Purpose Physical activity training programs in older adults have recognized health benefits. Evidence suggests that training should include a combination of progressive resistance, balance, and functional training. Our aim was to assess the effects of a simple physical activity program working on strength, flexibility, cardiovascular fitness, and balance in older adults, as well as the effects of a detraining period, at various different ages. Methods This was longitudinal prospective study, including a convenience sample of 227 independent older adults (54 men, 173 women) who completed a simple 9‐month training program and 3‐month detraining follow‐up. The subjects were categorized into two age groups (65–74 [n = 180], and >74 years [n = 47]). At the beginning of the study (baseline), the end of the training period, and 3 months later (postdetraining), body mass index, body fat percentage, triceps skinfold thickness, hand grip strength, lower limb and trunk flexibility, resting heart rate, heart rate after exercise, and balance were measured, while VO_{2 max} was estimated using the Rockport fitness test and/or measured directly. Results Significant improvements in strength (p < .0001), flexibility (p < .0001), heart rate after exercise (p < .0001), and balance (p < .0001) were observed at the end of the training program. Flexibility and balance (p < .0001) improvements were maintained at the end of the detraining. Conclusion A simple long‐term physical activity training program increases strength in both sexes, improves flexibility in women, and improves balance in older adults. The results also indicate the importance of beginning early in old age and maintaining long‐term training.

Background: The objective of this study was to estimate the association between sleep quality (SQ) and improvements in low back pain (LBP) and disability, among patients treated for LBP in routine practice.Methods: This prospective cohort study included 461 subacute and chronic LBP patients treated in 11 specialized centres, 14 primary care centres and eight physical therapy practices across 12 Spanish regions. LBP, leg pain, disability, catastrophizing, depression and SQ were assessed through validated questionnaires upon recruitment and 3 months later. Logistic regression models were developed to assess: (1) the association between the baseline score for SQ and improvements in LBP and disability at 3 months, and (2) the association between improvement in SQ and improvements in LBP and disability during the follow‐up period.Results: Seventy‐three per cent of patients were subacute. Median scores at baseline were four points for both pain and disability, as assessed with a visual analog scale and the Roland‐Morris Questionnaire, respectively. Regression models showed (OR [95% CI]) that baseline SQ was not associated with improvements in LBP (0.99 [0.94; 1.06]) or in disability (0.99 [0.93; 1.05]), although associations existed between ‘improvement in SQ’ and ‘improvement in LBP’ (4.34 [2.21; 8.51]), and ‘improvement in SQ’ and ‘improvement in disability’ (4.60 [2.29; 9.27]).Conclusions: Improvement in SQ is associated with improvements in LBP and in disability at 3‐month follow‐up, suggesting that they may reflect or be influenced by common factors. However, baseline SQ does not predict improvements in pain or disability.Significance: In clinical practice, sleep quality, low back pain and disability are associated. However, sleep quality at baseline does not predict improvement in pain and disability.

The aim of this study was to assess whether supervised slackline training reduces the risk of falls in people with Parkinson's disease (PD). Twenty-two patients with idiopathic PD were randomized into experimental (EG, N = 11) and control (CG, N = 11) groups. Center of Pressure (CoP), Freezing of Gait (FOG), and Falls Efficacy Scale (FES) were assessed at pre-test, post-test and re-test. Rate perceived exertion (RPE, Borg's 6-20 scale) and local muscle perceived exertion (LRPE) were also assessed at the end of the training sessions. The EG group showed significant improvements in FOG and FES scores from pre-test to post-test. Both decreased at re-test, though they did not return to pre-test levels. No significant differences were detected in CoP parameters. Analysis of RPE and LRPE scores revealed that slackline was associated with minimal fatigue and involved the major lower limb and lumbar muscles. These findings suggest that slacklining is a simple, safe, and challenging training and rehabilitation tool for PD patients. It could be introduced into their physical activity routine to reduce the risk of falls and improve confidence related to fear of falling. Implications for Rehabilitation Individuals with Parkinson's disease (PD) are twice as likely to have falls compared to patients with other neurological conditions. This study support slackline as a simple, safe, and challenging training and rehabilitation tool for people with PD, which reduce their risk of falls and improve confidence related to fear of falling. Slackline in people with PD yields a low tiredness or fatigue impact and involves the major lower limb and lumbar muscles.

To assess whether sleep quality (SQ) at baseline is associated with improvement in pain and disability at 3 months. Four hundred twenty-two subacute and chronic patients with neck pain (NP) were recruited in 32 physiotherapy, primary care, and specialized centers. NP, referred pain, disability, catastrophizing, depression, and SQ were assessed through validated questionnaires, upon recruitment and 3 months later. Correlations between baseline scores were calculated through the Spearman coefficient. Improvements in NP, disability, and SQ were defined as a reduction of ≥30% of baseline score. Six estimative logistic regression models were developed to assess the association between baseline SQ and improvement of NP, baseline SQ and improvement of disability, baseline NP and improvement of SQ, baseline disability and improvement of SQ, the evolutions of NP and SQ, and the evolutions of disability and SQ. Most patients were subacute and mildly impaired. Regression models showed that better SQ at baseline was associated with improvement of NP (odds ratio=0.91 [95% confidence interval, 0.83-0.99]), but not disability (1.04 [0.95-1.13]); the improvement of SQ was associated with more severe NP at baseline (1.26 [1.07-1.49)], but not with baseline disability (0.99 [0.97-1.02]); and that improvement in SQ was associated with improvements in NP (3.48 [1.68-7.20]), and disability (5.02 [2.39-10.11]). NP is less likely to improve in patients with poorer SQ, irrespective of age, sex, catastrophizing, depression, or treatments prescribed for NP. Future studies should confirm these results with more severely impaired patients.

This paper explores the conceptualization and evolution of virtual exhibitions and immersive art experiences, highlighting their distinctions and similarities. Virtual exhibitions, conducted online or through digital media, offer a platform for showcasing artworks to a global audience without physical constraints. They employ multimedia elements to engage viewers and provide flexibility in exploration. Conversely, immersive art experiences create environments that envelop the viewer, stimulating multiple senses and often incorporating advanced technologies, such as virtual reality and augmented reality. These experiences aim to evoke emotional responses and facilitate active engagement with the artwork. While proponents argue that virtual exhibitions and immersive art experiences democratize access to art and offer new avenues for artistic expression, critics have raised concerns about their impact on authenticity, viewer engagement, and art commercialization. Philosophical and cultural perspectives, including phenomenology and postmodern theory, shed light on the complexities of these art forms and their relationship with reality and simulation. This paper, further, examines the social and business implications of virtual exhibitions and immersive art experiences, noting their growing popularity and influence on the art market. It discusses the viewpoints of artists, critics, and scholars, both supportive and critical, regarding technology’s role in art and its effects on the viewer’s experience. Virtual exhibitions and immersive art experiences represent an evolving landscape in the art world, offering opportunities for innovation and debate. Their impact on the perception and consumption of art remains a subject of ongoing discussion. The paper concludes with a review of successful virtual exhibitions, highlighting their role in expanding access to art and cultural experiences globally.