Effects of strength training in fibromyalgia on balance, neuromuscular performance, and symptomatic analysis: a 12-week study protocol.

Fibromyalgia affects skeletal muscles presenting with muscle stiffness, pain, and fatigue. The exercise practice is wellstabilized and suggested for the reduction of symptoms. However, there are some gaps in the literature related to balance and neuromuscular performance in a strength training protocol. The aim of this study is to structure a protocol to verify the effects of strength training applied over a short period, on balance, neuromuscular performance, and fibromyalgia symptoms. Additionally, we intend to analyze the effects of a short period of cessation of training. Participants will be recruited through flyers, internet advertisements, clinical referrals, health professionals, and email outreach. Volunteers will be randomly assigned to the control group or experimental group. Before the training period, symptoms (Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire, Visual Analog Scale), balance (force plate), and neuromuscular performance (medicine ball throw and vertical jump) will be assessed. Participants in the experimental group will perform strength training twice a week (50 min each), on alternate days, for 8 weeks (16 sessions). Then, 4 weeks of detraining will be completed. This training program will be carried out online, using real-time videos, and the participants will be divided into two groups with different schedules. The Borg scale will be used to monitor perceived effort in each session. There is a gap in the literature about exercise prescriptions for fibromyalgia. The supervised online intervention enables a wide range of participation. The strength exercises used (without the use of external materials and/or machines) and load (few repetitions per set) represent a novelty to training programming. Moreover, this training program respects the limitations and individuality of the volunteers, providing exercise adaptations. With positive results, the present protocol could be an easy-to-apply guideline with clear instructions on the details related to exercise prescription. Also, ensure the effectiveness of a low-cost and feasible treatment, especially for fibromyalgia patients. Clinical trial registration: https://clinicaltrials.gov/, identifier: NCT05646641.

How Does the Level of Physical Activity Influence Eating Behavior? A Self-Determination Theory Approach.

Physical activity and diet are two predominant determinants of population health status that may influence each other. Physical activity has been identified as a behavior that may lead to a healthier diet and regulates eating behaviors. This research aimed to investigate how the level of physical activity is associated with the motivation related to eating behaviors and, consequently, the eating style individuals have on a daily basis. This was a cross-sectional study in which participants completed an online questionnaire that assessed the following variables: the level of physical activity, the motivation toward eating behavior, and the type of eating behavior. In total, 440 individuals (180 men and 260 women) who regularly exercised in gyms and fitness centers aged between 19 and 64 years (M = 33.84; SD = 10.09) took part in the study. The data were collected following the Declaration of Helsinki and with the approval of the Ethics Committee of the Polytechnic of Leiria. For the statistical analysis, mean and standard deviations were first calculated, as well as bivariate correlations between all the variables of interest. Then, structural equation model analyses were performed considering the levels of physical activity as the independent variable, motivations toward eating behavior as the mediators, and eating styles as the dependent variables. It was concluded that a greater level of physical activity leads to a more self-determined type of eating regulation, which in turn results in less constricted eating behaviors that are influenced by external factors and emotional factors.

Red blood cell distribution width as a predictor of cardiovascular outcomes in extensive aortoiliac disease.

BACKGROUND: Aortoiliac peripheral artery disease may lead to disabling lower limb claudication or to lower limb chronic threatening ischemia, which is associated with increased short and long-term morbi-mortality. The red blood cell distribution width-coefficient of variation (RDW-CV) has been able to predict outcomes in other atherosclerotic diseases, such as myocardial infarction and stroke. The main objective of this study was to assess the predictive ability of perioperative RDW-CV in accurately predicting short and long-term major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) and all-cause mortality in patients submitted to aortoiliac revascularization due to extensive aortoiliac atherosclerotic disease. METHODS: From 2013 to 2020, patients who underwent aortoiliac revascularization due to severe aortoiliac disease were included in a prospective cohort. Blood samples were taken preoperatively and the patient's demographics, comorbidities, and postoperative outcomes were assessed. A multivariate Cox regression model was used to adjust for confounding and assess the independent effect of these prognostic factors on the outcomes. RESULTS: The study group included 107 patients. Median follow-up was 57 (95% CI: 34.4-69.6) months. Preoperative RDW-CV was increased in thirty-eight patients (35.5%). Increased RDW-CV was associated with congestive heart failure - adjusted odds ratio of 5.043 (95% CI: 1.436-17.717, P=0.012). It could predict long-term occurrence of MACE (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 1.065, 95% CI: 1.014-1.118, P=0.011), all-cause mortality (aHR=1.069, 95% CI: 1.014-1.126, P=0.013), acute heart failure (AHF) (aHR=1.569, 95% CI: 1.179-2.088, P=0.002), and stroke (aHR=1.343, 95% CI: 1.044-1.727, P=0.022). CONCLUSIONS: RDW is a widely available and low-cost marker that was able to independently predict long-term AHF, stroke, MACE, and all-cause mortality in patients with extensive aortoiliac disease submitted to revascularization. This biomarker could help assess which patients would likely benefit from stricter follow-up in the long-term.

