Unpleasant Pictures Exposure Evokes Different Repercussion on Emotional State and Heart Rate Response in Healthy Women and Men.

To evaluate the heart rate response, emotion and changes in anxiety and anger levels after exposure to unpleasant pictures from the International Assessment Pictures System (IAPS) compared with neutral picture exposure in healthy individuals. Forty participants (23 women) visited the laboratory on two occasions. State anger and state anxiety levels were evaluated pre- and post-visualization of a set of IAPS pictures and heart rate was monitored during exposure. Two different picture sets were utilized-one with neutral pictures (that served as the control) and the other with unpleasant pictures. State anxiety and state anger were higher in post-unpleasant session for women than before (p < 0.001). For men, only state anxiety was higher in the post-unpleasant session (p < 0.001). State anxiety (p = 0.004) and state anger (p < 0.001) post-unpleasant session was higher for women than in men. The pleasure and dominance domains were lower in the unpleasant session for both men and women (p < 0.001), and the arousal domain was higher for both men and women (p < 0.001) than in the neutral session. In the unpleasant session, arousal was higher (p = 0.004), and dominance was lower (p < 0.001) among women than among men, but no difference in pleasure was found (p > 0.05). For women, average heart rate was higher on unpleasant session, compared to neutral (p = 0.01), but not for men (p > 0.05). Women are more sensitive and react strongly to unpleasant picture exposure. The IAPS unpleasant session was not able to induce anger levels in men.

The effects of exergames on muscle strength: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

This systematic review and meta-analysis examined studies on the chronic effects of exergames on muscle strength in humans. PubMed, Scopus, CENTRAL, Web of Science, SciELO, Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde, and Google Scholar were searched, and manual searches of the reference lists of included studies and hand-searches on Physiotherapy Evidence Database and ResearchGate were conducted from inception to August 10, 2020. Randomized and non-randomized exergame intervention studies with or without a non-exercise group and/or a "usual care intervention group" (any other intervention that did not incorporate exergames), which evaluated muscle strength through direct measurements, were included. Forty-seven and 25 studies were included in the qualitative review and meta-analysis, respectively. The between-groups meta-analyses showed no significant differences between exergames and non-exercise control groups for handgrip strength in heathy/unhealthy middle-aged/older adults or knee extension maximum voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) in healthy older adults. However, exergames provided a greater increase in handgrip strength, knee flexion MVIC, and elbow extension MVIC, but not knee extension MVIC or elbow flexion MVIC, in individuals with different health statuses when compared to usual care interventions. Also, there was a greater increase in handgrip strength in children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy favouring usual care plus exergames compared to usual care interventions. These results suggest that exergames may improve upper and lower limb muscle strength in individuals with different heath statuses compared to usual care interventions, but not muscle strength in middle age/older adults after accounting for random error. Also, exergames appear to be a useful tool for improving handgrip strength in children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy when added to usual care. However, as the exergame interventions were applied in different populations and there currently are many different approaches to perform exergames, future randomized controlled trials with high methodological quality and large sample sizes are needed to provide more compelling evidence in favour of a specific exergame protocol, or to elucidate exergame protocol design principles that appear to strongly influence outcomes.

The effects of exergames on anxiety levels: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

