1. Variability in spatial and temporal gait dynamics during aging : a narrative review on the role of the neural systemChristoph Centner, Ramona Ritzmann, Uroš Marušič, Luke Hughes, 2026, pregledni znanstveni članek Povzetek: Gait dynamics, encompassing both spatial and temporal parameters, undergo significant changes with aging, often leading to increased gait variability and, consequentially, a higher risk of falls. While cognitive and musculoskeletal factors have been demonstrated to contribute to these alterations, the role of the neural system is crucial and yet not fully understood. This review aims to synthesize the existing evidence on the age-related deterioration in locomotor functioning, with a specific emphasis on the neural mechanisms involved. Besides summarizing appropriate measures to quantify gait variability, several neural factors including cortical, neurotransmitter, and sensory system degeneration, are explored as key contributors to the observed changes in locomotion during aging. Additionally, the review discusses the potential use of diverse interventions to enhance gait variability during aging to reduce the risk of falls. By elucidating the complex interplay between aging, gait dynamics, and neural function, this review underscores the importance of targeted interventions aimed at preserving neural health to maintain gait stability and reduce fall risk in the aging population. The findings suggest that further research is needed to develop and refine strategies for the early detection and prevention of gait-related impairments linked to neural decline.
Ključne besede: gait, variability, aging, motor control
Objavljeno v DiRROS: 24.02.2026; Ogledov: 210; Prenosov: 108
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3. The interplay of brain neurotransmission and mental fatigue : a research protocolY. L. Arenales Arauz, J. Habay, Tjaša Ocvirk, Ana Mali, Suzanna Russell, Uroš Marušič, Kevin De Pauw, Bart Roelands, 2024, drugi znanstveni članki Povzetek: Introduction Mental fatigue (MF) significantly affects both cognitive and physical performance. However, the precise mechanisms, particularly concerning neurotransmission, require further investigation. An implication of the role of dopamine (DA) and noradrenaline (NA) is stated, but empirical evidence for this theory still needs to be provided. To address this gap, we aim to investigate the role of brain neurotransmission in elucidating if, and how prolonged cognitive activity induces MF and its subsequent impact on cognitive performance. Methods This study (registration number: G095422N) will adopt a randomized cross-over design with sixteen healthy participants aged 18–35 years. The sessions include a familiarization, two experimental (DA: 20mg Methylphenidate; NA: 8mg Reboxetine) conditions, and one placebo (lactose tablet: 10mg) condition. A 60-minute individualized Stroop task will be used to investigate whether, and how the onset of MF changes under the influence of reuptake inhibitors. Attention and response inhibition will be assessed before and after the MF-inducing task using a Go/NoGo task. The integration of physiological (electroencephalography, heart rate), behavioral (attention, response inhibition), and subjective indicators (scales and questionnaires) will be used to detect the underlying mechanisms holistically. Data analysis will involve linear mixed models with significance at p<0.05. Discussion The integration of diverse techniques and analyses offers a comprehensive perspective on the onset and impact of MF, introducing a novel approach. Future research plans involve extending this protocol to explore the connection between brain neurotransmission and physical fatigue. This protocol will further advance our understanding of the complex interplay between the brain and fatigue.
