Neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD), negatively affect the economic and psychological system. For AD, there is still a lack of disease-altering treatments and promising cures due to its complex pathophysiology. In this study, we computationally screened the natural database of fungal metabolites against three known therapeutic target proteins of AD. Initially, a pharmacophore-based, drug-likeness category was employed for screening, and it filtered the 14 (A–N) best hits out of 17,544 fungal metabolites. The 14 best hits were docked individually against GSK-3β, the NMDA receptor, and BACE-1 to investigate the potential of finding a multitarget inhibitor. We found that compounds B, F, and L were immuno-toxic, whereas E, H, I, and J had a higher LD₅₀ dose (5000 mg/kg). Among the examined metabolites, the Bisacremine-C (compound I) was found to be the most active molecule against GSK-3β (ΔG: −8.7 ± 0.2 Kcal/mol, Ki: 2.4 × 10⁶ M⁻¹), NMDA (ΔG: −9.5 ± 0.1 Kcal/mol, Ki: 9.2 × 10⁶ M⁻¹), and BACE-1 (ΔG: −9.1 ± 0.2 Kcal/mol, Ki: 4.7 × 10⁶ M⁻¹). It showed a 25-fold higher affinity with GSK-3β, 6.3-fold higher affinity with NMDA, and 9.04-fold higher affinity with BACE-1 than their native ligands, respectively. Molecular dynamic simulation parameters, such as RMSD, RMSF, Rg, and SASA, all confirmed that the overall structures of the targeted enzymes did not change significantly after binding with Bisacremine-C, and the ligand remained inside the binding cavity in a stable conformation for most of the simulation time. The most significant hydrophobic contacts for the GSK-3β-Bisacremine-C complex are with ILE62, VAL70, ALA83, and LEU188, whereas GLN185 is significant for H-bonds. In terms of hydrophobic contacts, TYR184 and PHE246 are the most important, while SER180 is vital for H-bonds in NMDA-Bisacremine-C. THR232 is the most crucial for H-bonds in BACE-1-Bisacremine-C and ILE110-produced hydrophobic contacts. This study laid a foundation for further experimental validation and clinical trials regarding the biopotency of Bisacremine-C.

Badminton is one of the world's most popular racquet sports, demanding motor skills such as agility and vertical jump mainly for striking a shuttlecock. This study compared the effects of four weeks of plyometric training and electromyostimulation of knee extensor and ankle plantar flexor muscles on agility, 30-m sprint, lower limb explosive power and jumping ability amongst badminton players. State-level badminton players (n ​= ​90) were randomly allocated into three groups: plyometric (PG), electromyostimulation (EG) and control group (CG), each with 30 players. Randomized-to-Groups Pretest-Posttest Design with two experimental (plyometric and electromyostimulation) groups and a control group was used. The plyometric training was carried out two times/week while the EMS training was four times/week for four weeks. The control group did not receive any intervention. All three groups continued their general badminton training throughout the study. Players were assessed for agility, a 30-m sprint, a standing broad jump and a vertical jump height before and after four weeks. A significant improvement (p ​= ​0.01) in 30-m sprint time was observed (3.83%) in PG as compared to controls. Jumping ability was significantly improved in both the PG and EG in comparison to the controls (4.45%, p ​= ​0.003 for PG and 3.95%, p ​= ​0.048 for EG). No significant improvement was found in agility and lower limb explosive power in either of the PG or EG groups in comparison to the controls. Plyometric training showed significant improvement in sprint time and jumping ability, whereas electromyostimulation training showed significant improvement only in jumping ability.

Background: Office employees are at a greater risk for musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) due to their prolonged computer use. In the context of COVID-19, an unanticipated shift to working from home is likely to increase MSD due to a lack of an ergonomic workspace and longer workdays. Aim: To explore the prevalence of MSD with work-related risk factors among the computer users working from home during the COVID-19 pandemic. Study design: Cross-sectional survey. Methods: Computer users working from home for more than 6 hours per day during the COVID-19 lockdown were assessed for possible work-related MSD using web-based survey—Google forms for Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire. Results: One hundred twenty one responses from 53 (43.8%) females (25.47 ± 5.72 years) and 68 (56.2%) males (28.65 ± 4.68 years) were included. The female participants were more prone to musculoskeletal pain as compared to males. The neck pain (60.3%), lower back pain (59.5%), and shoulder pain (49.6%) were the most reported body regions affected by work-related MSD. The elbow (18.2%), wrist/hand (35.5%), upper back (42.1%), hips (24.8%), knee (23.1%), and ankle/feet (14%) were the least affected regions. The risk factors associated with MSP includes lack of workplace at home during lockdown, stress after being in one posture, stress in eyes, and mental stress due to work. Conclusions: During the lockdown phase, the transition of computer workers from working office environment to home increased the prevalence of MSD more commonly in females than males. There is a need to investigate early detection, prevention, and management options to enhance health outcomes.