There are currently many different approaches to performing exergames and there is still no consensus as to whether exergames are able to reduce anxiety levels, as well as whether exergames provide greater reductions on anxiety levels when added to traditional forms of clinical interventions. Therefore, the aim of the present systematic review and meta-analysis was to access data from studies that evaluated the effects of exergames on anxiety levels in humans. PubMed, Scopus and Cochrane databases were searched up to 22 February 2019. Inclusion criteria were acute and chronic (short-term and long-term interventions) studies which evaluated the effects of exergames in anxiety levels as primary or secondary aim. Of the 1342 studies found, 17 and 10 were included in qualitative analyses and meta-analyses, respectively. The within-group analysis found that exergames (standardized mean difference [SMD]: -0.57 [95% Confidence interval (CI): -0.86 to -0.28], P < .001) and usual care (SMD: -0.21 [95% CI: -0.34 to -0.08], P = .002) resulted in significant improvements on anxiety levels. However, the between-group meta-analysis on the effects of control interventions vs exergames (SMD: 0.02 [95% CI: -0.55 to 0.60], P = .939) found no significant difference between groups in anxiety levels reductions. There was also no significant difference (SMD: -0.04 [95% CI: -0.32 to 0.25], P = .805) between usual care vs exergames plus usual care interventions in anxiety levels reductions. Although exergames demonstrated within-group improvements in anxiety levels across different clinical populations, it was not greater than the effects from non-exercise interventions. Also, given the paucity of studies, small sample sizes, different research designs, and different population investigated, the existing evidence is insufficient to support the advantages of usual care supplemented by exergame intervention over usual care standalone in anxiety levels reduction.

Is interval training the magic bullet for fat loss? A systematic review and meta-analysis comparing moderate-intensity continuous training with high-intensity interval training (HIIT).

OBJECTIVES: To compare the effects of interval training and moderate-intensity continuous training (MOD) on body adiposity in humans, and to perform subgroup analyses that consider the type and duration of interval training in different groups. DESIGN: Systematic review and meta-analysis. DATA SOURCES: English-language, Spanish-language and Portuguese-language searches of the electronic databases PubMed and Scopus were conducted from inception to 11 December 2017. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR SELECTING STUDIES: Studies that met the following criteria were included: (1) original articles, (2) human trials, (3) minimum exercise training duration of 4 weeks, and (4) directly or indirectly compared interval training with MOD as the primary or secondary aim. RESULTS: Of the 786 studies found, 41 and 36 were included in the qualitative analysis and meta-analysis, respectively. Within-group analyses showed significant reductions in total body fat percentage (%) (interval training: -1.50 [95% CI -2.14 to -0.86, p<0.00001] and MOD: -1.44 [95% CI -2.00 to -0.89, p<0.00001]) and in total absolute fat mass (kg) (interval training: -1.58 [95% CI -2.74 to -0.43, p=0.007] and MOD: -1.13 [95% CI -2.18 to -0.08, p=0.04]), with no significant differences between interval training and MOD for total body fat percentage reduction (-0.23 [95% CI -1.43 to 0.97], p=0.705). However, there was a significant difference between the groups in total absolute fat mass (kg) reduction (-2.28 [95% CI -4.00 to -0.56], p=0.0094). Subgroup analyses comparing sprint interval training (SIT) with MOD protocols favour SIT for loss of total absolute fat mass (kg) (-3.22 [95% CI -5.71 to -0.73], p=0.01). Supervised training, walking/running/jogging, age (<30 years), study quality and intervention duration (<12 weeks) favourably influence the decreases in total absolute fat mass (kg) observed from interval training programmes; however, no significant effect was found on total body fat percentage (%). No effect of sex or body mass index was observed on total absolute fat mass (kg) or total body fat percentage (%). CONCLUSION: Interval training and MOD both reduce body fat percentage (%). Interval training provided 28.5% greater reductions in total absolute fat mass (kg) than MOD. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42018089427.

Is the Energy Expenditure Provided by Exergames Valid?

To assess energy expenditure (EE) estimated by a metabolic system during the exergame Hollywood Workout on Xbox 360Kinect® and to compare this measure with the EE estimated by the exergame (EEEx). thirty-four physically active young males performed the Sports Athlete protocol of the Hollywood Workout. Oxygen uptake (V̇O2) and carbon dioxide production (V̇CO2) were measured before and during the protocol using a metabolic system. The absolute means V̇O2 and V̇CO2 were used to calculate the EE during the exergame session (EEMS). The EEEx (kcal) provided by the exergame was collected, and the two measures were compared. Mean V̇CO2 and V̇O2 during the Sports Athlete protocol were 1.8±0.4 L·min-1 (22.9±3.2 mL·kg-1.min-1) and 2.0±0.4 L·m-1 (25.4±2.6 mL·kg-1·min-1), respectively. The EEMS (300.3±53.4 kcal) was 88.6±34.7% greater than the EEEx (160.3±16.5 kcal; p<0.0001; d=3.7 [large effect size]). The EEMS was almost double EEEx. Thus, it is necessary to use caution when using EE information provided by an exergame interface. Further, future studies need to evaluate EE provided by other exergames. The companies that produce the games must be more attentive and adopt more precise methods in order to provide more accurate information to the users.

