Search

Occupational health is a major problem in modern work environments. Physical activity breaks (PABs), short exercise periods delivered during working hours, incorporating exergames or outdoor activities, have emerged as a novel approach that could be used to improve work efficiency and workplace wellbeing. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the impact of PABs on attention levels and executive functions in healthcare workers. A total of 27 healthcare workers (M = 14, W = 13; 49.55 ± 12.46 years), after 4 h of work, randomly performed one of three 10 min conditions weekly in a counterbalanced order: No Physical Activity Break (NPAB); Outdoor Physical Activity Break (OPAB); Physical Activity Break with Exergame (PABEx). After the conditions, executive functions and selective attention were assessed by the Stroop Color and Word Test (SCWT), and the Trail Making A,B test (TMT A,B), respectively. Significant differences between OPAB and NPAB as well as between PABEx and NPAB in the TMT-A test χ2(2) = 44.66 (p < 0.001) and TMT-B test χ2(2) = 48.67 (p < 0.001) were found, respectively. TMT-A and SCWT interference/time scores of the PABEx and OPAB conditions were significantly lower than those of NPAB (p < 0.001). In the SCWT interference/error score, no significant difference was found between the PABEx and NPAB (p > 0.05), but the score was statistically lower in the OPAB condition than PABEx (p = 0.001) and PABEx condition compared to OPAB for TMT-A (p = 0.001). Findings showed that the OPAB and PABEx conditions are effective in improving selective attention and executive functions in healthcare workers. Employers can foster a healthier and more productive workforce by promoting a culture of movement and prioritizing employee health, which in turn can enhance patient care outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Outdoor exercise is beneficial for psychophysical well-being. Limited studies have compared outdoor and virtual reality (VR) indoor physical activities, especially in coastal settings. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the impact of outdoor coastal walking and indoor walking in a VR simulation with a similar environment on physiological and psychological variables in healthy adults. A total of 26 subjects (14 M and 12 F, age 25.2 ± 2.5 years) voluntarily participated in this crossover randomized controlled and counterbalanced study and were allocated under three conditions: VR indoor walking (INVR), outdoor walking (OUT) and standard indoor walking (IN). IN and INVR conditions were performed on a treadmill (speed 4.5 km/h) and the OUT was performed on a seaside pedestrian road. The same outdoor environment was displayed in the visor during the INVR. Heart rate (HRmean/max), physical activity enjoyment (PACES-It) and state of mindfulness for physical activity (SMS-PA) were assessed at the end of each condition. The OUT condition showed significantly greater PACES-It scores and HRmean than IN and INVR (p < 0.001) and greater SMS-PA scores and HRmax than IN (p < 0.01 and p < 0.05, respectively). No significant differences were found between OUT and INVR regarding HRmax and SMS-PA scores (p > 0.05). Findings suggest that physical activity in an immersive technology may lead to physiological loads comparable to the outdoor environment. OUT is more enjoyable than IN and INVR but exhibits a mindfulness response comparable to INVR. Therefore, INVR could be an alternative to OUT for those who cannot engage in outdoor activities for various reasons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plyometric exercise is a major tool for improving explosive actions. This study aimed to compare the efficacy of a vertical and horizontal plyometric training program on stretch-shortening performance variables in adolescent soccer players. Thirty-two male soccer players (aged 12.09 ± 0.89 years, with soccer experience 5.37 ± 1.58 years) were divided into horizontal plyometric, vertical plyometric, or control groups. The horizontal and vertical plyometric groups participated in a 6-week training program that was performed twice per week, with a 48-h interval, in conjunction with regular soccer training. The control group participated only in regular soccer training. Vertical jump height, reactive strength index, leg stiffness, ground contact time, standing long jump distance, agility, and 10 and 20 m sprint performances were tested as stretch-shortening performance variables of the participants. Stretch-shortening performance variables were assessed before and after completion of the training program. The results showed that either horizontal or vertical plyometric training had no effect on VJH, RSI, GCT, or Kleg performance (F = 2.14, 1.32, 0.66, 1.03; p > 0.05). Furthermore, there was no effect on SLJ, 10 m sprint, 20 m sprint, or agility performance (F = 2.06, 0.14, 0.06, 0.27; p > 0.05). A 6-week horizontal or vertical plyometric intervention was found to be insufficient to elicit stretch-shortening performance enhancement in adolescent male soccer players. Although there was no performance change in any group, it was observed that the players enjoyed plyometric training. Therefore, coaches could safely use plyometric exercises to design enjoyable training programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solid organ transplant patients are at a higher risk for poor CoronaVirus Disease‐2019 (COVID‐19)‐related outcomes and have been included as a priority group in the vaccination strategy worldwide. We assessed the safety and efficacy of a two‐dose vaccination cycle with mRNA‐based COVID‐19 vaccine (BNT162b2) among 82 kidney transplant outpatients followed in our center in Rome, Italy. After a median of 43 post‐vaccine days, a SARS‐CoV‐2 anti‐Spike seroprevalence of 52.4% (n = 43/82) was observed. No impact of the vaccination on antibody‐mediated rejection or graft function was observed, and no significant safety concerns were reported. Moreover, no de novo HLA‐donor‐specific antibodies (DSA) were detected during the follow‐up period. Only one patient with pre‐vaccination HLA‐DSA did not experience an increased intensity of the existing HLA‐DSA. During the follow‐up, only one infection (mild COVID‐19) was observed in a patient after receiving the first vaccine dose. According to the multivariable logistic regression analysis, lack of seroconversion after two‐dose vaccination independently associated with patient age ≥60 years (OR = 4.50; P =.02) and use of anti‐metabolite as an immunosuppressant drug (OR = 5.26; P =.004). Among younger patients not taking anti‐metabolites, the seroconversion rate was high (92.9%). Further larger studies are needed to assess the best COVID‐19 vaccination strategy in transplanted patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]