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Science and Health Technology for Health Promotion: With a Focus on Applied Health Research

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A special issue of Applied Sciences (ISSN 2076-3417). This special issue belongs to the section "Applied Biosciences and Bioengineering".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 November 2024 | Viewed by 12350

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Dr. Marius Baranauskas

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Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Panevezys College, State Higher Education Institution, 35200 Panevėžys, Lithuania
Interests: applied health research; health technology; foods; public health; applied epidemiology; biomedicine; environmental health; athletes; nutrition; exercise physiology
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Prof. Dr. Rimantas Stukas

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Department of Public Health, Institute of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Vilnius University, 701513 Vilnius, Lithuania
Interests: applied public health; nutrition and food safety; lifestyle studies of various population groups
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Applied Health Science focuses on improving individual and community health through a variety of applied methods, with an emphasis on preventive measures and health promotion. Interdisciplinary collaboration is essential to Applied Health Research and to the overall health and wellbeing of the populations served. This Special Issue focuses on how professionals via the implementation of health technology can help individuals achieve optimal health and fitness while leading more balanced and meaningful lives. Health technology is defined as the application of organized knowledge and skills in the form of devices, medicines, vaccines, procedures, and systems developed to solve a health problem and improve patients’ quality of lives. This includes pharmaceuticals, devices, procedures, and organizational systems used in the healthcare industry, as well as computer-supported information systems. Additionally, this Special Issue is designed to create new knowledge about human health as well as support physical and mental health, and prevent disease. Scientists are invited to provide academic works (reviews, findings from observational and experimental studies, population-based and clinically orientated health research) related to global health challenges across a range of conditions. Future manuscripts can also include studies of biology, anatomy, physiology, nutrition, fitness assessment, exercise prescription, and the prevention and control of disease. Manuscripts should reflect original research with well-articulated research aims/questions, precise methodologies (including clearly identified outcomes, a description of the sample population, recruitment, implementation process, measurement instruments, analytic plan, and special software), and elaborated discussions of the findings, policies, practices, and research implications.

Dr. Marius Baranauskas
Prof. Dr. Rimantas Stukas
Guest Editors

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Keywords

health promotion
health technology
healthy life
lifestyle factors
public health
rural health
women’s health
men’s health
chronic disease
primary care
musculoskeletal health
exercise physiology
physical activity
nutrition and dietetics
cardiac rehabilitation
applied nursing and health

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Published Papers (10 papers)

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Research

18 pages, 3894 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Effect of a Single Temporomandibular Joint Soft Tissue Therapy on Cervical Spine Mobility, Temporomandibular Joint Mobility, Foot Load Distribution, and Body Balance in Women with Myofascial Pain in the Temporomandibular Joint Area—A Randomized Controlled Trial

by Iwona Sulowska-Daszyk, Paulina Handzlik-Waszkiewicz and Sara Gamrot

Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(22), 10397; https://doi.org/10.3390/app142210397 - 12 Nov 2024

Viewed by 506

Abstract

In contemporary times, a significant portion of the population experiences symptoms of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of a single-session TMJ soft tissue therapy on the TMJ and cervical spine mobility as well as on body balance and the foot load distribution. This study was a parallel-group, randomized, controlled trial with a 1:1 allocation ratio. Fifty women aged 20–30 years diagnosed with myofascial pain in the TMJ area were included in the study and divided into two groups. The experimental group received TMJ soft tissue therapy. The following research tools were used: a Hogetex electronic caliper, a CROM Deluxe, and a FreeMed Base pedobarographic platform. In the experimental group, an increase in mobility within all assessed jaw and cervical spine movements was observed. This change was statistically significant (p < 0.05) for lateral movement to the left, abduction, and protrusion of the jaw (an increase of 10.32%, 7.07%, and 20.92%, respectively) and for extension, lateral bending to the right and left, and rotation to the right and left, of the cervical spine (an increase of 7.05%, 7.89%, 10.44%, 4.65%, and 6.55%, respectively). In the control group, no significant differences were observed. No significant changes were observed in the load distribution and body balance assessment. A single session of TMJ soft tissue therapy increases jaw and cervical spine mobility but does not impact body balance or foot load distribution in static conditions in women diagnosed with myofascial pain in the TMJ area. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Science and Health Technology for Health Promotion: With a Focus on Applied Health Research)

