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Currently, high-intensity interval exercise (HIIE) is on the rise compared to moderate-intensity exercise (MIE) due to its similar benefits for health and performance with low time requirements. Recent studies show how physical exercise can also influence cognitive function, although the optimal dose and underlying mechanisms remain unknown. Therefore, in our study, we have compared the effects on visuospatial and declarative memory of different exercise intensities (HIIE vs. MIE), including possible implicated factors such as lactate released after each session and the Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) genotype. Thirty-six undergraduate students participated in this study. The HIIE session consisted of a 3 min warm-up, four 2 min sets at 90–95% of the maximal aerobic speed (MAS) with 2 min of passive recovery between sets, and a 3 min cooldown, and the MIE session implies the same total duration of continuous exercise at 60% of the MAS. Better improvements were found after HIIE than MIE on the backward condition of the visuospatial memory test (p = 0.014, ηp2 = 0.17) and the 48 h retention of the declarative memory test (p = 0.04; d = 0.34). No differences were observed in the forward condition of the visuospatial memory test and the 7-day retention of the declarative memory test (p > 0.05). Moreover, non-modifiable parameters such as biological sex and BDNF polymorphism (Val/Val, Val/Met, or Met/Met) did not modulate the cognitive response to exercise. Curiously, the correlational analysis showed associations (p < 0.05) between changes in memory (visuospatial and declarative) and lactate release. In this sense, our results suggest an important role for intensity in improving cognitive function with exercise, regardless of genetic factors such as biological sex or BDNF Val66Met polymorphism.

Background and objectives: Fatigue is one of the most disabling symptoms that limit daily life activities in persons with multiple sclerosis (pwMS). This study aimed to evaluate the effects of maximal strength training (MST) on perceived-fatigue and functional mobility in pwMS. Materials and Methods: 26 participants with MS were balanced according to their pre-intervention fatigue scores and distributed into an MST group (n = 13) and a control group (CG; n = 13). The MST group completed eight weeks using high loads, evaluating detraining after ten weeks. Quadriceps and hamstring isokinetic (QPTIK; HPTIK) and isometric (QPTIM; HPTIM) peak torques were assessed using an isokinetic dynamometer. Effect size differences were estimated with the Hedges’ g index (dg). Fatigue was evaluated through the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), while functional mobility was assessed via the Timed Up and Go Test (TUG). Results: The MST significantly improved all the strength measurements after the intervention (Δ6.43–29.55%; p < 0.05) compared to the control group. FSS showed a significant reduction (59.97%, dg = 5.41, large). The MST group also reduced the TUG time (19.69%; dg = 0.93, large) compared to the control group. Improvements caused by the intervention did not remain after a 10-week follow-up, with decreases in strength performance from 4.40% to 13.86% (dg = 0.24–0.56, small to moderate), 112.08% in the FSS (dg = −3.88, large), and 16.93% in TUG (dg = −1.07, large). Conclusions: MST (up to 90% 1RM) seems to be a feasible and useful way to obtain clinically relevant improvements in the perceived-fatigue symptoms and functional mobility. Still, symptom improvements decrease after a 10-week detraining period.

Trunk function is a core factor to allocate Boccia players with cerebral palsy in BC1 and BC2 sport classes, according to the Boccia International Sports Federation (BISFed). However, the appropriateness of the current test to assess trunk function has never been studied to determine its reliability, validity and sensitivity to discriminate between different levels of impairment. Thirty-six players (BC1 = 13 and BC2 = 23) took part in this study. Trunk control was assessed through the BISFed trunk function scale (TFS) and a posturographic test battery consisting of two static and three dynamic tasks. The inter-rater reliability for the BISFed TFS was set at 94.44% of agreement. Moderate-to-high correlations were obtained between posturographic tasks (0.39 < r < 0.96; p < 0.05−0.01), while the BISFed TFS only correlated with two of the dynamic tasks and the overall dynamic score (−0.38 < r < −0.51; p < 0.05). The BISFed TFS was not able to discriminate between sport classes, whereas the static posturographic task did so (p = 0.004). Even though the current BISFed TFS presented good inter-rater reliability, it does not seem to have enough sensitivity to discriminate between BC1 and BC2. Although the static posturographic tasks were able to discriminate between sports classes, it seems necessary to develop new field tests assessing participants’ trunk stabilization abilities.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the content and construct validity and between-sessions reliability of four agility tests requiring ball dribbling in football players with cerebral palsy (CP) with implications for classification and training. A sample of 35 football players with CP from three different countries took part in the study. They performed four tests in two sessions 72 h apart: i) 20 m in a straight line, ii) forward slalom with short changes of direction, iii) forward slalom with wide changes of direction and iv) square course. The Kappa coefficient was used to test content validity, obtaining moderate to almost perfect agreement results. Construct validity was also demonstrated with very large to almost perfect correlations between tests and sessions. Good reliability was found using intra-class coefficients (>0.86), standard error of measurement (0.86). The comparisons between CP profiles (i.e. sport classes) demonstrated that those with mild impairment performed faster, and those with impairment of ataxia and dyskinesia performed worse. The four tests could have applications in classification, but may also be applied by the CP football coaches to improve athlete agility and football skills.