Understanding the Associations across Fibromyalgia-Related Fatigue, Depression, Anxiety, Self-Esteem Satisfaction with Life and Physical Activity in Portuguese and Brazilian Patients: A Structural Equation Modeling Analysis.

Background and Objectives: Fibromyalgia are heterogeneous and differ from patient to patient; however, the most reported are general myalgia and at specific points associated with fatigue and certain psychological adversities. Physical activity can mitigate the effects of the symptoms. However, the associations between fibromyalgia-related fatigue, self-esteem, anxiety, depression, satisfaction with life and physical activity are unclear. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to understand the associations between these symptoms and whether there are differences between these associations across two distinct cultures. Materials and Methods: A total of 473 women aged between 28 and 75 years (M = 49.27; SD ± 8.28) completed five questionnaires about fibromyalgia-related fatigue, physical activity, anxiety, depression, self-esteem, and satisfaction with life. Results: Fibromyalgia-related fatigue was positively associated with depression and anxiety, depression and anxiety were negatively associated with self-esteem, self-esteem was positively associated with satisfaction with life, satisfaction with life was positively associated with physical activity and there were no differences in terms of the perceptions and associations of these variables between Portuguese and Brazilian patients. Conclusions: Our results showed the significant role of associations between these variables and a similarity in the perception and relationship of the variables between the two cultures.

Effect of different types of exercise in adult subjects with fibromyalgia: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised clinical trials.

Exercise has been recommended for fibromyalgia treatment. However, doubts related to exercise benefits remain unclear. The objective of this study was to summarise, through a systematic review with meta-analysis, the available evidence on the effects of aerobic, resistance and stretching exercise on pain, depression, and quality of life. Search was performed using electronic databases Pubmed and Cochrane Library. Studies with interventions based on aerobic exercise, resistance exercise and stretching exercise published until July 2020 and updated in December 2021, were identified. Randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses involving adults with fibromyalgia were also included. Eighteen studies were selected, including a total of 1184 subjects. The effects were summarised using standardised mean differences (95% confidence intervals) by random effect models. In general, aerobic exercise seems to reduce pain perception, depression and improves quality of life; it also improves mental and physical health-related quality of life. Resistance exercise decreases pain perception and improves quality of life and moreover improves the physical dimension of health-related quality of life. It was also observed that resistance exercise appears to have a non-significant positive effect on depression and the mental dimension of health-related quality of life. Studies revealed that stretching exercise reduces the perception and additionally improves quality of life and health-related quality of life. However, a non-significant effect was observed on depression. We conclude that exercise may be a way to reduce depression, and pain and improve the quality of life in adult subjects with fibromyalgia and should be part of the treatment for this pathology.

Effects of different protocols of physical exercise on fibromyalgia syndrome treatment: systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Physical exercise has been used as a form of treatment for fibromyalgia, however, the results indicate the need for further investigations on the effect of exercise on different symptoms. The aim of the study was to synthesize and analyse studies related to the effect of exercise in individuals with fibromyalgia and provide practical recommendations for practitioners and exercise professionals. A search was carried out in the Web of Science, PubMed, and Scopus databases in search of randomized clinical trials (RCT) written in English. A meta-analysis was performed to determine the effectiveness of different types of exercise on the fibromyalgia impact questionnaire (FIQ), and the protocol period and session duration on the pain outcome. Eighteen articles were eligible for a qualitative assessment and 16 were included in the meta-analysis. The exercise showed large evidence for the association with a reduction in the FIQ (SMD - 0.98; 95% CI - 1.49 to - 0.48). Protocols between 13 and 24 weeks (SMD - 1.02; 95% CI - 1.53 to - 0.50), with a session time of less than 30 min (SMD - 0.68 95% CI - 1.26 to - 0.11) or > 30 min and < 60 min (SMD - 1.06; 95% CI - 1.58 to - 0.53) presented better results. Better results were found after combined training protocols and aerobic exercises. It is suggested that exercise programs lasting 13-24 weeks should be used to reduce pain, and each session should last between 30 and 60 min. In addition, the intensity should always be carried out gradually and progressively.PROSPERO registration number CRD42020198151.

