Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Lucyna Ostrowska, Joanna Smarkusz-Zarzecka, Anna Muszynska, Edyta Adamska-Patruno, Maria Gorska, Adam Kretowski
Summary: This study analyzed the impact of a high-fat meal and a high-carbohydrate meal on energy expenditure, substrate oxidation, glucose, insulin, triglycerides, and homocysteine concentration in men with different nutritional statuses. The findings revealed that men with excess body weight metabolized nutrients differently and had different postprandial insulin secretion compared to men with normal body weight. Consumption of a high-fat meal increased the concentration of potential risk factors for cardiovascular disease in overweight/obese men.
Article
Engineering, Industrial
Maureen F. Riddell, Jack P. Callaghan
Summary: A longitudinal study showed that a training programme based on current literature had a more consistent impact on sit-stand workstation usage than an industry example, resulting in users sitting less, standing more, and using the workstations more consistently.
Article
Physiology
Laurie Isacco, Celine Lambert, Julie Siroux, Audrey Boscaro, Charlotte Cardenoux, Valerie Julian, Martine Duclos, Yves Boirie, Bruno Pereira, Gael Ennequin, David Thivel
Summary: This study aimed to determine the differences in energy expenditure between sitting and standing, and whether these differences are modified after a weight loss intervention in adolescents with obesity. The study found that energy expenditure and fat oxidation rates were significantly higher in standing compared to sitting, both before and after the weight loss intervention. However, standing did not break the sedentary threshold. There was an association between abdominal fat mass and energy expenditure.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF APPLIED PHYSIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Michael Herzog, Frieder C. Krafft, Bernd J. Stetter, Andrea d'Avella, Lizeth H. Sloot, Thorsten Stein
Summary: This study investigated the effects of rollator support on sit-to-stand and stand-to-sit movements and found that individuals adjust their movement strategies based on different conditions. The findings can be applied to older individuals to recommend safe strategies and reduce the risk of falls.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Industrial
Mamiko Noguchi, Jackie D. Zehr, Liana M. Tennant, Donna J. Fok, Jack P. Callaghan
Summary: A new active office chair called Movably Pro was designed to facilitate frequent sit-stand movement with auditory and tactile prompts, without the need for surface adjustment. This study compared lumbopelvic kinematics, discomfort, and task performance between the novel chair and traditional sitting/standing. Results showed that the novel chair allowed for smooth transitioning between sitting and standing without affecting productivity. The lumbopelvic angles while standing in the novel chair were between traditional sitting and standing angles.
APPLIED ERGONOMICS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Industrial
Haroun Zerguine, Ana D. Goode, Alison Abbott, Venerina Johnston, Genevieve N. Healy
Summary: This study explored factors associated with investment in sit-stand workstations and alternative initiatives to reduce prolonged sitting at work from the perspective of furniture purchasing decision-makers in Australian workplaces. The majority of workplaces had invested in SSWs, while those without SSWs tended to be private, small to medium-sized, and lacking a wellness program. Financial implications were the main reason for not investing in SSWs, with exercise and stretch breaks being suggested as alternative initiatives to reduce sedentary behavior at work. More evidence on the return on investment is needed to support purchasing decisions on SSWs.
APPLIED ERGONOMICS
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Terry Guirado, Pierre Bourdier, Bruno Pereira, Elisa Le Roux, Audrey Bergouignan, Anthony Birat, Laurie Isacco, David Thivel, Martine Duclos, Lore Metz
Summary: Active-desks are strategies aimed at reducing sedentary time while working. This study compared the metabolic and physical profile of individuals categorized as high spenders (H-Spenders) versus low spenders (L-Spenders) based on energy expenditure during a cycle-desk low intensity exercise. The results showed that individuals expending more energy during the exercise had a less healthy metabolic profile compared to those expending less energy.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Industrial
Chandler Shannon, Ed Havey, Rajal G. Cohen, Anita N. Vasavada
Summary: Adjustable-height desks may reduce musculoskeletal health risks caused by prolonged sitting by increasing postural variability. The study found that head and trunk acceleration were lower in mouse tasks compared to keyboard tasks. There were no significant differences in sway parameters between seated and standing positions. Discomfort and proprioception were correlated, with subjects experiencing more neck discomfort having higher head and neck repositioning errors.
APPLIED ERGONOMICS
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Rodrigo Lizama-Perez, Luis Javier Chirosa-Rios, Guido Contreras-Diaz, Daniel Jerez-Mayorga, Daniel Jimenez-Lupion, Ignacio Jesus Chirosa-Rios
Summary: The study aimed to compare the effects of sit-to-stand (STS) training programs with 5 vs. 10 repetitions on muscle architecture and muscle function in sedentary adults. After 8 weeks, both the 5STS and 10STS groups showed improvements in muscle quality, relative STS power, and muscle thickness. The 5STS group also exhibited an improvement in pennation angle.