Analysis of type 2 diabetes mellitus and arterial hypertension content in exercise physiology textbooks.

The textbook is a pedagogical tool that provides students and professionals with scientific information. As exercise is an important strategy for the prevention and treatment of noncommunicable diseases, such as type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and arterial hypertension, the presence of correct and up-to-date scientific information in exercise physiology textbooks is important. Our aim was to analyze T2DM and arterial hypertension content in exercise physiology textbooks and compare this content with the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) position stands. Comparative descriptions were made between information regarding T2DM and arterial hypertension found in textbooks (n = 10) and similar information contained in the official ACSM position stands. The quality of the content was compared with current scientific information present in the ACSM position stands. In regards to T2DM, eight textbooks provided information regarding the purpose and benefits of exercise, two provided information regarding exercise prescription, seven provided information regarding the type of exercise, six provided information regarding general care and recommendations, and five provided information regarding the mechanisms involved. In regards to arterial hypertension, all textbooks provided information regarding the purpose and benefit of exercise, six provided information regarding exercise prescription, nine provided information regarding the type of exercise, two provided information regarding general care and recommendations, and seven provided information regarding the mechanisms involved. All textbooks analyzed contained information related to physical exercise for patients with T2DM and arterial hypertension. However, the textbooks differed in terms of the quality of the contents, especially in regard to exercise prescription.

Responsiveness of functional performance and muscle strength, power, and size to resistance training: A systematic review.

There is a recent and growing interest in assessing differential responders to resistance training (RT) for diverse outcomes. Thus, the individual ability to respond to an intervention for a specific measurement, called responsiveness, remains to be better understood. Thus, the current study aimed to summarize the available information about the effects of RT on functional performance and muscle strength, power, and size in healthy adults, through the prevalence rate in different responsiveness classifications models. A systematic review was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) and was registered at the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO, CRD42021265378). PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and Embase databases were systematically searched in October 2023. A total of 13 studies were included, totaling 921 subjects. Only two studies presented a low risk of bias. Regarding the effectiveness of RT, the prevalence rate for non-responders ranged from 0% to 44% for muscle strength, from 0% to 84% for muscle size, and from 0% to 42% for functional performance, while for muscle power, the only study found showed a responsiveness rate of 37%. In conclusion, a wide range of differential responders is described for all variables investigated. However, the evidence summarized in this systematic review suggested some caution while interpreting the findings, since the body of evidence found seems to be incipient, and widely heterogeneous in methodological and statistical aspects.

Does yoga improve sexual function? A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.

BACKGROUND: Yoga practice can increase blood flow in the genital area, increase muscular strength, and improve body perception, which is related to sexual function. This study aimed to summarize the available evidence about the effects of yoga on sexual function in adults. METHODS: Systematic searches of five databases were conducted from inception to April 28, with the last update on September 28, 2023. Randomized clinical trials (RCTs) that compared yoga with nonintervention control groups on sexual function in adults. Risk of bias and certainty of evidence were assessed by the Cochrane risk of bias tool 2, and the GRADE approach, respectively. Summary effect size measures were calculated using a random-effects model estimation and are reported as standardized mean differences and 95% confidence intervals. Reporting followed the PRISMA guidelines. RESULTS: Ten RCTs that comprised 730 adults (range mean age, 26.64-68.2 years; 680 [93.2 %] women) were included. For the primary outcome, yoga intervention was associated with a significant small improvement in sexual function (-0.31; -0.47 to -0.15, p = 0.0002), with some concerns about risk of bias in nine RCTs (90%) and low-certainty evidence. Subgroup analyses revealed that yoga interventions performed by women (-0.36; -0.52 to -0.21, p < 0.00001), healthy individuals (-0.38; -0.59 to -0.16, p = 0.0006), or middle-aged individuals (-0.44; -0.63 to -0.25, p < 00001) significantly improved sexual function compared with control groups. CONCLUSION: Yoga was associated with a small improvement in sexual function compared with nonintervention control groups in adults. However, high-quality, larger RCTs are required to draw more definitive conclusions.

