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Natural language processing (NLP) has been studied in computing for decades. Recent technological advancements have led to the development of sophisticated artificial intelligence (AI) models, such as Chat Generative Pre-trained Transformer (ChatGPT). These models can perform a range of language tasks and generate human-like responses, which offers exciting prospects for academic efficiency. This manuscript aims at (i) exploring the potential benefits and threats of ChatGPT and other NLP technologies in academic writing and research publications; (ii) highlights the ethical considerations involved in using these tools, and (iii) consider the impact they may have on the authenticity and credibility of academic work. This study involved a literature review of relevant scholarly articles published in peer-reviewed journals indexed in Scopus as quartile 1. The search used keywords such as \"ChatGPT,\" \"AI-generated text,\" \"academic writing,\" and \"natural language processing.\" The analysis was carried out using a quasi-qualitative approach, which involved reading and critically evaluating the sources and identifying relevant data to support the research questions. The study found that ChatGPT and other NLP technologies have the potential to enhance academic writing and research efficiency. However, their use also raises concerns about the impact on the authenticity and credibility of academic work. The study highlights the need for comprehensive discussions on the potential use, threats, and limitations of these tools, emphasizing the importance of ethical and academic principles, with human intelligence and critical thinking at the forefront of the research process. This study highlights the need for comprehensive debates and ethical considerations involved in their use. The study also recommends that academics exercise caution when using these tools and ensure transparency in their use, emphasizing the importance of human intelligence and critical thinking in academic work.

The COVID-19 pandemic has prompted governments around the globe to implement various restriction policies, including lockdown, social distancing, and school closures. Subsequently, there has been a surge in sedentary behaviour particularly screen time (ST) together with a significant decline in physical activity that was more marked amongst children and adolescents. Excessive screen exposure in adolescents has been correlated with cardio-metabolic risk factors including obesity, hypertension, high cholesterol, and glucose intolerance that may have adverse morbidity and mortality implications in adulthood. Thus, the current study aimed to synthesize the literature on the relationship between ST of various types and the risk of metabolic syndrome (MetS) in adolescents in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. In August 2021, a systematic search of the literature was undertaken using electronic databases: PubMed, PsycINFO, and the Cochran library. Studies were considered if they met the following key eligibility criteria: (i) Measure of ST as an exposure (TV, computer, videogames, internet, smartphone, tablet), using quantified duration/frequency either self-reported or observed; (ii) Measure of MetS as an outcome with standard definition and/or criteria required to establish MetS diagnosis. The Quality Assessment Tool for Observational Cohort and Cross-Sectional Studies was used to assess the risk of bias. A total of ten studies met the inclusion criteria, and the majority were cross sectional studies. Most studies met fair bias scoring. Overall, the review revealed considerable evidence that suggests a significant negative association between ST and components of MetS among adolescents with dose-response association. During the pandemic, screen usage may become more prevalent through periods of school closures, lockdowns, social isolation, and online learning classes. Public health policies and health promotion strategies targeting parents are needed to raise awareness of the adverse health effects associated with screen-based sedentary behaviour as a precursor of NCDs. Parent or home focused interventions might be effective in limiting adolescents' screen exposure, alternatively substituted with an appropriate level of physical activity. PROSPERO 2021 CRD42021272436.

We believe the organisation and public health prevention policies adopted during the Tokyo OG/PG were appropriate, with some understandable gaps and lessons learnt related to big events to be revised and optimised. Comparisons between public health policies implemented in Japan and those contemplated for the FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar are summarised in table 1. In contrast to the fan-free Japan OG, which hosted around 118 000 visitors over 29 days (ie, around 0.5% of the country’s population), in the FIFA World Cup 2022, Qatar is expected to welcome foreign fans equivalent to more than half of the country’s total population.5

Musculoskeletal injuries during the “Initial Training Phase” (ITP) are a major medical problem faced by law enforcement agencies worldwide. Aiming to develop an injury prevention strategy, we examined the incidence, type, associated factors, and severity of injuries and secondarily tracked their evolution over time by batches in a police academy. A retrospective cohort study was conducted using prospectively collected injury data on 979 newly recruited male police cadets enrolled in eight batches between 2015 and 2023. Among the 376 injured participants (age: 18.1 ± 0.3 years, body-mass: 75.8 ± 12.5 kg, body-height: 173.7 ± 4.0 cm, body mass index [BMI]: 25.1 ± 4.1 kg·m-2, body-fat percentage: 18.1% ± 5.1%), 405 injuries were recorded during the ITP. Musculoskeletal injury data were analyzed according to type, associated-factors, severity, and evolution across batches. Almost half of the recruits (41.4%) sustained at least one musculoskeletal injury. Based on injury frequency (39–69 case) and exposure time (20,944.5–43,006.5 hours per participant) indices, and with an implication of scientific training tips, the long-term follow-up over-batches showed that the injury incidence was decreased 2.5-fold from Batch 1 to Batch 8 (p < .0001). Most injuries occurred between Weeks 2 and 5 (80% cumulative). The most common injury type was medial tibial stress syndrome (36.0%), followed by iliotibial band syndrome (12.6%), and ankle sprain (10.4%). This injury profile aligns with previous studies on law enforcement recruits, although comparisons should be made cautiously due to variations in training programs and recruit characteristics between agencies. The most frequently reported perceived potential contributors of injuries were vitamin and mineral deficiencies (20.7%), overweight/obesity (19.1%), and harsh physical activities (13.0%). During ITP, almost half of the recruits sustained at least one musculoskeletal injury, most of them in the fourth week. Some of the major associated factors of injury could be controlled resulting in a potential reduction of the injury incidence by up to 2.5 times. Implementing tailored fitness programs, incorporating subjective and objective training load assessments, and enhancing monitoring could significantly decrease injury rates, improve recruit readiness, and reduce resource and time waste on injury treatment.

