Tadsawiya Padkao

Background and Objectives: The acute effects of one-handed versus two-handed smartphone use on shoulder position, pulmonary function, and local cutaneous microvascular perfusion remain unclear. This secondary analysis of a randomized parallel-group trial aimed to explore differences in forced vital capacity (FVC), other pulmonary function parameters, bilateral supine acromial distance, and local cutaneous microvascular perfusion between the two smartphone-handling conditions. Methods: In this randomized parallel-group pretest–posttest trial, 63 university students were allocated to either one-handed (n = 33) or two-handed (n = 30) smartphone use for 30 min. Outcomes were assessed before and after the task. Baseline-adjusted between-group comparisons were conducted using post hoc exploratory analyses of covariance. Results: FVC decreased in the two-handed group (mean change: −0.13 ± 0.06 L), whereas no significant change was observed in the one-handed group. Baseline-adjusted post-task FVC was higher in the one-handed group (adjusted mean difference, 0.16 L; 95% CI, 0.06–0.26 L; p = 0.002). The FEV₁/FVC ratio also differed between groups after baseline adjustment (p = 0.007). Vital capacity decreased significantly in both groups, while inspiratory reserve volume increased and expiratory reserve volume decreased significantly within the one-handed group. Supine acromial distance increased by 0.5–0.6 cm in both groups, without significant baseline-adjusted between-group differences. Right little finger perfusion decreased significantly within the one-handed group (p = 0.032), whereas no significant within-group changes were observed at the other measurement sites. No significant baseline-adjusted between-group differences in local cutaneous microvascular perfusion were detected. Conclusions: Thirty minutes of one-handed or two-handed smartphone use was followed by small, acute changes in selected pulmonary function parameters and increased supine acromial distance in healthy university students. An exploratory baseline-adjusted analysis identified differences in post-task FVC and FEV₁/FVC between the two handling conditions. Although a within-group reduction in right little finger perfusion was observed in the one-handed group, no significant between-group difference was detected. As a post hoc secondary analysis with multiple unadjusted comparisons, the findings are exploratory and subject to potential Type I error and selective emphasis on significant results. The clinical significance and reproducibility of these changes remain uncertain.

Background: Hypertension is a major public health challenge and a leading contributor to cardiovascular morbidity and mortality worldwide. Although obesity is a well-established risk factor for hypertension, the body composition characteristics most strongly associated with hypertension remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate the associations between body composition parameters and hypertension among Thai adults. Methods: This case–control study included 208 Thai adults aged ≥18 years, comprising 103 normotensive individuals and 105 individuals with hypertension. Blood pressure indices included systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), pulse pressure (PP), mean arterial pressure (MAP), and rate-pressure product (RPP). Body composition was assessed using bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) and included overall and regional body composition parameters, including visceral fat level, fat mass, body fat percentage, and skeletal muscle mass. Differences between groups were examined, and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors independently associated with hypertension. Results: Compared with normotensive participants, individuals with hypertension were significantly older (p < 0.001) and more likely to be male (p = 0.010). They also exhibited significantly greater adiposity-related characteristics, including higher body weight (p = 0.001), body mass index (p = 0.001), body fat percentage (p = 0.023), fat mass (p < 0.001), visceral fat level (p < 0.001), and waist-to-hip ratio (p = 0.037), together with higher SBP, DBP, PP, MAP, and RPP (all p < 0.001). In Model 3, older age (OR = 1.06, 95% CI: 1.04–1.09; p < 0.001), male sex (OR = 5.35, 95% CI: 1.69–16.95; p = 0.004), and higher visceral fat level (OR = 1.16, 95% CI: 1.06–1.26; p < 0.001) were associated with hypertension, whereas skeletal muscle mass was not (OR = 1.03, 95% CI: 0.95–1.12; p = 0.438). Each one-unit increase in visceral fat level was associated with a 16% increase in the odds of hypertension. The final model demonstrated acceptable discrimination (AUC = 0.79, 95% CI: 0.72–0.85). Conclusions: A higher BIA-derived visceral fat level was associated with hypertension among Thai adults after adjustment for age, sex, and skeletal muscle mass, whereas skeletal muscle mass showed no independent association in the same model. These findings suggest that visceral fat distribution may provide complementary information in cardiometabolic assessment. However, prospective studies using imaging-based assessments are required to confirm these findings.