A single session of a beach volleyball exergame did not improve state anxiety level in healthy adult women.

This study evaluated the acute effect of the exergame Kinect Sports® beach volleyball on state anxiety level in adult women. Thirty healthy adult women (age: 21 [4] years, body mass: 54.70 [19.50] kg, height: 1.61 ± 0.05 m, and body mass index: 21.87 [5.76] kg/m2, data are expressed as median [interquartile range] and as the mean ± standard deviation) were assigned to play an exergame of beach volleyball in singleplayer mode session (intervention session) for ~ 30 min using the Xbox 360 Kinect® or remained seated (control session). State anxiety was evaluated before and after the intervention and control sessions through the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. State anxiety obtained in both sessions (exergame and control) was classified as intermediate before (median: 36.00 [IQR: 4.75] and mean = 38.73 ± 7.23, respectively) and after (mean: 34.86 ± 6.81 and mean: 37.66 ± 8.44, respectively). Friedman test found no time significant effect on state anxiety of the sessions (χ2 [3] = 6.45, p-value = 0.092, Kendall's W = 0.07 "trivial"). In conclusion, the present study showed that there were no significant differences in the state anxiety level after an acute session of the exergame beach volleyball.

KEY POINTS: • Exergame beach volleyball presented high enjoyment and a moderate to strong future engagement possibility. • A session of the volleyball exergame did not improve affectivity and state anxiety level compared with control condition. • A session of the volleyball exergame elicited moderate physical exercise intensity.

Acute effects of foam roller or stick massage on indirect markers from exercise-induced muscle damage in healthy individuals: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: This systematic review and meta-analysis examined the effects of foam roller or stick massage performed after exercise-induced muscle damage protocols on indirect markers of muscle damage compared to a non-intervention control group in healthy individuals. METHODS: PubMed, Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Cochrane Library database were searched in August 2, 2020, with last update on February 21, 2021. Were included clinical trials involving healthy adult individuals who received foam roller/stick massage versus a non-intervention group and evaluated indirect markers of muscle damage. Risk of bias was assessed by the Cochrane Risk of Bias tools. Standardized mean differences with 95% confidence intervals were used to measure the foam roller/stick massage effect on muscle soreness. RESULTS: The five included studies investigated 151 participants (136 men). Overall, the studies presented a moderate/high risk of bias. A between-groups meta-analysis showed no significant difference between massage and non-intervention control groups on muscle soreness immediately after (0.26 [95%CI: 0.14; 0.65], p = 0.20), 24 h (-0.64 [95%CI: 1.34; 0.07], p = 0.08), 48 h (-0.35 [95%CI: 0.85; 0.15], p = 0.17), 72 h (-0.40 [95%CI: 0.92; 0.12], p = 0.13), and 96 h (0.05 [95%CI: 0.40; 0.50], p = 0.82) after an exercise-induced muscle damage protocol. Moreover, the qualitative synthesis showed that foam roller or stick massage had no significant effect on range of motion, muscle swelling, and maximal voluntary isometric contraction recovery. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, the current literature appears to not support the advantage of foam roller or stick massage to improve recovery of muscle damage indirect markers (muscle soreness, range of motion, muscle swelling, and maximal voluntary isometric contraction) compared to a non-intervention control group in healthy individuals. Furthermore, due to the heterogeneity of the methodological designs among the included studies, making it difficult to compare the results. In addition, there are not enough high-quality and well-designed studies on foam roller or stick massage to draw any definite conclusions. REVIEW PROTOCOL NUMBER: The study was pre-registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Review (PROSPERO) on August 2, 2020, with last update on February 21, 2021. Protocol number: CRD2017058559.

