1. Qualitative content analysis of COVID-19’s role in suicide attempts leading to hospital careMartina Mravlja, Anthony Pisani R., Annamarie Bailey, Nicola Meda, Alexandre Paim-Diaz, Kristina Zurich, Kenneth Conner, 2025, original scientific article Abstract: Introduction: The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on suicide risk has been documented during the acute phase, but less is known about people who attempted suicide during the post-acute period. This study investigates how adults who attempted suicide during the post-acute pandemic period (2021–2023) understood COVID-19’s role in their attempt. Method: We analyzed interview data from 329 adults (59% female; 41% male), enrolled following a recent suicide attempt between 2021 and 2023. Participants were asked about the general impact of COVID-19 on their lives and then specifically about whether stress related to COVID-19 was a primary reason for their attempt or contributed to their suicidal thoughts. Results: When asked about their recent attempt, 11% of participants identified stress related to COVID-19 as the primary reason for their attempt, and an additional 23% indicated it contributed to their suicidal thoughts. When describing general impacts, participants reported effects across multiple domains: social isolation, physical health concerns, mental health impacts, and economic effects. Discussion: The attribution of suicide attempts to COVID-19-related stress during the post-acute period highlights the extended impact of public health crises on vulnerable individuals. These findings emphasize the need for sustained, integrated medical and mental healthcare following such crises. Keywords: suicide, COVID-19, pandemic mental health, loneliness, isolation, healthcare, stress, prevention Published in RUP: 17.12.2025; Views: 244; Downloads: 5
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2. Joint torque and electromyographic activity during eccentric exercise for hip adductors at different hip flexion anglesJan Marušič, Oskar Cvjetičanin, Nejc Šarabon, 2025, original scientific article Abstract: Our objective was to investigate the effects of three hip flexion angles (0°, 45°, and 90°) and leg dominance on peak joint torque, angle at peak torque, and peak electromyographic activity (EMGA) of the adductor longus during bilateral eccentric hip adduction. Sixteen recreationally active participants completed bilateral eccentric contractions at each hip flexion angle using a custom-built dynamometer. The primary outcome measures were peak adduction torque, angle at peak torque, and EMGA of the adductor longus. A 3×2 repeated measures ANOVA was used to assess the effects of hip angle and leg dominance. Hip flexion angle had a significant main effect on peak torque (F(2, 30) = 15.75, p<0.01), with peak torque significantly lower at 90° compared to 0° and 45°. No significant effects were observed for leg dominance or interaction. No significant main effects of hip flexion angle, leg dominance, or their interaction were observed on peak EMGA or peak torque angle. Eccentric hip adduction strength is reduced at 90° of flexion, likely due to mechanical disadvantage, while neural activation remains unchanged. These findings support the use of less flexed positions in eccentric training protocols for adductor strength development or injury prevention. Keywords: adductor longus, eccentric training, injury prevention, strength Published in RUP: 19.11.2025; Views: 395; Downloads: 9
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3. Postural sway in multiple sclerosis patients : interaction of vision, surface, and fatigue effectsŽiga Kozinc, Eva Žura, Gregor Brecl Jakob, 2025, original scientific article Abstract: Introduction: Postural control impairments are common in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), resulting in postural instability and increased fall risk. Sensory inputs are crucial to maintain balance adequately. Additionally, fatigue is one of the common and most disabling symptoms of MS, possibly contributing to postural deficits. Previous studies have examined the effects of fatigue and altered sensory conditions on postural control in patients with MS. The present study aimed to extend this knowledge by jointly assessing these factors within the same experimental framework, providing additional insight into how fatigue modulates sensory contributions to balance. Methods: A total of 21 patients with MS (age = 41.1 ± 10.1 years; EDSS = 1.9 ± 1.0; disease duration = 6.8 ± 4.9 years) completed balance assessments on firm and compliant surfaces with both eyes open and eyes closed, before and after a 6-min walk test used to induce fatigue. Postural sway was quantified using sway velocity and root mean square (RMS). Results: There was a significant effect of surface on sway velocity (p < 0.001, η2 = 0.60), with a greater sway on the compliant surface compared to the firm surface. Fatigue significantly increased sway RMS (p = 0.023, η2 = 0.23) but did not affect sway velocity (p > 0.05). The absence of visual input (eyes closed) also significantly increased sway RMS (p = 0.001, η2 = 0.46). There was a significant interaction between surface and vision for sway RMS (p < 0.001, η2 = 0.54), with a larger effect of surface instability in the eyes-closed condition. Discussion: Patients with MS face increased challenges in maintaining postural control under conditions of fatigue, surface instability, and lack of visual input. Sway RMS may be more sensitive to these effects than sway velocity. Keywords: balance control, sensory integration, proprioception, motor impairments, fall prevention, neurological disorders, physical fatigue Published in RUP: 27.10.2025; Views: 441; Downloads: 7
