The world of sports has long been fascinated by the unique charm of boccia – a Paralympic game that transcends age and ability barriers. A team from Osaka Metropolitan University has taken this phenomenon a step further with Extended Reality (XR) Boccia, an innovative rehabilitation program that combines physical exercise with emotional benefits for older adults. Developed by Associate Professor Masataka Kataoka’s research group, XR Boccia offers a fresh alternative to traditional boccia and treadmill walking, making it perfect for environments with limited space.

The researchers conducted an intriguing study to investigate the effects of XR Boccia on participants over 65. The findings reveal that both XR Boccia and traditional boccia showed significant improvements in mood, vitality, and energy among participants after experiencing these programs. Notably, there was no substantial difference in lower limb muscle activity during any of the exercises, although a notable increase in rectus femoris muscle activity (which helps extend the knee) was observed in both types of boccia compared to treadmill walking.

The implications of this research are groundbreaking. Associate Professor Kataoka noted that XR Boccia could be an effective rehabilitation exercise for older adults, boasting both physical and emotional benefits. Given its adaptability and practicality, it’s suitable for indoor environments like hospitals and nursing care facilities. The researchers aim to further investigate long-term results in a larger population of older adults and continue updating the XR program.

The study was published in PLOS One, shedding light on this innovative approach to rehabilitation. With XR Boccia, we may be witnessing a new chapter in the journey towards better health and happiness for older adults, one game at a time.

Attachment theory has long been recognized as a crucial factor in shaping human development. But what about our closest relatives, the chimpanzees? A four-year study of wild chimpanzees in Taï National Park, Côte d’Ivoire, has revealed that these animals develop different types of attachment to their mothers, similar to humans.

Researchers observed that some young chimpanzees felt secure and relied on their mother’s support when faced with stress or uncertainty. Others had insecure-avoidant attachments, being more independent and less likely to seek comfort from their mothers. However, unlike humans, where 23.5 percent of children show disorganized attachment, and captive orphaned chimpanzees, where 61 percent show this type of attachment, wild chimpanzees showed no signs of disorganized attachment.

This absence of disorganized attachment in wild chimpanzees is significant, as it suggests that this type of attachment may not be an adaptive survival strategy in the face of environmental constraints. In contrast to humans and captive chimpanzees, where disorganized attachment can lead to difficulties with emotional regulation, social integration, and long-term mental health problems, wild chimpanzees seem to have developed a more resilient approach to attachment.

The researchers’ findings raise important questions about modern human parenting practices. Attachment theory is a key concept in psychology that explains how early relationships shape emotional and social development. Secure attachment is associated with confidence and resilience, while insecure and disorganized attachment can be linked to anxiety, stress, or difficulties in relationships.

The study’s authors suggest that the results deepen our understanding of chimpanzees’ social development and show that humans and chimpanzees are not as different as we thought. However, they also make us think: have some modern human institutions or caregiving practices moved away from what is best for infant development?

These findings bring us closer to understanding both chimpanzees and humans, and encourage deeper reflection on how early life experiences shape social and emotional development across species. By identifying attachment patterns in wild chimpanzees, we provide important insights into the roots of human social behavior, bridging psychology, animal behavior, and anthropology.

Pregnant women who suffer from metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), previously known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, are more likely to give birth prematurely. A new study published in the journal eClinicalMedicine has found that these women have a significantly higher risk of preterm birth, and this increased risk cannot be attributed solely to their weight or obesity.

According to the research conducted by Karolinska Institutet, one in five people in Sweden may have MASLD, while globally, it could affect as many as three out of ten individuals. Common risk factors for developing the disease include metabolic disorders like type 2 diabetes and being overweight or obese. The study’s findings are based on Swedish registry data and included a total of 240 births among women with MASLD, along with 1140 matched births from the general population.

Alarmingly, the research revealed that women with MASLD were more than three times as likely to give birth prematurely compared to those without the disease. This increased risk persisted even after adjusting for factors such as weight and metabolic disorders. The study’s lead author suggests that this association may not solely be due to a high BMI, implying that the liver disease itself could have negative effects on pregnancy outcomes.

Moreover, women with MASLD had a 63 percent higher risk of caesarean section compared to the control group. However, this increased risk seemed to be explained by their high BMI, as no significant difference was observed when comparing them to overweight or obese women without fatty liver disease.

While the study’s findings are concerning, it is essential to note that MASLD itself did not increase the risk of congenital malformations in the children born to these women. The authors acknowledge that their research may have been influenced by other factors and emphasize the importance of closely monitoring pregnant women with MASLD to reduce the risk of complications.

The study’s conclusions highlight the need for specific recommendations regarding pregnancy care for women with MASLD, which could potentially be added to clinical guidelines for managing the disease.