Malaria-VisAnalytics: a tool for visual exploratory analysis of Brazilian public malaria data.

BACKGROUND: Data integration and visualisation techniques have been widely used in scientific research to allow the exploitation of large volumes of data and support highly complex or long-lasting research questions. Integration allows data from different sources to be aggregated into a single database comprising variables of interest for different types of studies. Visualisation allows large and complex data sets to be manipulated and interpreted in a more intuitive way. METHODS: Integration and visualisation techniques were applied in a malaria surveillance ecosystem to build an integrated database comprising notifications, deaths, vector control and climate data. This database is accessed through Malaria-VisAnalytics, a visual mining platform for descriptive and predictive analysis supporting decision and policy-making by governmental and health agents. RESULTS: Experimental and validation results have proved that the visual exploration and interaction mechanisms allow effective surveillance for rapid action in suspected outbreaks, as well as support a set of different research questions over integrated malaria electronic health records. CONCLUSION: The integrated database and the visual mining platform (Malaria-VisAnalytics) allow different types of users to explore malaria-related data in a user-friendly interface. Summary data and key insights can be obtained through different techniques and dimensions. The case study on Manaus can serve as a reference for future replication in other municipalities. Finally, both the database and the visual mining platform can be extended with new data sources and functionalities to accommodate more complex scenarios (such as real-time data capture and analysis).

Training Load and Recovery in Volleyball During a Competitive Season.

ABSTRACT: Andrade, DM, Fernandes, G, Miranda, R, Reis Coimbra, D, and Bara Filho, MG. Training load and recovery in volleyball during a competitive season. J Strength Cond Res 35(4): 1082-1088, 2021-The objective of this study was to analyze the training load (TL) and recovery status (RS) of a volleyball team in different periods of the season. Fifteen male athletes participated in the study. Training load was quantified through the rate of perceived exertion of session. The total weekly TL of the preparatory period (PP), competitive period I (CPI), and competitive period II (CPII) was calculated. Total quality recovery was used to evaluate the initial and final RS. Training load was higher (p < 0.05) in PP than in CPI and CPII. The final RS was lower (p < 0.05) in PP than in CPI and CPII. There was a difference (p < 0.05) between the initial and final RS in the analyzed periods. An inverse correlation (ρ: -0.62) was observed between the TL and the initial and final difference RS in PP. In conclusion, PP in volleyball presented the highest TL, related to a greater difference between the initial and final RS.

Effect of Mindfulness Training on Fatigue and Recovery in Elite Volleyball Athletes: A Randomized Controlled Follow-Up Study.

Volleyball is a team sport with high physical and perceptual-cognitive demand, hence, increasing the perception of physical and mental fatigue during a competition. To alleviate fatigue (physical and mental), mindfulness and music have been proposed. The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of mindfulness-based mental versus music training on mental fatigue, physical fatigue, and recovery in elite competitive female volleyball athletes using a randomized two-controlled study with follow-up. Participants were 30 elite female Brazilian volleyball athletes. Athletes were randomly assigned to the following groups: 1) mindfulness-based mental training group (MBMT); 2) music-based training group (MBT); or 3) control group (CG). Three variables were evaluated as follows: 1) recovery based on total quality recovery; 2) mental fatigue visual analog scale; and 3) physical fatigue visual analog scale. Regarding recovery, there was no difference between the MBMT, MBT, and CG groups (p > 0.05). A difference in mental fatigue was noted between MBT and CG at follow-up [F(2,26) = 5.71, p = 0.009; large]. Regarding physical fatigue, there was no difference between the MBMT, MBT, and CG groups (p > 0.05). The mindfulness intervention effectively attenuated the mental fatigue caused by competition in volleyball athletes. These results will assist coaches and staff in providing fatigue management and reinforce the applicability of mental training in sports.

Training Load, Physical Performance, Biochemical Markers, and Psychological Stress During a Short Preparatory Period in Brazilian Elite Male Volleyball Players.