Lung vibration is a chest physiotherapy technique used to facilitate sputum mobilization and improve airway clearance; however, its effectiveness may vary due to therapist-dependent factors. This study developed a lung vibration device and evaluated its effectiveness in patients with sputum retention. Twenty-five patients, aged ≥18 years with sputum retention, including those with bronchiectasis, pneumonia, and COPD-related conditions, participated in a randomized crossover trial and received two single interventions in random order: a conventional intervention (manual percussion, manual vibration, and suction) and an experimental intervention (manual vibration replaced by the device). Sputum volume and quality, rating of perceived dyspnea (RPD), peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO₂), cardiovascular dynamics, respiratory rate, and body temperature were assessed before and immediately after each intervention. Sputum volume was significantly higher following the experimental intervention compared with the conventional intervention (p = 0.010). No significant between-intervention differences were observed in sputum quality, RPD, SpO₂, cardiovascular parameters, respiratory rate, or body temperature (all p > 0.05). No potential adverse effects were reported. These findings suggest that the lung vibration device enhances sputum clearance in the short term, with no immediate adverse physiological effects observed, and may serve as a practical alternative to manual vibration.

Excess adiposity is associated with increased oxidative stress and inflammation, which contribute to metabolic dysregulation. Both exercise training and bioactive plant-derived compounds have been explored as therapeutic strategies to mitigate these effects. Asparagus (Asparagus officinalis L.) root extract, rich in ecdysteroids such as 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E), exhibits potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. This randomized controlled trial investigated the combined effects of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and asparagus root extract (ARE) supplementation on metabolic parameters, oxidative stress, inflammatory biomarkers, and white blood cell counts in overweight and obese adults. Seventy-two participants aged 18–30 years with a body mass index ≥ 23 kg/m² were randomly assigned to one of four groups: control (CON), ARE supplementation only (ARE), HIIT only (HIIT), and combined intervention (COM). The HIIT protocol comprised a modified Tabata regimen of progressive bodyweight intervals at 80–90% and 40–50% of maximal perceived exertion, performed three times per week for 12 weeks. Participants in the ARE and COM groups received a daily oral dose of ARE providing 1.71 ± 0.24 mg/kg/day of 20E. Compared with the CON group, the HIIT group showed significant reductions in total cholesterol (TC), the TC/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLC) ratio, and blood glucose levels, alongside significant increases in HDLC and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity (all p < 0.05). The COM group demonstrated significant decreases in protein carbonyls and interleukin-6 levels and in the TC/HDLC ratio (all p < 0.05) as well as a significant increase in SOD activity (p = 0.002). The ARE group, meanwhile, exhibited significant increases in both SOD activity (p < 0.001) and malondialdehyde levels (p = 0.017). These findings suggest that combining HIIT with ARE supplementation produces synergistic improvements in oxidative and inflammatory status, whereas HIIT alone primarily enhances metabolic regulation in overweight and obese individuals.