Exploring the Relationship between Fibromyalgia-Related Fatigue, Physical Activity, and Quality of Life.

The symptoms of fibromyalgia are varied, including general muscle pain and pain at specific points (also called tender points), excessive fatigue, anxiety, depression, and some psychological problems that can have a negative impact on quality of life. Physical activity is a widely used option by health professionals to alleviate the effects of this syndrome. However, there is no clear information on the possible mediating role of physical activity in the relationship between fibromyalgia-related fatigue and quality of life. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the relationship between fibromyalgia-related fatigue and quality of life, and to investigate the mediating role of physical activity in patients with this syndrome. METHODS: In a cross-sectional study, 237 Portuguese women aged 28 to 75 years (M = 49.12; SD ± 8.87) and 117 Brazilian women aged 20 to 69 years (M = 46.72; SD ± 8.38) were recruited to participate in this study. These patients completed three valid and reliable questionnaires related to the assessment of fibromyalgia-related fatigue (MDF-Fibro-17), physical activity (IPAQ), and quality of life (SF-36). RESULTS: Both samples had scores above the midpoint for all dimensions of fibromyalgia-related fatigue and scores below the midpoint for quality of life. Physical activity had no mediating effect in either sample, as the total indirect effect was not significant. CONCLUSIONS: Physical activity does not mediate the relationship between fatigue and quality of life. However, the results also show that the fatigue dimensions associated with fibromyalgia had a negative and significant association with physical and mental health indicators in both samples. Thus, patients with FM with higher scores on fatigue-related symptoms might suffer more from physical and mental health, both of which are related to quality of life.

Mean Platelet Volume Predicts Restenosis After Carotid Endarterectomy.

BACKGROUND: Carotid restenosis following carotid endarterectomy (CEA) has a cumulative risk at 5-years up to 32%, which may impact the well-being of patients following CEA. Haematological parameters in the standard complete blood cell count (CBC) are emerging as potential biomarkers, but their application in CEA is scarce. The primary aim of this study was to investigate haematological markers for restenosis following CEA. The secondary aim was to characterize clinical risk factors for restenosis. METHODS: From January 2012 to January 2019, 151 patients who underwent CEA under regional anaesthesia due to carotid stenosis were selected from a prospectively maintained cohort database. Patients were included if a preoperative CBC was available in the 2 weeks preceding CEA. Multivariable analysis was performed alongside propensity score matching (PSM) analysis, using the preoperative CEA parameters, to reduce confounding factors between categories. RESULTS: The study group comprised 28 patients who developed carotid restenosis. The remaining 123 patients without restenosis composed the control group. Mean age of the patients did not differ significantly between groups (70.25 ± 8.05 vs. 70.32 ± 9.61 YO, P = 0.973), neither did gender (male gender 89.3% vs. 78.9%, P = 0.206). Regarding haematological parameters, only MPV remained statistically significant within multivariable analysis (1.855, aOR [1.174-2.931], P = 0.008), a result supported by PSM analysis (2.072, aOR [1.036-4.147], P = 0.042). CONCLUSIONS: MPV was able to predict restenosis 2 years after CEA. Thus, MPV can be incorporated into score calculations to identify patients at greater risk of restenosis, who could benefit from specific monitoring during follow-up. While results are promising, more research is necessary to corroborate them.

Contralateral Carotid Stenosis is a Predictor of Long-term Adverse Events in Carotid Endarterectomy.