The burden of prolonged sedentary behavior imposed by uberization.

Mobility applications are rapidly growing in cities worldwide due to their convenience and low cost. Mobility applications drivers experience vast flexibility in work hours, often work longer than in fixed-hours jobs, and can constantly transport passengers in their vehicles for up to 12 h; after this, they must go offline for eight consecutive hours before driving again. Nonetheless, drivers have found an easy way around this limitation by switching to other apps and continuing driving. This burden of prolonged work can increase sedentary behavior among mobility applications drivers. Sedentary behavior is any waking activity in which the individual expends 1.5 metabolic equivalents (METs) or less while sitting or reclining. This behavior can increase the risk of detrimental effects on health. In this opinion article, we aim to discuss the possible effects of the burden of prolonged work on the sedentary behavior of mobility applications drivers and propose possible strategies to face this concerning situation.

Acute effects of moderate-intensity continuous physical exercise performed with different amounts of muscle mass on executive function in healthy young adults: a randomized trial.

We examined the effect of amount of muscle mass involved in moderate-intensity continuous physical exercise on executive function. To this end, fifty-five participants completed two acute physical exercise sessions on an airbike ergometer using the upper and lower limbs simultaneously and only the upper limbs, and a resting control session in a randomized order. The physical exercise session lasted 30 min and was performed at moderate intensity (between 64 %-76 % of maximal heart rate evaluated in graded maximal exercise testing). Participants took the Stroop test (congruent and incongruent trials) before and after the sessions to assess executive performance. For the congruent trial, both physical exercise interventions improved executive function performance (pre vs. post, p-value = 0.002 and 0.003 for physical exercise with upper limbs and physical exercise with upper and lower limbs, respectively). Furthermore, executive function performance was higher after the physical exercise interventions than after the control session (p-value = 0.002 and 0.004 for physical exercise with upper limbs and physical exercise with upper and lower limbs, respectively). For the incongruent trial, both physical exercise interventions also improved executive function performance (pre vs. post, p-value < 0.001 for physical exercise with upper limbs and physical exercise with upper and lower limbs, respectively). However, there were no significant differences after both physical exercise interventions and resting control session (p-value = 0.175). Executive function (congruent trial) was positively impacted by acute aerobic physical exercise regardless of the amount of muscle mass involved (upper limbs or upper plus lower limbs). Therefore, we recommend aerobic physical exercise with less or more muscle mass involved to improve cognitive function.

Are exergames an option to cope with sleep disorders during the COVID-19 outbreak?

During the COVID-19 pandemic, factors related to the isolation and quarantine period increased psychobiological distress in the general population around the world, increasing anxiety, emotional stress, and depression, as well as worsening of the quality of sleep. Seeking alternatives to provide support for the implementation of some interventions for well-being and health under pandemic conditions, exergames (active video games) seem to be a feasible alternative to keep people physically active and to positively impact sleep health. In this overview article, we discussed the feasibility of exergames as an option to cope with sleep disorders and improve sleep quality during the COVID-19 outbreak through increasing physical exercise and physical fitness levels.

Knowledge and Prevalence of Supplements Used by Brazilian Resistance Training Practitioners Before Coronavirus Outbreak.

INTRODUCTION: The use of dietary supplements and ergogenic aids (DSEA) is popular among physical activity enthusiasts. Particularly, resistance training (RT) practitioners represent important DSEA consumers due to its easy access and the appeal of claims related to muscle hypertrophy, aesthetics, and physical performance improvements. METHODS: Our aim was to study knowledge, prevalence, and profile of DSEA used by Brazilian recreational RT practitioners. For this, RT practitioners of both sexes (n=129, female=58 and male=71) answered a paper-based questionnaire. The questionnaire was specifically created for the studied population to assess different aspects of the DSEA used and sociodemographic variables. RESULTS: Seventy-seven percent of the participants (n=99) declared that they had already used DSEA. The majority (53%) searched the internet to obtain information about DSEA. Whey protein (66%) was the most used followed by branched chain amino acids (48%). CONCLUSION: The use of DSEA, before coronavirus outbreak, was popular among RT practitioners; protein and amino acids were the most used DSEA. Most users used internet to obtain information about DSEA. The results suggest the need for appropriate attitude and guidance by health professionals who deal with this population, especially dietitians, nutritionists, and physical training professionals in order to promote best and security practices.

