Sofigait-A Wireless Inertial Sensor-Based Gait Sonification System.

In this study, a prototype of an inertial sensor-based gait sonification system was tested for the purpose of providing real-time gait feedback on the knee angle. The study consisted of two parts: (1) a comparison of the knee angle measurement to a marker-based 3D optical capturing system (Vicon, Oxford, UK) with N = 24 participants and (2) an evaluation four different sonification feedback versions in an accentuation × pitch (2 × 2) design on a sample of N = 28 participants. For the measurement system comparison, the RMSE was 7.6° ± 2.6° for the left and 6.9° ± 3.1° for the right side. Measurement agreement with bias up to −7.5° ± 6.2° (for maximum knee flexion) was indicated by the Bland−Altmann Method. The SPM revealed significant differences between both measurement systems for the area 45−90% (p < 0.001) (left) and the area between 45% and 80% (p = 0.007) (right). For the sonification perception, the variation of pitch had a significant effect on the perception of pleasantness of the sound. No effect was found for the accentuation of the swing or stance phase.

Effects of barefoot and footwear conditions on learning of a dynamic balance task: a randomized controlled study.

PURPOSE: Although barefoot balancing has shown to be more challenging compared to shod balancing, it is still unclear whether this may also influence the balance learning effects. The purpose of this study was to explore the impact of barefoot and shod exercising on learning of a dynamic balance task. METHODS: Sixty healthy and physically active adults (mean age 25.3 ± 3.4 years) were randomly allocated into one of three groups (barefoot, shod and controls). The barefoot and shod intervention groups exercised once weekly over 7 weeks on a stability platform with an unstable surface. Each training session included 15 trials over 30 s. Before and after the intervention period, all participants completed two balance tests (stability platform and Balance Error Scoring System = BESS) under barefoot and shod conditions. Group effects in stability gains (pre to post-test differences) were analysed using ANOVA. Development of balance learning curves during the intervention period was analysed using a mixed effects model. RESULTS: Balance times improved in both intervention groups (p < 0.001, 95% CI barefoot 5.82-9.22 s, shod 7.51-10.92 s) compared to controls. The barefoot intervention group showed a significantly less sloped balance learning curve compared to the shod intervention group (p = 0.033). No changes over time or differences between groups were found for the BESS test. CONCLUSIONS: Improvements in the dynamic balance task did not differ between individuals exercising barefoot or with footwear although the progression was slower in the barefoot group. The lack of changes in the BESS supports the task-specificity of balance learning effects.

Asymmetries of Maximum Trunk, Hand, and Leg Strength in Comparison to Volleyball and Fitness Athletes.

Mattes, K, Wollesen, B, and Manzer, S. Asymmetries of maximum trunk, hand, and leg strength in comparison to volleyball and fitness athletes. J Strength Cond Res 32(1): 57-65, 2018-Playing volleyball and corresponding training loads lead to specific strains and might result in asymmetric muscle pattern. The study aimed to identify volleyball-specific maximum bilateral strength asymmetries in comparison to fitness athletes. The cross-sectional study design compared an age-matched male volleyball group (n = 23; 27.9 ± 5 years) with a fitness group (n = 30; 26.3 ± 3 years). The participants performed an isometric maximum handgrip strength test followed by 2 isokinetic concentric maximum strength tests to determine the performance capacity of the axial trunk rotators (left-right) and bilateral leg extensors. Differences between groups and left-right side (within group) were proven by variance analysis with repeated measurements. There was a left-right difference with higher maximum forces for the rotation in the right direction in the volleyball group (p = 0.0058) but the group interaction effect was not significant after alpha error accumulation. The results of the leg press indicated a stronger left leg in the fitness group (nonsignificant) in comparison to the volleyball group. Overall, the volleyball group displayed symmetry in maximum handgrip and leg strength and asymmetry in trunk rotation with higher strength in right rotation. This asymmetry for the right trunk rotation showed a small effect size. The resulting asymmetry might be an adaptation to the volleyball techniques, but it remains unclear if this is a cause for or of injury. As a practical implication, the asymmetries should be examined to develop individualized strength training programs for both groups.

