Effectiveness of the PROMUFRA program in pre-frail, community-dwelling older people: A randomized controlled trial.

This study evaluated the effect of PROMUFRA program on physical frailty, kinanthropometric, muscle function and functional performance variables in pre-frail, community-dwelling older people. Participants (n = 50, 75 ± 7 years) were randomly assigned to two groups: intervention group (IG), and control group (CG). The IG performed multi-component exercise program, focused on high-intensity resistance training (HIRT) combined with self-massage for myofascial release (SMMR) for 12 weeks (2 d.wk-1). Two measurements were performed, at baseline and post-3 months. Participants (n = 43) were analyzed and significant differences were found in group-time interaction for muscle mass (p = 0.017), fat mass (p = 0.003), skeletal muscle mass index (p = 0.011), maximum isometric knee extension (p = 0.042), maximum dynamic knee extension (p = 0.001), maximum leg press (p < 0.001), Barthel Index (p = 0.039) and EuroQol 5-dimensions-3-levels (p = 0.012). We conclude that PROMUFRA program is an effective training method to achieve healthy improvements for the pre-frail community.

Protective Effects of Foam Rolling against Inflammation and Notexin Induced Muscle Damage in Rats.

It is known that high-intensity exercise can cause inflammation and damage in muscle tissue, and in recent years, physical therapists and fitness professionals have begun to use foam rolling as a recovery method to improve performance. Despite the lack of basic science studies to support or refute the efficacy of foam rolling, the technique is very widely used in the sports world. In this respect, we investigated whether foam rolling could attenuate muscle damage and inflammation. Female Wistar rats were assigned to control (C), foam rolling (FR), notexin without foam rolling (N) and notexin with foam rolling (NFR) groups. A 4.5 x 2 cm foam roller was used to massage their hind legs (two 60-second repetitions twice a day for 3 days). Motor function tests (Balance Beam Test and Grip strength) were used. We detected an increase in time and foot faults when crossing a beam in the N group compared to C and FR rats. In contrast, a significant decrease was detected in both tests in NFR compared to N rats. Muscle power was measured with a grip strength test and better performance was detected in NFR rats compared to N rats. Furthermore, an increase of pro-inflammatory proteins was noted in the N group, while there was a decrease in the NFR group. On the contrary, an increase in PPAR-γ (anti-inflammatory protein) in the NFR group compared to the N group demonstrates the anti-inflammatory properties of the foam rolling technique. In summary, applying foam rolling after damage has benefits such as an increase in anti-inflammatory proteins and a reduction of pro-inflammatory proteins, resulting in muscle recovery and better performance.

Integrated in vivo functional screens and multi-omics analyses identify α-2,3-sialylation as essential for melanoma maintenance.

Glycosylation is a hallmark of cancer biology, and altered glycosylation influences multiple facets of melanoma growth and progression. To identify glycosyltransferases, glycans, and glycoproteins essential for melanoma maintenance, we conducted an in vivo growth screen with a pooled shRNA library of glycosyltransferases, lectin microarray profiling of benign nevi and melanoma patient samples, and mass spectrometry-based glycoproteomics. We found that α-2,3 sialyltransferases ST3GAL1 and ST3GAL2 and corresponding α-2,3-linked sialosides are upregulated in melanoma compared to nevi and are essential for melanoma growth in vivo and in vitro. Glycoproteomics revealed that glycoprotein targets of ST3GAL1 and ST3GAL2 are enriched in transmembrane proteins involved in growth signaling, including the amino acid transporter Solute Carrier Family 3 Member 2 (SLC3A2/CD98hc). CD98hc suppression mimicked the effect of ST3GAL1 and ST3GAL2 silencing, inhibiting melanoma cell proliferation. We found that both CD98hc protein stability and its pro-survival effect in melanoma are dependent upon α-2,3 sialylation mediated by ST3GAL1 and ST3GAL2. In summary, our studies reveal that α-2,3-sialosides functionally contribute to melanoma maintenance, supporting ST3GAL1 and ST3GAL2 as novel therapeutic targets in these tumors.

Atomic Technologies and Nuclear Safety Practices in Spain During the 1960s.

