Background: Central nervous system development is a rapid and highly plastic process during the first years of life. Tactile stimuli have been shown to induce cortical changes, but potential sex-related differences remain unexplored. This study aimed to investigate sex-specific differences in cortical activity and cerebral oxygenation in response to tactile stimulation via body massage. Methods: Four healthy full-term infants (two females and two males), all aged 11 weeks, were included in this prospective exploratory study. Each infant received a standardized 5 min massage protocol. Cortical activity and cerebral oxygenation were assessed using an 8-channel electroencephalogram (EEG) and functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) before, during, and after the intervention, with a 5 min pre-intervention resting period used as the baseline. Results: EEG analysis focused on a single spectral band (4 Hz–30 Hz). This range was selected to capture the main cortical oscillations in infants, including theta, alpha, and beta activity, while delta activity below 4 Hz was partially excluded to reduce movement and physiological artifacts. Standard infant EEG bands were considered when defining this range. Data shows for the female subject an average PSD of −6.726 (± −4.075), and for the male subject, −12.594 (± −10.741). Although babies are of the same gestational age, they exhibited distinct basal cortical activity, which prevented comparisons from being made. Nevertheless, massage induced similar activity patterns in all subjects with increased cortical electrical activity in the left parietal region relative to baseline. fNIRS data showed that comparable HbO concentration patterns between participants were observed only during the second minute of recording. Relative to baseline, pre-intervention HbO responses displayed an opposite distribution, and the effects of the intervention differed by sex. The female participant exhibited a slight reduction in activation in the right hemisphere accompanied by a modest increase in the most ventral region of the left hemisphere. Conversely, the male participant showed an inverse response pattern, characterized by a marked increase in right hemispheric activation and a pronounced decrease in the left hemisphere during the intervention period. Conclusions: These preliminary observations suggest the presence of early variations in cortical processing that warrant further investigation in larger samples, although they cannot be considered conclusive. While baseline response patterns differed between participants, both showed increased left parietal activity during tactile stimulation. The inversion of HbO responses between the pre-intervention and intervention phases points to potential sex-related differences in hemodynamic trajectories. Nevertheless, these results remain preliminary, and larger, well-powered studies are required to determine whether these patterns reflect stable, sex-dependent developmental changes.

Strong evidence shows the importance of intrinsic foot muscles (IFMs) in balance and foot and ankle biomechanics; despite this, not much research has been

Background: Cancer cachexia and sarcopenia are highly prevalent complications affecting up to 50% of patients with cancer and are associated with increased treatment toxicity, poorer functional outcomes, and reduced survival. Early identification of muscle deterioration during hospitalization remains challenging. Objective: To evaluate the change in dominant-hand handgrip strength between hospital admission and discharge in hospitalized oncology patients. Methods: This prospective longitudinal study will evaluate hospitalized adults with confirmed malignancy and an expected hospital stay of ≥5 days. Daily handgrip strength and sEMG assessments will be performed as exploratory secondary measures to characterize temporal patterns of muscle function during hospitalization. Baseline and discharge evaluations will additionally include bioelectrical impedance analysis, validated patient-reported outcome measures (SARC-F, EORTC QLQ-C30, PSQI), and serum biomarkers related to inflammatory and nutritional status. Linear mixed models will be used to evaluate longitudinal changes and associations between functional, electrophysiological, and biochemical parameters. Expected results: The study aims to characterize trajectories of muscle function decline during hospitalization, identify candidate biomarker signatures for cachexia detection, and evaluate neuromuscular fatigue patterns using sEMG. Conclusions: This protocol proposes a feasible multimodal framework for monitoring skeletal muscle deterioration during acute oncology hospitalization and may inform future interventional strategies targeting cancer-related cachexia and sarcopenia.