Influence of age, gender and test conditions on the reproducibility of Dual-Task walking performance.

BACKGROUND: The review of methodological problems (confounding factors) of gait analysis in intervention studies with seniors is underrepresented. AIM: This study focusses on two common problems of gait analysis under single-task (ST) and dual-task (DT) conditions (visual verbal Stroop test): (1) reproducibility of walking variables and (2) the effects of gait velocity, gender and age on peak plantar pressure to identify confounding effects on relevant outcome parameters. METHODS: The participants (N = 86, 71.9 ± 4.6 years) were divided into a (1) reproducibility (n = 28) and an (2) outcome parameter group (n = 58). Gait kinematics (step length; cadence) and kinetics (peak plantar pressure under heel, midfoot and forefoot) were analyzed walking barefoot on a treadmill (100 Hz) at self-selected speed for the reproducibility and at two different speeds (v = 3.5; 4.5 km/h) for outcome parameters. ICC analysis combined with the repeatability coefficient and SEM calculation, an ANOVA with repeated measurements and determination of effect sizes (η p2 ) as well as a partial correlation analyses with body mass were done. RESULTS: The reproducibility of the walking variables under ST and DT conditions was excellent with ICC values of .67 to .99. The SEM and CR results as presented in Table 2 support these findings for some of the parameters. DISCUSSION: Plantar pressure values were influenced by gait velocity but less by age and gender. For DT walking the differences between preferred and fixed gait speed have to be controlled to assign the DT effects. CONCLUSION: Effects of intervention studies should be carefully interpreted regarding the absolute reproducibility.

Feasibility study of dual-task-managing training to improve gait performance of older adults.

INTRODUCTION: Dual task (DT) training is becoming prominent in fall prevention. However, DT training should include task-managing strategies like task switching or task prioritization to be beneficial to improve gait performance under DT conditions. The aim of this pilot study was to evaluate the effect of a task managing training on gait stability. METHODS: A DT training (12 sessions; 60 min each; 12 weeks) was compared to a non-training control group within a RCT (38 independent living participants; 72.7 ± 4.7 years). Single Task (ST) and DT walking (visual verbal Stroop task) were measured on a treadmill (FDM-T, 3.5 km/h, 100 HZ). Gait parameters like step length, step width, gait line, maximum forces and gait variability were compared. RESULTS: The training group improved their gait performance under ST and DT conditions as revealed by significant group × time interaction effects. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: The training successfully improved gait performance and therefore might be a promising approach to prevent falls. Additional fall prevention studies should focus on motor-cognitive performance and reinforce outcomes of task managing strategies.

Effects of acoustic feedback training in elite-standard Para-Rowing.

Assessment and feedback devices have been regularly used in technique training in high-performance sports. Biomechanical analysis is mainly visually based and so can exclude athletes with visual impairments. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of auditory feedback on mean boat speed during on-water training of visually impaired athletes. The German National Para-Rowing team (six athletes, mean ± s, age 34.8 ± 10.6 years, body mass 76.5 ± 13.5 kg, stature 179.3 ± 8.6 cm) participated in the study. Kinematics included boat acceleration and distance travelled, collected with Sofirow at two intensities of training. The boat acceleration-time traces were converted online into acoustic feedback and presented via speakers during rowing (sections with and without alternately). Repeated-measures within-participant factorial ANOVA showed greater boat speed with acoustic feedback than baseline (0.08 ± 0.01 m·s(-1)). The time structure of rowing cycles was improved (extended time of positive acceleration). Questioning of athletes showed acoustic feedback to be a supportive training aid as it provided important functional information about the boat motion independent of vision. It gave access for visually impaired athletes to biomechanical analysis via auditory information. The concept for adaptive athletes has been successfully integrated into the preparation for the Para-Rowing World Championships and Paralympics.

