Cognitive Abilities

Performance-related stress can impair sustained attention, inhibitory control, and memory. This randomized, double-blinded, sham-controlled parallel-arm trial evaluates whether a 30-minute EEG-guided binaural beat audio intervention reduces subjective stress/performance anxiety and improves cognition, and whether it changes task-related brain reactivity measured by fMRI. The intervention uses real-time single-electrode EEG recorded over the left prefrontal cortex to dynamically adjust binaural beat frequencies to guide the brain toward a target state; the sham condition uses non-binaural music delivered through identical headphones. Adult music majors preparing for an upcoming concert will complete pre- and post-intervention fMRI sessions during cognitive/music tasks (Stop Signal Reaction Task, Music Reading Task, Music Memory Retrieval Task) and complete visual analog scales (VAS) assessing performance anxiety, stress, and related subjective states. The primary outcomes include fMRI task-related activity in stress-regulation regions (dlPFC, amygdala, hippocampus), behavioral inhibition indices from the stop-signal task, music memory retrieval accuracy, and VAS-reported stress/performance anxiety.

The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if a web-based exercise and cognitive training (physical-cognitive) program works to improve movements and brain function in adults with long-term stroke. It will also learn whether the program is safe and enjoyable. The main questions it aims to answer are: Does the program improve walking, balance, strength, and reduce fall risk? Does the program improve cognitive skills such as memory, attention, and problem-solving? Researchers will compare the online exercise-and-cognitive training program to usual care to see if the program leads to greater improvements. Participants will: * Be randomly assigned to either the online training group or the usual care group * If in the training group, complete the home-based program for 12 weeks. * Take part in physical and cognitive tests before and after the program

PURPOSE: To determine the effect of Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization on functional and cognitive abilities in elderly. BACKGROUND: There is an increased interest in health care with growth of the older population. Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) is a manual therapy technique using specially designed tools to apply pressure and mobilize soft tissues. It has gained attention as a non-invasive intervention that can aid in improving musculoskeletal health and overall function, especially in older adults. Given the aging population and the rise in age-related functional and cognitive decline, there is a pressing need for effective strategies to enhance quality of life in this demographic. In the elderly, musculoskeletal issues, such as reduced muscle flexibility, joint stiffness, and soft tissue restrictions, are common and can severely impact physical function. IASTM has been shown to increase tissue perfusion, reduce fascial restrictions, and improve joint mobility. These effects are critical in countering age-related declines in mobility, balance, and overall physical functionality, ultimately promoting greater independence and reducing fall risk. Improved physical function through IASTM may also influence cognitive health positively, as increased physical activity and mobility are linked to better cognitive outcomes in the elderly. HYPOTHESES: There will be no significant effect of Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization on functional and cognitive abilities in elderly. RESEARCH QUESTION: Does instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization is effective on functional and cognitive abilities in elderly?

This study looks at how a national school meal program affects the health, well-being, and learning of Danish schoolchildren aged 10 to 15 years. The study is part of the Danish National School Meal Pilot Program (2025-2028), which provides free school meals at selected public schools. Some school classes receive free school meals, while other classes do not and are used for comparison. Children are followed for about 1.5 years. Information is collected before and after the program using simple health measurements, questionnaires about well-being, and age-appropriate cognitive tests. The study also uses information from Danish national registers to better understand the children's background and to study longer-term outcomes related to health, education, and social conditions. In addition, the study examines whether school meal programs are cost-effective by comparing their costs with potential benefits for children and society. The goal of the study is to find out whether free school meals can improve children's health, well-being, and learning, and help reduce social differences.

The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if physical exercise, cognitive stimulation, or a combination of both can improve mobility, cognitive function, and psychosocial well-being in institutionalized older adults aged 65 and older. The main questions it aims to answer are: * Does physical exercise improve strength, flexibility, balance, and mobility? * Does cognitive stimulation improve executive function and mental state? * Does combining both interventions provide greater benefits than either intervention alone? Researchers will compare the physical exercise group, the cognitive stimulation group, and the combined group to a control group that receives no active intervention to see which approach leads to the most improvement. Participants will: * Take part in either physical exercise, cognitive stimulation, or both, 3 times per week for 12 weeks * Complete assessments before the intervention, after 12 weeks, and again after 6 months * Answer questionnaires and perform physical and cognitive tests to measure changes in health and well-being