Contralateral carotid stenosis (clCS) has been described as a perioperative predictor of mortality after carotid endarterectomy (CEA). However, its predictive value on long-term cardiovascular events remains controversial. The study aims to assess the potential role of clCS as a long-term predictor of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in patients who underwent CEA. From January 2012 to July 2020, patients undergoing CEA under regional anesthesia for carotid stenosis in a tertiary care and referral center were eligible from a prospective database, and a post hoc analysis was performed. The primary outcome consisted in the occurrence of long-term MACE. Secondary outcomes included all-cause mortality, stroke, myocardial infarction, acute heart failure, and major adverse limb events. A total of 192 patients were enrolled. With a median 50 months follow-up, chronic kidney disease (CKD) (mean survival time (MST) 51.7 vs. 103.3, P < 0.010) and peripheral artery disease (PAD) (MST 75.1 vs. 90.3, P = 0.001) were associated with decreased survival time. After propensity score matching (PSM), CKD (MST 49.1 vs. 106.0, P = 0.001) and PAD (MST 75.7 vs. 94.0, P = 0.001) maintained this association. On multivariate Cox regression analysis, contralateral stenosis was associated with higher MACE (hazard ratio (HR) = 2.035; 95% CI: 1.113-3.722, P = 0.021 and all-cause mortality (HR = 2.564; 95% CI: 1.276-5,152 P = 0.008). After PSM, only all-cause mortality (HR 2.323; 95% CI: 0.993-5.431, P = 0.052) maintained a significant association with clCS. On multivariable analysis, clCS (aHR 2.367; 95% CI: 1.174-4.771, P = 0.016), age (aHR 1.039, 95% CI: 1.008-1.070), CKD (aHR 2.803; 95% CI: 1.409-5.575, P = 0.003) and PAD (aHR 3.225, 95% CI: 1.695-6.137, P < 0.001) were independently associated with increased all-cause mortality. Contrary to MACE, clCS is a strong predictor of long-term all-cause mortality after CEA. However, MACE risk may compromise CEA benefits by other competitive events. Therefore, further studies are needed to establish the role of clCS on postoperative events and on patients' specific assessments in order to determine the best medical treatment and easy access to surgical intervention.

O papel do divertimento e das determinantes motivacionais na persistência da prática de exercício físico / The role of enjoyment and motivational determinants in persistence in the practice of physical exercise

Resumo Como objetivo deste trabalho, definiu-se analisar os efeitos indiretos de determinantes motivacionais no divertimento e na persistência em praticantes de exercício físico regular. Participaram ao todo 967 praticantes de exercício em ginásio e health clubs, com idades compreendidas entre 18 e 65 anos (M=45,08; DP=13,76). Todos os participantes tinham mais de 6 meses de experiência regular em exercício físico. Os participantes preencheram ao todo questionários traduzidos e validados para a língua portuguesa no contexto do exercício físico, que examinavam a perceção dos comportamentos interpessoais, as necessidades psicológicas básicas, a regulação da motivação e o divertimento. A persistência foi medida através de registos eletrónicos, considerando um praticante persistente aquele que tivesse uma frequência semanal similar aquela auto-reportada no momento inicial. A maioria das regressões são significativas, confirmado os pressupostos da literatura existente. Os efeitos indiretos mostram que o divertimento desempenha um papel crucial na persistência, tanto por via motivação autónoma, como por via motivação controlada. Em suma, atividades promotoras do prazer que os praticantes de ginásio e health club experienciam durante a prática de exercício físico poderão ser a variável chave na persistência a longo prazo.

Abstract The scope of this paper was to analyze the impact of motivational determinants in enjoyment and persistence in physical exercise among practitioners of physical exercise. In total, 967 gym and health club exercise practitioners aged between 18 and 65 (M=45.08; SD=13.76) were recruited for analysis. All participants had more than six months of regular exercise practice. Participants completed and validated scales in the exercise context duly translated into Portuguese, assessing interpersonal behaviors, basic psychological needs, and behavioral regulation. Persistence was measured using computerized records considering persistent exercisers as being those who were exercising at similar frequencies as those self-reported at the initial assessment. Results showed that the measurement and structural model fit the data. Several significant effects were found supporting previous literature. Indirect effects showed enjoyment to play a crucial role on exercise persistence, both by the significant effect via autonomous and controlled motivation. In essence, activities that give pleasure that gym and health club exercisers experience during the practice of physical exercise can be the key variable of long-term persistence.

Differences between Portuguese and Brazilian Patients with Fibromyalgia Syndrome: Exploring the Associations across Age, Time of Diagnosis, and Fatigue-Related Symptoms.

Background and Objectives: The current literature demonstrates that different cultures have different perceptions of the symptoms of Fibromyalgia Syndrome (FM). The aim of the study was to explore the differences between Brazilian and Portuguese patients with FM in their fatigue experience and to measure the differences in the perception of fatigue according to age and duration of diagnosis. Materials and Methods: In total, 209 Portuguese women aged between 21 and 75 years old (M = 47.44; SD = 10.73) and 429 Brazilian women aged between 18 and 77 years old (M = 46.51; SD = 9.24) were recruited to participate in the present study. Participants filled out the items in the Multidimensional Daily Fatigue-Fibromyalgia-17 Diary (MDF-Fibro-17), a specific tool to measure the level of five components of FM-related fatigue. Results: The results showed a greater perception of all of the components of fatigue in the Brazilian sample. No significant differences were found related to the age and duration of FM diagnosis. Conclusions: Overall, there are significant differences in fatigue symptoms between Portuguese and Brazilian women with FM, suggesting that cultural and geographical differences should be considered when describing fatigue-related symptoms in women with FM.

