BACKGROUND: Beta-alanine (βA) is a non-essential amino acid purportedly used to enhance aerobic exercise performance. While previous research indicates the benefits of βA on time to exhaustion (TTE) and aerobic capacity (VO2peak) in adults, evidence is lacking in adolescent athletes. Thus, the purpose of this study was to determine the effects of 4 weeks of βA supplementation on aerobic performance in adolescent runners. METHODS: Twenty-seven middle- and long-distance runners (aged 17.36 ± 2.17 years) were randomly divided into a βA or placebo (PL) group (maltodextrin). Subjects performed maximal graded exercise tests (GXT) and submaximal trials (SMT; 80% of VO2peak for 1500 m) on a treadmill before and after 14 and 28 days of supplementation or PL. Respiratory (VE) metabolic (VO2, RER, lactate [La]), and cardiovascular (HR) variables were measured during the GXT and SMT, along with the first (VT1) and second ventilatory threshold (VT2) and TTE monitored during the GXT only. Within- and between-group differences were assessed using a repeated-measures mixed-model analysis of variance. RESULTS: Findings indicated that despite a trivial increase in VO2peak over 4 weeks, the βA group increased TTE by 6.5% compared to 1.4% in the PL group (d = 0.46). Additionally, small effects in HRmax, VE, [La], and TTE were observed between groups favoring βA. Regarding the SMT, both average HR and RER decreased by 4% in the βA group, with no changes for the PL. CONCLUSIONS: Despite no evidence to suggest increases in VO2peak, practitioners should note that improvements in TTE may be observed after 28 days of βA supplementation in adolescent runners.

• Klíčová slova
• Dietary supplements, VO2max, VO2peak, aerobic performance, running performance,
• MeSH
• běh * fyziologie   MeSH
• beta-alanin * aplikace a dávkování   MeSH
• dvojitá slepá metoda MeSH
• fyzická vytrvalost * účinky léků   MeSH
• kyselina mléčná krev   MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mladiství MeSH
• mladý dospělý MeSH
• potravní doplňky * MeSH
• sportovní výkon * fyziologie   MeSH
• spotřeba kyslíku účinky léků   MeSH
• tolerance zátěže účinky léků   MeSH
• zátěžový test MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• mladiství MeSH
• mladý dospělý MeSH
• mužské pohlaví MeSH
• ženské pohlaví MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• randomizované kontrolované studie MeSH
• Názvy látek
• beta-alanin * MeSH
• kyselina mléčná MeSH

BACKGROUND: CrossFitⓇ sessions and competitions are characterized by high-intensity challenges that combine aerobic and anaerobic activities with short recovery periods. As a result, effective nutritional practices play a crucial role in optimizing performance and enhancing recovery. Therefore, nutritional practices are central to optimizing performance and accelerating recovery. This review aims to summarize current evidence on nutritional and ergogenic aid responses to CrossFitⓇ practice. METHODS: The search was conducted in four electronic databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus and SportDiscus). Gray literature was also extracted for studies exploring the nutritional habits of CrossFitⓇ participants as well as the ingestion of ergogenic aids. In addition, a meta-analysis was conducted to examine the impacts of dietary habits and ergogenic aids on performance. RESULTS: Forty-nine studies met the eligibility criteria and were included in the current review. Carbohydrate intake was below the recommendations for athletes, although protein ingestion remains adequate. High-carbohydrate diets had a positive effect on CrossFitⓇ performance. The evidence concerning the effects of a ketogenic diet on performance is limited. When used prior to or during the workout, the impact of carbohydrates on CrossFitⓇ performance was negligible, whereas the effect of caffeine was significant. Ergogenic aids, particularly creatine and protein, are commonly used by CrossFitⓇ participants. CONCLUSION: The standard diets recommended to CrossFitⓇ participants need to be revised because they are characterized by lower values of carbohydrates. Caffeine should be used prior to or during the CrossFitⓇ sessions. Regarding the impact of ergogenic aids on recovery, future studies are needed.