The acquisition of a nuclear power reactor from the North American company Westinghouse in 1964 not only brought atomic practices and knowledge to Spain but also introduced new methods of industrial organization and management, as well as regulations created by organizations such as the US Atomic Energy Commission (US AEC) and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). This article analyzes the history of the knowledge, regulations and experimental practices relating to radiation safety and protection that traveled with this reactor to an industrial space: the Zorita nuclear power plant. Within this space, the appropriation, use, and coproduction of knowledge and practices were conditioned by political, economic, industrial and social factors, and by the engineers, researchers and other professionals who contributed expert knowledge. Material held in the Tecnatom Historical Archive-the engineering company that coordinated construction of the plant-is the main source for this work, which delves into the history of knowledge and atomic technologies and adds to the historiography of radiological protection in Spain.

Frailty Status Improvement after 5-Month Multicomponent Program PROMUFRA in Community-Dwelling Older People: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

A study was made of the effect of the PROMUFRA multicomponent frailty program upon physical frailty, kinanthropometry, pain and muscle function parameters in frail and pre-frail community-dwelling older people. Eighty-one participants were randomly allocated to the intervention group (IG) or control group (CG). The IG performed PROMUFRA for 20 weeks, using six strength exercises with three series of 8-12 repetitions until muscular failure, and seven myofascial exercises, with one set of 10 repetitions. The CG continued their routine. The frailty criteria number (FCN), kinanthropometric parameters and muscle function were measured at baseline and after the program. Between-group differences were found in the interaction for FCN, muscle mass, fat mass, skeletal muscle mass index, knee flexion range of motion (ROM), hip flexion with knee straight ROM, maximum isometric knee extension, maximum isotonic knee extension, maximum leg press and hand grip strength., and also on post-intervention frailty status. The IG showed a statistical trend towards decreased pain. In conclusion, the PROMUFRA program is a potential training approach that can bring benefits in physical frailty status, body composition, ROM and muscle function among frail or pre-frail community-dwelling older people.

DHA- Rich Fish Oil Improves Complex Reaction Time in Female Elite Soccer Players.

Omega-3 fatty acids (n-3) has shown to improve neuromotor function. This study examined the effects of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) on complex reaction time, precision and efficiency, in female elite soccer players. 24 players from two Spanish female soccer Super League teams were randomly selected and assigned to two experimental groups, then administered, in a double-blind manner, 3.5 g·day(-1) of either DHA-rich fish oil (FO =12) or olive oil (OO = 12) over 4 weeks of training. Two measurements (pre- and post-treatment) of complex reaction time and precision were taken. Participants had to press different buttons and pedals with left and right hands and feet, or stop responding, according to visual and auditory stimuli. Multivariate analysis of variance displayed an interaction between supplement administration (pre/post) and experimental group (FO/OO) on complex reaction time (FO pre = 0.713 ± 0.142 ms, FO post = 0.623 ± 0.109 ms, OO pre = 0.682 ± 1.132 ms, OO post = 0.715 ± 0.159 ms; p = 0.004) and efficiency (FO pre = 40.88 ± 17.41, FO post = 57.12 ± 11.05, OO pre = 49.52 ± 14.63, OO post = 49. 50 ± 11.01; p = 0.003). It was concluded that after 4 weeks of supplementation with FO, there was a significant improvement in the neuromotor function of female elite soccer players. Key pointsThe results obtained from the study suggest that supplementation with DHA produced perceptual-motor benefits in female elite athletes.DHA could be a beneficial supplement in sports where decision making and reaction time efficiency are of importance.

Regulation and the circulation of knowledge: penicillin patents in Spain.

This paper tells the early history of penicillin patenting in Spain. Patents turn out to be useful instruments for analysing the management of knowledge and its circulation in different professional and geographical domains. They protected knowledge while contributing to standardisation. Patents also ensured quality and guaranteed reliability in manufacturing, delivering and prescribing new drugs. They gained special prominence by allowing the creation of a network in which political, economic and business, industrial power, public health and international cooperation fields came together. The main source of information used for this purpose has been the earliest patent applications for penicillin in Spain between 1948 and 1950, which are kept in the Historical Archives of the Oficina Española de Patentes y Marcas. The study of these patents for penicillin shows their role as agents in introducing this drug in Spain.

Improved Nutritional Knowledge in the Obese Adult Population Modifies Eating Habits and Serum and Anthropometric Markers.