Authors' response to the letter to the editor: "Effects of acoustic feedback training in elite-standard Para-Rowing" by Schaffert and Mattes (2015).

Our article in the Journal of Sports Sciences was designed to examine effects of auditory feedback on mean boat speed during on-water training of visually impaired athletes in elite-standard Para-Rowing. This aim is stated explicitly in the title, abstract, introduction and discussion section. The effects were analysed on the basis of a conservative approach to using inferential statistics by emphasising measures that communicate meaningful differences and effect sizes to help interpret the data's practical importance for sport competition. Biomechanical measurements have been combined with standardised questionnaires to assess the athletes' perceived experience during rowing with acoustic feedback. An application for high-performance rowing has already been used to successfully investigate the effects of acoustic feedback on the time structure of the rowing cycle during the recovery phase. In this response, we provide our comments to the concerns presented in the 'Letter to the Editor' along with a brief description of the issues that relate to research in high-performance sport.

The Influence of General and Local Muscle Fatigue on Kinematics and Plantar Pressure Distribution during Running: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Fatigue has the potential to alter how impact forces are absorbed during running, heightening the risk of injury. Conflicting findings exist regarding alterations in both kinematics and plantar pressure. Thus, this systematic review and subsequent meta-analysis were conducted to investigate the impact of general and localized muscle fatigue on kinematics and plantar pressure distribution during running. Initial searches were executed on 30 November 2021 and updated on 29 April 2023, encompassing PubMed, The Cochrane Library, SPORTDiscus, and Web of Science without imposing any restrictions on publication dates or employing additional filters. Our PECOS criteria included cross-sectional studies on healthy adults during their treadmill running to mainly evaluate local muscle fatigue, plantar pressure distribution, biomechanics of running (kinematics, kinetics, and EMG results), and temporospatial parameters. The literature search identified 6626 records, with 4626 studies removed for titles and abstract screening. Two hundred and one articles were selected for full-text screening, and 20 studies were included in qualitative data synthesis. The pooled analysis showed a non-significant decrease in maximum pressure under the right forefoot's metatarsus, which was more than the left rearfoot after local muscle fatigue at a velocity of 15 km/h (p-values = 0.48 and 0.62). The results were homogeneous and showed that local muscle fatigue did not significantly affect the right forefoot's stride frequency and length (p-values = 0.75 and 0.38). Strength training for the foot muscles, mainly focusing on the dorsiflexors, is recommended to prevent running-related injuries. Utilizing a standardized knee and ankle joint muscle fatigue assessment protocol is advised. Future experiments should focus on various shoes for running and varying foot strike patterns for injury prevention.

[The impact of local muscle fatigue and foot strike techniques on kinematic features and plantar pressure distribution while walking]. / Der Einfluss von lokaler Muskelermüdung und Fußaufsatztechnik auf die kinematischen Merkmale und die plantare Druckverteilung beim Laufen.

Although numerous studies have been performed, there are no clear findings providing a meaningful statement about how foot strike changes as a result of muscular fatigue. In studies on running fatigue, it is not possible to differentiate which kinematic or kinetic changes are a direct result of local muscle fatigue and varied speeds. This study aimed to investigate the effect of foot strike technique and localized muscle fatigue of the plantar and dorsal flexors on plantar pressure distribution and selected kinematic features of treadmill running. Twenty-six voluntary forefoot and rearfoot runners of similar age and body mass participated in the study. Each group completed two tests with a time interval of 3-7 days. The kinematic data was measured with the help of a three-dimensional measuring and analysis system while the volunteers ran on the treadmill. The fatigue protocol included an isometric maximal force test and an isokinetic endurance test. In order to check the differences, a variance analysis with repeated measurements was used. The strength values of the two groups of runners showed significant average differences in the plantar flexors in the endurance test and in the fatigue index for both the left and right legs. The results of the strength values are surprising because the plantar flexors of this group of runners should be well-trained due to the forefoot strike during regular running. In response to fatigue, the pressure maxima decreased under the exposed foot regions, i.e. under the forefoot at forefoot strike and under the heel at rearfoot strike. The two groups of runners differed in foot angle at foot-on with higher values measured in the forefoot runners. The larger foot angle of the forefoot runners improved shock absorption and can thus reduce the risk of injury.