• Klíčová slova
• Carbohydrates, caffeine, conditioning, energy, performance, strength,
• MeSH
• dieta MeSH
• dietní proteiny aplikace a dávkování   MeSH
• dietní sacharidy aplikace a dávkování   MeSH
• fyziologie sportovní výživy * MeSH
• ketogenní dieta MeSH
• kofein aplikace a dávkování   MeSH
• kondiční příprava * MeSH
• kreatin aplikace a dávkování   MeSH
• látky zvyšující výkon aplikace a dávkování   MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• sportovní výkon * fyziologie   MeSH
• stravovací zvyklosti MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• scoping review MeSH
• Názvy látek
• dietní proteiny MeSH
• dietní sacharidy MeSH
• kofein MeSH
• kreatin MeSH
• látky zvyšující výkon MeSH

BACKGROUND: The current negative trend in the physical behavior and lifestyle of the population therefore requires adequate changes in the professional training of physiotherapists. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to determine the structure and differences in the weekly physical activity (PA) of Czech physiotherapy students, the use of wearables in physiotherapy professional training, and the attitude of physiotherapy students toward PA and the use of wearables in physiotherapy practice. METHODS: Between 2013 and 2022, 412 physiotherapy students participated in a PA-monitoring study using questonnaires International Physical Activity Questionnaire-long form, Motives for Physical Activity Measure-Revise, pedometers, Garmin Vívofit and Axivity AX3 accelerometers. RESULTS: A retrospective analysis of physiotherapy students PA drew attention to insufficient weekly PA and insufficient achievement of the PA recommendation of at least 60 min five times a week (55% of men and 41% of women). Instrumental PA monitoring allowed analyzing individual daily PA and structure of weekly PA. Highest PA indicated men (14,102 steps/day) and women (12,724 steps/day) of the 1st study year on Tuesday. The lowest PA (9,488 steps/day for men and 8,815 steps/day for women), were observed in the 4th study year on Sundays. The recommended target of 11,000 steps per day was achieved by 40% of the men and 46% of the women. Wearables enhanced participants PA motivation (51%). CONCLUSIONS: The inclusion of weekly PA monitoring in the professional training of physiotherapists ensured a deeper insight into the possibilities of PA monitoring in physiotherapy practice . Students are prepared to use wearables more widely to improve physical therapy practice.

The study demonstrated the need for greater support for physical activity (PA) of physiotherapy students during their studies.Incorporating comprehensive weekly PA monitoring into physiotherapy education is essential, especially with the rapid development of wearable technology.Monitoring PA using different methods enabled students to better assess the possibilities of using wearables in physiotherapy practice.

• Klíčová slova
• Physical activity, lifestyle, monitoring, professional education, wearables,
• MeSH
• cvičení * fyziologie   MeSH
• dospělí MeSH
• fyzioterapeuti * výchova   MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mladý dospělý MeSH
• motivace MeSH
• postoj zdravotnického personálu MeSH
• průzkumy a dotazníky MeSH
• retrospektivní studie MeSH
• Check Tag
• dospělí MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mladý dospělý MeSH
• mužské pohlaví MeSH
• ženské pohlaví MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• Geografické názvy
• Česká republika MeSH

BACKGROUND: Lower-limb kinematic and temporospatial differences between back-carried (BC) and non-back-carried (NBC) children are expected based on previous static lower-limb relationships reported in BC children. Back-carrying of children is common among South Africans and becoming popular among Westerners. Establishing the potential effects of back-carrying on lower-limb development and gait is therefore important. RESEARCH QUESTION: Does BC influence the tri-planar instantaneous lower-limb kinematics and temporospatial parameters of the full gait cycle in children, and is there an association between static tibial torsion and the lower-limb gait kinematics? METHODS: Twelve NBC (age = 8.00 ± 0.95 years) and 12 BC (age = 8.08 ± 0.79 years) children were selected. Tri-planar kinematics of the hip, knee, and ankle were captured during gait using an eight-camera motion analysis system and Visual3D software to extract the kinematic data. All static tibial torsion were measured goniometrically. Statistical parametric mapping (SPM) was used to compare joint kinematics during the gait cycle and the association of tibial torsion throughout the gait cycle. RESULTS: SPM revealed significant differences between BC and NBC participants in hip kinematics (mean difference = 2.49°, p = 0.016) at 52-66 % of the gait cycle and knee joint kinematics (mean difference = 3.00°, p = 0.026) at 34-41 % of the gait cycle. Temporospatial differences were non-significant for speed, stride length, stance time, and stride width (p = 0.80, gHedges = 0.10). Significant correlations were evident between static tibial torsion and joint kinematics for the knee (r = -0.44 to -0.69, p = 0.041) for BC children and for the ankle (r = 0.74-0.75, p = 0.025) in NBC children. Larger internal tibial torsion is associated with more in-toeing and internal knee rotation during the swing phase in back-carried children. SIGNIFICANCE: A discrete comparison of kinematics in BC versus NBC children did not yield significant differences, while differences were observed using the SPM. The observed differences are likely of limited clinical importance, implying that caregivers can continue to BC their children.