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12 pages, 2176 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Decreases in Sympathetic Activity Due to Low-Intensity Extremely Low-Frequency Electric Field Treatment Revealed by Measurement of Spontaneous Fluctuations in Skin Conductance in Healthy Subjects

by Toshikazu Shinba, Takaki Nedachi and Shinji Harakawa

Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(20), 9336; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14209336 - 14 Oct 2024

Viewed by 690

Abstract

(1) Background: Our previous studies indicated that low-intensity extremely low-frequency electric field (ELF-EF) treatment alters autonomic activities, as revealed through heart rate variability (HRV) analysis. However, the high-frequency (HF) component of HRV that reflects parasympathetic activity showed no changes either during or after the end of the treatment, suggesting the involvement of sympathetic nerves. (2) Methods: To examine this issue in the present study, the effect of ELF-EF on skin conductance (SC), which is controlled solely by sympathetic nerves, was analyzed. Twelve healthy subjects underwent a 20 min ELF-EF treatment (applied voltage: 9 kV, induced current density: below 6 mA/m²) and a sham treatment in a random order with an interval of more than 2 weeks. SC and HRV were recorded under the eyes-open condition during a 2 min period both before and after the treatment. (3) Results: The number of spontaneous fluctuations in skin conductance (SC-SFs) significantly decreased after the ELF-EF treatment, suggesting psychological changes, including relaxation. The skin conductance level, heart rate, and HRV indices did not change after the ELF-EF treatment. (4) Conclusion: The results support the idea that low-intensity ELF-EF affects autonomic nerves by reducing sympathetic activity, as reflected by SC-SFs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Science and Health Technology for Health Promotion: With a Focus on Applied Health Research)

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10 pages, 284 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Impact of Classical Music Listening on Cognitive and Functional Performances in Middle-Aged Women

by Fatma Ben Waer, Dan Iulian Alexe, Cristina Ioana Alexe, Özgür Eken, Laurian Ioan Păun and Sonia Sahli

Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(15), 6779; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14156779 - 2 Aug 2024

Viewed by 2228

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of listening to classical music on functional (upper and lower body strength, functional mobility and aerobic endurance) and cognitive (attentional capacities and working memory (WM)) performances in women aged between 50 and 60 years old. A total of 24 middle-aged women were enrolled to participate in this study. Their functional and cognitive performances were assessed under two-auditory conditions (no-music vs. with music conditions) using the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test for functional mobility, the Arm Curl test and 30 s Chair Stand Tests for the upper and lower body strength, respectively, and the 2 min Step test for aerobic endurance. To assess the attentional capacities and the WM, a simple reaction time (SRT) test and Corsi Block-Tapping Task were used, respectively. As a result, we found that listening to music significantly decreased the scores of the TUG test (p < 0.001) and capacities (p < 0.05), and increased the 2 min Step test values (p < 0.001) compared to the no-music condition. However, no significant changes were found for the upper and lower body strength and WM. We conclude that listening to classical music, i.e., Mozart’s Symphony, is effective in improving functional mobility, aerobic endurance and attentional capacities in middle-aged women. However, these gains were absent for muscle strength and WM, suggesting that the positive effects of music on functional and cognitive performances were dependent on a specific task. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Science and Health Technology for Health Promotion: With a Focus on Applied Health Research)

13 pages, 4605 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Design Considerations Concerning an Innovative Drive System for a Manual Wheelchair

by Michał Kończak, Mateusz Kukla and Dominik Rybarczyk

Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(15), 6604; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14156604 - 28 Jul 2024