Horta, TAG, Bara Filho, MG, Coimbra, DR, Miranda, R, and Werneck, FZ. Training load, physical performance, biochemical markers, and psychological stress during a short preparatory period in Brazilian elite male volleyball players. J Strength Cond Res 33(12): 3392-3399, 2019-The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between training load (TL) and physical performance, biochemical markers, and psychological stress during a short preparatory period (SPP) in Brazilian elite male volleyball players. Twelve volleyball players from a team competing in the Brazilian Men's Volleyball Super League were enrolled (26.9 ± 4.6 years). Countermovement jump (CMJ), creatine kinase (CK), testosterone (T), cortisol (Cr), T/Cr ratio, and Recovery and Stress Questionnaire for athletes (RESTQ-Sport) were collected at baseline, after second, fourth, and sixth week. Training load was quantified daily using the rating of perceived exertion. Differences were noted between total weekly training load (TWTL) (F3,33 = 50.907; p = 0.0001), CK (F3,33 = 16.157; p = 0.0001), and T (F3,33 = 3.283; p = 0.03). No differences were seen in CMJ (F3,33 = 1.821; p = 0.16), Cr (F3,33 = 2.409; p = 0.08), or T/Cr ratio (F3,33 = 1.527; p = 0.23). The RESTQ-Sport demonstrated differences between moments in social stress (F3,33 = 2.297; p = 0.04; η = 0.25), success (F3,33 = 4.350; p = 0.01; η = 0.19), general well-being (F3,33 = 4.465; p = 0.01; η = 0.36), and injury (F3,33 = 2.792; p = 0.05; η = 0.62). The results showed a significant correlations of small to moderate magnitude between TWTL and CK (r = 0.32; p = 0.05). In conclusion, a short PP in volleyball leads to increased TL, CK level, and psychological stress. Training load was related with the increase of CK, suggesting muscle damage without increased physical performance.

Effect of Cold Water Immersion Performed on Successive Days on Physical Performance, Muscle Damage, and Inflammatory, Hormonal, and Oxidative Stress Markers in Volleyball Players.

de Freitas, VH, Ramos, SP, Bara-Filho, MG, Freitas, DGS, Coimbra, DR, Cecchini, R, Guarnier, FA, and Nakamura, FY. Effect of cold water immersion performed on successive days on physical performance, muscle damage, and inflammatory, hormonal, and oxidative stress markers in volleyball players. J Strength Cond Res 33(2): 502-513, 2019-The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of daily cold water immersion (CWI) on physical performance, muscle damage, and inflammatory, hormonal, and oxidative stress markers in volleyball. Six players were submitted to CWI and six players to a placebo, during 5 training days. Thigh circumference, squat jump, and agility were measured on the first, third, and sixth days. On the first and sixth days, blood and saliva were collected for analysis of oxidative stress, muscle damage, and inflammatory and hormonal levels. Muscle soreness and countermovement jump were quantified daily. The physical performance comparisons did not present differences and the only between group comparison with a large effect size (ES = -1.39) was in Δ% between day 1 and day 2 for countermovement jump. Delayed onset muscle soreness and creatine kinase increased in both groups and the ESs of between group comparisons of Δ% between moments were not more than moderate. Thigh circumference increased only in the placebo group (p = 0.04) and the ES of the between group comparisons of Δ% between moments was large (1.53). No differences were found in oxidative stress, or inflammatory markers. Cortisol decreased only in the CWI-group (p ≤ 0.05) and the ESs of the between group comparisons of Δ% between moments of the testosterone to cortisol ratio (-1.94) and insulin-like growth-1 (-1.34) were large. Despite the positive effects of daily CWI on muscle edema and hormonal status, the limited effects of CWI on performance, muscle damage, inflammation markers, and reactive oxygen species mediators signal the unimportance of the daily practice of this recovery method in volleyball players.

Body Weight and Mood State Modifications in Mixed Martial Arts: An Exploratory Pilot.

Brandt, R, Bevilacqua, GG, Coimbra, DR, Pombo, LC, Miarka, B, and Lane, AM. Body weight and mood state modifications in mixed martial arts: An exploratory pilot. J Strength Cond Res 32(9): 2548-2554, 2018-Mixed martial arts (MMA) fighters typically use rapid weight loss (RWL) as a strategy to make competition weight. The aim of the present study was to compare body weight and mood changes in professional male MMA athletes who used strategies to rapidly lose weight (n = 9) and with MMA athletes who did not (n = 3). Body mass and mood states of anger, confusion, depression, fatigue, tension, and vigor and total mood disturbance were assessed (a) 30 days before competition, (b) at the official weigh-in 1 day before competition, (c) 10 minutes before competition, and (d) 10 minutes postcompetition. Results indicated that RWL associated with reporting higher confusion and greater total mood disturbance at each assessment point. Rapid weight loss also associated with high anger at the official weigh-in. However, in performance, RWL did not have deleterious effects on performance. The RWL group also reported greater total mood disturbance at all assessment points with a moderate difference effect size. Research supports the notion that RWL associates with potentially dysfunctional mood states.