COVID-19 pandemic, with its subsequent lockdown and mobility restriction is a public health emergency that has obliged substantial modifications in daily routines and lifestyle of people worldwide. The drastic measures of social isolation and home confinement has impacted to a great extent the physical and psychological health. The resultant abrupt in lifestyle-related behavior such as physical inactivity, unhealthy dietary habit, sleep disturbance, stress, tobacco use, and alcohol intake, is directly linked to the rising global burden of non-communicable disease. This review aims at gaining a rich and extensive understanding of the potential negative impact triggered by COVID-19 on lifestyle-related behaviors that will influence long-term physical and mental wellbeing. Electronic database search was conducted on PubMed, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar, and Scopus from January 1, 2020 to March 15, 2021. Data related to COVID-19 impact on lifestyle habits were extracted from these studies. Articles were included if meeting the inclusion criteria (i.e., assessed the impact of COVID-19 on physical inactivity and sedentary behavior, dietary habits, sleep, mental health, vitamin D, and substance use among adults. Further search was conducted to address these behavioral changes among athletes. While physical isolation is a necessary public health measure to protect the population, outcomes of this review indicate that in light of adverse lifestyle changes brought by the pandemic, noncommunicable disease remains a critical concern. Hence, adopting healthy lifestyle behavior is essentially important especially during the current time to boost immunity and reduce the risk of COVID-19 infection. Recognizing the pandemic collateral effects offers a forward-looking perspective to guide the government and health authorities in planning prevention and control programs that focus on resilient and sustainable behavioral change.

It is well known that exercise increases the activity of thyroid glands and raises the blood level of melatonin. The increase of melatonin during exercise may be linked to a rise in thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). No previous study has investigated the combined effects of melatonin ingestion and acute submaximal exercise on thyroid hormones’ responses. The purpose of this pilot study was to explore the effects of daytime ingestion of melatonin on thyroid hormones’ responses to acute submaximal exercise. After 50 min of either melatonin (6 mg) or placebo ingestion, eight physical education students (mean ± standard deviation of age: 22 ± 1 years) were asked to run for 45 min at 60% of their maximum aerobic speed. Free thyroxine (fT4) and TSH were measured in plasma samples before and immediately after exercise. After submaximal exercise, TSH increased by 54% in both placebo and melatonin conditions. There was no significant (Condition × Exercise) interaction, and no significant condition effect for TSH. The fT4 remained unchanged before/after submaximal exercise in both placebo [15.2 (1.9) and 15.0 (1.6) pmol/L, respectively, p > .05], and melatonin [16.7 (2.7) and 16.3 (2.7) pmol/L, respectively, p > .05] conditions. There was no significant (Condition × Exercise) interaction, no significant exercise effect, and no significant condition effect for fT4. To conclude, acute melatonin ingestion did not affect thyroid hormones’ responses to submaximal exercise.

Aim: This scoping review examines the application of artificial intelligence (AI) in sports biomechanics, with a focus on enhancing performance and preventing injuries. The review addresses key research questions, including primary AI methods, their effectiveness in improving athletic performance, their potential for injury prediction, sport-specific applications, strategies for translating knowledge, ethical considerations, and remaining research gaps. Following the PRISMA-ScR guidelines, a comprehensive literature search was conducted across five databases (PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, IEEE Xplore, Scopus, and SPORTDiscus), encompassing studies published between January 2015 and December 2024. After screening 3248 articles, 73 studies met the inclusion criteria (Cohen’s kappa = 0.84). Data were collected on AI techniques, biomechanical parameters, performance metrics, and implementation details. Results revealed a shift from traditional statistical models to advanced machine learning methods. Based on moderate-quality evidence from 12 studies, convolutional neural networks reached 94% agreement with international experts in technique assessment. Computer vision demonstrated accuracy within 15 mm compared to marker-based systems (6 studies, moderate quality). AI-driven training plans showed 25% accuracy improvements (4 studies, limited evidence). Random forest models predicted hamstring injuries with 85% accuracy (3 studies, moderate quality). Learning management systems enhanced knowledge transfer, raising coaches’ understanding by 45% and athlete adherence by 3.4 times. Implementing integrated AI systems resulted in a 23% reduction in reinjury rates. However, significant challenges remain, including standardizing data, improving model interpretability, validating models in real-world settings, and integrating them into coaching routines. In summary, incorporating AI into sports biomechanics marks a groundbreaking advancement, providing analytical capabilities that surpass traditional techniques. Future research should focus on creating explainable AI, applying rigorous validation methods, handling data ethically, and ensuring equitable access to promote the widespread and responsible use of AI across all levels of competitive sports.