Ključne besede: mental fatigue, neurotransmission, cognitive performance, dopamine, noradrenaline, electroencephalography (EEG)
Objavljeno v DiRROS: 10.02.2026; Ogledov: 383; Prenosov: 89
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4. Distinct roles of dopamine and noradrenaline in physical fatigueY. L. Arenales Arauz, Ana Mali, Elke Lathouwers, J. Habay, Leonardo de Sousa Fortes, Romain Meeusen, Uroš Marušič, Kevin De Pauw, Bart Roelands, 2026, izvirni znanstveni članek Povzetek: This triple‐blinded randomized crossover study investigated the roles of dopamine (DA) and noradrenaline (NA) in regulatingexercise performance and fatigue using acute pharmacological manipulation. Eighteen healthy adults (9 males and 9 females;mean age = 23.4 ± 2.2 years) completed three experimental conditions. Participants ingested methylphenidate (MPH; 20 mg;primarily enhancing DA signaling), reboxetine (REB; 8 mg; selectively enhancing NA signaling), or placebo (10 mg lactose) prior toperforming dynamic leg extensions until exhaustion. Behavioral, subjective, and physiological responses were assessed to evaluatedrug‐specific effects using (generalized) linear mixed‐effects models. The fatiguing task effectively induced exhaustion in allconditions, evidenced by increases in self‐reported fatigue and exertion, heart rate, and blood lactate levels. MPH did not signif-icantly improve the number of leg extension repetitions (+3.1%, p = 0.23) or perceived exertion ratings. Perceived performance andvigor increased, while sleepiness decreased across pretask and posttask assessments. Posttask temporal demand and overall taskload were also reduced. In contrast, REB significantly reduced the number of leg extension repetitions (−13.2%, p < 0.001) withoutaltering perceived exertion, mood, or performance perception. These findings show that DA and NA systems differently affectfatigue regulation. DA mainly influences cognitive and perceptual aspects, improving alertness and mood without significantlyenhancing physical performance. In contrast, NA reduced physical performance without altering fatigue perception, indicating adissociation between subjective fatigue and actual capacity. This study provides new evidence on how DA and NA shape bothperformance and perception during fatiguing leg‐extension exercise in males and females.Trial Registration: G095422N and identifier NCT05880342
Ključne besede: dopamine, noradrenaline, exercise, fatigue, performance, perceived exertion
Objavljeno v DiRROS: 10.02.2026; Ogledov: 407; Prenosov: 234
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5. Prevalenca sarkopenije in povezani dejavniki tveganja v Sloveniji : raziskovalni podatki, obravnavani v doktorskem deluKatarina Puš, Miloš Kalc, Saša Pišot, Kaja Teraž, Jure Urbanc, Matej Kleva, Uroš Marušič, Manca Peskar, Luka Šlosar, Boštjan Šimunič, 2026, zaključena znanstvena zbirka raziskovalnih podatkov Povzetek: Podatkovni niz vsebuje anonimizirane presečne podatke, zbrane pri 654 starejših odraslih (≥ 60 let) iz Slovenije. Podatki so bili pridobljeni v okviru presečne raziskave, usmerjene v razvrščanje sarkopenije in analizo mišičnih značilnosti. V podatkovni niz so vključeni demografski podatki (starost, spol), antropometrične meritve ter rezultati meritev mišične jakosti, telesne zmogljivosti in telesne sestave. Mišična jakost je bila ocenjena z merjenjem jakosti stiska pesti in testom petkratnega vstajanja s stola. Telesna zmogljivost je bila ocenjena s hitrostjo hoje in testom vstani in pojdi. Podatki o telesni sestavi in mišični masi so bili pridobljeni z električno bioimpedančno analizo in vključujejo pusto telesno maso, skeletno mišično maso, apendikularno skeletno mišično maso ter indekse, prilagojene telesni višini. Kontraktilne lastnosti skeletnih mišic so bile ocenjene s tenziomiografijo treh mišic spodnjih okončin, pri čemer so bili zabeleženi parametri zakasnitvenega časa, časa kontrakcije, radialnega premika in hitrosti kontrakcije. Dodatni podatki vključujejo prehransko stanje (Mini Nutritional Assessment), gibalno aktivnost in sedentarne navade (Global Physical Activity Questionnaire) ter kognitivne funkcije (Test povezovanja – del A in B). Preiskovanci so bili razvrščeni v skupine glede na več diagnostičnih algoritmov sarkopenije (EWGSOP, EWGSOP2 in njegove različice, SDOC, IWGS in FNIH). Podatki so bili zbrani po standardiziranih protokolih, anonimizirani in opremljeni z metapodatki, kar omogoča njihovo ponovno uporabo v skladu z načeli FAIR.