Viewed by 1095

Abstract

Manual wheelchairs, which are the basic means of transport for people with disabilities, are usually characterized by an inefficient adaptation to the physical capabilities of their users. For this reason, it is advisable to search for solutions that will allow us to change the parameters of the mechanical power generated by human muscles. For this purpose, mechanical gearing known from other solutions, for example, from bicycles, can be used. The paper describes the design methodology and a number of issues related to the construction of an innovative wheelchair prototype using a chain transmission in its drive system. This solution allows for the implementation of a variable ratio between the wheels and the pushrims. Thus, it effectively allows for matching the demand for driving torque to the movement conditions and the physical capabilities of its user. The use of such a system provides the basis for increasing the efficiency of the manual propulsion process. Initial studies show that changing the gear ratio allows for different speeds of the wheelchair wheel. In the tests conducted, the root mean square of this value varied from 15.2 RPM to 35.5 RPM, which resulted in a change in power from 15.8 W to 40.1 W. Of course, the values of rotational speed and torque show a cyclically changing character, which results from the intermittent nature of generating drive by the wheelchair user. The average peak values of rotational speed were 31.4 ± 1.7 RPM, 44.3 ± 3.4 RPM and 57.9 ± 3.4 RPM, while the torque was 12.1 ± 0.5 Nm, 12.4 ± 0.4 Nm and 14.1 ± 0.6 Nm for Gears 1, 4 and 6, respectively. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Science and Health Technology for Health Promotion: With a Focus on Applied Health Research)

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11 pages, 832 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Use of Wearables in Frail Institutionalized Older Adults While Ambulating in Different Environments

by Paula Obeso-Benítez, Rosa M. Martínez-Piédrola, Sergio Serrada-Tejeda, Lucía Hernández-Hernández, Óscar García-González, Patricia Sánchez-Herrera-Baeza and Marta Pérez-de-Heredia-Torres

Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(12), 5158; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14125158 - 13 Jun 2024

Viewed by 603

Abstract

(1) Prolonged life expectancy often leads to declining health, reduced physical activity, and dependence, especially in institutionalized elderly. Frailty, obesity, limited functionality, and cognitive impairment are common. Physical activity programs for this demographic can increase weekly energy expenditure and improve frailty. Understanding differences in walking indoors versus outdoors is crucial for tailored programs. This study aimed to compare time, energy expenditure, and perceived exertion in institutionalized elderly walking indoors versus outdoors. It also explored how body mass index and cognitive levels affected these factors. (2) Employing a cross-sectional descriptive observational approach, the study gathered data on height, weight, accelerometers, the modified Borg Scale, the Timed Up and Go test, and the Lobo Cognitive Mini-Exam from a sample of 30 institutionalized older adults. (3) Walking outdoors leads to shorter walking times, higher energy expenditure, and increased perceived effort. Overweight individuals expend more energy in both settings, while cognitive impairment does not significantly impact walking preferences. (4) The study concludes that indoor walking is preferable for frail elderly due to lower perceived exertion, but outdoor walking is recommended for overweight individuals. Cognitive status does not influence the choice of walking environment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Science and Health Technology for Health Promotion: With a Focus on Applied Health Research)

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17 pages, 528 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Comparative Analysis of MoCA and DigiMoCA Test Results: A Pilot Study

by Noelia Lago-Priego, Iván Otero-González, Moisés Pacheco-Lorenzo, Manuel J. Fernández-Iglesias, Carlos Dosil-Díaz, César Bugallo-Carrera, Manuel Gandoy-Crego and Luis Anido-Rifón

Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(12), 5073; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14125073 - 11 Jun 2024