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Philip J. Prins, Timothy D. Noakes, Alex Buga, Dominic P. D'Agostino, Jeff S. Volek, Jeffrey D. Buxton, Kara Heckman, Dalton W. Jones, Naomi E. Tobias, Holly M. Grose, Anna K. Jenkins, Kelli T. Jancay, Andrew P. Koutnik
Summary: Recent research challenges the notion that high carbohydrate, low fat (HCLF) diets are superior for athletic performance and highlights the potential health benefits of low carbohydrate, high fat (LCHF) diets. In this study, highly trained competitive middle-aged athletes followed either a HCLF or LCHF diet for 31 days and found that there were no significant differences in performance, body composition, or metabolic markers between the two groups. However, the LCHF diet resulted in higher rates of fat oxidation and improved glycemic control, especially in individuals at risk for diabetes.
FRONTIERS IN NUTRITION
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Natalie R. Janzen, Jamie Whitfield, Lisa Murray-Segal, Bruce E. Kemp, John A. Hawley, Nolan J. Hoffman
Summary: By studying AMPK beta double knock-in mice, it was found that DKI mice displayed increased whole-body fat mass and glucose intolerance, along with reduced fat oxidation compared to wild-type. DKI mice had reduced liver glycogen content in the fed state, increased utilization of skeletal muscle glycogen in response to fasting but no repletion during refeeding, and also showed reductions in AMPK protein content in liver and skeletal muscle compared to WT.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jacqueline M. Anderson, W. David Arnold, Wei Huang, Alissa Ray, Gregory Owendoff, Lei Cao
Summary: Research shows that gene therapy with Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) can improve metabolic and immune health in aged mice, but does not have a significant impact on muscle and liver function.
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Cara Gonzalez Welker, T. Kevin Best, Robert D. Gregg
Summary: This paper presents a controller using thigh-based phase variable and optimized data-driven impedance parameter trajectories to effectively control powered prostheses. Experimental results show that the controller can achieve biomimetic joint mechanics, reducing the problems caused by passive prostheses and improving mobility for individuals with above-knee amputations.
IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON NEURAL SYSTEMS AND REHABILITATION ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Melissa L. Erickson, Zachary W. Patinkin, Allison M. Duensing, Dana Dabelea, Leanne M. Redman, Kristen E. Boyle
Summary: Exposure to maternal obesity can lead to metabolic dysfunction in offspring. The study found that MSCs from infants of mothers with obesity had variations in metabolic efficiency related to fatty acid oxidation, influenced by maternal metabolic environment and infant fat mass.
Article
Engineering, Industrial
Kateryna Karpenko, Maureen McEvoy, Lucy K. Lewis, Katia Ferrar
Summary: Sit-stand workstations are increasing in popularity, but there are limited guidelines on optimal sitting and standing schedules. This study found that initial standing and sitting times were the longest, with durations decreasing in subsequent periods. Stand-sit ratios indicated nearly equal or slightly less standing time compared to sitting time, with significant variability in schedules among participants. Future research should consider individual-specific optimal schedules for effective use of sit-stand workstations.
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Ra'ad M. Khair, Lauri Stenroth, Neil J. Cronin, Aleksi Reito, Juha Paloneva, Taija Finni
Summary: Achilles tendon rupture can change the stiffness and length of the tendon, affecting its function in force transmission and energy storage and recovery. The study found that the post-rupture tendon was longer and thicker, with changes in the medial gastrocnemius. Although the stiffness of non-surgically treated and uninjured tendons was similar 1-year post rupture, there was still a plantar flexion strength deficit, possibly due to the shorter medial gastrocnemius fascicle length.
CLINICAL BIOMECHANICS
(2022)
Article
Sport Sciences
Mikkel Kolind, Soren Gam, Jeppe G. Phillip, Fernando Pareja-Blanco, Henrik B. Olsen, Ying Gao, Karen Sogaard, Jakob L. Nielsen
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the acute effect of low-load exercise with blood-flow restriction on microvascular oxygenation and muscle excitability. The results showed that low-load exercise with blood-flow restriction can accelerate time to task failure and reduce mechanical work while achieving similar levels of oxygenation, blood-pooling, and muscle excitability. However, it may lead to increased pain.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF SPORT SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Sport Sciences
Donna Niemisto, Lisa M. Barnett, Marja Cantell, Taija Finni, Elisa Korhonen, Arja Saakslahti
Summary: This study aimed to examine the relationship between children's perception of motor competence and their actual motor competence, as well as investigate the associations with socioecological factors. The findings showed that over-estimators tended to be younger, and their parents reported more health and developmental issues. Additionally, parents of under-estimators were found to provide more support for physical activity.
