Changes in Metabolic and Inflammatory Markers after a Combined Exercise Program in Workers: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

PURPOSE: We investigated the effects of a 16-week combined exercise training on body composition, metabolic and inflammatory markers in sedentary middle-aged workers. We also assessed whether significant alterations in metabolic markers were associated with changes in health-related outcomes. METHODS: This randomized controlled trial involved 46 participants randomly allocated into control and exercise groups. The exercise group performed 16-week combined aerobic and resistance training for 75 min/session, 3 times/week. Fasting blood samples were collected at baseline and after 16-week intervention to determine lipid profile, metabolic and inflammatory markers as primary outcomes. RESULTS: A total of 36 participants completed the intervention (53.70 ± 6.92 years old) (n = 18 in each group). Waist circumference (interaction effect: F = 7.423, p = 0.002), fat mass (interaction effect: F = 5.070, p = 0.011), and muscle mass (interaction effect: F = 5.420, p = 0.007) were improved in the exercise group compared to the control group. Fasting glucose increased after the 16-week follow-up (time effect: F = 73.253, p < 0.001), without an intergroup difference. Insulin levels were greater in the control compared to exercise group (group effect: F = 6.509, p = 0.015). The control group tended to increase the HOMA-IR index (interaction effect: F = 3.493, p = 0.070) and to decrease the QUICKI index (interaction effect: F = 3.364, p = 0.075) to a greater extent compared to the exercise group. Exercise group reduced leptin (interaction effect: F = 11.175, p = 0.002) and adiponectin (interaction effect: F = 4.437, p = 0.043) concentrations in a greater magnitude than control group. IL-6 (time effect: F = 17.767, p < 0.001) and TNF-α (time effect: F = 9.781, p = 0.004) concentrations decreased after the intervention, without an intergroup difference. IL-17A levels increased in the control compared to exercise group (interaction effect: F = 5.010, p = 0.033). Effects on adiponectin, IL-6 and IL-17A levels seem to depend on baseline BMI, age, and sex. Percentage changes in leptin correlated positively with changes in HOMA-IR index in the exercise (r = 0.565, p = 0.015) and control (r = 0.670, p = 0.002) groups. CONCLUSIONS: A combined training program can be an effective strategy to improve body composition and inflammatory markers and prevent marked reductions in insulin sensitivity among middle-aged workers.

Age Unplugged: A Brief Narrative Review on the Intersection of Digital Tools, Sedentary and Physical Activity Behaviors in Community-Dwelling Older Adults.

This brief narrative review assesses how digital technologies-such as wearables, mobile health apps, and various digital tools such as computers, game consoles, tablets, smartphones, and extended reality systems-can influence sedentary and physical activity behaviors among community-dwelling older adults. Each section highlights the central role of these technologies in promoting active aging through increased motivation, engagement and customized experiences. It underlines the critical importance of functionality, usability and adaptability of devices and confirms the effectiveness of digital interventions in increasing physical activity and reducing sedentary behavior. The sustainable impact of these technologies needs to be further investigated, with a focus on adapting digital health strategies to the specific needs of older people. The research advocates an interdisciplinary approach and points out that such collaborations are essential for the development of accessible, effective and ethical solutions. This perspective emphasizes the potential of digital tools to improve the health and well-being of the aging population and recommends their strategic integration into health promotion and policy making.

Study of Body Composition and Motor Skills of Futsal Athletes of Different Competitive Levels.

This study aimed to verify whether there are differences in the body composition, functionality, lower-limb power, agility, and cardiorespiratory capacity in futsal players, comparing futsal athletes by competitive level. The athletes (N = 84) were divided into three groups: group Elite (N = 29), group Sub-Elite (N = 29), and group Non-Elite (N = 26). Anthropometric variables were analyzed through a bioimpedance scale (Inbody 270), and functionality was analyzed through a functional movement screen battery. The power of the lower limbs was tested with the Abalakov jump, the agility with the zigzag agility test, and the cardiorespiratory capacity through the futsal intermittent endurance test. Anthropometric data from futsal athletes revealed a homogeneity in relation to the variables analyzed, regardless of the level of competition in which they operate. In performance variables, the power of the members and functionality was considered a discriminating factor of the level of competitiveness of the athletes, with the Elite group athletes presenting the best values. We concluded that there were no differences in relation to the body composition of the athletes. However, the athletes of higher levels, as a rule, present better performances in physiological aspects, results that can be explained by the fact that there is a better periodization in terms of training, with more intense loads and more complex competitive calendars, thus resulting in a greater specialization of these athletes.