The Multidimensional Daily Diary of Fatigue-Fibromyalgia-17 Items (MDF-Fibro-17): Evidence from Validity, Reliability and Transcultural Invariance between Portugal and Brazil.

The Multidimensional Daily Diary of Fatigue-Fibromyalgia-17 (MDF-fibro-17) is an instrument that measures the different components of fibromyalgia-related fatigue symptoms. The current study aims to examine the factor structure of the MDF-fibro-17 in a sample of Portuguese and Brazilian patients diagnosed with fibromyalgia. Additionally, a cross-cultural analysis was carried out on these samples to understand the multidimensional complexity of examining the different dimensions of fatigue in patients with different cultural backgrounds and how fibromyalgia impacts patients with this syndrome. A confirmatory factor analysis was performed to examine the psychometric properties of the measure. Additionally, a multigroup analysis was carried out on the samples of these two cultures to examine measurement invariance. In total, 209 Portuguese women aged between 21 and 75 years (M = 47.44; SD = 10.73) and 429 Brazilians women aged between 16 and 77 years (M = 46.51; SD = 9.24) participated in this study. The results revealed that the measurement model provided an acceptable fit to the data in both the Portuguese and Brazilian samples, also displaying acceptable convergent and discriminant validity. In addition, the model showed acceptable internal consistency and was invariant between cultures. In sum, the MDF-fibro-17 is a valid measure that offers a unique assessment of fatigue symptoms in Portuguese and Brazilian women with fibromyalgia.

The retinoid X receptor: a nuclear receptor that modulates the sleep-wake cycle in rats.

RATIONALE: The nuclear receptor retinoid X receptor (RXR) belongs to a nuclear receptor superfamily that modulates diverse functions via homodimerization with itself or several other nuclear receptors, including PPARα. While the activation of PPARα by natural or synthetic agonists regulates the sleep-wake cycle, the role of RXR in the sleep modulation is unknown. OBJECTIVES: We investigated the effects of bexarotene (Bexa, a RXR agonist) or UVI 3003 (UVI, a RXR antagonist) on sleep, sleep homeostasis, levels of neurochemical related to sleep modulation, and c-Fos and NeuN expression. METHODS: The sleep-wake cycle and sleep homeostasis were analyzed after application of Bexa or UVI. Moreover, we also evaluated whether Bexa or UVI could induce effects on dopamine, serotonin, norepinephrine epinephrine, adenosine, and acetylcholine contents, collected from either the nucleus accumbens or basal forebrain. In addition, c-Fos and NeuN expression in the hypothalamus was determined after Bexa or UVI treatments. RESULTS: Systemic application of Bexa (1 mM, i.p.) attenuated slow-wave sleep and rapid eye movement sleep. In addition, Bexa increased the levels of dopamine, serotonin, norepinephrine epinephrine, adenosine, and acetylcholine sampled from either the nucleus accumbens or basal forebrain. Moreover, Bexa blocked the sleep rebound period after total sleep deprivation, increased in the hypothalamus the expression of c-Fos, and decreased NeuN activity. Remarkably, UVI 3003 (1 mM, i.p.) induced opposite effects in sleep, sleep homeostasis, neurochemicals levels, and c-Fos and NeuN activity. CONCLUSIONS: The administration of RXR agonist or antagonist significantly impaired the sleep-wake cycle and exerted effects on the levels of neurochemicals related to sleep modulation. Moreover, Bexa or UVI administration significantly affected c-Fos and NeuN expression in the hypothalamus. Our findings highlight the neurobiological role of RXR on sleep modulation.

Physical exercise and geriatric depression: an opinion / Atividade física e depressão geriátrica: uma opinião / Actividad física y depresión geriátrica: una opinión

Depression represents a common public health problem in the world. Depression in the elderly appears to follow a vulnerability-stress model, with an interaction between individual vulnerabilities, including genetic factors, age-related cognitive and neurobiological changes, and a variety of stressful events that occur more frequently in advanced ages, such as grief, financial problems, and reduction in autonomy/functionality. In the last decades, several studies have indicated that exercise can be effective in preventing or reducing depressive symptoms, both in healthy and psychiatric populations. Due to the scientific community's interest in the efficacy and safety of physical exercise as complementary therapy for depressed elderly patients, we conduct an opinion study on the subject. Despite the researchers' efforts, in the last decades little progress has been made in verifying the efficacy of exercise in geriatric depression.