Scientific production on indoor air quality of environments used for physical exercise and sports practice: Bibliometric analysis.

INTRODUCTION: In order to minimize adverse health effects and increase the benefits of physical activity, it is important to systematize indoor air quality study in environments used for physical exercise and sports. OBJECTIVES: To investigate and analyze the scientific production related to indoor air quality of environments used for physical exercise and sports practice through a bibliometric analysis. METHODS: The databases Scielo, Science Direct, Scopus, Lilacs, Medline via Pubmed, and SportDiscus were searched from their inception to March 2016. Bibliometric analysis was performed for authors, institutions, countries, and collaborative networks, in relation to publication year, theme, citation network, funding agency, and analysis of titles and keywords of publications. Country, area, and impact factor of the journals were analyzed. RESULTS: Of 1281 studies screened, 34 satisfied the inclusion criteria. The first publication occurred in 1975. An increase in publications was observed in the last 15 years. Most of the studies were performed by researchers in the USA, followed by Portugal and Italy. Seventeen different scientific journals have published studies on the subject, and most are in the area of Environmental Sciences. It was noted that the categories of author keywords associated with "Pollutants," "Sport Environment," and "Physical Exercise" were the most commonly used in most studies. A total of 68% of the studies had at least one funding agency, and 81% of studies published in the last decade had funding. CONCLUSIONS: Our results demonstrate that there is recent exponential growth, driven in the last decade by researchers in environmental science from European institutions.

Sleep Quality, Mood and Performance: A Study of Elite Brazilian Volleyball Athletes.

This investigation analyzed the relationships between sleep quality, mood, and game results in the elite athletes participating in Brazilian volleyball competitions. Participants (n = 277 elite Brazilian volleyball athletes, 214 (77.3%) men and 63 (22.7%) women) completed the Brunel Mood Scale (BRUMS) and reported their subjective sleep perception. Athletes with poor sleep quality reported higher scores for confusion compared to athletes with good sleep quality (p < 0.01, d = 0.43). In addition, athletes who lost their game at the time of evaluation showed higher tension (p < 0.01, d = 0.49) and confusion (p < 0.01, d = 0.32) levels compared to athletes who won their game. A regression analysis demonstrated that for each point increase in the confusion level, there was a 19.7% reduction in sleep quality. Multivariate analysis of variance indicated that athletes who slept well, and won their games, had lower tension levels. Further, our results indicated that the athletes' mood associated with their success in the competitions. Therefore, in a competition, it is important that the athletes show good sleep quality, and use techniques and strategies to ease their mood variations.

Effects of yoga on depressive symptoms, anxiety, sleep quality, and mood in patients with rheumatic diseases: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of yoga on depressive symptoms, anxiety, sleep quality, and mood of patients with rheumatic diseases through a systematic literature review with meta-analysis. LITERATURE SURVEY: This review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) Statement and the Cochrane recommendations and risk of bias tool. The study was registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO). Studies were selected using the PICOS (participants, intervention, comparison, outcome, and study) strategy. Searches were carried out until March 2022 and performed in Web of Science, PubMed, SportDiscus, Scopus, Cochrane, and EBSCO databases. METHODOLOGY: Data were extracted to identify the differences between yoga and control and exercise groups and effect sizes. SYNTHESIS: In total, 27 studies were included for qualitative analysis and 18 for meta-analysis. The studies found investigated yoga in patients with osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, and chronic fatigue syndrome. Regarding the risk of bias, the majority of studies showed a high risk or uncertain risk of bias in several criteria. Regarding the meta-analysis, yoga was favored to decrease depressive symptoms (standard mean difference [SMD]:-0.88; 95% confidence interval [CI]:-1.42; -0.34), anxiety (SMD: -0.51; 95% CI = -0.81 to -0.20), and improve sleep quality SMD = -0.96; 95% CI = -1.36 to -0.56). No differences were found between yoga and other exercise modalities in depression (p < .01). CONCLUSIONS: Yoga is effective in improving depression, anxiety, and sleep quality of patients with rheumatic diseases. However, research in this field still needs further studies, because of methodological issues in the studies and a reduced number of studies conducted on each rheumatic disease and on the effects of yoga on each variable.

