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.

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.

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.

Heart rate variability activity in soccer athletes after a musculoskeletal injury.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to analyse the adaptations of the autonomic nervous system after a musculoskeletal injury, obtained by measuring heart rate variability in athletes. It was hypothesized that there is an alteration in heart rate variability after a musculoskeletal injury. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study. SUBJECTS: 15 semi-professional soccer players from three football teams, aged between 21 and 33 (mean age: 29.4 ± 3.31 years), with a recent musculoskeletal injury. METHODS: Heart rate variability was collected using the Polar m200 and the chest strap H10 in two moments: within 72 h after the injury and between 5 and 7 days after full return-to-play. RESULTS: Results show differences between T1 and T2 (p ≤ 0.05) in low-frequency power (n.u.) (p = 0.001) and high-frequency power (n.u.) (p = 0.001), in low-frequency/high-frequency ratio (p = 0.001) and in high-frequency power (ms2) (p = 0.017) measures. No statistical differences were found in low-frequency power (ms2) (p = 0.233). The low frequency power (n.u.) was significantly lower after injury compared with LF power (n.u.) values after full return-to-play. In high-frequency power there was a significant difference between both moments with high values after injury. CONCLUSIONS: The use of heart rate variability therefore seems to be promising to detect an imbalance in the autonomic nervous system and help clinical departments to identify a possible non-traumatic musculoskeletal injury. Further research should be performed considering a wide range of musculoskeletal injuries and to establish baseline values of the athletes.

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.

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.

Influence of breastfeeding type and gender on child development: differences in global and fine motor skills.

BACKGROUND: There are few studies that approach the subject of breastfeeding related to the development of motor skills. The study aimed to verify if there are differences in the global and fine motor skills, considering the variables gender and type of breastfeeding, in children from 18 to 44 months. METHODS: We developed a quantitative correctional typology, being a cross-sectional study with a sample of 128 children of both genders. The instruments used in the study were the Peabody Developmental Motor Scales-2, and to assess the profile of the children a questionnaire was delivered to the parents. To test the normality of the sample, we applied the Kolmogorov-Smirnov Test and the Shapiro-Wilk Test. The Mann-Whitney U-Test was used for independent samples, also calculating the effect size. RESULTS: The boys obtained higher mean values in all motor skills, except for the fine motor skills and fine motricity, and in these, the girls obtainied the higher mean values. With respect to the inferential analysis, concerning the variable gender, there are statistically significant differences (P<0.00) in the variables: locomotor skills, object handling skills, global motricity and global motor quotient (P=0.017) the boys exhibiting the higher values, which means the better performances. We also verify that children who were not breastfed with breast milk, through feeding bottle with replacement milk, obtained higher mean values in all motor skills when compared to the ones who were breastfed with breast milk, and there is a statistically significant difference in the variable fine manipulation skills (P=0.024). CONCLUSIONS: Male children obtained better results in all motor skills, except for fine motricity, comparing with female children. Regarding breastfeeding, the children who were not breastfed with breast milk, show better results, mainly in Fine manipulation skills, which may be due to the previous need to handle the bottle on early age.

Objectively Measured Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviour on Cardiovascular Risk and Health-Related Quality of Life in Adults: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: This systematic review analysed the association between objectively measured physical activity and sedentary behaviour with cardiovascular risk and HRQoL in adults without previous CVD. Additionally, we analysed the impact of the intensity of the physical activity in this association. METHODS: The search was carried out in three electronic databases with access until February 2023 to find studies with an observational design. For quality assessment, we used The National Institute of Health (NIH) Quality Assessment Tool for Observational Cohort and Cross-Sectional Studies. RESULTS: We identified 5819 references, but only five studies were included. One study shows a positive association between physical activity and HRQoL, while sedentary behaviour was negatively related to HRQoL. Another study showed an association between high-intensity physical activity with a better physical component of HRQoL and low-intensity physical activity with a better mental component of HRQoL. Three studies concluded that higher levels of physical activity are associated with lower levels of cardiovascular risk and higher levels of sedentary behaviour are associated with higher levels of cardiovascular risk. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggested that people who spend more time being active and spend less time being sedentary appear to have lower cardiovascular risk and higher HRQoL.

Assessing Functional Ankle Instability in Sport: A Critical Review and Bibliometric Analysis.

