Epilepsy is a long-term neurological condition that results in recurrent seizures. Approximately 30% of patients with epilepsy have drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE). The ketogenic diet (KD) is considered an effective alternative treatment for epileptic patients. The aim of this study was to identify the metabolic role of the KD in epilepsy. Ketone bodies induce chemical messengers and alterations in neuronal metabolic activities to regulate neuroprotective mechanisms towards oxidative damage to decrease seizure rate. Here, we discuss the role of KD on epilepsy and related metabolic disorders, focusing on its mechanism of action, favorable effects, and limitations. We describe the significant role of the KD in managing epilepsy disorders.

Background: This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of core training in the swimming performance and neuromuscular properties of young swimmers. Methods: Eighteen healthy male swimmers (age: 13 ± 2 years, height: 159.6 ± 14.5 cm, weight: 48.7 ± 12.4 kg) were recruited from the Public Authority for Sports swimming pool in Dammam and randomly assigned to the experimental and control groups. The experimental group performed a six-week core-training program consisting of seven exercises (three times/week) with regular swimming training. The control group maintained its regular training. Swimming performance and neuromuscular parameters were measured pre- and post-interventions. Results: The experimental group benefitted from the intervention in terms of the 50 m swim time (−1.4 s; 95% confidence interval −2.4 to −0.5) compared with the control group. The experimental group also showed improved swimming velocity (+0.1 m.s⁻¹), stroke rate (−2.8 cycle.min⁻¹), stroke length (+0.2 m.cycle⁻¹), stroke index (+0.4 m²·s⁻¹), total strokes (−2.9 strokes), and contraction time for erector spinae (ES; −1.5 ms), latissimus dorsi (LD; −7 ms), and external obliques (EO; −1.9 ms). Maximal displacement ES (DM-ES) (+3.3 mm), LD (0.5 mm), and EO (+2.2 mm) were compared with the baseline values for the experimental group, and TC-ES (5.8 ms), LD (3.7 ms), EO (2.5 ms), DM-ES (0.2 mm), LD (−4.1 mm), and EO (−1.0 mm) were compared with the baseline values for the control group. The intergroup comparison was statistically significant (p < 0.05; DM-ES p > 0.05). Conclusion: The results indicate that a six-week core-training program with regular swimming training improved the neuromuscular properties and the 50 m freestyle swim performance of the experimental group compared with the control group.

Introduction: This study aimed to investigate the effects of smartphone addiction on cognitive function and physical activity in middle-school children.Methods: A population of 196 children (boys and girls) from middle schools were recruited for this study with an average age of 12.99 ± 0.81 years, a height of 153.86 ± 6.50 meters, a weight of 48.07 ± 7.31 kilograms, and a body mass index of 20.22 ± 2.08 kg/m². Smartphone addiction was determined using Arabic versions of the Smartphone Addiction Scale-Short Version, and physical activity levels were assessed by a physical activity questionnaire for older children. The working memory and selective attention domains of cognitive function were evaluated using a laptop screen's digital version of the memory automaticity and Flanker tasks, respectively. A one-way MANOVA was conducted to determine the differences in working memory between the smartphone-addicted and non-addicted groups. The relationship between smartphone addiction and physical activity was analyzed using Pearson's chi-squared test.Results: The cognitive function-attention domain accuracy component showed a statistically significant difference between the groups, with a p-value of 0.05). The reaction time between smartphone-addicted and non-addicted children showed no statistically significant difference (p = 0.817). The relationship between smartphone addiction and physical activity was statistically significant (p < 0.001).Discussion: The interaction effects between physical activity and smartphone addiction on reaction times showed statistically insignificant (p = 0.25) differences, showing that physical activity's effect on reaction times did not depend on smartphone addiction levels. The non-addicted children had significantly higher physical activity levels than the addicted children, indicating that smartphone addiction reduced physical activity.

Postural stability during gait is a crucial factor that reduces the risk of falls. Researchers determine the most effective way to assist patients whose postural stability deficit predominantly related to gait parameters. The aim of this study was to investigate the comparison and relationship between spatiotemporal gait parameters and postural stability in young male and female. 96 participants (male, and female) with age range from 18-40 years were selected to conduct this cross-sectional correlation study. Any participants with cardiovascular, neuromuscular diseases, musculoskeletal injury, vision, and hearing problem were excluded from the study. To measure spatiotemporal data, the Physilog application by Gaitup was used. Stabilometer was used to assess unipedal dynamic postural stability. Statistical analysis of data was performed by using SPSS software. Mann Whitney U test, Kruskall Wallis H test, and Spearman rank correlation coefficient tests were used to statistical analysis. The results of this study revealed that anteroposterior stability for left leg was significant (p=.002) between male and female. The gait parameters as stride length (Left Leg, p=.050), (Right leg, p=.001); gait speed (Left Leg, p=.006), (Right leg, p=.009); and maximal heel clearance (Left Leg, p=.001), (Right leg, p=.001) were significant between genders. No significant relationship was found among the dynamic postural stability and spatiotemporal parameters of gait. In summary, this research illustrates the putative mechanisms of gait parameters and postural dynamic stability parameters differences in male and female participants and also relationship among them. (www.actabiomedica.it)

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition characterized by challenges in communication, social interaction difficulties, and repetitive behaviors that can hinder a child’s development. The growing prevalence of autism necessitates early detection and effective intervention strategies. This review summarizes the current knowledge of early indicators of ASD, including brain development markers and behavioral signs visible in infants. It investigates diagnostic processes, emphasizing the importance of timely detection at 18 to 24 months using established screening tools. We discuss a variety of therapeutic approaches, including behavioral interventions, educational strategies such as music therapy, and technological advancements such as speech-generating devices. Furthermore, we investigate pharmacological options for treating associated symptoms, emphasizing the lack of targeted medications for core ASD symptoms. Finally, we present evidence highlighting the positive effects of early intervention on developmental outcomes, advocating for individualized treatment plans to enhance the well-being of children with ASD. This comprehensive overview aims to inform ongoing ASD research and clinical practices.

The efficiency of partial body weight-supported treadmill training (PBWSTT) for treating various conditions in children and adolescents with cerebral palsy (CP) in diverse contexts of rehabilitation, households, or schools is unknown. The major objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to analyze the effectiveness of PBWSTT on various outcomes in different contexts among children and adolescents with CP. We incorporated full-text, randomized controlled trial studies that specifically assessed the effects of PBWSTT walking, motor function, stride, balance, and endurance in children and adolescents aged 3 to 18 years with CP. The literature search was carried out using Google Scholar, PubMed, Web of Science, CINAHL Plus, Scopus, PEDro, and ResearchGate databases. The methodological quality was evaluated using a Cochrane risk of bias instrument. A meta-analysis of pooled data from 10 studies with 255 participants demonstrated that PBWSTT for 4–12 weeks in rehabilitation (mean difference [MD] = 1.94, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.40—2.48, p < 0.0001), at home or in a school context (MD = 13.5, 95% CI = 13.9—16.0, p < 0.0001), was significantly effective for treating various conditions in children and adolescents suffering with CP. The period of 4–12 weeks of PBWSTT in rehabilitation and at-home/school settings is effective on various outcomes in children or adolescents with CP.