Snake fruit is rich in vitamin C, carotene, phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and monoterpenoids - bioactive constituents known for their potent antioxidant properties. Based on these components, the present study investigated the potential effects of snake fruit jelly ingestion on glycemic control, endurance performance, alongside its impact on antioxidant status, inflammatory responses, and metabolic biomarkers in healthy individuals. A randomized crossover design was used in two separate experiments involving 48 healthy sedentary men and women aged 19-35 years. All participants ingested 140 g of both control jelly and snake fruit jelly on separate occasions. Experiment 1 (n = 25): Blood glucose (BG) concentrations were measured at baseline and every 30 minutes for 2 hours post-ingestion. Experiment 2 (n = 23): Following each jelly ingestion, participants performed leg cycling at 60% of peak oxygen consumption until exhaustion. Blood samples were collected before and after exercise to measure BG, insulin, cortisol, and biomarkers of antioxidant status and inflammation. In Experiment 1, BG concentrations at 30 and 60 minutes post-ingestion, as well as the incremental area under the BG curve at 30, 60, 90, and 120 minutes, were significantly lower following snake fruit jelly ingestion compared with control (all p < 0.05). In Experiment 2, post-exercise superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity was significantly increased, while tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and cortisol concentrations were significantly decreased after snake fruit jelly ingestion (all p < 0.05). Between-group analysis revealed that endurance time and SOD activity were significantly higher, whereas BG, insulin, and TNF-α concentrations were significantly lower following snake fruit jelly ingestion compared with control jelly ingestion (all p < 0.05). Cortisol and interferon-gamma concentrations showed no significant differences between conditions. Acute ingestion of snake fruit jelly enhances glycemic control, endurance performance, and antioxidant activity, while reducing blood glucose, insulin, and pro-inflammatory markers in response to endurance exercise. Retrospectively registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (Identifier: NCT06227260).

This study investigated the effects of asparagus powder supplementation on blood glucose regulation, insulin, lipid profile, and oxidative stress in overweight and obese individuals. Forty-four adults aged 18–59 years participated in a 12-week randomized controlled trial and were randomly assigned to receive either asparagus powder (40 mg/kg/day) or a placebo (maltodextrin, 40 mg/kg/day). Assessments included an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), fasting blood glucose (FBG), insulin, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and β-cell function (HOMA-B), lipid profile, and oxidative stress markers (malondialdehyde [MDA], protein carbonyl, and superoxide dismutase [SOD]). In the asparagus group, OGTT at 30 min and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) significantly decreased, while SOD activity significantly increased (all p < 0.05). In contrast, the placebo group showed significant increases in OGTT at 30 min, insulin, HOMA-IR, HOMA-B, triglycerides (TG), the TG/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) ratio, and the total cholesterol (TC)/HDL-C ratio (all p < 0.05). Between-group comparisons indicated that FBG, area under the BG curve at 30–120 min, TG, TG/HDL-C, and MDA levels were significantly lower in the asparagus group than in the placebo group (all p < 0.05), whereas OGTT, LDL-C, SOD activity, insulin, HOMA-IR, HOMA-B, and TC/HDL-C did not differ significantly. Other indices, including TC, HDL-C, and protein carbonyl, showed no significant within- or between-group differences. In conclusion, 12 weeks of asparagus powder supplementation partially improved glycemic control, lipid profile, and oxidative stress in overweight and obese individuals. These findings suggest a potential role of asparagus as a complementary nutritional strategy to reduce the risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease in this population.

Long COVID is characterized by persistent symptoms associated with chronic inflammation and oxidative stress. While high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and supplementation with antioxidants such as Triphala have demonstrated individual therapeutic benefits, their combined effects remain unclear. This study aimed primarily to evaluate the effects of an 8-week HIIT program on markers of inflammation, oxidative stress, and exercise-related symptoms in individuals with long COVID, and secondarily to explore whether Triphala supplementation provided additional benefits. A total of 104 participants (aged 18–59 years) were randomized into three groups—control (placebo), HIIT (cycling for 28 min/day, 3 days/week), and combined (HIIT + Triphala, 1000 mg/day)—for 8 weeks. The biomarkers assessed included interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), malondialdehyde (MDA), protein carbonyls, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity. Following the intervention, significant reductions in IFN-γ, TNF-α, MDA, protein carbonyls, and rating of perceived exertion were observed in both the HIIT and combined groups (p < 0.05), with no significant differences between the two. SOD activity significantly increased in all groups, including the control group (p < 0.05), with no between-group differences. An 8-week HIIT program appears to be effective in reducing inflammation, oxidative stress, and dyspnea in individuals with long COVID. Triphala supplementation did not provide any additional statistically significant benefit but was safe and well tolerated.