Prevalence of poor sleep quality in athletes before competition.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to investigate athletes sleep quality before competition and its relationship with age, gender, sport modality, competitive level, competition result, and practice time. METHODS: The sample was 1010 Brazilian athletes (656 men and 354 women; 511 young and 499 adults), with an age of 20 ± 7 years old. Participants answered the question 'How would you evaluate the quality of your sleep in the past few days?' Participants rated their sleep quality on a Likert-type scale as follows: 1 = very poor, 2 = poor, 3 = regular, 4 = good, 5 = excellent. RESULTS: Young athletes were 2.30 times more likely to experience poor sleep than adult athletes (p < 0.01; 95% Confidence Interval [CI] = 1.47-3.61). Individual athletes were 3.45 times more likely to present poor sleep compared to athletes of team sports (p = 0.00; 95% CI = 2.18-5.48). International athletes were 1.71 times more likely to present regular sleep compared to regional athletes (p = 0.01; 95% CI = 1.16-2.51). Conclusions: Thus, our study indicates that young, individual sports, and international athletes may be at higher risk of poor sleep quality before competitions.

Acute effect of strength training on pain in women with fibromyalgia: A brief report.

OBJECTIVE: The aim was to analyze the effect of one session and three sessions of strength training (ST) on pain in women with fibromyalgia (FM). METHOD: Twenty-three women with FM performed three sessions of ST for a week. Each training session worked the main muscle groups and lasted 60 min. Three sets of 12 repetitions were performed with 1 min intervals in between. The load was increased based on the perception of subjective effort of each patient. Pain intensity was evaluated immediately after the first and third sessions using a Fischer digital algometer. RESULTS: After the first ST session, pain reduction was observed. No significant differences were found in pain thresholds on the baseline versus the third session. The analysis of MBI demonstrated that the ST does not worsen patients' pain, indicating a 52.2% trivial effect and a 39.1% beneficial effect. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that there is no harmful effect on the pain of women with FM after an acute session of ST. We emphasize that despite the promising results, more studies on the subject are needed to help understand pain in patients with FM.

Country transition index based on hierarchical clustering to predict next COVID-19 waves.

COVID-19 has widely spread around the world, impacting the health systems of several countries in addition to the collateral damage that societies will face in the next years. Although the comparison between countries is essential for controlling this disease, the main challenge is the fact of countries are not simultaneously affected by the virus. Therefore, from the COVID-19 dataset by the Johns Hopkins University Center for Systems Science and Engineering, we present a temporal analysis on the number of new cases and deaths among countries using artificial intelligence. Our approach incrementally models the cases using a hierarchical clustering that emphasizes country transitions between infection groups over time. Then, one can compare the current situation of a country against others that have already faced previous waves. By using our approach, we designed a transition index to estimate the most probable countries' movements between infectious groups to predict next wave trends. We draw two important conclusions: (1) we show the historical infection path taken by specific countries and emphasize changing points that occur when countries move between clusters with small, medium, or large number of cases; (2) we estimate new waves for specific countries using the transition index.

Use of latent class analysis as a method of assessing the physical activity level, sedentary behavior and nutritional habit in the adolescents' lifestyle: A scoping review.

BACKGROUND: Currently, adolescents' lifestyle is commonly characterized by physical inactivity, sedentary behavior, and inappropriate eating habits in general. A person-oriented approach as Latent Class Analysis (LCA) can offer more insight than a variable-centered approach when investigating lifestyle practices, habits, and behaviors of adolescent population. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to assess which variables are mostly used to represent the physical activity level, sedentary behavior SB) and nutritional habit in the adolescents' lifestyle in studies that used the LCA. DESIGN: Scoping review. METHODS: The study was a performed in accordance with the proposed criteria for systematic reviews and meta-analyses-Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses and registered in PROSPERO (CRD42018108444). The original articles were searched in MEDLINE/PubMed, Scopus, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, PsycINFO, and SPORTdiscus. The Quality Assessment Tool analyzed the risk of bias of the included studies. RESULTS: 30 original articles were selected. The physical activity level (28 studies), SB and nutritional habits (18 studies) were the most common variable used to evaluate the adolescent's lifestyle by LCA model. Specifically, physical inactivity and high SB were the manifest variables with higher frequency in the negative latent classes (LCs) in adolescent girls. On the other hand, physical exercises and sports were activities more commonly labeled as positive LCs. CONCLUSIONS: The LCA models of the most of selected studies showed that physical inactivity, high SB were the most common in the LCs with negative characteristics of the adolescents' lifestyle. Better understanding the results of analyzes of clusters of multivariate behaviors such as the LCA can help to create more effective strategies that can make the lifestyle of adolescents healthier.