Knowledge of healthcare professionals about poliomyelitis and postpoliomyelitis: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Postpoliomyelitis syndrome is a clinical condition that can affect poliomyelitis survivors. OBJECTIVE: Our aim was to evaluate knowledge of poliomyelitis and postpoliomyelitis syndrome among Brazilian healthcare professionals. DESIGN AND SETTING: Cross-sectional study conducted at a Brazilian public higher education institution located in the state of Goiás. METHODS: The participants (n = 578) were Brazilian physicians, physical therapists, nurses, nutritionists and psychologists. A self-administered questionnaire (30 questions) was designed to probe knowledge about poliomyelitis and postpoliomyelitis syndrome. From the questionnaire, we created a structured test to objectively evaluate the knowledge of these professionals. The test was composed of 20 questions and was scored over a range from 0 (totally ill-informed) to 20 (totally well-informed). RESULTS: In general, the physicians, physical therapists and nurses demonstrated better understanding of poliomyelitis and postpoliomyelitis syndrome. The healthcare professionals who had received previous information about poliomyelitis and postpoliomyelitis syndrome had significantly higher scores than those who had never received information (P < 0.001). On average, this difference was approximately 28.6%. CONCLUSIONS: The findings from the present study indicate that there is a critical need for improvement of knowledge about postpoliomyelitis syndrome among Brazilian healthcare professionals. The services provided by these professionals may therefore become compromised. Furthermore, public healthcare initiatives should be implemented to improve knowledge among healthcare professionals.

Exergames as Coping Strategies for Anxiety Disorders During the COVID-19 Quarantine Period.

The COVID-19 outbreak has led to wide-scale self-isolation, as a result of the quarantine period recommended by the World Health Organization. Consequently, people's mental health, including their anxiety levels, may be becoming impaired. To cope with the situation, the exergame appears to be an enjoyable easy-to-use tool for reducing social isolation, as well as an interesting mode of home-based exercise for tackling anxiety disorders and sedentary behavior. This article critically appraises the opportunities and challenges exergames present for the prevention and treatment of anxiety disorders in a home-based environment during the COVID-19 quarantine period.

Physical inactivity during leisure and school time is associated with the presence of common mental disorders in adolescence.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association of physical inactivity in leisure and school time with common mental disorders during adolescence. METHODS: The sample consisted of 73,399 adolescents (12-17 years old), participants in the Estudo de Riscos Cardiovasculares em Adolescentes (Erica - Study of Cardiovascular Risks in Adolescents). This cross-sectional, national and school-based study was conducted in 2013 and 2014 in Brazilian municipalities with more than 100,000 inhabitants. Leisure time physical activity was categorized according to weekly practice volume, and adolescents were classified as active (≥ 300 minutes/week), inactive (0 minute/week) and insufficiently active (1-299 minutes/week). Sports practice and participation in physical education classes at school were also analyzed. The presence of common mental disorders was assessed based on the general health questionnaire, with a cutoff point greater than or equal to 3. Odds ratios (OR) were estimated using multiple logistic regression. RESULTS: The chance of common mental disorders was 16% higher in the group that reported being inactive (0 minute/week) at leisure time (OR = 1.16; 95%CI 1.06 (1.27). The prevalence of common mental disorders was higher among young people who did not practice sports (37.2% vs. 25.9%; OR = 1.14; 95%CI 1.04-1.25) and did not participate in physical education classes at school (39.5% vs. 29.6%; OR = 1.25; 95%CI 1.15-1.36). Insufficient physical activity (1-299 minutes/week) did not increase the OR of common mental disorders. Practicing physical activity during leisure time, regardless of duration and weekly frequency, reduced the chances of common mental disorders in this population by 26%. CONCLUSIONS: Physical inactivity during leisure and school time is associated with the presence of common mental disorders in adolescence. The results suggest that sports practice, school physical education and physical activity during leisure time, even without reaching the current recommendation, are related to the mental health of young people.