Ključne besede: sarkopenija, analiza mišičnih značilnost, mišična jakost, telesna sestava, telesna zmogljivost, telesna masa, gibalna aktivnost, sedentarne navade
Objavljeno v DiRROS: 03.02.2026; Ogledov: 231; Prenosov: 156
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6. The dynamics of neuromuscular resilience across the lifespan : ageing, disuse and interventionChristoph Centner, Ramona Ritzmann, Uroš Marušič, Luke Hughes, 2025, drugi znanstveni članki Ključne besede: neuromuscular system, biological ageing, chronic disease, physical inactivity
Objavljeno v DiRROS: 01.12.2025; Ogledov: 494; Prenosov: 173
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7. Continuous intergenerational play for neuroplasticity : the NeuroPlay ProjectRado Pišot, Uroš Marušič, 2025, drugi sestavni deli Povzetek: This case study compared the acute effects of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) on vascular and microva-scular function in a healthy male subject (age: 34 yrs; body mass index: 25.82 kg/m2). Key vascular parameters were assessed, including augmentation index (AIx), ca-rotid-femoral and brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (cfPWV, baPWV), flow-mediated slowing (FMS%), and tissue saturation index (TSI) recovery slope. HIIT induced a greater reduction in baPWV (mean difference [MD]: 0.9 m/s) and a higher increase in FMS% (MD: 8%) compared to MICT, indicating more favourable changes in periphe-ral arterial stiffness and endothelial function. Additionally, the reoxygenation slope for TSI was more pronounced after HIIT, suggesting improved microvascular recove-ry. Interestingly, AIx increased following MICT (MD from baseline: 11%) but slightly decreased after HIIT (MD from baseline: −5%). These findings suggest that exercise intensity plays a critical role in determining vascular adaptations, with HIIT showing superior acute benefits
Objavljeno v DiRROS: 10.09.2025; Ogledov: 481; Prenosov: 202
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8. The effect of booster breaks on non-specific low back pain in office workersTajda Uršič, Uroš Marušič, 2025, izvirni znanstveni članek Povzetek: Purpose: Prolonged sitting has a negative effect on office workers, and non-specific low back pain (NSLBP) is one of the most common consequences of an inactive lifestyle and prolonged sitting. Active breaks are a promising intervention to reduce the negative effects of office work.Methods: Forty-two office workers from a Slovenian company were divided into an experimental group (24 office workers who had been taking active breaks for one and a half years) and a control group (N=18, no active breaks). The participants were not randomly allocated to the groups; allocation was based on availability and voluntary participation. An online survey was conducted using the Oswestry Disability Index 2.0 (ODI 2.0) and the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). This was a non-randomized, two-arm longitudi-nal study. Questionnaires were administered once, 1.5 years after the intervention. Statistical analyses were conducted using the Mann-Whitney and Wilcoxon signed--rank tests, with the level of significance set at p ≤ 0.05.Results: The results showed that 81% of office workers had experienced NSLBP at least once in their lives. The ODI 2.0 scores were not significantly lower in the experi-mental group (p = 0.155). However, pain intensity was lower in office workers who took active breaks (p = 0.001). All the participants in the experimental group reported that active breaks had a positive effect on their well-being (100%). Furthermore, 37.5% of the participants stated that they had become more physically active outside the office as a result of the active breaks.Conclusion: Introducing active breaks into the daily routine of office workers is a viable and effective intervention to mitigate the risk of NSLBP. Active breaks offer a comprehensive solution: they not only reduce the negative effects of prolonged sitting, but also reduce stress, improve work efficiency and focus, and promote better moods.