Kinematic Stride Characteristics of Maximal Sprint Running of Elite Sprinters - Verification of the "Swing-Pull Technique".

Maximum sprinting speed constitutes an optimum relation between the stride length and the step rate in addition to an appropriate sprinting technique. The kinematics of the sprint step at maximum sprinting speed have already been examined in numerous studies, without reaching a consensus. The aim of this study was to analyze the relationship between maximum sprinting speed and the stride kinematics based on the "Swing-Pull Technique". German elite sprinters (N = 26, body height = 182 ± 6 cm, leg length 93.8 ± 4.1 cm) were tested while performing a 30-meter flying sprint at maximum sprinting speed. The relationship between sprinting speed and kinematic variables was determined via Pearson correlation. Sprinting speed (10.1 - 11.3 m/s) correlated with stride length (r = 0.53), ground contact time (r = -0.53) and variables from the technique model: the knee angle at the end of the knee lift swing (r = 0.40), the maximum knee angle prior to backswing (r = 0.40), the hip extension angle velocity (r = 0.63), and vertical foot velocity (r = 0.77) during pre-support, the ankle angle at the take-on (r = -0.43), knee flexion (r = -0.54), and knee extension (r = -0.47) during support. The results indicate that greater stride length, smaller contact time, and the mentioned kinematic step characteristics are relevant for the production of maximum sprinting speed in athletes at an intermediate to advanced performance level. The association of sprinting speed and these features should primarily be taken into account in conditioning and technical training.

Improved neck posture and reduced neck muscle activity when using a novel camera based workstation for manual precision inspection tasks.

PURPOSE: This study investigates the effects of the usage of a novel camera system compared to a conventional lens system for manual precision tasks. Utilizing the novel camera system aims to improve neck posture, reduce neck muscle tension and thereby minimize the risk of neck pain. METHODS: Camera and lens systems were compared by assessing the craniovertebral angle (CVA), electromyographic activity of the M.trapezius and perceived exertion. 16 healthy participants (n = 8 female, 24 ± 2 years; n = 8 male, 30 ± 5 years) performed manual precision tasks in a cross-over design using both systems in sitting and standing positions. RESULTS: Analyses showed that using the camera system improved the CVA in sitting [28.4° (22.8°-33.9°) to 42.5° (38.9°-46.1°); p < 0.01] and decreased the M.trapezius activity in standing [13.1% (7.7%-18.6%) to 8.65% (5.49%-11.81%)]. Additionally, overall and neck specific perceived exertion decreased when using the camera system in standing. CONCLUSIONS: The camera system may prevent neck pain in workers performing manual precision tasks in sitting and standing postures.

Influences of Neck and/or Wrist Pain on Hand Grip Strength of Industrial Quality Proofing Workers.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to analyze the interaction between neck and/or wrist pain and hand grip strength (HGS) and to investigate factors (age, sex, neck disorders, and carpal tunnel syndrome) influencing the HGS of industrial quality proofing workers (N = 145). METHODS: Standardized questionnaires [Neck Disability Index (NDI), Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire] were used to evaluate existing neck and/or wrist pain. HGS measurements were performed in different wrist positions. RESULTS: Significant differences between participants with and without neck pain were found in different wrist positions, in neutral wrist position right [without neck pain (n = 48) 46.34 (43.39 - 49.30); with neck pain (n = 97) 38.46 (36.20 - 40.72), F (1,144)  = 16.82, p < 0.001, ŋ p 2 = 0.11] and left [without neck pain 44.06 (41.19 - 46.94); with neck pain 37.36 (35.13 - 39.58), F (1,144)  = 12.70, p < 0.001, ŋ p 2 = 0.08]. A significant difference between participants with and without wrist pain was found for neutral wrist position right [without wrist pain (n = 105) 42.53 (40.37 - 44.70); with wrist pain (n = 40) 37.24 (33.56 - 40.91), F (1,144)  = 6.41, p = 0.01, ŋ p 2 = 0.04]. Regression analysis showed significant results especially for steps two (age and weight, NDI) and three (age and weight, NDI, Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire) for neutral position right (R2 = 0.355, R2 = 0.357, respectively). CONCLUSION: Neck pain has an impact on HGS but should be evaluated in consideration of age and sex.

