Background: Fibromyalgia is a chronic rheumatological disease that affects the musculoskeletal system, primarily characterized by widespread chronic pain and other symptoms that significantly impact the quality of life of those who suffer from it, being more prevalent in the female population. In this context, among the non-pharmacological treatments available for this condition, resistance exercise has shown to be a promising intervention. The aim of this systematic review was to determine the optimal intensity of resistance exercise in patients with fibromyalgia and evaluate its effects and benefits. Methods: An exhaustive literature search was carried out in the PubMed, Scopus, SciELO, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, and PEDro databases. After the selection process, from the 405 studies initially identified, 17 met the established inclusion criteria. Subsequently, the methodological quality of the studies was evaluated using the Cochrane RoB 2 tool. Results: From the 405 studies initially identified, 17 met the established inclusion criteria. The results indicate that among the interventions studied, progressive intensity is the most recommended, where it is suggested to start with 40% of 1RM. This is followed, in order of recommendation, by low- and medium-intensity exercises, while high-intensity exercises are, in principle, the least used. Furthermore, the analysis of the effects of progressive intensity exercise showed promising results, including a significant decrease in pain, an increase in physical functionality, and, consequently, an improvement in quality of life. Conclusions: These findings suggest that progressive resistance exercise is an effective intervention for treating patients with fibromyalgia.

Anxiety disorders affect over 280 million people globally and are associated with cognitive impairment. University students show a particularly high susceptibility, with studies reporting prevalent daily anxiety in this population. Physical activity (PA) has demonstrated efficacy in reducing stress and anxiety, potentially enhancing cognitive function. This scoping review examines existing evidence on the relationship between PA, anxiety symptoms, and academic performance in university students while identifying research gaps. Following PRISMA-ScR guidelines and Arksey and O’Malley’s framework, we analyzed observational and experimental studies from PubMed, Cochrane, Web of Science, and Scopus. A descriptive–analytical approach assessed the effects of exercise on anxiety and academic outcomes. Out of 362 records screened, 27 met the inclusion criteria. Evidence suggests PA interventions across intensity levels may alleviate anxiety symptoms and improve academic performance. However, experimental studies specifically targeting this population remain scarce. Current findings indicate PA interventions may reduce anxiety and potentially enhance academic performance in university students. Further experimental research is required to establish causality and elucidate underlying mechanisms.

Background: Low back pain (LBP) and musculoskeletal disorders are highly prevalent among agricultural workers. However, there is limited epidemiological evidence from rural regions of Ecuador, where working and living conditions may differ substantially from those in other settings. This study aimed to identify predictors of LBP among farmers in rural Ecuador to inform locally relevant prevention strategies. Methods: Participants aged 30 to 60 years (n = 103) were recruited through a traveling health clinic. Participants were assessed with behavioral and sociodemographic self-report questionnaires and anthropometric measurements. Low back pain (LBP) was assessed using the Standardized Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire, which asked about symptoms experienced in the past 12 months. Bivariate (Chi-square and Fisher exact tests) and multivariate (binary logistic regression) analyses were conducted to explore associations between risk factors and LBP in individuals aged 30 to 60 years. Results: LBP was highly prevalent, affecting 78.6% of participants. Behavioral patterns were mixed, with low rates of smoking and moderate alcohol and coffee consumption associated with LBP. A normal body mass index (BMI) was observed in 66% of the sample, and over half reported stable mood and good self-perceived health. In the binary logistic regression analysis, only education level significantly predicted LBP, with secondary education acting as a protective factor. Conclusions: While lower back pain was widespread in the population studied, most risk factors that were analyzed were not significantly associated with its presence.