Background: Stability deficit is one of the most common and disabling signs of multiple sclerosis; therefore, balance training is essential for most patients. Intrinsic foot muscles are a key element in stability, but their influence in multiple sclerosis patients has not been assessed. Objective: The aim of the study was to assess the efficacy of intrinsic foot muscle training on stability in patients with multiple sclerosis. Methodology: A randomized single-blind clinical trial was conducted using a sample of multiple sclerosis patients divided into a control group (CG) and an intervention group (IG). Subjects in the intervention group completed an eight-week intrinsic foot muscles training programme. Static and dynamic stability were measured using the Activities-specific Balance Confidence questionnaire (AsBC), the Four Square Step Test (FSST), the Frailty and Injuries: Cooperative Studies of Intervention Techniques (FICSIT), and the Six Spot Step Test (SSST). Pre- and post-intervention outcomes and differences between groups were calculated. Results: The amount of change comparing pre- and post-intervention results was −0.94 (CG) and 5.59 (IG) in the AsBC questionnaire (p 0.17); −1.0 (CG) and −1.5 (IG) in the FSST (p 0.72); 0.0 for both groups in FICSIT (p 0.629); and −1.5 (CG) and −2.0 (IG) in SSST (p 0.692). Conclusions: Intrinsic foot muscle training produces positive changes in dynamic stability and self-perceived confidence in multiple sclerosis patients.

This study evaluated the long-term changes induced by wearing minimalist footwear (MF) during activities of daily living (ADLs) on the plantar footprint and postural stability in healthy adults. In this randomized clinical trial, a total of 95 healthy adults were recruited; 90 participants completed the protocol and were analyzed in either an experimental group (EG, n = 45), which wore MF for at least 5 h per day over a 6-month period, or a passive control group (CG, n = 45). Plantar pressure distribution (forefoot, rearfoot, and total contact areas), static stability (center of pressure (CoP) displacement under open-eyes and closed-eyes conditions), and dynamic stability (forward reach test) were assessed using a force platform at baseline and post-intervention. A self-reported questionnaire and an adverse event record were also completed by the EG. Statistical analysis was carried out using a repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) and a paired Student’s t-test; statistical significance level was set at p < 0.05. The Group $\times$ Time interaction analysis revealed no statistically significant between-group differences across the evaluated parameters. However, within-group analysis showed a significant increase in CoP displacement under the open-eye condition in the CG ($p=0.037$), indicating a decline in baseline postural efficiency, whereas the EG maintained structural and posturographic stability. Regarding user feedback, comfort (44.4%) was highlighted as the primary advantage, aesthetics (77.8%) was the main drawback, and 70% of the participants intended to continue using MF. Only two minor, transient adverse events were recorded. In conclusion, a 6-month program of MF use during ADLs did not produce any statistically significant changes in plantar footprint or stability in healthy adults.

Syrian refugees face numerous challenges, including conflict, displacement, family separation, human rights violations, limited access to basic needs, and exposure to violence and torture. These experiences significantly affect their physical, psychological, social, and environmental quality of life (QoL). The aim of this study was to assess the QoL of Syrian refugees in Spain and Jordan and to examine the association between sociodemographic characteristics, living conditions, and experiences of discrimination with different QoL domains. This study used a cross-sectional correlational design in Syrian refugee centers, homes, and camps across Spain and Jordan. A convenience sample of Syrian refugees with confirmed status in the past ten years was recruited. Demographic data were collected via a demographic form, and the World Health Organization Quality of Life—Brief Questionnaire (WHOQOL-BREF) was used to assess their quality of life. Data analysis included descriptive statistics, Chi-square tests, one-way ANOVA, and independent t-tests. The two hundred participants were predominantly aged 18–29 (43%), female (52.5%), married (51.5%), with secondary school education (46.5%), and unemployed (70%), with low monthly family income (60.5%). While 69% experienced low levels of discrimination, 33% were satisfied with their health, and 47.5% rated their QoL as neutral. Refugees in Spain reported higher QoL across physical, psychological, social, and environmental domains compared to those in Jordan (p < 0.05). The QoL was related to socio-demographic factors: higher among married participants (p = 0.044), urban residents (p < 0.001), and recent immigrants (<5 years, p < 0.001), but lower among those with low income (p = 0.011). Gender differences showed that males had better physical (p = 0.001) and psychological (p = 0.032) QoL than females. Lower discrimination levels and employment were associated with higher QoL across multiple domains. This study highlights the lasting association of the Syrian conflict on refugees’ QoL, emphasizing the need for holistic healthcare that addresses physical, psychological, social, and environmental challenges both before and after displacement. Findings call for comprehensive support systems, including early mental health interventions, anti-discrimination efforts, and community inclusion programs, to enhance refugees’ resilience and integration. The study identifies specific subgroups at greater risk of lower QoL—including women, older adults, those with low income, the unemployed, camp residents, and those experiencing discrimination—providing actionable insights for policymakers to target resources and interventions effectively. Tailored rehabilitation and psychological care are essential for empowering refugees to rebuild their lives and fostering social cohesion in host communities.