Purpose: To evaluate and estimate the association between Time and Go (TUG) test performance and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or Alzheimer’s disease (AD) in older adults. Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to synthesize data from studies examining the relationship between TUG test score and AD or MCI in adult subjects. The search strategy was applied to MEDLINE (OVID), Web of Science, Scopus, LILACS, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL). Studies were selected based on predefined inclusion criteria. For meta-analysis, effect sizes were pooled using a random-effects model to account for heterogeneity across studies. Heterogeneity was assessed using the I ² statistic, and publication bias was evaluated through funnel plot analysis. Sensitivity analyses were performed to test the robustness of the findings. Results: A total of 25 studies were included in this review, of which 15 were incorporated into the meta-analysis. Participants with AD (4.22 [95% CI 2.76–5.69 s], p < 0.00001) and those with MCI (1.83 [95% CI 1.03–2.57 s], p < 0.00001) exhibited significantly longer times in the simple TUG test compared to healthy controls. The Dual-Task TUG test showed a stronger association with AD in the studies included in the analysis. AD participants demonstrated significantly longer test times (12.28 [95% CI 6.56–18.0 s], p < 0.0001) compared to cognitively normal controls. Conclusions: This review highlights a potential association between TUG completion time and cognitive impairment in individuals with AD and MCI. The TUG test shows promise as a tool for the early identification and screening of cognitive decline and AD.

Background and Aims: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) comprises a set of risk factors that contribute to the development of chronic and cardiovascular diseases, increasing the mortality rate. Altered lipid metabolism is associated with the development of metabolic disorders such as insulin resistance, obesity, atherosclerosis, and metabolic syndrome; however, there is a lack of knowledge about lipids compounds and the lipidic pathways associated with this condition, particularly in the Latin-American population. Innovative approaches, such as lipidomic analysis, facilitate the identification of lipid species related to these risk factors. This study aimed to assess the plasma lipidome in subjects with MetS. Methods: This correlation study included healthy adults and adults with MetS. Blood samples were analyzed. The lipidomic profile was determined using an Agilent Technologies 1260 liquid chromatography system coupled to a Q-TOF 6545 quadrupole mass analyzer with electrospray ionization. The main differences were determined between the groups. Results: The analyses reveal a distinct lipidomic profile between healthy adults and those with MetS, including increased concentrations of most identified glycerolipids -both triglycerides and diglycerides- and decreased levels of ether lipids and sphingolipids, especially sphingomyelins, in MetS subjects. Association between high triglycerides, waist circumference, and most differentially expressed lipids were found. Conclusion: Our results demonstrate dysregulation of lipid metabolism in subjects with Mets, supporting the potential utility of plasma lipidome analysis for a deeper understanding of MetS pathophysiology.

This paper aims to investigate and analyze the correlation between diaphragmatic parameters through ultrasonography and sports performance in various sports disciplines. This systematic review followed the PRISMA methodology. The search strategy was applied in the Medline database through Ovid, EMBASE, LILACS, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Open Gray. Clinical trials, cohort, case–control, and cross-sectional studies were included, and animal experiments were excluded. A total of 388 studies were identified. After removing duplicates and screening titles and abstracts, sixteen studies were selected for full review, and six were included in the qualitative analysis. The results demonstrated a positive correlation between diaphragm excursion and thickness during inspiration with the anaerobic power, highlighting their importance in high-intensity performance. Additionally, one study reported a positive correlation between diaphragm thickness and aerobic power, suggesting the need for further research. The impact of inspiratory muscle training in Paralympic athletes was also evaluated, providing valuable insights into diaphragmatic adaptation in disabled populations. Ultrasonography is a feasible tool for evaluating the structure and function of the diaphragm, the main element of the respiratory process during sports practice. Its use could contribute to the evaluation and planning of sports training and be a possible indicator of performance improvement.

Background/Objectives: This systematic review aimed to determine the effects of resistance training on cognitive and motor function in older adults diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Methods: The review followed PRISMA guidelines. A comprehensive search strategy was applied across MEDLINE (OVID), SCOPUS, Web of Science, LILACS, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL). The included studies were experimental, quasi-experimental, cohort, case–control, and cross-sectional designs. Exclusion criteria included studies in animals, pediatric populations, individuals with other types of dementia, Down syndrome, or other neurodegenerative diseases. Conclusions: Resistance training appears to exert beneficial effects on both motor and cognitive functions in older adults with AD. However, the development of standardized, individualized exercise protocols is essential to optimize therapeutic outcomes

Depression and anxiety are mental health conditions that can significantly impact individuals’ well-being, with various risk factors contributing to their severity. This study aimed to characterise the prevalence of anxiety and depression among a university population and examine the associated sociodemographic factors. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted with 394 students from a higher education institution. Sociodemographic factors were analysed using two validated instruments: the Hamilton Anxiety Scale and the PHQ-9 (Depression Symptom Test). The statistical analyses included Pearson’s chi-square test and Fisher’s exact test to assess associations. Results: The mental health outcomes were significantly influenced by several factors. Key variables associated with anxiety and depression included academic overload (* p < 0.001), gender (* p < 0.001), father’s education level (* p < 0.001), socioeconomic status (* p < 0.001), and sexual orientation (* p < 0.001). These findings highlight the complex interplay between sociodemographic factors and mental health in university students. Conclusions: Early identification and interventions for anxiety and depression should be considered to provide timely and relevant mental health programmes for university students.

Stroke or cerebrovascular accident is a leading cause of mortality worldwide. One of its most common sequelae is hemiplegia, a paralysis of one side of the body that affects motor and sensory functions, limiting individual performance in activities of daily living and decreasing quality of life. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) has emerged as a therapeutic alternative for the treatment of motor dysfunction in patients with hemiplegia, showing positive effects on spasticity, peripheral circulation, and the treatment of painful musculoskeletal disorders. This study was conducted to determine the effects of TENS on activities of daily living and gait in patients with stroke sequelae. A systematic review was carried out using a search strategy applied to MEDLINE, ScienceDirect, LILACS, WEB OF SCIENCE, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases. Experimental, quasi-experimental, cohort, case-control, and cross-sectional studies were included. Studies involving children and adolescents or populations with diagnoses other than stroke, studies using other types of electrical stimulation current, narrative reviews, and case studies were excluded. Of 2 785 studies initially identified, 5 controlled clinical trials met all inclusion criteria. TENS produced significant improvements in gait speed and gait endurance, and decreased spasticity. However, these improvements were more pronounced in the groups that received TENS combined with exercise. The use of TENS as a therapeutic strategy is associated with improved performance in activities of daily living and gait-related parameters. However, further studies are needed to consider individual cases and specific application contexts.