Descriptive analysis of injury types and incidence during futsal preseason across different competitive levels.

Introduction: This study aimed to verify the typology and incidence of injury by comparing the different competitive levels of futsal during the preseason. Methods: The sample consisted of 68 senior male futsal players (24.26 ± 4.63 years). Data were collected using an injury recording grid that examined the affected body part, anatomical region, type of injury, mechanism, and severity. Results: It was found that the elite group has the lowest incidence rate of injury (4.8 injuries per 1,000 h of exposure) compared to the sub-elite (11.8 injuries per 1,000 h of exposure) and amateur groups (13.9 injuries per 1,000 h of exposure). However, at this level, there is the highest percentage of injury occurrence (38.5%), the lower limb was the most affected part of the body (30.8%), and ligament (23.1%) and muscle (15.4%) injuries are the most prevalent. The most frequent mechanism of injury was non-traumatic (30.8%), and the majority were moderate injuries in the elite (23.1%) and sub-elite (17.9%) groups and severe injuries in the amateur group (12.5%). Discussion: The amateur futsal players had the highest incidence of injury during the preseason period compared to the other competitive levels. Still, it was at the elite level where the highest percentage of injuries occurred, most of them non-traumatic and of ligament origin, primarily affecting the ankle region. The results highlight the importance of adopting specific injury prevention programs for ligament and muscle injuries during the preseason phase, regardless of the competitive level.

Crossing the digital frontier: are older adults ready for virtual reality workouts?

In the dynamic web of our digital age, virtual reality (VR) is crystallizing as a promising medium for promoting physical activity in older adults, overcoming age-old barriers. This perspective article explores the intricate synergy between VR and physical activity in older adults and highlights the many challenges of aging within a virtual environment. While VR heralds the potential for multisensory interaction and cognitive enhancement, a thorough assessment of its impact is paramount. The reach of VR goes beyond immediate applications and permeates the emotional and psychological realms of the human journey. Such an exploration requires a comprehensive perspective that goes beyond a purely technical assessment. The aim of this article is not to present clear-cut solutions, but to encourage reflection on the diverse impact of VR on our aging population. We argue for a future in which technology complements, rather than eclipses, the depth of human experience.

The effects of combined exercise training on glucose metabolism and inflammatory markers in sedentary adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to determine the magnitude of the effect of combined exercise training on glucose metabolism markers, adipokines, and inflammatory cytokines in non-diabetic sedentary adults. PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Cochrane Library electronic databases and reference lists of included studies were explored for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that included physically inactive adults and provided combined training interventions (aerobic plus resistance exercise). Effects on fasting glucose and insulin, Homeostatic Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR), HbA1c, adiponectin, leptin, IL-6, TNF-α, and C-reactive protein (CRP) in exercise vs control groups were analyzed using random effects meta-analysis. The Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool for Randomized Trials 2.0 (RoB 2) was used to assess the risk of bias. A total of 24 RCTs were included in the quantitative analysis. Combined exercise training significantly decrease fasting glucose (standardized mean difference, SMD: - 0.474, 95% CI [- 0.829, - 0.120], p = 0.009, 35 study arms), fasting insulin (SMD: - 1.024, 95% CI [- 1.502, - 0.545], p < 0.001, 27 study arms), HOMA-IR (SMD: - 0.946, 95% CI [- 1.450, - 0.442], p < 0.001, 23 study arms), TNF-α (SMD: - 0.972, 95% CI [- 1.361, - 0.582], p < 0.001, 10 study arms), and CRP (SMD: - 0.507, 95% CI [- 0.818, - 0.196], p = 0.001, 14 study arms). No significant effects were observed for HbA1c, adiponectin, leptin, and IL-6 levels. Random effects meta-regression models by age, sex, and intervention length were not able to explain any of the variation in the effect size of HOMA-IR. Findings from this systematic review and meta-analysis suggest that combined exercise training improves some glucose metabolism markers and inflammatory parameters in sedentary adults without diabetes.

Tracking devices and physical performance analysis in team sports: a comprehensive framework for research-trends and future directions.

Background: Tracking devices, such as global (GPS) and local (LPS) positioning systems, combined with physiological measurements, have become reliable tools to characterize movement patterns, assessing the external load (EL), internal load (IL), fatigue, and performance of athletes in team sports. This scoping review aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the applicability of tracking systems in physical performance analysis within team sports and the wellbeing of athletes based on research strategies and combined variables. Methods: A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Web of Knowledge, and Scopus databases according to PRISMA guidelines. The 79 studies that were reviewed met the following criteria: (1) contained relevant data regarding elite athletes' performance; (2) athletes' EL and IL; (3) were written in the English language; (4) were related only to team sports. Results: The findings indicate that tracking technology has been engaged in several research areas, including performance analysis, training vs. match load management, injuries, and nutrition, through characterization and correlational studies. Metrics, primarily focused on kinematic and mechanical EL aspects, have been employed in combination with IL data to analyze the performance of athletes. However, the lack of an integrative model for the analysis and integration of EL and IL metrics within each team sport suggests an interesting direction for further research. Conclusion: There is a need for coherence between the methods and the research goals on performance analysis. The development of a framework that guides experimental studies is highly recommended, particularly on manipulating metrics analyzed between training and match sessions, injury prevention, and nutrition. This will lead to the development of the most applied sports science research to improve the preparation and decision-making of athletes based on reliable data. Systematic Review Registration: https://inplasy.com/?s=2022120039, identifier 2022120039.

The importance of oriented physical activity in the first 48 months: differences in motor skills.

BACKGROUND: The importance of physical activity in the first months of age is well known, however, with the evolution of the urban environment, the excessive workload of parents and the excessive time in growing up in kindergartens has limited this same free practice and little has been studied about this issue. In Portugal, there are institutions that provide oriented physical activity for their children, however, this is optional, which may create disadvantages in children's motor skills in these ages. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study isto verify if there are differences in the development of motor skills (global and fine) comparing children between 12 and 48 months who practice oriented physical activity (OPA) and children who do not. METHODS: Participated in this study, 400 children of both genders (28.14 ± 7.23 months). Two groups were created (the group that had oriented physical activity (30 min long and 2 times a week) and the group that didn't have oriented physical activity). For a better understanding they were divided into 3 age groups (12-23, 24-35 and 36-48 months). Motor skills were assessed using the PDMS-2 scales, for 6 months, following the instrument's application standards. RESULTS: In a first analysis, we found that the majority of children only start to practice oriented physical activity in institutions from 36 months of age, however, it is in the first months (from 12 to 35) that the greatest differences between the two groups can occur. The OPA group presented better results according to the mean values, in all motor skills. Differences between groups were most noticeable in Postural, locomotion and fine manipulation Skills (showing effect size: moderate and low). CONCLUSIONS: We can conclude that a practice of oriented physical activity in the first 48 months is fundamental to the development of motor skills. It is in the first months (up to 36) that there are greater differences, but it is also where there are less children carrying out guided physical activity. This is an important factor, and is determinant to make institutions aware of this importance of this variable in child development.

Heart rate variability behavior in athletes after a sports concussion: A systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: This systematic review aims to investigate the adaptations of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) after a concussion by measuring HRV in athletes over the age of 16 after injury. METHODS: This systematic review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA). Web of Science, Pubmed, SCOPUS, and Sport Discus were searched using predefined search terms to identify relevant original cross-sectional, longitudinal, and cohort epidemiological studies published before December 2021. RESULTS: After screening 1737 potential articles, four studies met the inclusion criteria. Studies included participants with concussion (n = 63) and healthy control athletes (n = 140) who practised different sports. Two studies describe a decrease in HRV following a sports concussion, and one proposed that the resolution of symptoms does not necessarily reflect ANS recovery. Lastly, one study concluded that submaximal exercise induces alteration in ANS, not seen in rest after an injury. CONCLUSIONS: In the frequency domain, a decrease in high frequency power and an increase of low frequency/high frequency ratio is expected, as the activity of the sympathetic nervous system increases, and the parasympathetic nervous system decreases after injury. In the frequency domain, heart rate variability (HRV) may help monitor the activity of ANS evaluating signals of somatic tissue distress and early identification of other types of musculoskeletal injuries. Further research should investigate the relationship between HRV and other musculoskeletal injuries.

Intra-observer reproducibility and inter-observer agreement of Fels skeletal age assessments among male tennis players 8-16 years.

BACKGROUND: Skeletal age (SA) is an estimate of biological maturity status that is commonly used in sport-related medical examinations. This study considered intra-observer reproducibility and inter-observer agreement of SA assessments among male tennis players. METHODS: SA was assessed with the Fels method in 97 male tennis players with chronological ages (CA) spanning 8.7-16.8 years. Radiographs were evaluated by two independent trained observers. Based on the difference between SA and CA, players were classified as late, average or early maturing; if a player was skeletally mature, he was noted as such as an SA is not assigned. RESULTS: The magnitude of intra-individual differences between repeated SA assessments were d = 0.008 year (observer A) and d = 0.001 year (observer B); the respective coefficients of variation were 1.11% and 1.75%. Inter-observer mean differences were negligible (t = 1.252, p = 0.210) and the intra-class correlation coefficient was nearly perfect (ICC = 0.995). Concordance of classifications of players by maturity status between observers was 90%. CONCLUSION: Fels SA assessments were highly reproducible and showed an acceptable level of inter-observer agreement between trained examiners. Classifications of players by skeletal maturity status based on assessments of the two observers were highly concordant, though not 100%. The results highlight the importance of experienced observers in skeletal maturity assessments.

Effects of combined training during the COVID-19 pandemic on metabolic health and quality of life in sedentary workers: A randomized controlled study.

This study aimed to analyze the effects of a combined training (CT) program performed during the first national lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic on body composition, metabolic profile, quality of life and stress in sedentary workers, and examines whether changes in the metabolic profile are associated with changes in health-related outcomes which are modifiable by exercise. We evaluated 31 sedentary workers (48.26 ± 7.89 years old). Participants were randomly assigned to a CT group (i.e., performed 16 weeks of exercise) or to a non-exercise control group. The CT program consisted of 16-week of resistance and aerobic exercise. Body composition, glycemic and lipidic profiles, cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), health-related quality of life and stress levels were assessed pre- and post-intervention. After the intervention period, the CT group demonstrated significantly lower waist and hip circumference (p < 0.05) values than the control group. The control group significantly increased the fasting glucose and HOMA-IR after 16 weeks follow-up (+4.74 mg/dL, p = 0.029; and +0.41 units, p = 0.010, respectively), whiles no significant changes were observed in the CT group in the same parameters (+3.33 mg/dL, p = 0.176; and +0.04 units, p = 0.628, respectively). No changes were observed in the lipid profile for either group (p > 0.05). A significant positive relationship was detected between the change in BMI with the changes in insulin and HOMA-IR (r = 0.643, p = 0.024; and r = 0.605, p = 0.037, respectively). In addition, the changes in CRF were negatively associated with the changes in total cholesterol (r = -0.578, p = 0.049). We observed differences between groups on perceived stress levels and physical, psychological, and environmental domains of quality of life, with the CT group showing better results. Moreover, the CT group improved perceived life satisfaction (+3.17 points, p = 0.038). The findings of the present study suggest that the participants who remained physically active during the first pandemic-related lockdown were able to mitigate the deleterious effects associated with a sedentary lifestyle.

Body composition and grip strength constraints in elite male rink-hockey players of contrasting ethnicity.

Rink hockey is a highly specialized and physiological demanding sport with sparse research regarding the game and athletes' characteristics. A cross-sectional study was developed to characterize the body composition and grip strength of elite male rink hockey players and to establish the relationship between ethnicity on body composition and grip strength. A sample of 100 elite rink-hockey athletes aged 26.59 ± 6.02 participated in the study, comprised of 69 Caucasian male adults aged 27.58 ± 6.44 years and 31 Black African male adults aged 24.39 ± 4.27. Body composition was assessed by anthropometric measurements. Static grip strength was assessed with an adjustable dynamometer. Multiple regression analysis was applied to understand which variables constraints body fat percentage (BF) and grip strength. Body mass showed an average of 76.36 ± 9.18 kg for 175.80 ± 5.87 cm of height and BF% of 10.82 ± 5.07%. Maximal right grip strength was 50.91 ± 6.26 kg and 50.27 ± 6.23 kg for left grip strength. Four predictors accounted for 70.01% of the variance of BF%: abdominal circumference (p < 0.001), right thigh circumference (p < 0.001), right calf circumference (p = 0.001) and ethnicity (p = 0.016). Three predictors accounted for 13.1% of the variance of right grip strength: ethnicity (p = 0.013), chronological age (p = 0.024) and right distal thigh circumference (p = 0.014). Results suggest that elite rink hockey athletes have a specific anthropometric identity, which at the elite level may lead to reduced body fat and greater handgrip strength. Ethnicity seems to predict body fat and grip strength in elite rink hockey athletes.

Effects of combined training on metabolic profile, lung function, stress and quality of life in sedentary adults: A study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Both physical inactivity and sedentary behavior are considered modifiable risk factors for chronic diseases and all-cause mortality. Adult office-workers spend most of their working day in sedentary behaviors, so they are particularly at high risk of developed chronic diseases (e.g., cardiovascular diseases, metabolic disorders like diabetes mellitus, …). It seems important to promote behavioral changes that could prevent or delay metabolic disease development. Evidence supports the use of exercise programs, however, to date there are several knowledge gaps and inconsistencies in the literature regarding the effects of Combined Training (i.e., aerobic plus resistance training) in sedentary healthy adults. This paper outlines an RCT designed to evaluate the effects of a 16-week combined training program on biochemical and immune markers of metabolic disease, lung function, salivary stress hormones and subjective quality of life (primary outcomes), as well as on body composition and physical fitness (secondary outcomes) in sedentary middle-aged office-workers. Furthermore, we aimed to assess the associations between the changes promoted by the exercise program and the different variables studied. METHODS AND DESIGN: This is a single-blinded two-arm RCT with parallel groups. A minimum of healthy 40 office-workers aged 40-64 years will be recruited to engage in a 16-week intervention study. After baseline assessments, participants will be randomized to one of the two groups: (1) combined training group or (2) control group. Baseline assessments will be repeated after 8 weeks of intervention (mid-testing) and upon completion of the intervention (post-testing). DISCUSSION: This RCT involves a multi-disciplinary approach and seems to be a relevant contribution to understanding the potential role of combined training in improving the metabolic profile, lung function, stress, and quality of life in adults. The results can provide important insights for clinical recommendations and for the optimization of strategies to prevent metabolic disorders in adults with sedentary jobs. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (registration number: NCT04868240; date of registration April 30, 2021).

Emerging Qualitative Research Trends (2010-2021) on Sedentary Behaviour among Older Adults: A Systematic Literature Review Protocol.

In recent years, research on sedentary behaviour has increased. In this regard, there is a need for theoretical reviews that allow us to determine the past, analyse the present, and prepare the future of research in this field. The purpose of this review paper was to analyse and organise the emerging qualitative research trends (2010-2021) on the sedentary behaviour of older adults. A systematic literature search strategy was developed in various electronic scientific databases (e.g., PubMed, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, Scielo, and Scopus). The included studies were required to have different qualitative methodological approaches in terms of data collection and methods of data analysis. Studies conducted in any country and published in a peer-reviewed journal in English, Spanish, and Portuguese were considered. A thematic analysis approach was used for data extraction and synthesis, and confidence in the results was assessed using the GRADE-CERQual approach. This study may enable accurate guidelines to be established for future primary qualitative research related to sedentary behaviour.

Evaluation of the Psychometric Properties of the Portuguese Peabody Developmental Motor Scales-2 Edition: A Study with Children Aged 12 to 48 Months.

The purpose of this study was to examine the psychometric properties of Peabody Developmental Motor Scales II (PDMS-2-Folio and Fewell, 2000) using a Portuguese sample. The validation of the Portuguese version of the PDMS-2 was applied according to the manual, for 392 children, from two institutions, from 12 to 48 months, with an analysis of the internal consistency (α Cronbach), of test-retest reliability (ICC) and construct validity (confirmatory factor analysis). The results of the confirmatory factorial analysis (χ2 = 55.614; df = 4; p = 0.06; χ2/df =13.904; SRMR (Standardized Root Mean Square Residual) = 0.065; CFI (Comparative Fit Index) = 0.99, TLI = 0.99, RMSEA (Root Mean Square Error of Approximation) = 0.068) of two factors (Gross Motor and Fine Motor) as the original version but correlated. Most of the subtests had good internal consistency (α = 0.85) and good test-retest stability (ICC = 0.98 to 0.99). The results indicated that the Portuguese version of the PDMS-2 is adequate and valid for assessing global and fine motor skills in children aged 12 to 48 months, and can be used as a reference tool by health and education professionals to assess motor skills and, thus, allowing to detect maladjustments, deficiencies or precocity, so that children can later receive appropriate intervention.

Assessment of Body Composition, Lower Limbs Power, and Anaerobic Power of Senior Soccer Players in Portugal: Differences According to the Competitive Level.

BACKGROUND: During a soccer game, the most diversified stimuli occur all the time, the physical condition level plays a determinant role, and there may be variations according to the competitive level. In this sense, the present study aimed to verify differences in body composition, lower limbs power, and anaerobic power, comparing senior soccer players of different competitive levels. METHODS: Participants were 81 players belonging to six soccer teams, aged between 18 and 35 years, with a mean age of 23.14 ± 4.23 years, who were divided into three distinct competitive levels: Elite, Sub-Elite and Non-Elite. The players performed bioimpedance evaluations on a tetrapolarInbody270 scale (body composition), the Countermovement Jump (CMJ) through the ChronoJump (lower limbs power), and Running Anaerobic Sprint Test (RAST) (anaerobic power). RESULTS: Based on the competitive level analysis, we verified that the players present body composition values similar to each other regardless of the competitive level in which they play. Concerning the performance evaluations, we verified that the elite players present higher values of highest jump (p = 0.012; d = 0.76, moderate; and p = 0.022; d = 0.71, moderate) and maximum force produced (p = 0.05; d = 0.64, moderate; and p = 0.002; d = 1.00, moderate), together with higher values of anaerobic power (p < 0.001; d = 2.43, very large; and p < 0.001; d = 2.22, very large), compared to the others. CONCLUSIONS: We can thus conclude that there is a homogeneity regarding the body composition of soccer players, regardless of their competitive level; in turn, elite players show better performance indicators in all variables.

Evaluation of Lower Limb Arteriovenous Diameters in Indoor Soccer Athletes: Arterial Doppler Ultrasound Study.

The purpose of this study was to analyze the arterial and venous diameters of lower limbs in indoor soccer athletes and non-athletes using Doppler ultrasound to identify the differences in the variation of arterial and venous diameters between groups. Additionally, we intended to verify the differences of arterial and venous diameters between the skilled member (right member) and the not skilled member in each group. 74 male volunteers, aged between 19 and 30 years old, were divided in a group of athletes (n = 37, 24 ± 2.7 years, soccer players from national championship), and a group of non-athletes (n = 37, 26 ± 2.83 years). Vascular lower limb was assessed using Doppler ultrasound (Philips HD7 echograph with linear transducer 7-12 MHz). The athletes showed higher diameters of right common femoral artery (p = 0.009; moderate), left common femoral artery (p = 0.005; moderate), right deep femoral artery (p = 0.013; moderate), right popliteal artery (p = 0.003; moderate), and left popliteal artery (p = 0.017; small) than non-athletes. Veins' diameters were also higher in athletes, specifically the right deep femoral vein (p ≤ 0.001; large), left deep femoral vein (p ≤ 0.001; large), right popliteal vein (p ≤ 0.001; large), and left popliteal vein (p ≤ 0.001; large). Differences were found between the skilled and non-skilled leg in athletes in the popliteal vein (7.68 ± 1.44 mm vs. 7.22 ± 1.09 mm, respectively, p < 0.003). It seems that futsal athletes have superior mean diameters of lower limbs arteries and veins of the deep venous system to non-athletes. Moreover, the veins presented greater dilation, namely of the leg of the skilled lower limb.

Physical fitness in children in Cabo Verde: differences between gender, eutrophic vs overweight subjects, and practitioners vs nonpractitioners of sports.

PURPOSE: There are few or even rare studies conducted in Cabo Verde that address the issue of physical fitness and body composition in the juvenile population. This investigation aims to study the Physical Fitness in children in Cabo Verde: differences between gender, eutrophic and overweight subjects, between practitioners and non-practitioners of sports. METHODS: The sample consisted of 93 individuals aged between 10 and 15 years, from the 2nd and 3rd cycles and secondary school of the Portuguese College based in Cabo Verde. The instruments used for data collection were the FITescola® test battery, and the questionnaire (QAPACE) (Quantification de l'activite physique en altitude chez les enfants) for assessment of physical activity level. Regarding the statistical analysis using the SPSS 23.0 Software, the first analysis was performed to verify the distribution of the sample (Kolmogorov-Smirnov and Shapiro-wilk). Then, for variables with normal distribution we used the t-test and for the remaining variables with nonnormal distribution we used the Mann-Whitney test, with a significance level of 5%. RESULTS: Gender differences were found, in which the male gender obtained more favorable mean values in the "sit-ups", "push-ups", "horizontal impulsion", "shuttle" and "agility" variables, while the females showed superiority in the variables "sit and reach"; differences between the eutrophic and overweight group where, as expected, more favorable mean values for eutrophics than the overweight group in all PF tests. Finally, differences between practitioners and nonpractitioners of sports, with the best results being attributed to practitioners of sports. CONCLUSIONS: We concluded that male subjects have greater proficiency in strength and aerobic fitness tests while female subjects have greater flexibility. High BMI values in overweight children have been found to be associated with increased abdominal fat as well as a reduction in overall PF. As expected, sports practitioners show better results in motor performance on PF tests.

Objectively Measured Sedentary Behavior and Physical Fitness in Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background: Sedentary behavior has been considered an independent risk factor to health. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to examine associations between objectively measured sedentary time and physical fitness components in healthy adults. Methods: Four electronic databases (Web of Science, Scopus, Pubmed and Sport Discus) were searched (up to 20 September 2020) to retrieve studies on healthy adults which used observational, cohort and cross-sectional designs. Studies were included if sedentary time was measured objectively and examined associations with the health- or skill-related attributes of physical fitness (e.g., muscular strength, cardiorespiratory fitness, balance). After applying additional search criteria, 21 papers (11,101 participants) were selected from an initial pool of 5192 identified papers. Results: Significant negative associations were found between total sedentary time with cardiorespiratory fitness (r = -0.164, 95%CI: -0.240, -0.086, p < 0.001), muscular strength (r = -0.147, 95%CI: -0.266, -0.024, p = 0.020) and balance (r = -0.133, 95%CI: -0.255, -0.006, p = 0.040). Conclusions: The evidence found suggests that sedentary time can be associated with poor physical fitness in adults (i.e., muscular strength, cardiorespiratory fitness and balance), so strategies should be created to encourage behavioral changes.

Understanding Needs Satisfaction and Frustration in Young Athletes: Factor Structure and Invariance Analysis.

Sports research has been focused on the assessment of basic needs satisfaction, considering its absence as a representation of needs frustration. However, recent findings have suggested needs satisfaction and frustration as asymmetrical factors leading to differentiated outcomes. An accurate measurement of needs poses itself as a crucial aspect, facilitating coaches' understanding of athlete's motivational processes. This study aimed to examine the psychometric proprieties of the Basic Psychological Needs Satisfaction and Frustration Scale (BPNSFS) in a sample of Portuguese athletes. A multigroup analysis was conducted of gender, sport type, age, and years of sports practice. Additionally, needs satisfaction and needs frustration were tested as predictors of behavioral regulations examining the nomological validity of the BPNSFS. Data from 594 Portuguese athletes (38.6% female; Mage = 15.21; SD = 0.97) that represent two different sports (football and swimming) were analyzed. Confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling procedures were followed to test the factor structure and nomological validity of the scale, respectively. Analyses indicated that the six-factor model provided an adequate fit (Comparative Fit Index = 0.947, Tucker-Lewis Index = 0.936, Standardized Root Mean Square = 0.039, Root Mean Square Error of Approximation = 0.048 (CI 90% = 0.043, 0.054)). Moreover, the multigroup analysis suggested invariance in the observed structure across groups. In addition, findings indicated a strong prediction between needs satisfaction and autonomous forms of motivation, whereas needs frustration predicted significantly controlled forms of motivation. The sport-adapted BPNSFS in a sample of Portuguese athletes seemed to be an adequate measure for the assessment of basic psychological needs satisfaction and frustration. Our findings suggested that this scale may be worth testing in future research in the sport context.