A depressão representa um problema comum de saúde pública no mundo. A depressão em idosos parece seguir um modelo de vulnerabilidade-estresse, com uma interação entre vulnerabilidades individuais, incluindo fatores genéticos, mudanças cognitivas e neurobiológicas relacionadas à idade, e uma variedade de eventos estressantes que ocorrem mais frequentemente em idades avançadas, como luto, problemas financeiros e redução da autonomia/funcionalidade. Nas últimas décadas, vários estudos indicaram que o exercício pode ser eficaz na prevenção ou redução dos sintomas depressivos, tanto em populações saudáveis como psiquiátricas. Devido ao interesse da comunidade científica na eficácia e segurança do exercício físico como terapia complementar para idosos deprimidos; realizamos um estudo de opinião sobre o assunto. Apesar dos esforços dos pesquisadores, nas últimas décadas pouco progresso foi feito na verificação da eficácia do exercício na depressão geriátrica.

La depresión representa un problema común de salud pública en el mundo. La depresión en los ancianos parece seguir un modelo de vulnerabilidad-estrés, con una interacción entre las vulnerabilidades individuales, incluidos factores genéticos, cambios cognitivos y neurobiológicos relacionados con la edad, y una variedad de eventos estresantes que ocurren con mayor frecuencia en edades avanzadas, como el duelo, problemas financieros y reducción de la autonomía/funcionalidad. En las últimas décadas, varios estudios han indicado que el ejercicio puede ser eficaz para prevenir o reducir los síntomas depresivos, tanto en poblaciones sanas como psiquiátricas. Debido al interés de la comunidad científica en la eficacia y seguridad del ejercicio físico como terapia complementaria para pacientes ancianos deprimidos, realizamos un estudio de opinión sobre el tema. A pesar de los esfuerzos de los investigadores, en las últimas décadas se ha avanzado poco en la verificación de la eficacia del ejercicio en la depresión geriátrica.

Sleep and Neurochemical Modulation by DZNep and GSK-J1: Potential Link With Histone Methylation Status.

Histone methylation/demethylation plays an important modulatory role in chromatin restructuring, RNA transcription and is essential for controlling a plethora of biological processes. Due to many human diseases have been related to histone methylation/demethylation, several compounds such as 3-deazaneplanocin A (DZNep) or 3-((6-(4,5-Dihydro-1H-benzo[d]azepin-3(2H)-yl)-2-(pyridin-2-yl)pyrimidin-4-yl)amino)propanoic acid; N-[2-(2-pyridinyl)-6-(1,2,4,5-tetrahydro-3H-3-benzazepin-3-yl)-4-pyrimidinyl]-ß-Alanine (GSK-J1), have been designed to inhibit histone methylase or suppress histone demethylase, respectively. In the present study, we investigated the effects on the sleep-wake cycle and sleep-related neurochemical levels after systemic injections of DZNep or GSK-J1 given during the light or dark phase in rats. DZNep dose-dependently (0.1, 1.0, or 10 mg/kg, i.p.) prolonged wakefulness (W) duration while decreased slow wave sleep (SWS) and rapid eye movement sleep (REMS) time spent during the lights-on period with no changes observed in dark phase. In opposite direction, GSK-J1 (0.1, 1.0, or 10 mg/kg, i.p.) injected at the beginning of the lights-on period induced no statistical changes in W, SWS, or REMS whereas if administered at darkness, we found a diminution in W and an enhancement in SWS and REMS. Finally, brain microdialysis experiments in freely moving animals were used to evaluate the effects of DZNep or GSK-J1 treatments on contents of sleep-related neurochemicals. The results showed that DZNep boosted extracellular levels of dopamine, norepinephrine, epinephrine, serotonin, adenosine, and acetylcholine if injected at the beginning of the lights-on period whereas GSK-J1 exerted similar outcomes but when administered at darkness. In summary, DZNep and GSK-J1 may control the sleep-wake cycle and sleep-related neurochemicals through histone methylation/demethylation activity.