Suresh Chandra, Ankita Sharma, Nitesh Malhotra, Moattar Raza Rizvi, Sunita Kumari. JLM 2023;13:52-8. https://doi.org/10.15280/jlm.2023.13.1.52

Background: Stroke is a major contributor to disability and mortality globally. It leads to physical impairments, including weakness and cardiovascular deconditioning, posing significant challenges to stroke survivors’ quality of life. Exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation has shown promise as a rehabilitation strategy. This study aims to assess and compare the impacts of stroke-specific rehabilitation and individualized cardiac rehabilitation exercises on various health parameters in stroke patients. Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted, involving 38 stroke patients aged 40–75 years. Group A received stroke-specific rehabilitation, which consisted of a combination of range of motion exercises, strength training for the paralyzed side, balance and coordination training, gait training, functional mobility exercises, neuromuscular reeducation, and breathing exercises. This program was conducted five days per week for 12 weeks. Group B received individually designed cardiac rehabilitation exercises, in addition to stroke-specific rehabilitation. They engaged in this exercise for at least 30–45 min per day, four days per week, and incorporated two days of resistive training over a 12-week period. Baseline and post-intervention assessments included measures of cardiac autonomic function, balance (Berg Balance Scale), mobility (Timed Up and Go Test), cardiovascular fitness indicators, respiratory parameters, exercise efficiency, and perceived exertion. Results: Group B receiving individualized cardio rehab showed significant improvements in balance and mobility compared to Group A receiving conventional stroke-specific rehab. Moreover, Group B exhibited enhanced cardiovascular fitness, respiratory performance, exercise efficiency, and autonomic function post-intervention. Notably, Group A displayed no significant improvements in these parameters. Conclusions: Individualized cardiac rehabilitation exercises demonstrated favorable outcomes in improving certain health parameters, highlighting the potential benefits of individualized rehabilitation strategies for stroke patients.

Artificial intelligence (AI), virtual reality (VR), gamification, and telerehabilitation are increasingly incorporated into neurorehabilitation to deliver adaptive, personalized, and remotely accessible interventions for individuals with stroke and other neurological disorders. These technologies aim to address key limitations in conventional rehabilitation by enhancing training intensity, patient engagement, accessibility, and real-time monitoring. This systematic review synthesizes evidence from clinical and simulation-based studies evaluating AI-assisted systems, non-AI gamified platforms, VR/exergames, telerehabilitation models, and simulation-driven architectures across neurological populations. A comprehensive search of PubMed, Scopus, Embase, CINAHL, and Web of Science (2010–2025) identified randomized controlled trials, pilot and quasi-experimental studies, telerehabilitation systems, VR/exergame interventions, AI-based adaptive tools, and computational or model-driven investigations, guided by a revised PICO framework. Data were extracted using a standardized template, with studies categorized by design, population, technological modality, and outcome domain. Risk of bias was assessed using validated tools, and GRADE was applied to stroke-specific clinical outcomes. Twenty-two studies met the inclusion criteria, encompassing both clinical trials and simulation/modeling research. Clinical studies reported improvements in motor function, balance, gait, swallowing, cognition, and psychosocial well-being, often accompanied by high usability and adherence. AI-enabled systems facilitated adaptive difficulty adjustment, automated feedback, and individualized progression, while non-AI platforms demonstrated strong engagement and meaningful functional gains. Simulation studies provided valuable insights into algorithm behavior, sensor-based modeling, and system optimization. Despite promising multi-domain benefits, methodological heterogeneity, limited long-term follow-up, and inconsistent AI transparency remain key challenges, underscoring the need for standardized outcomes, explainable AI, inclusive design, and robust multicenter trials.