This study investigated the associations of muscular fitness and various indicators of body fatness with cardio-metabolic risk factors and determined the muscular strength and body fatness thresholds for detecting a high risk of cardio-metabolic dysfunction in young adults. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 1798 collegiate students (61.5% females, mean age 20.5 years). Muscular fitness was determined by using a handgrip strength test and normalized grip strength (NGS = handgrip (kg)/body mass (kg)). Body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), percentage of fat mass (BF%), fat-mass index (FMI), and waist-to-height ratio (WHR) were also included as body fatness measurements. A high cardio-metabolic risk cluster was derived by assessing triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, fasting glucose, and blood pressure. Logistic regression models showed that men and women with lower NGS had an increased cardio-metabolic risk odds ratio (OR) = 1.8, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.1 to 2.9, p = 0.006, and OR = 1.6, 95% CI 1.0 to 2.5, p = 0.036, respectively). In both sexes, higher levels of all fatness parameters were also associated with increased cardio-metabolic risk (p < 0.001). In both men and women, high FMI had the highest OR for clustered risk (OR = 4.7, 95% CI 2.6 to 8.4, and OR = 7.3, 95% CI 3.4 to 9.7, p < 0.001, respectively). Combined analysis showed that unfitness (lower NGS) and high fat had the highest OR for WC and FMI in men and women, respectively (OR = 5.5, 95% CI 2.6 to 11.4, OR = 7.7, 95% CI 2.3 to 15.8, p < 0.01). Muscular strength and body fatness are independently and jointly associated with increased cardiometabolic risk in young adults, which suggests that both are predictor variables for this.

Introduction: The Core or central area of the body, is a group of muscles in charge of providing stability and postural control, being crucial in sports performance. In sports, the practice of exercises to strengthen this region can improve different performance variables. However, most of these programs in athletes focus on direct and specific strengthening of the extremities, largely ignoring the role that this part of the body can have on strength and power. Therefore, the aim of this study is to systematically review the literature on the effects of core muscle training on key athletic performance parameters in competitive athletes, focusing primarily on core strength, dynamic balance, sprint speed, jump height, and agility.Materials and methods: A systematic review was carried out using a search strategy applied to Scopus, Science Direct, WebScience, Sportdiscuss and Sage Journal databases. Randomized con-trolled trials, quasi-experimental studies and prospective observational cohort studies evaluating the effect of core training on performance in competitive athletes participating at regional, national, or international levels were included.Results: Core training showed improvements in trunk extensor strength, core endurance, dynamic balance, and sprint speed in athletes. However, results regarding trunk flexor muscle strength, jump height and agility were not precise.Conclusion: In athletes, core training can improve core strength, dynamic balance, and sprint speed. However, its efficacy on other sports performan ce variables, such as agility or power, is not clear.Systematic Review Registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/view/CRD420251036787, identifier CRD420251036787.

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.

Introducción: El consumo de drogas, en general, se ha extendido alrededor de todo el mundo y por ende, se considera un problema grave de salud pública, que le concierne a los sistemas de salud, puesto que estas son unas sustancias que producen adicción; ello conlleva el deterioro cognitivo, con mayor énfasis en memoria, aprendizaje y también pérdida del control interno. Objetivo: Determinar la prevalencia y factores asociados al consumo de marihuana durante el último mes y alguna vez en la vida, en estudiantes universitarios colombianos de una universidad pública entre 18 y 25 años de edad. Materiales y métodos: Estudio descriptivo, transversal, en 474 sujetos sanos entre los 18 y 25 años, de Pamplona, Colombia. Los factores asociados al consumo de marihuana (género, creencia religiosa, semestre académico, estrato, edad, consumo de cigarrillo y consumo de alcohol), se recogieron por encuesta estructurada. Se calcularon prevalencias de cada factor y se establecieron asociaciones mediante la construcción de modelos de regresión. Resultados: Se encontró al momento de la encuesta que el 7,1% de los estudiantes habían consumido marihuana en el último mes, y un 22% manifestaron haberla usado al menos una vez. Los modelos de regresión muestran que tener el hábito tabáquico se asoció con el uso de marihuana (OR 23,33 IC95% 6,92-78,68). Conclusiones: El consumo de marihuana en la población estudiada fue alta y factores como el consumo de cigarrillos se encuentran asociados con el de marihuana. Estos datos podrían utilizarse para ofrecer programas de intervención educativa. Abstract Introduction: Drug use in general has spread around the world and, therefore, it is considered to be a serious public health problem that concerns health systems, since they are substances that produce addiction and entails cognitive impairment with greater emphasis on memory, learning and loss of internal control. Objective: To determine prevalence and associated factors to marijuana consumption during the last month and once in a lifetime in public university students in Colombia who are between 18 to 25 years old. Materials and methods: A descriptive cross sectional study was performed in 474 healthy subjects between 18 to 25 years old in Pamplona, Colombia. The associated factors to marijuana consumption (gender, religious belief, academic semester, social status, age, smoking and alcohol consumption.), were collected by a structured survey. Prevalence for each factor was calculated and associated factors were established through the construction of regression models. Results: At the time of the survey, it was found that 7.1% of students smoked marijuana in the last month and 22% expressed having used it at least once. The regression models show that having the habit of smoking cigarette was associated to marijuana consumption (OR 23.33 CI95% 6.92-78.68). Conclusions: Marijuana use in the study population was high and factors such as the consumption of cigarettes are associated with that of marijuana. These data could be used to provide educational intervention programs.

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.