Perceived Environmental Supportiveness Scale: Portuguese Translation, Validation and Adaptation to the Physical Education Domain

Abstract Aim: Grounded on Self-Determination Theory, this study aimed to translate, adapt and validate the Perceived Environmental Supportiveness Scale (PESS) in a sample of Portuguese physical education students. Methods: The global sample was comprised of 964 students (518 females), divided in two groups: the calibration (n = 469) and the validation one (n = 483), all of them enrolled in two Physical Education (PE) classes/week. Results: The analysis provided support for a one factor and 12 items model, which are in line with the values adopted in the methodology (χ² = 196.123, df = 54, p = <.001, SRMR = .035, NNFI = .943, CFI = .954, RMSEA = .074, 90% CI .063-.085). Results express that the models are invariant in all analysis (i.e., calibration vs. validation, male vs. female, and 3rd vs. secondary cycle; three and single factor models). Conclusion: The present study suggests that the PESS with one factor and 12 items has good psychometric properties and can be used to assess perceived need supportive motivational environments provided by PE teachers. Additionally, invariance analysis showed support for the use of the scale in both genders and in the 3rd and secondary cycles.

Translation and validation of the perceived locus of causality questionnaire (PLOCQ) in a sample of portuguese physical education students

AIM: This study main aim was to translate and validate one of the most used SDT-based instruments to assess motivation in PE classes, the Perceived Locus of Causality Questionnaire (PLOCQ), to the Portuguese context. METHOD: Sample was composed of 652 boys (M=15.4 years; SD=1.90) and 702 girls (M=15.47 years; SD=1.95), enrolled in physical education classes in several Portuguese schools. RESULTS: The analysis provided support for a five factors and 18 items model, after excluding two items (χ² = 491.473, df = 125, p = <.001, SRMR = .062, NNFI = .908, CFI = .924, RMSEA = .067, 90% CI .061-.073). Sample and gender invariance procedures were made to ensure proper psychometric validation. Results presented support for the model in both gender and calibration/validation samples. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that PLOCQ with five factors and 18 items has good psychometric proprieties and can be used to assess contextual motivation towards PE in the Portuguese context.(AU)

Translation and adaptation of the physical activity enjoyment scale (PACES) in a sample of Portuguese athletes, invariance across genders nature sports and swimming / Tradução e adaptação do physical activity enjoyment scale (PACES) numa amostra de atletas portuguesas, invariância entre géneros, desporto de natureza e natação

Abstract The aim of this study was to translate and validate of the Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale (PACES) from Mullen et al. version in Portuguese athletes, invariance across genders and nature sports and swimming, as well as, external validity, through the Portuguese version of BRSQ.Athletes (n=1032; 273 nature sports, 759 swimming) with an average age of 18,95 ± 6,59 years participated in this study. Confirmatory factor analysis (maximum likelihood), multigroup analysis (measurement invariance) and correlation analysis were used for data analyzed. Results supported the suitability of the models (one factor which eight items) showing an adequate fit to the data in each sample (general:χ2=181,96, p=<0,01, df=20, SRMR=0,04, NNFI=0,94, CFI=0,96, RMSEA=0,07, RMSEA 90% IC=0,06-0,08; male:χ2=113,27, p=<0,01, df=20, SRMR=0,04, NNFI=0,95, CFI=0,97, RMSEA=0,07, RMSEA 90% IC=0,06-0,08; female: χ2=67,59, p=<0,01, df=20, SRMR=0,03, NNFI=0,94, CFI=0,96, RMSEA=0,07, RMSEA 90% IC=0,06-0,09; nature sports: χ2=42,32, p=0,02, df=20, SRMR=0,037, NNFI=0,96, CFI=0,98, RMSEA=0,06, RMSEA 90% IC=0,04-0,08; swimming: χ2=130,14, p=<0,01, df=20, SRMR=0,04, NNFI=0,94, CFI=0,96, RMSEA=0,07, RMSEA 90% IC=0,06-0,08), as well as, were invariant across genders and nature sports and swimming (∆CFI<0,01). Enjoyment was, on the one hand, found to be positively and significantly correlated with identified regulation (r=0,82), integrated regulation (r=0,62) and intrinsic motivation (r=0,90). On the other, it was negatively and significantly correlated with amotivation (r=-0,25) and external and introjected regulation (r=-0,42; -0,38), respectively. Those findings allow concluding that PACES can be used to measure enjoyment in the future studies, thus filling an existing gap to date.