JOURNAL OF SPORTS SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Physiology
Taija Finni, Annamaria Peter, Ra'ad Khair, Neil J. Cronin
Summary: The tracking point location has an effect on the displacement of MG MTJ during isometric plantar flexion contractions. Tracking a point on the aponeurosis consistently exaggerates estimates of tendon displacement, and this effect is dependent on the intensity of the contraction.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF APPLIED PHYSIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Education & Educational Research
Jani Hartikainen, Eero A. Haapala, Anna-Maija Poikkeus, Arja Saakslahti, Arto Laukkanen, Ying Gao, Taija Finni
Summary: Due to educational reforms in many countries, including Finland, new or renovated comprehensive schools have increasingly incorporated open and flexible designs. Open learning spaces provide children with more opportunities to engage in physical activity, which has been associated with better academic performance and behavior.
LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Biophysics
Dean L. Mayfield, Neil J. Cronin, Glen A. Lichtwark
Summary: The study illustrates the utility of muscle modeling in understanding the altered contractile properties of aged muscle. It simulates known age-related adaptations and investigates the individual and combined effects on muscle force. The results show that reductions in free Ca2+ concentration and Ca2+ sensitivity generate predictions contrary to the characteristic slowing of contraction speed, while slower Ca2+ removal and an increase in type I fiber area emulate expected changes. The findings shed light on the mechanisms underlying age-related alterations in muscle contraction.
BIOMECHANICS AND MODELING IN MECHANOBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Rehabilitation
Neil J. Cronin, Maedeh Mansoubi, Erin Hannink, Benjamin Waller, Helen Dawes
Summary: Advances in computer vision enable biomechanical measures of body function and rehabilitation programs to be performed anywhere. This study evaluated the accuracy and concurrent validity of a computer vision system for estimating clinically relevant biomechanical measures. The results showed a significant correlation between computer vision estimates and clinician measures.
CLINICAL REHABILITATION
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Koen van Dijk, Raad M. Khair, Maria Sukanen, Neil J. Cronin, Taija Finni
Summary: This study examined the length of medial gastrocnemius muscle fascicles during a heel-rise at 6 and 12 months after non-operative Achilles tendon rupture treatment. The findings showed that fascicle shortening was smaller on the injured side, and increased from 6 to 12 months in both bi-and unilateral heel-rise. The length of the tendon was longer in the injured limb and decreased over time, correlating with fascicle shortening.
CLINICAL BIOMECHANICS
(2023)
Article
Biophysics
Ra'ad M. Khair, Lauri Stenroth, Neil J. Cronin, Ville Ponkilainen, Aleksi Reito, Taija Finni
Summary: This study aims to explore the interconnections between structural, mechanical, and neuromuscular parameters and their associations with factors that could explain good recovery in patients with non-surgically treated Achilles tendon rupture. The results suggest that the differences in subtendon lengths are associated with stiffness differences, and the differences in subtendon lengths of tibialis anterior and gastrocnemius muscles explain the variability in EMG amplitude. These findings are important for the design of rehabilitation programs.
JOURNAL OF BIOMECHANICS
(2023)
Review
Biophysics
Taija Finni, Benedicte Vanwanseele
Summary: This paper reviews the history of research on the Achilles tendon, focusing on its mechanical properties in humans. It addresses important questions such as the most significant mechanical properties, research methods, significance to human movement, and adaptation. The authors anticipate that advancements in experimental methods and modeling will enhance understanding of the complex structure and properties of the Achilles tendon, allowing for monitoring of loading and recovery for optimal individual adaptations.
JOURNAL OF BIOMECHANICS
(2023)
Article
Biophysics
Taija Finni, Heiliane de Brito Fontana, Huub Maas
Summary: The traditional belief that muscles function as independent motors has been challenged. The new view suggests that muscles are interconnected by a connective tissue network, allowing force transmission. Animal studies have provided evidence of this force transmission pathway. The review focuses on the mechanics of muscle interactions and the effect of surrounding structures, providing valuable insights for both animal and human studies.
JOURNAL OF BIOMECHANICS
(2023)
Article
Sport Sciences
Antti Lopponen, Christophe Delecluse, Kristin Suorsa, Laura Karavirta, Tuija Leskinen, Lien Meulemans, Erja Portegijs, Taija Finni, Taina Rantanen, Sari Stenholm, Timo Rantalainen, Evelien Van Roie
Summary: The study investigated the association between laboratory-based sit-to-stand (STS) capacity and free-living STS performance. The results showed a moderate association between the two, but they are not interchangeable and provide complementary information. Older and low-functioning individuals seemed to perform free-living STS movements closer to their maximal capacity compared to younger and high-functioning individuals. This suggests that low capacity may limit free-living performance.
MEDICINE & SCIENCE IN SPORTS & EXERCISE
(2023)
Article
Rehabilitation
Carla S. Pereira, Jasenko Klauznicer, Dustin Maree, Sean McAuliffe, Abdulaziz Farooq, Rod Whiteley, Taija Finni
Summary: ACL injuries can lead to knee instability, pain, and weakened quadriceps. However, there is no significant difference in patellar tendon quality. Better tendon quality is associated with longer time since ACL injury.
FRONTIERS IN REHABILITATION SCIENCES
(2023)