Physical exercise has emerged as a promising complementary intervention for individuals with substance use disorders (SUD). This comprehensive review examines the neurobiological, psychological, and social benefits of exercise in improving quality of life (QOL), mental health, sleep quality, craving, physical fitness, and cognitive function among individuals with SUD. Aerobic exercises, particularly those of moderate intensity, demonstrate a consistent efficacy in reducing anxiety, depression, and cravings, while also enhancing cardiovascular health and psychosocial well-being. Strength training and concurrent programs provide additional benefits for muscular and cognitive function, although their effects on mental health are less consistent. Mind–body disciplines like yoga and Tai Chi offer accessible entry points for individuals with low baseline fitness but exhibit variable outcomes, especially in sleep and craving management. High-intensity interval training (HIIT) shows potential for craving reduction and cardiovascular improvements but may pose challenges for individuals with low initial fitness. This review underscores the importance of tailored, well-structured programs that align with participants’ needs and capabilities. Future research should prioritize standardizing protocols, incorporating technological tools, and exploring hybrid intervention models to maximize adherence and therapeutic impact. Physical exercise remains a vital, multifaceted tool in comprehensive SUD rehabilitation strategies.

Chia and quinoa have gained popularity among consumers worldwide due to the wide variety of nutrients but also to the bioactive compounds that they contain. Lately, their processing has generated different coproducts (non-commercial grains, flour, partially deoiled flour, rich-fiber fraction, and oil, among others), which could be reincorporated to the food chain with important technological properties, antioxidant activity included. Both sets of ingredients have been revealed a great technological potential for meat product development and innovation, taking into account that oxidation is one of the main reactions responsible for their deterioration and shelf life reduction. This review focuses on the antioxidant compounds of chia and quinoa coproducts and on the strategies used to add them to meat products highlighting their effect on the lipid oxidation control. Apart from the different ways in which quinoa and chia can be incorporated into meat products and their antioxidant properties, innovative approaches for increasing this antioxidant effect and counteracting any negative alterations they may cause will be discussed.

The incorporation of a new ingredient into foods could not only affect the intrinsic properties of the product but also its shelf life. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of the black quinoa (both as whole seeds and as the fibre-rich fraction obtained as coproduct from its wet-milling process) on the shelf life of Bologna-type sausages during cold storage. Three treatments of Bologna-type sausages were produced: control, sausages with black quinoa seeds (2.5%), and sausages with their fibre-rich fraction (2.5%). The effect of the black quinoa added on the physicochemical properties (pH and colour), lipid oxidation, residual nitrite level, and microbiological quality of Bolognas during 21 days of cold storage was evaluated. Although the addition of quinoa products in Bologna-type sausages modified some colour parameters (day 0), these differences were masked through the storage period. Sausages with quinoa products added showing lipid oxidation values lower than the control for all the days studied. Sausages with quinoa products added showed higher residual nitrite levels than control at all measurement times during the storage period. The addition of black quinoa did not affect microbial stability during storage. Black quinoa products can be considered promising ingredients to be used as antioxidants and natural nitrate sources in Bologna-type sausages without affecting their microbial safety during storage.

Vertical jump is a relevant variable in the classification of football for individuals with cerebral palsy. In this regard, the literature is limited. There are no studies assessing vertical jumping ability through kinematic methods and in more specific football game situations, such as jumps with a header. The goals of the present study were to assess how the modification of jumping conditions (without and with a header) might affect the kinematic and kinetic parameters of counter movement jumping, and whether the functional profiles of the players constrain their ability to jump vertically, both with and without a header. Thirteen male football players with cerebral palsy (27.7 ± 5.7 years old) and different functional profiles participated in this study. All the players performed ten counter movement jumps with arms swing, five headed a ball and five did not. The kinematic parameters were recorded with a 3D motion analysis system, and the kinetic parameters using a force platform. Significantly smaller angles of the hips (dg = 0.75–0.79; p < 0.01) and knees (dg = 1.04–1.15; p < 0.05), as well as greater ankle extension (dg = −0.71; p < 0.05), were observed during the eccentric phase of the jumps with a header. There were also asymmetries between legs in ankle extension during jumps with a header (dg = −1.06; p < 0.05), which could be an adjustment element for the precision of the jumps (i.e., header action). It should be mentioned that the jumping pattern could be partially affected by the functional profile of football players with cerebral palsy.