Background/Objectives: This systematic review with meta-analysis aimed to evaluate and synthesize scientific evidence about the combined cognitive stimulation and physical activity interventions on Activities of Daily Living (ADL), cognitive function, and physical function in older people with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI). Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted between August 2024 and October 2024 using the core collection of six generic databases: PubMed, EBSCOhost, CINAHL Complete, Cochrane, Scopus, and Web of Science. The PRISMA, RoB 2, and GRADEpro tools assessed the evidence’s methodological quality and certainty. The protocol was registered in PROSPERO, CRD42024577229. Results: Of 270 records identified in the databases, 9 studies were analyzed using the PICOS format. The MMSE meta-analysis showed significant improvements in cognitive function in favor of the experimental groups (p = 0.010). In contrast, no significant improvements were found for TMT-A (p = 0.51) and TMT-B (p = 0.37). No significant differences were reported for the other variables studied. Conclusions: Cognitive function, as measured by the MMSE, showed significant improvements, while the interventions analyzed did not produce significant improvements in ADL or physical function among older people with MCI. Individual studies suggest that programs that integrate both cognitive stimulation and physical activity components may provide some benefits.

The aim was to determinate if the intermittent fasting enhances weight loss or muscle gains in humans younger than 60 years old. Multiple databases were searched up to May 2020 for studies in English, using MeSH terms and text words relating intermittent fasting, weight loss and muscle gains. The protocol was registered in PROSPERO. Study quality was assessed using NICE methodology. A total of 10 original articles were evaluated. Eight papers collected data through randomised controlled trials and two from cross-sectional study. Intermittent fasting could be beneficial in resistance trained subjects or in overweight individuals to improve body composition by decreasing fat mass and at least maintain muscle mass; decrease in GLP-1 levels and; improving health-related biomarkers such glucose and insulin levels. However, future studies are needed in order to better elucidate the effect of intermittent fasting on body composition.

In an obesogenic environment, such as the one we have been experiencing in recent decades, epigenetics provides answers to the relationship between hereditary and environmentally acquired patterns that have significantly contributed to the global rise in obesity prevalence. MicroRNA (miRNA) constitutes a diminutive non-coding small RNA molecule, 20 to 24 nucleotides in length, that functions as a regulator of gene regulation at the post-translational level. Circulating miRNAs (c-miRNAs) have been detected in multiple body fluids, including blood, plasma, serum, saliva, milk from breastfeeding mothers, and urine. These molecules hold significant therapeutic value and serve as extracellular biomarkers in metabolic diseases. They aid in the diagnosis and tracking of therapy responses, as well as dietary and physical habit modifications. Researchers have studied c-miRNAs as potential biomarkers for diagnosing and characterizing systemic diseases in people of all ages and backgrounds since then. These conditions encompass dyslipidemia, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), cardiovascular risk, metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular diseases, and obesity. This review therefore analyzes the usefulness of c-miRNAs as therapeutic markers over the past decades. It also provides an update on c-miRNAs associated with general obesity and overweight, as well as with the most prevalent pathologies in the adult population. It also examines the effect of different nutritional approaches and physical activity regarding the activity of miRNAs in circulation in adults with overweight or general obesity. All of this is done with the aim of evaluating their potential use as biomarkers in various research contexts related to overweight and obesity in adults.

Background: Occupational therapy (OT) interventions on activities of daily living (ADL), cognitive functions, and physical function in middle-aged and older people with chronic stroke. Methods: A systematic review search until November 2024 using five generic databases: PubMed/Medline, Web of Science, Scopus, ScienceDirect, and OT seeker. The PRISMA checklist, RoB 2 (Cochrane, London, UK), and GRADEpro (Evidence Prime Inc., Hamilton, CA) tools assessed the evidence’s methodological quality and certainty. The protocol was registered in PROSPERO (code: CRD42024568225). Results: Of 1733 records were identified across the databases, nine studies were analyzed using the PICOS format. The meta-analysis revealed significant improvements in independent performance of activities of daily living (ADL), as measured by the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM), in favor of the experimental groups (p = 0.03). No significant differences were found for the other variables analyzed. Conclusions: Performance on ADLs improved significantly according to the COPM, whereas no significant improvements in cognitive or physical function were observed among middle-aged and older chronic stroke survivors. Individual studies highlight the potential benefits of OT interventions that combine cognitive, motor, and technological approaches, such as virtual reality and brain stimulation.

Background: CrossFit^® has become a popular and effective training methodology. This study aimed to compare the effects of a four-week CrossFit training program and analyze the inter-individual variability on body composition (fat mass and fat-free mass) and physical fitness (push-ups, military press, back squat, deadlift, countermovement jump (CMJ), sit-ups, and 30 m sprint speed) in novice and advanced practitioners. Methods: A quasi-experimental design was used, with single-blinded (evaluators) and 2 parallel groups: novices (n = 10; age = 22.30 ± 0.81) and advanced practitioners (n = 11; age = 22.80 ± 1.41). The intervention consisted of 3 weekly 75 min sessions (4 weeks), with pre- and post-assessments. A two-factor mixed ANOVA and inter-individual analyses to classify responders (Rs) and non-responders (NRs) were performed. Results: No significant interaction effects were found. However, the novice group significantly improved back squat performance (p = 0.031). Inter-individual analysis showed higher proportions of Rs in the novice group for back squat (40%), deadlift (20%), military press (10%), CMJ (10%), sit-ups (30%), push-ups (30%), and 30 m sprint speed (10%) compared to the advanced group. Conclusions: CrossFit program did not significantly affect body composition, but novices exhibited significant back squat improvements. Considering experience levels can enhance training outcomes.

Background/Objectives: This study aimed to compare the effects of Xbox Kinect Sports (XKS) relative to an inactive control group (CG) on cognitive status and physical performance in physically inactive older females. Methods: A randomized controlled trial study was conducted with the following groups: XKS (n = 15) and CG (n = 15), considering three weekly sessions of 60 min for 24 weeks. A two-way mixed analysis of variance with repeated measures was performed. Results: A two-way mixed ANOVA revealed significant time × group interactions for the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) (F_(2,18) = 14.8, p = 0.000, ηp² = 0.292, large effect), Timed Up-and-Go (TUG) (F_(2,18) = 19.5, p = 0.000, ηp² = 0.351, large effect), and Falls Efficacy Scale-International (FES-I) (F_(2,18) = 6.55, p = 0.015, ηp² = 0.154, large effect). No significant interactions were observed for the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) (F_(2,18) = 0.998, p = 0.324, ηp² = 0.027, small effect), Maximal Isometric Handgrip Strength (MIHS) (dominant: F_(2,18) = 0.163, p = 0.688, ηp² = 0.005; non-dominant: F_(2,18) = 0.012, p = 0.912, ηp² = 0.000, small effects), or Maximal Isometric Pinch Strength (MIPS) (dominant: F_(2,18) = 0.099, p = 0.756, ηp² = 0.003; non-dominant: F_(2,18) = 0.233, p = 0.632, ηp² = 0.006, small effects). Conclusions: XKS significantly improves cognitive status measured by the MMSE and physical performance through reduced time in TUG and fear of falling through the FES-I in physically inactive older females.