Impact of Problematic Smartphone Use on Mental Health of Adolescent Students: Association with Mood, Symptoms of Depression, and Physical Activity.

Problematic smartphone use in adolescent students can impair their mental health and behavior, thereby affecting academic performance and interpersonal relationships as well as reducing time spent on physical activity. This study investigated the association between problematic smartphone use and mood, symptoms of depression, and level of physical activity in adolescent students. The sample consisted of 308 boys (46.1 percent, 16.04 ± 1.30 years) and 359 girls (53.9 percent, 15.54 ± 1.44 years), aged 13-18 years (15.77 ± 1.40 years). Four instruments were used: the Sociodemographic, School, and General Health Characteristics Questionnaire; Smartphone Addiction Scale (to measure problematic smartphone use); Brunel Mood Scale; and Beck Depression Inventory. The study found that physically inactive adolescent students were more likely to present with problematic smartphone use than those who were physically active, and girls were more likely to exhibit problematic smartphone use than boys. Adolescent students with problematic smartphone use presented with more mood disturbances and symptoms of depression than did adolescent students without problematic smartphone use. Overall, physical inactivity and problematic smartphone use can reduce vigor and increase symptoms of depression in adolescent students.

Effects of resistance training on the health-related quality of life of patients with rheumatic diseases: Systematic review with meta-analysis and meta-regression.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of resistance training on the health-related quality of life (HR-QoL) of patients with rheumatic diseases through a systematic review with meta-analysis and meta-regression. METHOD: Until 31 August 2018, systematic searches were carried out in the following databases: PubMed, Web of Science, SportDiscus, Scopus, and Cochrane Library. Clinical trials examining the effects of resistance training on the HR-QoL of patients with rheumatic diseases were collected. The effects were calculated using the standardized mean difference of HR-QoL and the domains of the Short Form Health Survey 36 (SF-36) questionnaire (i.e., physical component, mental component, functional capacity, limitations due to physical aspects, limitations due to emotional aspects, social aspects, mental health, general health, pain and vitality). RESULTS: A total of 32 studies were included. The studies analyzed the general HR-QoL by using several instruments, with many of them using SF-36. The meta-analysis included 29 studies, and the results indicated that resistance training improves the general HR-QoL (p < 0.01, d = -0.50, 95% CI: -0.70 to -0.30), the physical role functioning (p < 0.01, d = 0.41, 95% CI: 0.20 to 0.61), physical functioning, social aspects, and body pain (p = 0.03, d = 0.72, 95% CI: 0.09 to 01.34; p = 0.04, d = 0.27, 95% CI: 0.01 to 0.53; and p = 0.01, d = 0.31, 95% CI: 0.07 to 0.55, respectively) compared with control group. CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest that resistance training effectively improves the HR-QoL of patients with rheumatic diseases, including physical role functioning, physical functioning, social aspects, and body pain. Further studies are needed on some of the rheumatic diseases, particularly chronic fatigue and lupus.

Preferred exercise and mental health of the patients with fibromyalgia syndrome.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Preferred exercise may be beneficial for the mental health of patients with fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS).This study aimed to investigate the effects of preferred exercise on the quality of life (Qol), depression, and mood states of the patients with FMS. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was a nonrandomized controlled trial. The patients with FMS were divided into an experimental group (EG; n = 22) and a control group (CG; n = 14). The patients in the EG performed their preferred exercise (resistance, walking, or stretching) for 12 weeks. CG went to a waiting list. Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire, Beck Depression Inventory, and Brunel Mood Scale were used to evaluate the outcomes. RESULTS: The EG exhibited a decrease in the total impact of FMS on the Qol, depression, tension, and mental confusion (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Preferred exercises reduced the impact of FMS on the Qol, depression, and mental confusion of patients with FMS.

The relationship between sleep quality and fibromyalgia symptoms.