• Klíčová slova
• Back-carrying, Joint kinematics, Lower-limb development, Temporospatial,
• MeSH
• biomechanika MeSH
• chůze (způsob) * fyziologie   MeSH
• dítě MeSH
• dolní končetina * fyziologie   MeSH
• hlezenní kloub * fyziologie   MeSH
• kolenní kloub * fyziologie   MeSH
• kyčelní kloub * fyziologie   MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• rozsah kloubních pohybů fyziologie   MeSH
• tibie * fyziologie   MeSH
• torze mechanická MeSH
• zatížení muskuloskeletálního systému * fyziologie   MeSH
• Check Tag
• dítě MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mužské pohlaví MeSH
• ženské pohlaví MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• srovnávací studie MeSH

Elite female athletes are vulnerable to respiratory limitations, and sports bra tightness may contribute to this phenomenon. Since the underband is located over the diaphragmatic ribcage, its tightness may affect ribcage mechanics, breathing muscles coordination, and fatigue. Seventeen trained junior female runners (VO2max = 53 ± 4 mL/kg/min) ran on a treadmill at personal race pace until exhaustion (range 15-30 min) in three standardised underband tightnesses. Ventilation (VE) and breathing pattern were recorded via Opto-electronic plethysmography throughout the run. Spirometry, maximum inspiratory pressure (MIP), and leg and breathing effort questionnaires were collected pre- and post-run. MIP decreased more with the tight (-9.8 ± 8.3%) than the loose underband (-1.1 ± 7.3%) (p = 0.002). With greater underband tightness, VE was increased (+8.4 ± 13.1 % tight vs. loose, p = 0.03), inspiratory capacity was repressed (4.2 ± 5.1 %, p = 0.03) and thoraco-abdominal coordination was altered with earlier abdominal breathing sequencing. Since reduced underband tightness may be advantageous for ventilation via attenuated diaphragm fatigue, sports bras might be improved with updated fitting procedures or novel garment designs.

• Klíčová slova
• Breathing pattern, opto-electronic plethysmography, sports bra tightness,
• MeSH
• běh * fyziologie   MeSH
• bránice fyziologie   MeSH
• dýchací svaly * fyziologie   MeSH
• dýchání * MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mladiství MeSH
• odívání * MeSH
• percepce fyziologie   MeSH
• pletysmografie MeSH
• spirometrie MeSH
• sportovní vybavení * MeSH
• svalová únava * fyziologie   MeSH
• zátěžový test MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• mladiství MeSH
• ženské pohlaví MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

This eye-tracking research investigates cross-cultural similarities and differences in visual attention in complex scenes free-viewing perception. The study utilizes 70 real-world photos with one or two focal objects as stimulus materials. The study examines the amount of time spent on focal objects, saccadic lengths, temporal changes in saccadic lengths and factors that influence these metrics. Data were collected between 2020 and 2022 from seven cultural samples in Africa, East Asia, Europe, and the Near East (N = 408). Contrary to initial hypotheses, the findings challenge the expected order of countries in terms of attention toward objects. Participants from Taiwan, assumed to exhibit holistic patterns, displayed the most holistic viewing pattern. Surprisingly, participants from Germany and Czechia did not significantly differ from those in Taiwan. Furthermore, participants from Ghana and Türkiye, expected to be moderate, showed the most analytic pattern. This challenges preconceived notions and contributes to understanding patterns of scene perception in underrepresented countries. Additional analyses explored the relationship between number and size of focal objects and dwell time, as well as the potential influence of sociodemographic variables, on dwell time.