Studies of Classical Ballet Dancers' Equilibrium at Different Levels of Development and Versus Non-Dancers: A Systematic Review.

In classical ballet, the execution of extreme movements on small bases of support causes the dancers constantly to seek balance. The objective of this systematic literature review was to evaluate the effects of classical ballet training on static and dynamic balance in order to emphasize the differences between dancers and non-dancers and between dancers with different levels of experience. Searches for scientific papers were conducted by two independent researchers in the PubMed, Science Direct, and LILACS databases. A secondary search was carried out by "snowballing" references in the selected studies. A modified Downs and Black checklist and the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) scale were used to evaluate the methodological quality and evidence strength of the included studies, respectively. From 364 initial studies, nine were found to be eligible (five did analyses in static situations, two in dyna- mic situations, and two in both). With a maximum potential of 10 points, the methodological quality ranged from 6 to 8 on the Downs and Black checklist. It was found that the level of experience in ballet makes for better balance. However, there are indications that classical ballet dancers become more dependent on vision to control balance compared to non-dancers.

Is It Time to Rethink Our Weight Loss Paradigms?

Strategies aiming to promote weight loss usually include anything that results in an increase in energy expenditure (exercise) or a decrease in energy intake (diet). However, the probability of losing weight is low and the probability of sustained weight loss is even lower. Herein, we bring some questions and suggestions about the topic, with a focus on exercise interventions. Based on the current evidence, we should look at how metabolism changes in response to interventions instead of counting calories, so we can choose more efficient models that can account for the complexity of human organisms. In this regard, high-intensity training might be particularly interesting as a strategy to promote fat loss since it seems to promote many physiological changes that might favor long-term weight loss. However, it is important to recognize the controversy of the results regarding interval training (IT), which might be explained by the large variations in its application. For this reason, we have to be more judicious about how exercise is planned and performed and some factors, like supervision, might be important for the results. The intensity of exercise seems to modulate not only how many calories are expended after exercise, but also where they came from. Instead of only estimating the number of calories ingested and expended, it seems that we have to act positively in order to create an adequate environment for promoting healthy and sustainable weight loss.

Tabata protocol: a review of its application, variations and outcomes.

PURPOSE: The great popularity of the Tabata Protocol is accompanied by an uncomfortable lack of consistency and criteria in its use, which results in many controversies in the results obtained from its utilization. The purpose of this study was to analyse the studies that based their interventions on the Tabata Protocol and to provide a critical analysis of its use. METHODS: A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed and Scopus. All articles published between 1996 and October 2017 that cited at least one of the original studies of Tabata et al. were considered. Inclusion criteria were as follows: original articles, human trials and English language. RESULTS: Thirty studies were included for analysis. Almost 37% of the studies (n = 11) used a variation of the Tabata Protocol on a cycle ergometer. Only five studies stated the use of the original Tabata Protocol. Exercise intensity was controlled by percentage of i V ˙ O2 max (n = 8) or i V ˙ O2 peak (n = 3), number of bouts performed (n = 3), all out (n = 10), rate of perceived exertion (n = 1), self-perception of paces (n = 1), maximal power output (n = 1), aerobic power (n = 1) and other forms (n = 2). CONCLUSION: Based on our results, variations of the Tabata Protocol seem to be indicated to provide increases in aerobic power that are similar to traditional aerobic training while being less time consuming. These adaptations seem to be mainly due to peripheral adaptations. Moreover, the use of Tabata Protocols to promote weight loss is not substantiated by the reviewed studies.