Background/Objectives: Snake fruit is rich in vitamin C, carotene, phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and monoterpenoids—bioactive constituents known for their potent antioxidant properties. Based on these components, the present study investigated the potential effects of snake fruit jelly ingestion on endurance performance, alongside its impact on antioxidant status, inflammatory responses, and metabolic biomarkers in healthy individuals. Methods: A randomized crossover design was used in two separate experiments involving 48 healthy sedentary men and women aged 19–35 years. All participants ingested 140 g of both control jelly and snake fruit jelly on separate occasions. Experiment 1 (n = 25): Blood glucose concentrations were measured at baseline and every 30 minutes for 2 hours post-ingestion. Experiment 2 (n = 23): Following each jelly ingestion, participants performed leg cycling at 60% of peak oxygen consumption until exhaustion. Blood samples were collected before and after exercise to measure glucose, insulin, cortisol, and biomarkers of antioxidant status and inflammation. Results: In Experiment 1, blood glucose concentrations at 30 and 60 minutes post-ingestion and the incremental area under the glucose curve at 30, 60, 90, and 120 minutes were significantly lower after snake fruit jelly ingestion compared to control (all p < 0.05). In Experiment 2, endurance time and superoxide dismutase activity were significantly higher, while blood glucose, insulin, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha concentrations were significantly lower following snake fruit jelly ingestion (all p < 0.05). Cortisol and interferon-gamma levels showed no significant differences between the two conditions. Conclusions: Acute ingestion of snake fruit jelly enhances endurance performance and antioxidant activity, while reducing blood glucose, insulin, and pro-inflammatory markers in response to endurance exercise.

Background: High-intensity intermittent training (HIIT) has been proven to improve cardio-metabolic and respiratory health outcomes. In addition, 20-hydroxyecdysone from plant extracts has been studied for its anabolic effects. However, studies examining these two interventions in individuals who are obese or overweight are limited. This study, thus, examined the effects of HIIT combined with Asparagus officinalis (A. officinalis) extract supplementation on cardiovascular and pulmonary function parameters in obese and overweight individuals. Methods: Seventy-two obese and overweight participants were randomized into four groups (n = 18 each): the control (CON) group; HIIT group (HIIT for 3 days/week); AOE (A. officinalis extract) group (supplementation with 20E at 1.71 mg/kg/day); and HIIT + AOE group. Pre- and 12-week post-intervention measures included heart rate (HR), HR variability, endothelial function, blood pressure (BP), BP variability, pulmonary function and volume, respiratory muscle strength, chest expansion, and body composition. Results: The HIIT + AOE group showed better HR variability with higher high-frequency power and a lower low-frequency/high-frequency ratio (both p = 0.038) compared to the CON group. The peak blood flow increased in both the HIIT (p = 0.03) and HIIT + AOE (p = 0.028) groups, but only the HIIT group had a shorter vascular recovery time (p = 0.048). The maximum expiratory pressure was increased in both the HIIT and HIIT + AOE groups compared to the CON group (p = 0.029 and p = 0.041). The ratio of forced expiratory volume in one second to forced vital capacity, the percent-predicted FEV₁/FVC, and chest wall expansion were higher in the HIIT + AOE group than in the CON group (p = 0.047, p = 0.038, and p = 0.001). The waist-to-hip ratio was lower in the HIIT + AOE group than in the CON group (p = 0.043). There were no significant differences in HR, BP, BP variability, or pulmonary volume parameters among groups. Conclusions: The combination of HIIT with A. officinalis extract supplementation markedly improves HR variability. Moreover, it also greatly improves expiratory muscle strength, chest wall expansion, pulmonary function, and body composition parameters in obese and overweight individuals.