Viewed by 841

Abstract

This study examined the cognitive performance of older adults aged 60 and above using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) test and DigiMoCA, a digital tool for cognitive screening administered by means of a smart speaker, to investigate whether the additional variables utilised by DigiMoCA allow for the identification of significant differences between individuals with depressive symptoms and those with mild cognitive impairment, which are not detected using the original MoCA test. A total of 73 senior adults located in Northwestern Spain, 22 male and 51 female, participated in this study. Subjects were divided into four groups based on the presence of depressive symptoms and mild cognitive impairment, with the aim of analysing the results of each dimension of the MoCA and DigiMoCA tests and assessing the additional insights provided by the digital administration tool. The results indicate significant differences among groups. Individuals with depressive symptoms exhibited poorer performance in forward number span, attention, and clock drawing compared to healthy controls. Furthermore, individuals with depressive symptoms and mild cognitive impairment exhibited significantly worse memory and orientation compared to those with cognitive impairment alone. Correlations revealed that a greater severity of depressive symptoms was associated with poorer performance across cognitive domains, including visuospatial skills, attention, language, memory, and phonemic verbal fluency. This study also illustrated how the exploitation of additional variables systematically captured by digital instruments, such as completion times or response delays to individual interactions, may facilitate the early identification of cognitive and depressive conditions, providing initial evidence about the importance of integrating advanced digital tools in cognitive assessment to inspire the development of more effective, personalised interventions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Science and Health Technology for Health Promotion: With a Focus on Applied Health Research)

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13 pages, 472 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Examining Memory Performance in Senior Adults: A Comparative Cross-Sectional Study

Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(11), 4930; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14114930 - 6 Jun 2024

Viewed by 765

Abstract

This study investigates memory performance among 73 adults over 60 years old, utilising Memory Impairment Screening (MIS) and self-reported memory failures assessed by the Memory Failures in Everyday questionnaire (MFE-28). Participants were divided into four groups: individuals with depressive symptoms, healthy individuals, individuals with depressive symptoms and mild cognitive impairment, and individuals with mild cognitive impairment only. Groups were organised according to their Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and the 15-item Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15) scores. The study aims to analyse MIS scores and self-reported memory failures across these groups as measured with the 28-item Memory Failures Everyday (MFE-28) scale. Correlation analyses were conducted for the complete sample, while variance analyses were carried out for the four classification groups above. Bivariate linear regression analysis was carried out to explore how the combination of cognitive and depressive symptoms status influenced memory performance. Results show that subjective memory complaints and memory performance are related to depressive symptoms, and the latter is associated with worse cognitive performance. Lastly, our study highlights that individuals with mild cognitive impairment and depressive symptoms exhibit worse performance in recall tasks and report more subjective memory complaints compared to those with mild cognitive impairment alone. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Science and Health Technology for Health Promotion: With a Focus on Applied Health Research)

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15 pages, 1115 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Near-Infrared Spectroscopy Does Not Track Forearm Blood Flow during Venous Occlusion Plethysmography

by Michael R. Perlet, Jeremy T. Herren, Miranda K. Traylor, Matthew D. Bailey and Joshua L. Keller

Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(8), 3205; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14083205 - 11 Apr 2024

Viewed by 1276

Abstract

Background: Venous occlusion plethysmography (VOP) non-invasively measures forearm blood flow (FBF), whereas near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) assesses skeletal muscle oxygenation. Using these techniques has revealed sex differences in microvascular responses. However, it is not clear if NIRS and VOP results are interchangeable under various conditions like reactive hyperemia (RH). Our purpose was to evaluate sex-specific associations between FBF and NIRS-derived parameters: oxygenated hemoglobin, deoxygenated hemoglobin, total hemoglobin, and hemoglobin difference (O₂Hb, HHb, tHb, and HbDiff). Methods: In total, 29 adults (15 men) participated, and a strain-gauge was placed on the forearm for VOP and a NIRS device was distally attached. Slopes for FBF and NIRS parameters were quantified during venous occlusion intervals at rest and during RH. Pearson’s correlations were assessed between VOP and NIRS slopes. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC_2,1) examined the sex-specific consistency of the slopes at rest. p ≤ 0.05 was considered significant. Results: During RH, FBF was not correlated with O₂Hb (r = −0.126), HHb (r = 0.228), tHb (r = 0.061), or HbDiff (r = 0.046). Seemingly, there were no sex differences. Resting FBF and NIRS-derived variables, except for HbDiff, displayed suitable consistency as suggested by the reliability results (ICC_2,1 = 0.115–0.577). Conclusions: The NIRS values collected did not match the strain-gauge slopes. Individuals should practice caution when generating blood flow inferences from NIRS-based data during VOP. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Science and Health Technology for Health Promotion: With a Focus on Applied Health Research)