Functional Ankle Instability (FAI) is the subject of extensive research in sports and other environments. Given the importance of accurately measuring this latent construct, it is imperative to carry out a careful assessment of the available tools. In this context, the aim of this review was to take an in-depth look at the six most cited measurement tools to assess FAI, with a specific focus on patient-reported outcome measures related to ankle and foot. Four electronic databases (Web of Science, Scopus, Pubmed, and SportDiscus) were searched (up to November 2022) to identify the six most cited questionnaires for assessing FAI. Our analysis showed that the most cited questionnaires are the following: the Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS), the Foot Function Index (FFI), the Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM), the Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS), the Olerud and Molander Ankle Score (OMAS), and the Cumberland Ankle Instability Tool (CAIT). Each questionnaire was thoroughly assessed and discussed in three sections: Development, Reliability, and Summaries. In addition, bibliometric data were calculated to analyze the relevance of each questionnaire. Despite variations in terms of validity and reliability, conceptualization, structure, and usefulness, the six questionnaires proved to be robust from a psychometric point of view, being widely supported in the literature. The bibliometric analyses suggested that the FAOS ranks first and the FFI ranks sixth in the weighted average of the impact factors of their original publications.

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.

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.

Differences in the Development of Motor Skills in Portuguese Children Aged 12 Months after 3 Years of COVID-19 Confinement.

(1) Background: The objective of the study was to verify the effects of COVID-19 confinement on motor skills through a longitudinal study in Portuguese children who were one year old at the beginning of the pandemic. (2) Methods: The sample consisted of 88 children of both sexes, in the pre-COVID-19 assessment, they were 13.31 ± 2.4 months old and in the post-COVID-19 assessment, the same children were already 49.31 ± 2.5 months old. Motor skills were assessed using the PDMS-2 scales. For the statistical analysis, the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test was used to test normality, and the Wilcoxon test was used to compare the results of the two assessments in the same sample. (3) Results: There were statistically significant differences in all motor skills assessed, with children presenting, on average, worse results in all global motor skills in the post-COVID-19 assessment, as opposed to fine motor skills, showing better results in the post-COVID-19 assessment. (4) Conclusions: These results show the negative impact of the pandemic on children evaluated with a special emphasis on global motor skills, with the majority demonstrating values considered below average for their age, noting that the pandemic protocols may have had serious consequences on children's motor development, warning professionals who deal daily with children in these age groups about the importance of stimulating global motor skills.

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.

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.

Bridging the Gap Between Training and Competition in Elite Rink Hockey: A Pilot Study.

BACKGROUND: Monitoring training load and competition load is crucial for evaluating and improving athlete performance. This study proposes an applied approach to characterize and classify the training task specificity in relation to competition in a top-level rink hockey team, considering external and internal load from training tasks and competition. HYPOTHESIS: Training tasks and game demands have significant dose-response differences, and exercises can be classified successfully based on their physiological and biomechanical demands. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 5. METHODS: Ten elite-level male rink hockey players participated in this study. Players were monitored on 6 different task categories during 8 training sessions and 2 official games. A linear mixed model with random intercepts was used to compare training tasks and competition load, accounting for individual repeated measures. A 2-step cluster analysis was performed to classify the training tasks and games based on physiological and biomechanical load, employing log-likelihood as the distance measure and Schwartz's Bayesian criterion. RESULTS: Average heartrate , maximum heartrate, and high-speed skating (18.1-30 km/h) were the best physiological load predictors, while the most effective biomechanical load predictors were impacts [8-10] g(n), decelerations [-10 to -3]m/s²(n), and accelerations [3-10]m/s²(n). Different physiological and biomechanical responses were verified between training tasks and match demands. A 4-quadrant efforts assessment for each task category revealed that training tasks used by the team in the analysis presented lower biomechanical and physiological load demands than competition. CONCLUSION: Training tasks failed to adequately replicate the specific demands of competition, especially regarding high mechanical stress, such as the absence of high-intensity impacts and decelerations. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This method of classification of training tasks may allow coaches to understand further the specificity and contribution of each task to competition demands, consequently improving the capacity of load management and the preparedness and readiness of players for competition.

Tracking the Prevalence of Obesity in Portuguese School-Aged Children: What Future to Expect?

BACKGROUND: Childhood obesity presents a significant public health concern globally, with implications for cardiovascular health and metabolic syndrome. In Portugal, approximately 31.6% of children are affected, highlighting the urgency for intervention strategies. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of overweight and obesity in Portuguese school-aged children, with a focus on sex and age differences. METHODS: Anthropometric measurements were conducted on 1564 children aged 6-10 years, including weight, height, and skinfold thickness. Body Mass Index (BMI) and the percentage of body fat were calculated using established methods. RESULTS: The results revealed significant differences in BMI (≤0.001) and body fat percentage (≤0.001) among different BMI categories, with a notable prevalence of overweight and obesity, particularly among boys. A total of 37% of the studied population is overweight or obese, among which 40.1% and 33.9% are boys and girls, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights statistically significant differences in BMI and body fat percentage for both sexes in different BMI categories. A large proportion of the population is overweight or obese, with a greater prevalence in boys. In short, childhood obesity has a negative impact on body composition and is associated with significant differences in anthropometric parameters, emphasizing the importance of preventative and intervention strategies to address this health problem.

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.

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).

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 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.