Ključne besede: non-specific low back pain, ergonomics, booster breaks, prolonged sitting, office workers
Objavljeno v DiRROS: 09.09.2025; Ogledov: 414; Prenosov: 209
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9. Influence of selected cognitive performances on musculoskeletal injury occurrence in adult male professional Slovenian PrvaLiga football players in a prospective cohort studyF. Giesche, Manca Peskar, Luka Šlosar, Boštjan Šimunič, Rado Pišot, Uroš Marušič, 2025, izvirni znanstveni članek Povzetek: Evidence suggests athletes with lower baseline cognitive performance are at higher risk of musculoskeletal injuries. This prospective cohort study investigates basic and executive cognitive functions in predicting injuries in 78 professional male football (soccer) players from four Slovenian f irst league teams. Data were collected during the 2018/2019 winter break, and injuries recorded in the second half of that and the 2019/2020 season. Cognitive functions assessed by computerized tests (PsyToolkit) included psychomotor vigilance (simple, choice reaction time) and visuospatial memory (Corsi-block-tapping-test), while pen-and-paper tests assessed motor speed, visual scanning, and executive functions (TMT; Delis-Kaplan-Executive-Function-System). Forty-two players sustained at least one musculoskeletal injury (9 contact injuries), 36 remained injury-free. Logistic regression analyses indicated that none of the cognitive measures significantly influenced injury occurrence (p > 0.05). However, non-significant trends were observed for the TMT ratio score (p = 0.065, OR = 1.64), reflecting cognitive flexibility, and for TMT-A (p = 0.05, OR = 0.60), reflecting visual scanning. Specifically, players with lower cognitive flexibility showed a 64% increase in the odds of sustaining an injury, while better visual scanning performance was associated with a 40% reduction in injury odds. No significant association was found between basic or executive cognitive functions and musculoskeletal injuries in professional male football players. However, a non-significant trend suggested that lower cognitive flexibility may be associated with increased injury risk. These findings underscore the need for larger studies to better clarify the role of executive functions in assessing injury risk in football.
Ključne besede: neurocognitive testing, cognitive-motor tests, sports injury, risk screening
Objavljeno v DiRROS: 08.09.2025; Ogledov: 442; Prenosov: 224
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10. Neurophysiological underpinnings of balance control and cognitive-motor interaction in early Parkinson’s diseaseManca Peskar, Paolo Manganotti, Uroš Marušič, Klaus Gramann, 2025, izvirni znanstveni članek Povzetek: People with Parkinson’s Disease (PD) often compensate for impaired automatic balance control by engaging additional attentional resources for motor tasks. With disease progression, their cognitive system too becomes increasingly affected, further impairing postural stability. The interaction between cognitive and motor systems in the early disease stages, however, remains poorly investigated. The present study aimed to elucidate behavioral and neurophysiological changes in early-stage PD to identify with greater accuracy the specific disease-related discrepancies from healthy functioning on both cognitive and motor systems. Eighteen participants with PD (aged 62.9±6.6 years) and 18 healthy matched controls (aged 62.9±6.4 years) performed (i) a balancing single task in a semi-tandem stance (ST-sts), (ii) a single visual oddball task with conflicting Stroop color-word stimuli (ST-Stroop), and (iii) a dual-task (DT) combining the two single tasks. Centre of pressure displacement using a force plate and 128-channel electroencephalography (EEG) were recorded. Participants with PD exhibited reduced postural sway compared to controls, and postural sway was lower in DT as opposed to ST. Reduced sway in PD might be attributed to postural rigidity and tonic muscle activation, while in the DT, it might reflect resource conflicts. EEG analyses indicated distinct spectral activity patterns: the central midline low-frequency (δ, θ) power increased with cognitive load, centroparietal β desynchronization intensified with motor load, and parietal α desynchronization heightened during DT in both PD and control groups, underscoring specific frequency bands’ governing roles in cognitivemotor processing. Furthermore, PD participants exhibited heightened or prolonged responses in ERP components related to working memory (frontocentral P2) and conflict resolution (P300), possibly reflecting compensatory neural strategies. Overall, these findings suggest that cognitive capacities, particularly selective attention, might be more affected than sensory acuity in early PD, highlighting areas for targeted interventions.
Ključne besede: EEG, semi-tandem stance, COP (Center of pressure), Parkinson's disease, cognitive-motor dual-tasking
Objavljeno v DiRROS: 08.09.2025; Ogledov: 436; Prenosov: 223
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