Altered tonic and phasic cortisol secretion following unilateral stroke.

Evidence is accumulating that cerebral laterality appears to be an important feature in the regulation of the stress response with the right hemisphere being closely linked to stress-regulatory systems, including the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. Although some animal and human data support this hypothesis, studies on brain damaged patients yet failed to substantiate laterality effects on cortisol secretion. The aim of this study was to examine whether unilateral stroke differentially affects tonic and phasic response characteristics of the HPA axis, and to evaluate the impact of intrahemispheric lesion location. Basal morning cortisol levels and phasic responses towards a mentally challenging task were examined in 32 stroke patients with left-sided (LH; n=18) or right-sided (RH; n=14) infarctions and 30 healthy controls matched for age and gender. Only LH, but not RH patients displayed increased morning cortisol levels when compared to controls. In contrast, phasic reactions were blunted in the combined patient group with RH patients showing the most distinct decline. More anterior located lesions were associated with reduced phasic, but not tonic cortisol measures. This relationship appeared to be particularly pronounced in RH patients. Results support the conclusion that the central regulation of cortisol secretion is under excitatory control of the right hemisphere and can be interpreted within a framework of asymmetrical regulation of the stress response. Left- and right-sided strokes may differentially affect response patterns of the HPA axis, a stress-regulatory system that is associated with effective protection against disease and external challenges.

How anterior pelvic tilt affects the lower extremity kinematics during the late swing phase in soccer players while running: A time series analysis.

Anterior pelvic tilt has been proposed to predispose the hamstring in soccer players to injury at the late swing phase during a sprint, however the mechanism on how the changes in the alignment would affect the kinematics are still unclear. Thirty-four male amateur soccer players were recruited for this study. Pelvic tilt was measured using the DIERS Formetric 4D. Lower extremity angles were recorded using an 8-camera Vicon motion capture system at 200 Hz while the athlete performed a high speed run on a motorised treadmill. Late swing phase was extracted from 5 running cycle which were later analysed using statistical parametric mapping (SPM). The results show that the increase of anterior pelvic tilt angle was significantly correlated with hip (r = -0.421 to -0.462, p = 0.015) and knee flexion (r = -0.424 to -0.472, p = 0.026) values. No other correlation was found between the anterior pelvic tilt and the angles at the coronal plane. By using time series analysis it was shown that the anterior pelvic tilt measured in a standing position would affect the adjacent segments' kinematics while running as suggested in the kinetic chain theory; which would potentially predispose the soccer athletes to hamstring injury by maintaining knee extension.

A Review on the Relationship Between Sound and Movement in Sports and Rehabilitation.