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4. Towards development of guidelines for harnessing implementation science for suicide prevention : an international Delphi expert consensus studySadhvi Krishnamoorthy, Gregory Armstrong, Victoria Ross, Lennart Reifels, Hayley Purdon, Jillian Francis, Jacinta L. Hawgood, Sharna Mathieu, Alexandr Kasal, Allison Crawford, Vita Poštuvan, 2025, original scientific article Abstract: Objectives Suicide research and prevention are complex. Many practical, methodological and ethical challenges must be overcome to implement effective suicide prevention interventions. Implementation science can offer insights into what works, why and in what context. Yet, there are limited real-world examples of the application of implementation science in suicide prevention. This study aimed to identify approaches to employ principles of implementation science to tackle important challenges in suicide prevention. Methods A questionnaire about promoting implementation science for suicide prevention was developed through thematic analysis of stakeholder narratives. Statements were categorised into six domains: research priorities, practical considerations, approach to intervention design and delivery, lived experience engagement, dissemination and the way forward. The questionnaire (n=52 statements—round 1; n=44 statements—round 2; n=9 statements—round 3) was administered electronically to a panel (n=62—round 1, n=48—round 2; n=45—round 3) of international experts (suicide researchers, leaders, project team members, lived experience advocates). Statements were rated on a Likert scale based on an understanding of importance and priority of each item. Statements endorsed by at least 85% of the panel would be included in the final guidelines. Results Eighty-two of the 90 statements were endorsed. Recommendations included broadening research inquiries to understand overall programme impact; accounting for resources in the translation of evidence into practice; embedding implementation science in intervention delivery and design; meaningfully engaging lived experience; considering channels for dissemination of implementation-related findings and focusing on next steps needed to routinely harness the strengths of implementation science in suicide prevention research, practice and training. Conclusion An interdisciplinary panel of suicide prevention experts reached a consensus on optimal strategies for using implementation science to enhance the effectiveness of policies and programmes aimed at reducing suicide. Keywords: suicide prevention, Delphi expert consensus method, implementation science Published in RUP: 26.09.2025; Views: 445; Downloads: 3
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5. Sport-specific shoulder rotator adaptations : strength, range of motion, and asymmetries in female volleyball and handball athletesManca Lenart, Žiga Kozinc, Urška Čeklić, 2025, original scientific article Abstract: This study aimed to compare isometric strength, range of motion (RoM), and strength ratios of shoulder internal and external rotators between female volleyball and hand ball players Twenty-five volleyball players (age = 21.8 ± 4.8 years, height = 178.5 ± 7.1 cm, mass = 69.3 ± 7.7 kg) and twenty-four handball players (age = 19.5 ± 2.9 years, height = 169.7 ± 6.4 cm, mass = 67.6 ± 8.4 kg), all competing in the Slovenian 1st national league, participated. Maximal isometric strength and passive RoM of internal and external rotation were measured bilaterally using a handheld dynamometer and goniometer, respectively. A significant group × side interaction was observed for internal rotation RoM (F = 5.41; p = 0.024; η2 = 0.10), with volleyball players showing lower RoM on the dominant side (p = 0.001; d = 0.89), but this was not the case for handball players (p = 0.304). External rotation strength also showed a significant interaction (F = 9.34; p = 0.004; η2 = 0.17); volleyball players were stronger in the non-dominant arm (p = 0.033), while handball players were stronger in the dominant arm (p = 0.041). The external-to-internal rotation strength ratio was significantly lower on the dominant side in volleyball players compared to handball players (p = 0.047; d = 0.59). Findings suggest sport-specific adaptations and asymmetries in shoulder function, emphasizing the need for sport-specific and individually tailored injury prevention strategies. Volleyball players, in particular, may benefit from targeted strengthening of external rotators and flexibility training to address imbalances. Keywords: isometric testing, joint asymmetry, injury prevention, overhead athletes, muscle balance Published in RUP: 31.07.2025; Views: 715; Downloads: 17
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8. Do you understand (yourself)?!? Study on the mental health and suicidal behaviour of adolescents in Slovenia - preliminary resultsMonika Brdnik, Nuša Zadravec Šedivy, Tina Podlogar, Vanja Gomboc, Meta Lavrič, Nina Krohne, Vita Poštuvan, 2021, published scientific conference contribution abstract Keywords: mental health, suicide prevention, youth, Slovenia Published in RUP: 18.10.2021; Views: 3427; Downloads: 116
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9. Suicide research, prevention, and COVID-19 : towards a global response and the establishment of an international research collaborationThomas Niederkrotenthaler, David Gunnell, Ella Arensman, Jane Pirkis, Louis Appleby, Keith Hawton, Ann John, Nav Kapur, Murad Khan, Rory C. O'Connor, Stephen Platt, Diego De Leo, 2020, preface, editorial, afterword Keywords: suicide research, prevention, COVID-19 Published in RUP: 02.12.2020; Views: 2705; Downloads: 36
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