Lithuanian Sports University

KOKU Bladder aims to develop and test an evidence based digital health program with behavior change techniques to improve bladder health of adults aged 50 and over. A novel module embedded in the approved app "Keep-on-Keep-up" (KOKU) will be co-created with end-users, researchers, health professionals, and stakeholders through a participatory and appreciative action and reflection methodology. After a comprehensive literature review and consultation with 4-6 experts, 6 focus groups will be undertaken in Kaunas(Lithuanian), Catalonia (Spain) and Manchester (UK) to co-create the contents of the module. Data will be analyzed using thematic analysis. Gamification and the Honeycomb model for user experience will be followed to achieve an appropriate technological solution that will be tested through a randomized controlled trial with at least 120 individuals. A mixed methods approach (quantitative/qualitative analysis) will be used to assess the feasibility and acceptability of the program. Open data and science, gender and ethical aspects, as well as a risk management plan are considered. A plan for communication, dissemination, exploitation of results will be considered. KOKU Bladder will be highly scalable and will have wide reach and impact. This proposal is in line with EU policy initiatives on Active and Healthy Ageing (bladder health and continence will be promoted), targeting aspects such as eHealth, Innovation and Digital Care Transformation, by supporting users to demand more responsive and integrated care programs for chronic conditions and enhancing self-management strategies, independence and health intelligence.

There are no previous studies of the effects of a combination of whole-body immersions in hot and cold baths on adaptive responses and health-related markers. Thus, the primary aim of this project is to determine whether interventions consisting of whole body immersion in hot and cold baths over 16 days develop heat and/or cold adaptation by remodeling thermoregulatory, metabolic, cardiovascular and physiological responses, and the secondary aim is to determine if current cold-hot acclimation has any effects on physical and mental health-related markers.

The goal of this clinical trial is to learn about the effect of long resistance training intervention on brain and muscle health in older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). The main question it aims to answer is whether progressive resistance training can prevent/delay neurodegenerative/pro-inflammatory processes that are detrimental to cognition, mobility, vitality, and mental health of older adults with MCI. Participants will undergo 6 months of supervise resistance training. Subjects in the intervention group will undergo sessions of structural and functional magnetic resonance imaging, proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy at baseline and end of intervention. Blood analyses and functional and cognitive tests will be performed at baseline after 3 months from the start of intervention and at the end of the intervention. Observations obtained from the intervention group will compare to data collected from age-matched active control group who will undergo flexibility training of lower limb muscles.