The role of auditory information on perceptual-motor processes has gained increased interest in sports and psychology research in recent years. Numerous neurobiological and behavioral studies have demonstrated the close interaction between auditory and motor areas of the brain, and the importance of auditory information for movement execution, control, and learning. In applied research, artificially produced acoustic information and real-time auditory information have been implemented in sports and rehabilitation to improve motor performance in athletes, healthy individuals, and patients affected by neurological or movement disorders. However, this research is scattered both across time and scientific disciplines. The aim of this paper is to provide an overview about the interaction between movement and sound and review the current literature regarding the effect of natural movement sounds, movement sonification, and rhythmic auditory information in sports and motor rehabilitation. The focus here is threefold: firstly, we provide an overview of empirical studies using natural movement sounds and movement sonification in sports. Secondly, we review recent clinical and applied studies using rhythmic auditory information and sonification in rehabilitation, addressing in particular studies on Parkinson's disease and stroke. Thirdly, we summarize current evidence regarding the cognitive mechanisms and neural correlates underlying the processing of auditory information during movement execution and its mental representation. The current state of knowledge here reviewed provides evidence of the feasibility and effectiveness of the application of auditory information to improve movement execution, control, and (re)learning in sports and motor rehabilitation. Findings also corroborate the critical role of auditory information in auditory-motor coupling during motor (re)learning and performance, suggesting that this area of clinical and applied research has a large potential that is yet to be fully explored.

Adaptation of Running Biomechanics to Repeated Barefoot Running: A Randomized Controlled Study.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have shown that changing acutely from shod to barefoot running induces several changes to running biomechanics, such as altered ankle kinematics, reduced ground-reaction forces, and reduced loading rates. However, uncertainty exists whether these effects still exist after a short period of barefoot running habituation. PURPOSE/HYPOTHESIS: The purpose was to investigate the effects of a habituation to barefoot versus shod running on running biomechanics. It was hypothesized that a habituation to barefoot running would induce different adaptations of running kinetics and kinematics as compared with a habituation to cushioned footwear running or no habituation. STUDY DESIGN: Controlled laboratory study. METHODS: Young, physically active adults without experience in barefoot running were randomly allocated to a barefoot habituation group, a cushioned footwear group, or a passive control group. The 8-week intervention in the barefoot and footwear groups consisted of 15 minutes of treadmill running at 70% of VO2 max (maximal oxygen consumption) velocity per weekly session in the allocated footwear. Before and after the intervention period, a 3-dimensional biomechanical analysis for barefoot and shod running was conducted on an instrumented treadmill. The passive control group did not receive any intervention but was also tested prior to and after 8 weeks. Pre- to posttest changes in kinematics, kinetics, and spatiotemporal parameters were then analyzed with a mixed effects model. RESULTS: Of the 60 included participants (51.7% female; mean ± SD age, 25.4 ± 3.3 years; body mass index, 22.6 ± 2.1 kg·m-2), 53 completed the study (19 in the barefoot habituation group, 18 in the shod habituation group, and 16 in the passive control group). Acutely, running barefoot versus shod influenced foot strike index and ankle, foot, and knee angles at ground contact (P < .001), as well as vertical average loading rate (P = .003), peak force (P < .001), contact time (P < .001), flight time (P < .001), step length (P < .001), and cadence (P < .001). No differences were found for average force (P = .391). After the barefoot habituation period, participants exhibited more anterior foot placement (P = .006) when running barefoot, while no changes were observed in the footwear condition. Furthermore, barefoot habituation increased the vertical average loading rates in both conditions (barefoot, P = .01; shod, P = .003) and average vertical ground-reaction forces for shod running (P = .039). All other outcomes (ankle, foot, and knee angles at ground contact and flight time, contact time, cadence, and peak forces) did not change significantly after the 8-week habituation. CONCLUSION: Changing acutely from shod to barefoot running in a habitually shod population increased the foot strike index and reduced ground-reaction force and loading rates. After the habituation to barefoot running, the foot strike index was further increased, while the force and average loading rates also increased as compared with the acute barefoot running situation. The increased average loading rate is contradictory to other studies on acute adaptations of barefoot running. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: A habituation to barefoot running led to increased vertical average loading rates. This finding was unexpected and questions the generalizability of acute adaptations to long-term barefoot running. Sports medicine professionals should consider these adaptations in their recommendations regarding barefoot running as a possible measure for running injury prevention. REGISTRATION: DRKS00011073 (German Clinical Trial Register).