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16 pages, 2087 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Effects of Ubiquinol Intake and Sociophysical Training on the Activation of Psychological and Infrared Camera-Measured Body Temperature Physiology and Blood Molecular Markers: A Pilot Study among Healthy Female Older Adults

by Makoto Ota, Masanori Hariyama, Ricki Colman and Mamiko Koshiba

Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(6), 2366; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14062366 - 11 Mar 2024

Viewed by 1726

Abstract

A combination of existing treatments with sensing technology may be the most appropriate approach for incurable neuropsychiatric disorders. Dietary antioxidant supplementation, exercise, and cognitive training are individually well-established treatments for neurodegeneration, Alzheimer’s disease, and other dementias. Therefore, in a double-blind randomized controlled trial, we evaluated the response of normal healthy older female subjects to coenzyme Q10 supplementation and simultaneous sociophysical training that was undertaken in a non-contact environment using infrared cameras. The current pilot study reports the results from a multivariate analysis of blood biomarkers, body surface temperature measured with infrared thermal cameras, and psychological questionnaire scores from this trial, in which 100 mg/day of supplemental ubiquinol (the reduced form of coenzyme Q10) was administered daily for one month. We found a significant positive correlation between ubiquinol supplementation and positive mood scores in the State–Trait Anxiety Inventory test (STAI-positive) and a weak inverse correlation between ubiquinol supplementation and serum interleukin 4 (IL-4), a systemic inflammatory marker. We also found a significant positive correlation between the standard deviation of body surface temperatures, detected with non-contact infrared image sensors, and both STAI-positive and serum antidiuretic hormone (ADH). The results from this small pilot study indicate the potential synergistic effects of oral ubiquinol intake and sociophysical training on neuropsychiatric health in healthy female older adults. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Science and Health Technology for Health Promotion: With a Focus on Applied Health Research)

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18 pages, 13716 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Designing and Manufacturing an Affordable and Easy to Use Visual Bio Feedback Device to Fix Forward Head Posture: A Pilot Study Involving Female Students

by Mehran Emadi Andani, Bahar Lotfalian and Ata Jahangir Moshayedi

Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(2), 781; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14020781 - 17 Jan 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1546

Abstract

Forward Head Posture (FHP) is when the head leans forward due to factors such as heavy backpacks or poor computer ergonomics. FHP can lead to neck strain and discomfort as well as potential long-term issues such as arthritis. Treatment options include specialized exercises, orthopedic devices, manual therapy, physical exercises, and visual feedback techniques, along with guidance from specialists in physical medicine and rehabilitation. In this study, a visual feedback-based approach was used to address FHP in female students. The study spanned ten days and included a visual feedback group and a control group. The results showed significant improvements in maximum head angle deviation in the visual feedback group compared to the control group; however, there was no significant change in the DFA number, indicating stability in policy control by the central nervous system. The study demonstrated that visual feedback sessions led to immediate benefits, with participants progressively acquiring skills involving the maintenance of proper head positioning. The test results indicated that the neck angle decreased to less than 15 degrees, indicating a return to a normal state. The versatility of the developed affordable and easy-to-use device and the potential for using smartphone motion sensors for similar visual feedback systems are discussed in this paper as well. The study suggests the promising potential of visual feedback in healthcare, including remote monitoring and smartphone-based solutions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Science and Health Technology for Health Promotion: With a Focus on Applied Health Research)

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