• Klíčová slova
• Cross-cultural research, Eye-tracking, Holistic and analytic perception, Scene perception,
• MeSH
• dospělí MeSH
• lidé středního věku MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mladý dospělý MeSH
• pohyby očí * fyziologie   MeSH
• pozornost fyziologie   MeSH
• sakadické oční pohyby fyziologie   MeSH
• srovnání kultur * MeSH
• technologie sledování pohybu očí MeSH
• zraková percepce * fyziologie   MeSH
• Check Tag
• dospělí MeSH
• lidé středního věku MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mladý dospělý MeSH
• mužské pohlaví MeSH
• ženské pohlaví MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• srovnávací studie MeSH
• Geografické názvy
• Afrika MeSH

Hypertension (HTN) is a significant public health concern affecting individuals across all age groups, including those with and without disabilities. Among children and adolescents, particularly those with intellectual disabilities, the risk of HTN is heightened due to factors such as obesity, low physical activity, and comorbid conditions. Regular blood pressure (BP) monitoring is essential, considering the challenges in measurement accuracy among children with intellectual disabilities. Beyond traditional lifestyle modifications, individualized dietary interventions and structured physical activity programs play a fundamental role in HTN prevention and management. Additionally, optimizing sleep quality and addressing comorbidities are essential for improving long-term health outcomes. The updated recommendations emphasize a broader specialist involvement, including endocrinologists, nephrologists, cardiologists, and rehabilitation specialists, to ensure comprehensive care. The integration of these approaches, along with appropriate pharmacological strategies whenever necessary, is crucial for achieving health benefit. This article provides practical guidance for primary care providers, specialists, and caregivers, advocating for a collaborative, patient-centered approach to reducing cardiovascular risks and enhancing the quality of life for children with intellectual disabilities.

• Klíčová slova
• hypertension, intellectual disability, obesity, physical activity, recommendations, sleep,
• MeSH
• cvičení MeSH
• dítě MeSH
• hypertenze * epidemiologie   terapie   komplikace   patofyziologie   MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mentální retardace * komplikace   epidemiologie   MeSH
• mladiství MeSH
• Check Tag
• dítě MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mladiství MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• přehledy MeSH

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Digital Holographic Microscopy provides a new kind of quantitative image data about live cells' in vitro activities. Apart from non-invasive and staining-free imaging, it offers topological weighting of cell mass. This led us to develop a particular tool for assessing cell mass dynamics. METHODS: Programming language Python and a training set of time-lapse images of adherent HT-1080 cells derived from human fibrosarcoma taken with dry objective 40x/0.95 at 30-second intervals were used to create the Analytical Image Differencing (AID) method. RESULTS: The AID makes the best of these new data by evaluating the difference between the chosen two quantitative phase images from the time-lapse series. The contribution of the method is demonstrated on hiQPI (Holographic Incoherent-light-source Quantitative Phase Imaging) image data taken with a Q-phase microscope. The analysis outputs are graphical and complemented with numerical data. To underscore the significance of the Analytical Image Differencing (AID) method, an initial pilot experiment was conducted to show the available analyses of sequential overlapping images capturing the movement of cancer cells. Notably, besides defining changes in areas used by the cell (newly or steadily occupied or better abandoned) it is an introduction to the zero-line concept, which denotes spots of tranquility among continuously moving surroundings. CONCLUSIONS: The measurement of zero-line length has emerged as a novel biomarker for characterizing cell mass transfer. The sensitivity of phase change measurements is demonstrated. The noise quality of input images obtained with incoherent (hiQPI) and coherent (QPI) methods is compared. The resulting effect on the AID method output is also shown. The findings of this study introduce a novel approach to evaluating cellular behavior in vitro. The concept emerged as a particularly noteworthy outcome. Collectively, these results highlight the substantial potential of AID in advancing the field of cancer cells biology, particularly.