Human Body Mechanics of Pushing and Pulling: Analyzing the Factors of Task-related Strain on the Musculoskeletal System.

The purpose of this review is to name and describe the important factors of musculoskeletal strain originating from pushing and pulling tasks such as cart handling that are commonly found in industrial contexts. A literature database search was performed using the research platform Web of Science. For a study to be included in this review differences in measured or calculated strain had to be investigated with regard to: (1) cart weight/ load; (2) handle position and design; (3) exerted forces; (4) handling task (push and pull); or (5) task experience. Thirteen studies met the inclusion criteria and proved to be of adequate methodological quality by the standards of the Alberta Heritage Foundation for Medical Research. External load or cart weight proved to be the most influential factor of strain. The ideal handle positions ranged from hip to shoulder height and were dependent on the strain factor that was focused on as well as the handling task. Furthermore, task experience and subsequently handling technique were also key to reducing strain. Workplace settings that regularly involve pushing and pulling should be checked for potential improvements with regards to lower weight of the loaded handling device, handle design, and good practice guidelines to further reduce musculoskeletal disease prevalence.

Effects of Dual-Task Management and Resistance Training on Gait Performance in Older Individuals: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background: Dual-task (DT) training is a well-accepted modality for fall prevention in older adults. DT training should include task-managing strategies such as task switching or task prioritization to improve gait performance under DT conditions. Methods: We conducted a randomized controlled trial to evaluate a balance and task managing training (BDT group) in gait performance compared to a single task (ST) strength and resistance training and a control group, which received no training. A total of 78 older individuals (72.0 ± 4.9 years) participated in this study. The DT group performed task managing training incorporating balance and coordination tasks while the ST group performed resistance training only. Training consisted of 12 weekly sessions, 60 min each, for 12 weeks. We assessed the effects of ST and BDT training on walking performance under ST and DT conditions in independent living elderly adults. ST and DT walking (visual verbal Stroop task) were measured utilizing a treadmill at self-selected walking speed (mean for all groups: 4.4 ± 1 km h-1). Specific gait variables, cognitive performance, and fear of falling were compared between all groups. >Results: Training improved gait performance for step length (p < 0.001) and gait-line (ST: p < 0.01; DT p < 0.05) in both training groups. The BDT training group showed greater improvements in step length (p < 0.001) and gait-line (p < 0.01) during DT walking but did not have changes in cognitive performance. Both interventions reduced fear of falling (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Implementation of task management strategies into balance and strength training in our population revealed a promising modality to prevent falls in older individuals. Trial registration: German register of clinical trials DRKS00012382.

The BASE-Program-A Multidimensional Approach for Health Promotion in Companies.

Multidimensional assessments for conducting interventions are needed to achieve positive health effects within companies. BASE is an acronym, consisting of B = "Bedarfsbestimmung" (requirements); A = "Arbeitsplatzorganisation" (organisation of work); S = "Schulung des belastungsverträglichen Alltagshandelns" (coaching preventive behaviour at work); E = "Eigenverantwortung und Selbstwirksamkeit" (self-responsibility and self-efficacy). It is a prevention program designed to avoid and reduce work-related musculoskeletal diseases. It was developed to support prevention strategies within companies. It comprises aspects of health protection, ergonomics, exercise and self-efficacy. A comprehensive assessment will identify strain e.g., musculoskeletal discomforts due to body positions or psychological stress. Moreover, the general health status, preferences and barriers for participating in health promotion programs are evaluated. This analysis leads to practical and goal-oriented recommendations and interventions which suit the needs of companies and employees. These are executed onsite in real workplace situations and involve the introduction of first-hand experience in behavioural change. Therefore, this practical approach enhances the employees' acceptance and self-efficacy for health promotion. This can result in long-term health promoting behaviour. This article presents the outcome and sustainability effects of BASE in three different application fields (logistic, industrial and office workers).