This review aimed to elucidate the mechanisms through which (i) physical activity (PA) enhances neuroplasticity and cognitive function in neurodegenerative disorders, and (ii) identify specific PA interventions for improving cognitive rehabilitation programs. We conducted a literature search in PubMed, Medline, Scopus, Web of Science, and PsycINFO, covering publications from January 1990 to August 2024. The search strategy employed key terms related to neuroplasticity, physical exercise, cognitive function, neurodegenerative disorders, and personalized physical activity. Inclusion criteria included original research on the relationship between PA and neuroplasticity in neurodegenerative disorders, while exclusion criteria eliminated studies focusing solely on pharmacological interventions. The review identified multiple pathways through which PA may enhance neuroplasticity, including releasing neurotrophic factors, modulation of neuroinflammation, reduction of oxidative stress, and enhancement of synaptic connectivity and neurogenesis. Aerobic exercise was found to increase hippocampal volume by 1–2% and improve executive function scores by 5–10% in older adults. Resistance training enhanced cognitive control and memory performance by 12–18% in elderly individuals. Mind–body exercises, such as yoga and tai-chi, improved gray matter density in memory-related brain regions by 3–5% and enhanced emotional regulation scores by 15–20%. Dual-task training improved attention and processing speed by 8–14% in individuals with neurodegenerative disorders. We also discuss the potential role of AI-based exercise and AI cognitive training in preventing and rehabilitating neurodegenerative illnesses, highlighting innovative approaches to personalized interventions and improved patient outcomes. PA significantly enhances neuroplasticity and cognitive function in neurodegenerative disorders through various mechanisms. Aerobic exercise, resistance training, mind–body practices, and dual-task exercises each offer unique cognitive benefits. Implementing these activities in clinical settings can improve patient outcomes. Future research should focus on creating personalized interventions tailored to specific conditions, incorporating personalized physical exercise programs to optimize cognitive rehabilitation.

This study examined the effects of self-selected motivational music during warm-up on time-of-day (TOD) variations in short-term maximal performance among adolescent female handball players. Eighteen athletes (16.16 ± 0.38 years) completed eight sessions in randomized order across four TOD points (08:00 h, 11:00 h, 15:00 h, 18:00 h) and two warm-up conditions: with music (Yes-MUS) and without music (No-MUS). At each session, oral temperature (OT), countermovement jump (CMJ), medicine ball throw (MBT), 20-meter sprint (20 m-ST), and Illinois Agility Test (IAT) were assessed. Results showed that oral temperature increased significantly from 35.63 ± 0.72 °C at 08:00 h to 36.78 ± 0.12 °C at 18:00 h (p < 0.001), mirroring improvements in all physical performance tests across the day. Notably, music enhanced performance at all TODs and significantly reduced the amplitude of diurnal variation in CMJ (5.7% vs. 2.3%), MBT (13% vs. 6.6%), 20 m-ST (5.9% vs. 3.3%), and IAT (7.1% vs. 4.7%). The largest gains were observed during morning sessions. These findings suggest that self-selected motivational music during warm-up can act as a practical ergogenic strategy to counteract time-of-day performance decrements, especially in female team-sport athletes. Integrating music into pre-exercise routines may help optimize training outcomes when performance is typically suboptimal.

This study investigates the effects of two blended learning strategies on improving tacking technique in Optimist sailing among children aged 11–13. Specifically, it compares video feedback with online written instructions (BLIV) and online written instructions only (BLI). Thirty-one children aged 11–13 years old were randomly divided into three groups with different learning strategies: BLIV, BLI, and a control group (CONT). Each participant completed a pre-test (T0) and a post-test (T1) following a four-session learning unit. Evaluations focused on (i) tacking technique, rated by three sailing coaches, (ii) execution time measured using Kinovea software, and (iii) theoretical knowledge, assessed through a test involving error detection in a novice’s video. Statistical analyses revealed that the BLIV group demonstrated significant improvements at T1 in technical performance ( p  < 0.001, Hedges’ g = 2.71), execution time ( p  = 0.006, Hedges’ g = 1.14), and theoretical knowledge ( p  < 0.001, Hedges’ g = 1.98), outperforming the BLI and CONT groups in tacking performance. These findings underscore the effectiveness of the BLIV strategy in enhancing learning outcomes in environments with high levels of sensory distractions. By facilitating a deeper understanding of technique and error correction, this technology-enhanced instructional approach shows promise as a valuable tool for teaching complex motor skills in sports. The research findings suggest that BLIV demonstrates significant improvements in sailing skills, execution time, and theoretical understanding among young sailors compared to other methods. The study advocates for the integration of blended learning approaches that combine in-class activities with delayed video-based feedback delivered online to enhance skill acquisition young sailors.