This study investigated the relationship between sleep quality and fibromyalgia symptoms in 326 patients. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index was used to assess the presence of sleep disorders. Multivariate analysis of variance was performed to determine the influence of fibromyalgia symptoms on sleep quality. The prevalence of sleep disorders was 92.9 percent. Patients reported generalized pain (88.3%), memory failure (78.5%), moodiness (59%), excessive anxiety (77.5%), and concentration difficulties (69.1%). Patients with more symptoms reported poor sleep quality (p < .05; d = .74), and the total Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index score correlated with the number of symptoms (p < .01). Sleep quality has an important association with fibromyalgia symptoms.

The Psychological Effects of Exergames for Children and Adolescents with Obesity: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

The systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to analyze the psychological effects of exergames for children and adolescents with overweight or obesity. In August 2018, the electronic databases searched were PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, SPORTDiscus, Science Direct, CINAHL, and PsycINFO. The eligibility criteria were defined according to the population, intervention, comparison, outcome, and study design. In relation to the population, only studies with children or adolescents with overweight or obesity and without any other comorbidities were analyzed. Only publications in English were considered. Nine studies were selected. The comparisons identified were in relation to weight, type of activity, and play style versus control and preintervention. The magnitude of effect size suggests that the practice of exergaming has a small effect on psychological outcomes. Furthermore, cooperative games produced greater attraction to the game (g = 4.71, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 3.23-6.19) and greater intrinsic motivation (g = 5.29; 95% CI = 3.68-6.90). It was verified that self-esteem (standard mean difference [SMD] = 0.37; 95% CI = 0.09-0.66), and self-efficacy (SMD = 0.42; 95% CI = 0.06-0.79) improved after playing an exergame. This systematic review and meta-analysis suggest that exergames may be effective in improving psychological aspects of children and adolescents with overweight or obesity. Given the limited number of studies, it is essential to increase scientific research in this area.

Sleep quality associated with mood in elite athletes.

Objectives: This study aimed to analyze the association between sleep quality and mood in elite athletes of different competitive levels. Methods: Participants were 1041 elite athletes (aged 20.82 ± 6.62 years), with 671 men (64.5%/21.52 ± 6.90 years) and 370 women (35.5%/19.55 ± 5.89 years) from 10 individual sports and 6 team sports. Participants self-reported sleep quality on a Likert-type scale and mood was measured with the Brunel Mood Scale (BRUMS). The data were analyzed using the Kruskal-Wallis test, and binary logistic regression. Results: Results revealed that athletes who compete internationally are 84% more likely to have poor sleep quality than athletes who compete at a regional level. International athletes with good sleep quality showed greater vigor. National athletes with poor sleep quality showed more confusion, depression, and fatigue. Thus, mood and competitive level are factors associated with sleep quality. Confusion, fatigue, and tension impair sleep, and vigor reduces the likelihood of poor sleep. Conclusions: Sleep should be monitored, especially in international level athletes, in order to prevent sleep disorders during competitions. Coaches and athletes should use techniques and strategies for appropriate management of sleep and mood, to maintain the athletes in optimal condition before important competitions.

Effect of yoga on the quality of life of patients with rheumatic diseases: Systematic review with meta-analysis.

AIM: To analyze the effects of yoga on the quality of life of patients with rheumatic diseases through a systematic review with meta-analysis. METHODS: This systematic review with meta-analysis was conducted following the recommendations of the Declaration of PRISMA. The searches were carried out on the databases PubMed, Web of Science, EBSCO, Scopus, and Cochrane until August 2018. Experimental studies evaluating the effect of yoga on the quality of life in patients with rheumatic diseases were included. RESULTS: After data searches, 483 studies were found, 23 of which were included in our analysis. We found that yoga improves the overall quality of life (d= -0.64; 95% CI: -0.91 to 0.038) of patients with rheumatic diseases, as well as the following domains: functional capacity (d = 16.43; 95% CI: 13.37-19.49), physical aspects (d = 27.11; 95% CI: 19.40-34.83), emotional aspects (d = 26.00; 95% CI: 18.87-33.13), general health (d = 16.61; 95% CI: 12.66-20.55), and social aspects (d = 7.01 ; 95% CI: 5.57-9.45). CONCLUSION: Evidence suggests weak recommendations can be made for the use of yoga in the management of RD patients.