Resumo O objetivo deste estudo foi a tradução e validação do Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale, a partir da versão de Mullen et al., numa amostra de atletas portugueses e a invariância entre gêneros, desportos de natureza e natação, bem como, comprovar critérios de validade externa através da versão portuguesa do BRSQ. Participaram neste estudo 1032 atletas (273 desporto natureza; 759 natação), com uma média de 18,95 ± 6,59 anos de idade. Os dados foram analisados através de análise fatorial confirmatória (método da máxima verosimilhança), análise multigupos (invariância entre grupos) e análise correlacional. Os resultados suportam a adequação dos modelos (1 fator, oito itens), para cada uma das amostras (geral. χ2=181,96, p=<0,01, df=20, SRMR=0,04, NNFI=0,94, CFI=0,96, RMSEA=0,07, RMSEA 90% IC=0,06-0,08; masculino: x2=113,27, p=<0,01, df=20, SRMR=0,035,NNFI=0,95, CFI=0,97, RMSEA=0,07, RMSEA 90%IC=0,06-0,08;feminino: χ2=67,59,p=<0,01, df=20, SRMR=0,03,NNFI=0,94, CFI=0,96, RMSEA=0,07, RMSEA90% IC=0,06-0,09; desporto de natureza: χ2=42,32, p=0,02, df=20, SRMR=0,037, NNFI=0,96, CFI=0,98, RMSEA=0,06, RMSEA90%IC=0,04-0,08; natação:χ2=130,14,p=<0,001, df=20, SRMR=0,04, NNFI=0,943, CFI=0,.96, RMSEA=0,07, RMSEA 90% IC=0,06-0,08), bem como, revelou ser invariante em função dos gêneros e das modalidades (∆CFI<0,01). O divertimento correlacionou-se positivamente com regulação identificada (r=0,82), regulação integrada (r=0,62) e motivação intrínseca (r=0,90), e negativamente com a amotivação (r=-0,25), regulação externa (r=-0,42) e regulação introjetada (r=-0,38). Estes resultados permitem-nos afirmar que a tradução e adaptação do PACES, pode ser utilizada com elevado grau de validade e fiabilidade na avaliação do divertimento em futuros estudos, suprimindo uma lacuna existente.

Validation of the Subjective Vitality Scale and study of the vitality of elderly people according to their physical activity / Validação da Subjective Vitality Scale e estudo da vitalidade nos idosos em função da sua atividade física

Abstract The main aim of the study was to validate the Portuguese version of the Subjective Vitality Scale - SVS for the Portuguese elderly population through of confirmatory factorial analysis. The existence of differences in the perception of subjective vitality among sufficiently active and insufficiently active older adults was also analyzed. A total of 309 Portuguese elderly (242 females, 67 males) aged 60-90 years (M = 68.59, SD = 6.60) participated in this study. Of the total sample, 256 are sufficiently active, while 53 are insufficiently active. The results show that the model was adjusted to data in a satisfactory way (χ2 = 28.95; df = 9; CFI = .97; TLI = .94; SRMR = .04; RMSEA = .08; RMSEA 90% CI = .05 - .12), and show a concurrent validity with the Portuguese version of the Satisfaction with Life Scale. The data obtained allow us concluding that the Portuguese version of the Subjective Vitality Scale can be used as a measure of subjective vitality in the Portuguese elderly population. It was also verified that the subjective perception of vitality is greater among individuals sufficiently active compared with their peers that do not reach the amount of practice of recommended physical activity.

Resumo O objetivo do estudo foi validar a versão portuguesa da Subjetive Vitality Scale - SVS para a população idosa portuguesa com recurso a uma análise fatorial confirmatória. Foi ainda analisada a existência de diferenças na perceção de vitalidade subjetiva entre idosos suficientemente ativos e insuficientemente ativos. Participaram neste estudo 309 idosos (242 sexo feminino, 67 sexo masculino) de nacionalidade portuguesa, com idades compreendidas entre os 60 e os 90 anos (M= 68.59; DP = 6.60). Do total da amostra, 256 são suficientemente ativos e 53 são insuficientemente ativos. Os resultados alcançados revelam que o modelo apresenta valores satisfatórios de ajustamento aos dados (χ2 = 28.95; df = 9; CFI = .97; TLI = .94; SRMR = .04; RMSEA = .08; RMSEA 90% CI = .05 - .12). Foi, também, obtida validade concorrente com a versão portuguesa da Escala de Satisfação com a Vida. Os dados obtidos permitem concluir que a versão portuguesa da SVS pode ser utilizada como medida de avaliação de vitalidade subjetiva na população idosa portuguesa. Verificou-se ainda, que a percepção subjetiva de vitalidade é maior entre os idosos suficientemente ativos comparados com seus pares que não atingem a quantidade de prática de atividade física recomendada.