The global population is aging, including in historically youthful regions such as low- and middle-income countries in Latin America. Evidence on older adults living in rural areas of this region remains limited. The EcuAging study was designed to fill this gap by characterizing adults aged 55 years and older in a rural inland province of Ecuador. Over a two-week period in June-July 2023, mobile stations were set up in rural communities of Calvas and Gonzanama counties in the province of Loja, Ecuador. Adults aged 55 and above living in these regions were invited to attend health evaluations and to join our study. 269 individuals agreed to participate in the study. They completed questionnaires about their ociodemographic characteristics, health measures, lifestyle, physical and mental health, functional status, and quality of life. They also underwent anthropometric assessments and blood draws. Of the 269 participants, most were women (56.1%), with a mean age of 70.1 years; 82.5% were aged $$\ge$$ 60 years. The majority self-identified as mestizo (93.7%) and reported low prevalence of smoking (4.1%) or alcohol consumption (7.4%). Physical performance assessments suggested preserved function and independence in daily activities. In contrast, mental health indicators were concerning, with approximately 75% reporting symptoms of anxiety or depression. No significant sex differences were observed in physical function, activities of daily living, anxiety, depression, or quality of life. The EcuAging study provides the first evidence on the health of older adults in rural inland Ecuador, highlighting a paradox of preserved physical function alongside impaired mental health. Given that most participants were $$\ge$$ 60 years, findings are directly relevant for geriatric populations and underscore the urgent need to strengthen mental health services in rural settings.

Background : The global phenomenon of increasing older adult populations is evident across diverse societies, including historically youthful middle- and low-income countries. Conducting population-specific research in low- and middle-income countries becomes imperative to gather pertinent evidence for crafting interventions tailored to the unique needs of each group. In this context, the present study centers on aging and frailty within rural communities situated in the Province of Loja, Ecuador, with the primary objective to analyze the aging process and assess the level of frailty, contributing valuable insights to scientific knowledge in this domain and establishing a robust foundation for future targeted health interventions. Methods : The study, conducted in rural communities of Calvas and Gonzanamá counties in the Province of Loja, Ecuador, in individuals aged 55 and older, utilized mobile stations set up for health evaluations over a two-week period in June-July 2023. A total of 269 participants underwent extensive measurements, including anthropometrics, blood samples, and assessments of physical and cognitive function. The study covered sociodemographic, lifestyle, and health-related measures, along with mental health evaluations, quality of life, functional status, and global cognition, utilizing validated scales. Results : A total of 269 individuals, mostly women (56.1%), aged 70.1 on average, participated in the study. Predominantly mestizo (93.7%), participants maintained healthy lifestyles, with minimal smoking (4.1%) and alcohol consumption (7.4%). While physical performance results indicated overall well-being, anxiety and depression levels were concerning, affecting approximately 75% of participants. No significant gender differences were observed in physical performance, independence, cognition, anxiety, depression, or well-being. Conclusion : The ECUAging study will provide detailed clinical data and will substantially contribute to new information on the predictors of aging, senescence, and senility, particularly in frail and pre-frail outpatients from rural areas of Ecuador.

Background: Neck pain is a common cause of work-related disability, yet the relationship between serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and neck disability remains uncertain. This study examined whether serum LDL-C was independently associated with neck disability among university employees. Methods: A cross-sectional secondary analysis was conducted using occupational health records from 236 administrative and teaching employees of a private university in Quito, Ecuador. Neck disability was assessed using the Spanish-language Neck Disability Index (NDI). Serum LDL-C was analyzed as a continuous variable (per 10 mg/dL increase). The primary analysis used proportional-odds ordinal logistic regression adjusted for sex, age group, education level, and job position. Model assumptions, multicollinearity, influence, and stability were evaluated. Sensitivity analyses included a three-level ordinal model, multiple linear regression with the continuous NDI score, and nonparametric bootstrap resampling. Results: Mean LDL-C was 112.42 ± 29.09 mg/dL, and 56 participants (23.73%) had LDL-C concentrations ≥ 130 mg/dL. Mild neck disability was the most common category (58.05%), whereas severe disability was uncommon (1.27%). Serum LDL-C was not independently associated with higher neck disability in the adjusted ordinal model (adjusted OR per 10 mg/dL = 0.956; 95% CI, 0.876–1.043; p = 0.309). Sensitivity analyses using alternative-outcome specifications and bootstrap resampling produced consistent findings. Female sex was independently associated with greater disability, whereas no other covariates reached statistical significance. Conclusions: Serum LDL-C was not independently associated with neck disability in this selected occupational population after adjustment for demographic and occupational factors. Prospective multicenter studies incorporating broader cardiometabolic, inflammatory, ergonomic, behavioral, and psychosocial variables are needed to further clarify determinants of neck disability.