such a valuable determinant of health, there is limited research with established normative values for a healthy young adult Canadian population. The purpose of the study was to develop normative reference values for a Canadian young-adult population. Material and methods : 550 undergraduate student (280 male and 270 female) participants, with a mean body mass (BM) of 72.08 ± 15.05 kg, mean age of 21.16 ± 1.26 years old and mean height of 171.95 ± 10.25 cm completed a VO 2max test using the Bruce treadmill protocol. Male and female classifications were established for the total exercise time in minutes and for the measured VO 2max using percentiles and a seven-category classification system. Results : There were statistically significant differences between the sexes for VO 2max values (p < 0.001). The measured assessment for the healthy young Canadian adults showed a mean VO 2max value of 40.90 ± 7.50 mL/kg/min for females and 49.89 ± 9.20 mL/kg/min for males. Females were able to withstand the exercise protocol for a mean of 11.92 ± 1.97 minutes, while males exercised for an average of 14.33 ± 2.40 minutes before the test was terminated. Conclusions : This study provides specific normative values for the aerobic fitness of a university aged Canadian population which can be used as reference values for cardiovascular health and fitness assessments.

Abstract Study aim: The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of 8 days of water-only fasting and physical exercise on somatic variables, lipid profile, insulin resistance and cardiovascular function in middle-aged men. Material and methods: Body weight, body composition, lipid profile, serum concentrations of insulin, glucose, β-hydroxybutyrate (β-HB), heart rate (HR), blood pressure and the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) were determined in 16 apparently healthy men at rest and after aerobic exercise. This test procedure was also repeated after 8 days of water-only fasting. Results: Fasting intervention resulted in a reduction in body weight and fat mass (p < 0.001). The simultaneous effect of fasting and exercise resulted in significant changes in lipid profile, carbohydrate metabolism and cardiovascular function. Post hoc analyses showed that the reductions in insulin and glucose concentrations as well as the HOMA-IR index were caused by the fasting, and changes in the lipid profile and cardiovascular function were caused by the exercise test. Conclusion: The combined use of fasting and physical effort resulted in an optimal effect on health indicators of the surveyed men.