[Purpose] This study assessed the relationships between the ankle dorsiflexion range of motion and foot and ankle strength. [Subjects and Methods] Twenty-nine healthy (young adults) volunteers participated in this study. Each participant completed tests for ankle dorsiflexion range of motion, hallux flexor strength, and ankle plantar and dorsiflexor strength. [Results] The results showed (1) a moderate correlation between ankle dorsiflexor strength and dorsiflexion range of motion and (2) a moderate correlation between ankle dorsiflexor strength and first toe flexor muscle strength. Ankle dorsiflexor strength is the main contributor ankle dorsiflexion range of motion to and first toe flexor muscle strength. [Conclusion] Ankle dorsiflexion range of motion can play an important role in determining ankle dorsiflexor strength in young adults.

Introduction: Foam roller is a device used as a massage intervention for rehabilitation and fitness performance. Objective: To examine the effects on the ankle dorsiflexion mobility of the foam roller as well as the combination of foam roller and vibration applied to the ankle plantarflexors muscles, and to observe the possible cross-effect. Methods: Thirty-eight undergraduate students participated in the study (19 males and 19 females). This study investigated. Three conditions (3 sets of 20 s) were performed in a randomized order (independent variables): 1) foam roller (Roller), 2) foam roller and vibration (Roller+VIB), and 3) no foam roller or vibration (Control). to determine whether of foam roller with or without vibration would benefit ankle dorsiflexion mobility. Ankle dorsiflexion ROM and plantar flexor were measured in both legs before and immediately after the treatment. Results: A cross-effect was found in the non-stimulated leg. There was a significant effect on ankle mobility of Roller and Roller+VIB conditions (6% and 7%, p<0.001). Conclusion: Foam roller massage and vibration stimulus' foam roller massage increase ankle mobility producing a cross-effect.

Background: Recently, there has been growing interest in using smartphone applications to assess gait speed and quantify isometric core stability exercise intensity. The purpose of this study was to investigate the between-session reliability and minimal detectable change of a smartphone app for two dynamic exercise tests of the lumbopelvic complex. Methods: Thirty-three healthy young and active students (age: 22.3 ± 5.9 years, body weight: 66.9 ± 11.3 kg, height: 167.8 ± 10.3 cm) participated in this study. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), coefficient of variation (%CV), and Bland–Altman plots were used to verify the reliability of the test. The standard error of measurement (SEM) and the minimum detectable difference (MDD) were calculated for clinical applicability. Results: The ICCs ranged from 0.73 to 0.96, with low variation (0.9% to 4.8%) between days of assessments. The Bland–Altman plots and one-sample t-tests (p > 0.05) indicated that no dynamic exercise tests changed systematically. Our analyses showed that SEM 0.6 to 1.5 mm/s-2) and MDD (2.1 to 3.5 mm/s-2). Conclusion: The OCTOcore app is a reliable tool to assess core stability for two dynamic exercises. A minimal change of 3.5 mm/s-2 is needed to be confident that the change is not a measurement error between two sessions.

Core stability (CS) deficits can have a significant impact on lower limb function. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between two dynamic core exercise assessments and dynamic knee valgus during single-leg squats. In total, 20 physically active female students participated in this study. The OCTOcore smartphone application assesses CS during two dynamic exercise tests, the partial range single-leg deadlift (SLD) test and the bird-dog (BD) test. A two-dimensional assessment of a single-leg squat test was used to quantify participants’ hip frontal angle (HFA_SLS) and knee frontal plane projection angle (FPPA_SLS). Ankle dorsiflexion was evaluated through the weight-bearing dorsiflexion test. The correlational analyses indicated that the HFA_SLS was significantly related to the partial range single-leg deadlift test (r = 0.314, p < 0.05) and ankle dorsiflexion (r = 0.322, p < 0.05). The results showed a significant difference (p < 0.05) in the CS test between cases categorised as dynamic knee valgus (>10°) and normal (≤10°). The CS deficit may influence the neuromuscular control of the lumbopelvic-hip complex during single-leg movements. The link between CS and kinematic factors related to knee injuries was only observed when CS was measured in the SLD test but not in the BD test.

Background: Breast cancer survivors (BCS) experience long-term adverse effects, with breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) being one of the most common complications. Exercise is suggested as a safe strategy to improve functionality in BCS with or at risk of developing BCRL. However, the effects of concurrent training in these patients are poorly understood. The aim of the study was to analyze the effects of a 12-week supervised concurrent training program and a 12-week follow-up period without training on molecular, functional, and clinical outcomes in BCS. Methods: A single-arm study was conducted in 11 BCS with or at risk of BCRL to analyze the effects of a 12-week concurrent training and a 12-week follow-up period on molecular (92 inflammation-related proteins), functional (upper- and lower-body strength, handgrip strength, and cardiorespiratory fitness), and clinical (body mass index, arm volume, subcutaneous and muscle thickness, range of motion, physical activity levels and heart rate variability, pain, and quality of life [QoL]) outcomes. Results: The 12-week concurrent training program significantly improved upper-body muscle strength, handgrip strength, pain, emotional well-being, and total QoL. In addition, after the 12-week follow-up period, the increase in row strength was maintained, and a significant decrease in various inflammation-related proteins was observed. Conclusions: A 12-week concurrent training program improved strength, pain, and QoL in BCS without increasing inflammation. After the follow-up period, inflammation-related protein levels decreased, and row strength gains were maintained, supporting the potential effects of concurrent training. Further larger and controlled studies are needed to confirm the results.

Background and Objectives: Mental health recovery is conceived as a personal process going beyond symptom remission and thus involving identity reconstruction, search for meaning and active participation in everyday life. This study aimed to analyze the influence of life history, identity, competence and context on the recovery process of people with mental illness. Methods: A qualitative phenomenological study was conducted and registered in the Open Science Framework. Participants were 159 individuals diagnosed with mental disorders who attended a community mental health association. Data were collected using the standardized Occupational Performance History Interview-II (OPHI-II) and analyzed through an inductive phenomenological approach with researcher triangulation. Results: Findings showed that life history is central to recovery, as it helps rebuild identity, recognize personal capacities and restore a sense of continuity. Daily occupations and social support emerged as key factors for inclusion and participation. Conclusions: Results highlight the importance of integrating biographical narratives and occupational perspective into mental health interventions through a standardized tool that surpasses traditional diagnosis-based or methodologically weak approaches. This perspective fosters practices aligned with individuals’ values, goals and contexts, promoting autonomy, empowerment, and social inclusion. These findings may inform person-centered recovery programs in community services.