• Klíčová slova
• Biophysics, Cancer cell migration, Digital holographic microscopy, Image processing, Live cell imaging, Non-invasive, Quantitative phase imaging, Staining-free imaging,
• MeSH
• algoritmy MeSH
• časosběrné zobrazování MeSH
• fibrosarkom patologie   MeSH
• holografie metody   MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mikroskopie MeSH
• nádorové buněčné linie MeSH
• počítačové zpracování obrazu MeSH
• pohyb buněk * MeSH
• programovací jazyk MeSH
• software MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

Virtual reality (VR) is widely used in training, simulations, and industrial applications, yet effective locomotion remains challenging due to its impact on spatial orientation and cybersickness. This study investigates the effects of three locomotion methods-hand-tracking (HTR) with teleportation, traditional VR controllers (CTR), and the mechanical interface Cybershoes (CBS)-on navigation performance, perceived usability, and cybersickness during navigation tasks in virtual mazes of three increasing difficulty levels. The experiment involved 15 participants (M = 22.6 years, SD = 1.64), performing a total of 9 trials each (3 methods × 3 mazes), resulting in 135 exposures overall. The HTR method had the longest average maze completion time (127 ± 54 s for the simplest maze), significantly longer compared to both CTR (52 ± 25 s, p < 0.01) and CBS (52 ± 22 s, p < 0.01). CBS showed comparable navigation performance to CTR, slightly outperforming CTR only in the most difficult mazes (108 ± 51 s vs. 115 ± 42 s, p < 0.05). Regarding usability, CTR received the highest ratings (SUS: 74.67 ± 18.52), followed by CBS (67.83 ± 24.07) and HTR (65.83 ± 22.22). However, CBS induced the highest cybersickness (2.9 ± 1.2), significantly higher than HTR (1.8 ± 0.9; p = 0.006), while CTR scored intermediate (2.3 ± 1.1). Results confirm that teleportation (HTR) minimizes cybersickness but negatively impacts spatial orientation. CBS support more efficient navigation in complex tasks but considerably increases cybersickness. Joystick locomotion (CTR) provides the best balance among navigation efficiency, usability, and user comfort. These findings contribute to optimizing locomotion strategies in VR applications.

• Klíčová slova
• Cybersickness, Locomotion methods, Spatial navigation, User experience, Virtual reality,
• MeSH
• bludiště - učení * fyziologie   MeSH
• dospělí MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• lokomoce * fyziologie   MeSH
• mladý dospělý MeSH
• prostorová navigace * fyziologie   MeSH
• uživatelské rozhraní počítače MeSH
• virtuální realita * MeSH
• změna polohy v prostoru * fyziologie   MeSH
• Check Tag
• dospělí MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mladý dospělý MeSH
• mužské pohlaví MeSH
• ženské pohlaví MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

A number of eye-tracking studies have shown that viewing natural environments is associated with reduced eye movement activity compared with viewing built environments. This has been linked to the cognitive benefits of viewing nature and explained in terms of Kaplan and Kaplan's Attention Restoration Theory. However, the theory has recently been criticized for the lack of empirical evidence supporting its framework. The first aim was to replicate the results of previous eye movement studies using different visual stimuli. In addition, we investigated whether reduced eye movements when viewing natural versus urban images could be explained by greater perceptual fluency and fractal complexity of the images. The participants (N = 66) viewed images of forests with and without foliage and images of urban apartment buildings while their eye movements were recorded. The self-reported perceptual fluency and fractal complexity of the presented images were measured. Analysis of eye movements revealed significantly less eye movement activity (a reduced number of fixations that are longer) when viewing natural images than urban ones, consistent with previous findings. There was no significant difference between images containing foliage and those without for any of the measured variables. However, mediation analysis did not show significant effects of perceptual fluency on eye fixations. Moreover, while previous research suggests that fractal structure may be one of the mechanisms underlying perceptual fluency, mediation analysis did not reveal any significant effects of fractal complexity on eye fixations. This raises the question of what causes the differences in eye movement patterns and the restorative effects of nature versus urban scenes. Further research should address the specific spatio-cognitive dimensions of natural images and the individual differences that may affect how people move their eyes when processing different types of scenes.

• Klíčová slova
• Attention restoration theory, Eye movements, Fractal complexity, Natural environment, Perceptual fluency,
• MeSH
• dospělí MeSH
• fraktály MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mladý dospělý MeSH
• oční fixace fyziologie   MeSH
• pohyby očí * fyziologie   MeSH
• pozornost fyziologie   MeSH
• světelná stimulace MeSH
• zraková percepce * fyziologie   MeSH
• Check Tag
• dospělí MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mladý dospělý MeSH
• mužské pohlaví MeSH
• ženské pohlaví MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH