Influence of Mindfulness on Levels of Impulsiveness, Moods and Pre-Competition Anxiety in Athletes of Different Sports.

Training in emotional regulation skills is one of the most important resources for the adaptation of athletes to contexts of sports pressure, especially during competitions. This study explored the effects of a mindfulness programme (Flow Meditation) on levels of impulsivity, mood and pre-competition anxiety-state in a sample of athletes (N = 41, 22.83 ± 5.62 years). Participants were randomly assigned to an intervention group (N = 21; 14 males and 7 females) which received the intervention over 10 weeks (a weekly session) and a control group (wait-list; N = 20; 13 males and 7 females). The variables under study were assessed through different questionnaires at pre- and post-test (T1-T2) in both groups. The mindfulness intervention was effective in reducing impulsivity (cognitive (t = -4.48, p ≤ 0.001, Cohen's d = 1.40), both motor (t = -4.03, p ≤ 0.001, Cohen's d = 1.20) and unplanned (t = -5.32, p ≤ 0.001, Cohen's d = 1.66)), mood (tension (t = -4.40, p ≤ 0.001, Cohen's d = 1.37), depression (t = -4.56, p ≤ 0.001, Cohen's d = 1.42), anger (t = -7.80, p ≤ 0.001, Cohen's d = 2.47), somatic anxiety (t = -5.28, p ≤ 0.001, Cohen's d = 1.65), and cognitive anxiety (t = -6.62, p ≤ 0.001, Cohen's d = 2.07) in the intervention group compared to the control group and with large to very large effect sizes. Mindfulness is a factor that enhances athletes' ability to cope with high sport pressure and the healthy management of competition (e.g., fear of failure), or with their daily life.

Efficacy of cognitive-behavioural therapy for lifestyle modification in metabolic syndrome: a randomised controlled trial with a 18-months follow-up.

OBJECTIVE: To test the efficacy of cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) for lifestyle modification in patients with metabolic syndrome (MetS). DESIGN: 76 MetS patients completed this clinical trial, with 18 months follow-up. 45 participants from the experimental group (EG - CBT) and 31 to the control group (CG - usual care). The CBT programme was performed by a psychologist in a face-to-face group format, during 12 weekly sessions lasting 90 minutes. The intervention for the CG consisted of workshops with basic information about MetS and it's associated cardiovascular risk. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Efficacy of (CBT) in (MetS) patients. RESULTS: Results showed reduction in weight (mean difference - MD -2.633, 95%CI [-4.322, -0.943]; p<.003), waist circumference (MD -2.944, 95%CI [-5.090, -0.798]; p<.008), body mass index (MD -0.915, 95%CI [-1.494, -0.335]; p<.003), systolic (MD -0.046, 95%CI [-0.685, -0.023]; p<.0002) diastolic blood pressure (MD -4.777, 95%CI [-7.750, -1.804]; p<.002), and cardiovascular risk score after 18 months. An increase in adherence to the Mediterranean diet and assertiveness and a reduction in anger were observed in EG. The CG did not show any significant differences. CONCLUSION: The CBT focused on changes in lifestyle seems to be effective in the reduction of MetS and cardiovascular risk factors. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Registered at clinicaltrials.gov (NCT02949622) - PROMETS (Multimodal Intervention Program for Patients with Metabolic Syndrome).

Pandemic-related pregnancy stress among pregnant women during the COVID-19 pandemic in Spain.

OBJECTIVE: The aim was to develop and establish the psychometric properties of the Pandemic-Related Pregnancy Stress Scale (PREPS) in European Spanish speaking pregnant women in Spain. DESIGN: A cross section design using a non-random sample of 206 women completed the questionnaire during the first COVID-19 pandemic lockdown from April to June 2020 in Spain. Psychological, sociodemographic and obstetric factors and the new PREPS were collected. RESULTS: Bartlett's test of sphericity (χ2(105) = 580.36, p < .001), and KMO = .79 confirmed appropriateness for factor analysis of the PREPS. Confirmatory factor analyses based on the factor structure of the original USA English version of this instrument confirmed three factors - Preparedness Stress (7 items), Perinatal Infection Stress (5 items), and Positive Appraisal (3 items). The 15-item version of the PREPS demonstrates internal consistency and reliability are adequate (α > .77), and for F1 - Preparedness (α > .65), for F2 - Infection (α > 0.60) and for F3 - Positive appraisal (α > .55). The three factors exhibited good inter-item correlations, (F1 - Preparedness: .21; F2 - Infection: .23, and F3 - Positive Appraisal: .29). Convergent validity was examined through the Pearson's correlation coefficients of the PREPS with the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and the Prenatal Distress Questionnaire (PDQ). Correlation between PREPS total and PSS was high, and moderate with PDQ (p < .05). CONCLUSION: The psychometric properties of the Spanish version of the PREPS make it a valuable psychological measure to assess pandemic-related stress among pregnant women.

[SenseCam technology for memory rehabilitation after an Acquired Brain Injury: a systematic review of experimental studies.] / Utilización de SenseCam para rehabilitación de memoria tras un Daño Cerebral Adquirido: revisión sistemática de estudios experimentales.

BACKGROUND: The deficits observed in the memory area are usually characteristic in patients with cognitive impairment and when we speak of Acquired Brain Damage. The study of memory disorders has been improving thanks to advances in the knowledge of the human memory system and taking into account biological and psychological considerations. Neuropsychology has focused, in recent years, on including the use of portable cameras, such as SenseCam, in the rehabilitation of memory by favoring, among other things, autobiographical memory. The main objective of the present study was to verify the benefits of using SenseCam in patients with memory disorders. METHODS: To achieve this goal, a range of articles from PubMed, Medline, Mendeley, Web of Science and Science Direct were searched. Inclusion criteria were studied including people with memory issues using SenseCam technology. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses were excluded from analyses. RESULTS: The total number of articles obtained from the different databases and consultation platforms was 207 studies. In the present work, a number of 7 studies were included for this systematic review meting the inclusion criteria. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with a memory issue using SenseCam showed several improvements when compare to a group a people using an alternative method.

OBJETIVO: Es frecuente la aparición de déficits de memoria en pacientes con deterioro cognitivo tras un Daño Cerebral Adquirido. Una herramienta muy novedosa en neuropsicología es el uso de cámaras portátiles, tales como SenseCam, en la rehabilitación de la memoria para favorecer el recuerdo autobiográfico tras el Daño Cerebral Adquirido. El objetivo de este estudio fue comprobar los beneficios del uso de SenseCam en pacientes con alteraciones de memoria. METODOS: Se realizó una búsqueda sistemática en las bases de datos PubMed, Medline, Mendeley, Web of Science y Science Direct. Los criterios de inclusión fueron estudios experimentales publicados después de 2015, que usaran la tecnología SenseCam a personas con problemas de memoria. Se excluyeron revisiones, meta-análisis, tesis doctorales y trabajos fin de máster. RESULTADOS: La búsqueda inicial arrojó 207 estudios. Un total de 7 estudios cumplieron los criterios de inclusión de esta revisión sistemática. CONCLUSIONES: El uso de SenseCam ofrece diversos beneficios para la mejora y rehabilitación de pacientes con algún tipo de alteración de memoria e incluso, en sujetos sin ningún tipo de déficit cognitivo en esta área.

[Scales for social support for eating habits and exercise: psychometric properties]. / Escalas de apoyo social para los hábitos alimentarios y para el ejercicio: propiedades psicométricas.

OBJECTIVE: Social support can introduce favorable changes in lifestyle to reduce the cardiovascular risk. The aim of this study was to verify these changes in the clinical population participating in this study and present the psychometric properties of the scales of social support for 'Eating Habits' and 'Exercise' in patients diagnosed with metabolic syndrome. METHODS: 135 participants attending a programme for changing lifestyle habits. Sociodemographic, psychological, and lifestyle variables were assessed at the Hospital Universitario Virgen de las Nieves (HUVN) in Granada (Spain) between 2013 and 2014. The following procedures were used: Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), internal consistency, sensibility to change and temporal stability. RESULTS: The AFC confirmed the original structure of both scales, except for the exclusion of factor 2 (family) from the social support scale for the year. For the social support scale, the local adjustment, all items presented high values of factor loads and individual reliability (λ≥0.64 and R2≥0.41, respectively). For the exercise scale, the local adjustment, the items presented high values of factor loads and individual reliability (λ≥0.62 and R2≥0.38, respectively). Internal consistency values were between adequate and excellent, with Cronbach's alpha figures between 0.714 and 0.864. Regarding sensitivity to change, the experimental group increased the perception of social support for food and exercise. The control group did not show significant differences. CONCLUSIONS: Our results show adequate indices for validity and reliability of the measures. Both measures appeared to be useful to assess social support in patients diagnosed with metabolic syndrome.

OBJETIVO: El apoyo social puede introducir cambios favorables en el estilo de vida de cara a reducir el riesgo cardiovascular. El objetivo de este estudio fue verificar dichos cambios en la población clínica que participó en el mismo y presentar las propiedades psicométricas de dos escalas de apoyo social: los hábitos alimentarios y el ejercicio. Ambas fueron aplicadas en pacientes con síndrome metabólico (SM). METODOS: Participaron 135 sujetos en un programa de modificación de estilo de vida. Las medidas sociodemográficas, psicológicas y de estilo de vida fueron tomadas en el Hospital Universitario Virgen de las Nieves (HUVN) de Granada (España) durante 2013 y 2014. Se realizaron los siguientes análisis: análisis factorial confirmatorio(AFC), de la consistencia interna, de la sensibilidad al cambio y de la estabilidad temporal. RESULTADOS: El AFC confirmó la estructura original de ambas escalas, excepto por la exclusión del factor 2 (familia) de la escala de apoyo social para el ejercicio. Para la escala de apoyo social, el ajuste local, todos los ítems presentaron altos valores de cargas factoriales y fiabilidades individuales (λ≥0,64 y R2≥0,41, respectivamente). Para la escala de ejercicio, el ajuste local, los ítems presentaron altos valores de cargas factoriales y fiabilidades individuales (λ≥0,62 y R2≥0,38, respectivamente). Los valores de consistencia interna resultaron entre adecuados y excelentes, con cifras de alfa de Cronbach entre 0,714 y 0,864. En cuanto a la sensibilidad al cambio, el grupo experimental aumentó la percepción del apoyo social para la alimentación y para el ejercicio. El grupo de control no presentó diferencias significativas. CONCLUSIONES: Los resultados muestran niveles adecuados de validez y fiabilidad, demostrando que las escalas son adecuadas para evaluar el apoyo social en pacientes con SM.

Efficacy of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet in Metabolic Syndrome Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVE: Verify the efficacy of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) in adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) in metabolic syndrome (MetS) patients. DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, AND INTERVENTION: In the Multimodal Intervention Program for Patients with Metabolic Syndrome clinical trial, 79 MetS patients completed the intervention. Of those, 48 belonged to the experimental group and 31 to the control group. The intervention received by the experimental group was CBT; the control group followed usual care and attended a workshop on healthy lifestyle. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) AND ANALYSIS: Anthropometric, biochemical, psychological, and lifestyle measures were taken before and after the intervention at 3 and 6 months. Analyses included paired t tests, ANOVA, and ANCOVA. RESULTS: The ANOVA results showed a statistically significant interaction between the 2 groups in waist circumference (P = .009), triglycerides (P = .015), and adherence to the MedDiet (P = .026). The ANCOVA results indicated between-group difference in waist circumference (P = .026 and .062 at 3 and 6months, respectively), in triglycerides (P = .009 and .860 at 3 and 6 months, respectively), and in MedDiet (P = .024 and .273 at 3 and 6 months, respectively). CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: In interventions in which CBT was applied, significant improvements were observed in MetS patients, especially in adherence to the MedDiet.

[Validity and reliability of the self-efficacy to regulate exercise scale in patients with metabolic syndrome]. / Validez y fiabilidad de la escala de autoeficacia para el ejercicio físico en pacientes con síndrome metabólico.

OBJECTIVE: Self-efficacy refers to beliefs in individuals' own capacities to do something. With the intent of evaluate the validity and reliability, we investigated the psychometric properties of the Self-Efficacy to Regulate Exercise Scale (SERES) in patients with metabolic syndrome (MetS). METHODS: 135 participants with medical diagnosis of MetS took part in the study (Mage=55.5, SD=7.6). We investigated sociodemographic, psychological, and life-style variables. Participants were recruited at the Hospital Universitario Virgen de las Nieves (HUVN) in Granada (Spain) between 2013 and 2014. In order to characterise the sample, descriptive statistics were used. Factorial analysis, internal consistency and convergent reliability of the SERES were also calculated. Group differences were investigated using Student's t test. RESULTS: A solution with two factors was extracted, which explained 72.7% of the variance of the SERES. The internal consistency values for the total score of the SERES were (0.925 and 0.864) according to the values of Cronbach's alpha and Guttman's two halves, respectively. Significant correlations of the SERES were detected for with physical exercise, assertiveness, stress, anger, and active life-style (e.g., renouncing to sedentary behaviours). CONCLUSIONS: This was the first study to report on psychometric properties of the SERES. Results supported the adequacy of the measure for use with patients with MetS. SERES seemed to be useful in evaluating self-efficacy in relation to physical exercise, psychosocial, and lifestyle variables.

OBJETIVO: La autoeficacia percibida se refiere a la creencia en la propia capacidad para hacer algo. El objetivo de este trabajo fue obtener la validez y la fiabilidad de la escala de autoeficacia para el ejercicio físico (AEEF) en pacientes con síndrome metabólico (SM) y para ello fueron verificadas las propiedades psicométricas de la misma. METODOS: Participaron en el estudio 135 sujetos con una edad media de 55,5 años (DT=7,6) que cumplían los criterios diagnósticos para el SM. Se tomaron medidas sociodemográficas, psicológicas y de estilo de vida de los mismos. Los sujetos fueron reclutados en el Hospital Universitario Virgen de las Nieves (HUVN) de Granada (España) durante los años de 2013 a 2014. La caracterización de la muestra fue realizada a través de análisis descriptivos. Se realizó el análisis factorial, de la consistencia interna y de validez convergente del AEEF; las diferencias intra e intergrupales fueron evaluadas a través de la prueba t de Student. RESULTADOS: Extrajimos una solución de 2 factores que explicaron el 72,7% de la varianza común. Los valores de consistencia interna para la puntuación total de la AEEF fueron de (0,925 y 0,864) según los valores del alfa de Cronbach y del método de las dos mitades de Guttman, respectivamente. Las correlaciones de la AEEF con la frecuencia de la práctica de ejercicios, la renuncia al sedentarismo, la asertividad, el estrés y la ira fueron estadísticamente significativas. CONCLUSIONES: Este es el primer estudio sobre las propiedades psicométricas de la versión española de la AEEF. Los resultados mostraron niveles aceptables de validez y fiabilidad en pacientes con SM. La escala demostró ser útil para evaluar la asociación de la autoeficacia relativa al ejercicio físico con distintas variables psicosociales y de estilo de vida.

Stress, anger and Mediterranean diet as predictors of metabolic syndrome. / Estrés, ira y dieta mediterránea como factores predictores del síndrome metabólico.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a cluster of metabolic conditions that include abdominal obesity, reduction in cholesterol concentrations linked to high density lipoproteins (HLDc), elevated triglycerides, increased blood pressure and hyperglycaemia. Given that this is a multicausal disease, the aim of this study is to identify the psychological, emotional and lifestyle variables that can have an influence on the different MetS components. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study with 103 patients with diagnostic criteria for MetS (47 male and 56 female). Anthropometric, clinical and analytical measurements were collected to assess the variables associated with MetS. The main psychological and emotional variables were also assessed. RESULTS: Different multiple linear regression tests were performed to identify which variables were predictive of MetS. The dependent variables were body mass index (BMI), abdominal circumference, HDLc, and quality of life, and the predictive variables were psychological stress, anger and adherence to a Mediterranean diet. The results showed that psychological stress was a predictor of quality of life (ß=-0.55, P≤0). Similarly, anger was a predictor of BMI (ß=0.23, P=.047) and abdominal circumference (ß=0.27, P=.021). As expected, adherence to a Mediterranean diet was a predictor of HDLc (ß=0.2, P=.045) and of quality of life (ß=-0.18, P=.031). CONCLUSIONS: The results confirm a link between adherence to certain dietary habits and lifestyle, however they go one step further and show the importance of psychological and emotional factors like psychological stress and anger in some MetS components.