Adults with Down syndrome are an underserved population at high risk for a host of different pathologies from aging and lack of activity.PurposeTo examine the effects of a 10-week resistance training program on measures of motor behavior, cognitive function, mood, and physical fitness.MethodsParticipants (n = 11) were men and women clinically diagnosed with Down syndrome (age: 25.8 ± 6.4 years; height: 151.5 ± 8.3 cm; weight: 67.5 ± 13.0 kg; IQ: 58.3 ± 19.7 units). After familiarization of testing procedures, subjects performed The Arizona Cognitive Test Battery for Down Syndrome, TGMD-2, lower and upper body strength assessments, and body composition via DXA testing, while parental guardians completed cognitive and mood survey assessments (Cognitive Scale for Down Syndrome, Behavioral Rating Inventory of Executive Function, NiSonger Child Behavior Rating Form, Scales of Independent Behavior-Revised, Child Eating Behavior Questionnaire, Social Communication Questionnaire, and Mood and Feelings Questionnaire) at pre and post 10 weeks of periodized resistance training.ResultsSignificant (P ≤ 0.05) improvements in locomotor skills and object control skills were observed post-training. Both locomotor skills (e.g., sprint, gallop, leaping, broad jump) and object control skills (e.g., baseball catch, underhand roll, basketball dribble) were all significantly improved. Facets of cognitive performance significantly improved, specifically executive function and visuospatial working memory capacity, and frontal lobe activity. Mood disturbances significantly decrease. All aspects of physical strength and endurance were improved, i.e., leg press, bench press, sit-ups, push-ups, and chair sit-to-stand post-training. Lean tissue mass was significantly increased post-training.ConclusionThis study dramatically demonstrates that life enhancements for individuals with Down syndrome are achievable with a properly designed resistance training program.

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) is a complex physiological and psychological condition that affects a significant number of women during their reproductive years. Although the exact etiology of PMS remains unclear, its symptoms, including mood swings, bloating, irritability, and fatigue, can significantly impair the quality of life for affected individuals. The management of PMS traditionally involves pharmacological interventions; however, emerging evidence suggests that exercise may offer a valuable non-pharmacological approach to alleviate PMS symptoms. This narrative review aims to explore the proposed etiology, prevalence, and impact PMS has on women as well as examine the literature through which exercise can positively influence PMS symptoms. While the existing literature on exercise and PMS is limited and inconclusive, several studies have reported promising results. Regular exercise has been associated with a reduction in physical and psychological symptoms of PMS including pain, fatigue, mood disturbances, and water retention. Furthermore, exercise has demonstrated its potential to enhance overall well-being and mitigate the negative effects of PMS on daily functioning. Further research is warranted to elucidate the optimal exercise prescription, duration, and intensity required to maximize the benefits and improve the understanding of exercise mechanisms on PMS symptomatology.

: Mobile technologies provide a unique opportunity to improve menstrual health awareness, management, and care. Nurses should consider incorporating a mobile tracking component into patient-care settings to promote menstrual health awareness and advocacy and to help create individualized healthcare plans.

To date, no physical response data are available for one of the most popular eSport games, Overwatch. The purpose of this investigation was to describe the stress signaling associated with competitive Overwatch play and to understand how acute hormonal responses may affect performance. Thirty-two male college-aged gamers (age: 21.3 6 2.7 years; estimated time played per week: 18 6 15 hours) completed the study. Subjects were randomly assigned to a 6-player team to compete in a tournament-style match. Salivary measures of cortisol and testosterone were collected immediately before (PRE) and after (POST) the first-round game, with the heart rate recorded continuously during the match. The mean characteristics were calculated for each variable and comparisons made by the skill level. Significance was defined as p # 0.05. There were no differences in measures of salivary cortisol. A differential response pattern was observed by the skill level for testosterone. The low skill group displayed a significant increase in testosterone with game play (mean 6 SD, testosterone PRE: 418.3 6 89.5 pmol•L 21 , POST: 527.6 6 132.4 pmol•L 21 , p , 0.001), whereas no change was observed in the high skill group. There were no differences in heart rate characteristics between skill groups. Overall, the average heart rate was 107.2 6 17.8 bpm with an average max heart rate of 133.3 6 19.1 bpm. This study provides unique physiological evidence that a sedentary Overwatch match modulates endocrine and cardiovascular responses, with the skill level emerging as a potential modulator.