Multicomponent lifestyle interventions achieve good results in the management of obesity among the adult population. However, their implementation in certain populations poses difficulties. A good level of nutritional knowledge enables people to make changes in their diet that improve their health. This study aims to assess the relationship between nutritional knowledge and nutritional parameters such as dietary intake, anthropometric parameters and biomarkers. A before-after, non-randomized interventional study involving a two-monthly nutritional educational intervention was carried out over 8 months. Anthropometric and biomarker data were collected, and nutritional knowledge was evaluated using the Bach questionnaire and food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). The study comprised 66 overweight and obese adults with mean age of 50.23 years. Females predominated (84.8%). At the end of the intervention, nutritional knowledge increased significantly, with a significant reduction in the consumption of sweets, soft drinks, high-fat products, and processed meats, and an increase in the intake of lean meat and poultry. A 3% decrease in body weight was observed. An intervention for the management of obesity in the adult population based on nutritional education achieves weight loss, modifications in eating habits and reduction of fat intake. Increased nutritional knowledge is associated with healthier eating habits and a decreased cardiovascular risk.

Identifying Predictors of the Visceral Fat Index in the Obese and Overweight Population to Manage Obesity: A Randomized Intervention Study.

INTRODUCTION: Nowadays, obesity is one of the main causes of death and disability. In recent years, it has been shown that the excess and distribution of body fat increases morbidity, with excess visceral fat being the most important factor that triggers pathologies. Thus, estimation of visceral fat makes it possible to identify patients with a higher cardiovascular risk, aiding the management of obesity. The main objective of the study was to identify predictors of the visceral fat index through a lifestyle intervention and to observe the effect of the intervention on dietary habits and functional capacity. METHODS: A randomized intervention, parallel-group study was made. This study included 97 obese and overweight people (control group, n = 48; experimental group, n = 49) with a low socioeconomic status in an 8-month lifestyle intervention. Anthropometric, fitness and nutritional tests were assessed. RESULTS: It was found that being female, eating the recommended daily portions of fruit, gaining strength in the legs and gaining flexibility are factors predictive of a lower visceral fat index. Age over 45 years and eating the recommended weekly portions of cereals and meats, fat and processed meats increases the visceral fat index after a lifestyle intervention. There were changes in the visceral fat index and in the different physical condition variables, but not in eating habits. CONCLUSION: A multicomponent lifestyle intervention reduces the visceral fat index; age over 45 and consuming cereals and meat increases the visceral fat index.

Knowledge that traveled between Italy and Spain during the Franco regime: the construction of radioactivity counters.

In this paper I propose a reflection on instruments and political power. The objective is to analyze how the knowledge, experiences, and practices that circulated and traveled via radioactivity counters between Italy and Spain constructed and influenced both nuclear energy and political power during the Franco regime. I show people, materials, instruments, and knowledge that traveled, which permits us to think about the Spanish scientists and their role in the circulation of scientific materials and knowledge and as vectors of diplomatic and political relations.

Effect of vibration vs non-vibration foam rolling techniques on flexibility, dynamic balance and perceived joint stability after fatigue.

BACKGROUND: Foam roller and vibration techniques are currently used to assist in recovery after fatigue. The main purpose of this study was to determine the effects of the use of a foam roller with and without vibration on dynamic balance, ankle dorsiflexion, hamstring and lumbar spine flexibility and perceived knee and ankle stability after an induced fatigue protocol. METHODS: A total of 24 healthy recreationally active participants (17 males and seven females) were recruited to a randomized cross over trial consisting of; no treatment (NT), foam roller treatment (FR) and vibration foam roller treatment (VFR). The assessments included; the Sit & Reach test, Y balance test and post-treatment perceived knee and ankle stability. Measurements were taken after a standardized warm up (baseline) and repeated following an exercise-induced muscle fatigue protocol consisting of repeated lunges until volitional fatigue. The three treatment conditions were assessed on three separate days in a randomized order. A 3 × 3 repeated measures ANOVA was used to investigate differences between the three treatments over the three time points and a one factor repeated measures ANOVA was used to determine any differences between treatments using the Global Rate of Change scale when considering perceived stability. RESULTS: FR and VFR conditions both showed a greater ankle dorsiflexion range of motion (ROM) (p < 0.001), greater posteromedial and posterolateral reach distances (p < 0.001) and a better knee and ankle perceived stability (p < 0.001) when compared to the NT condition. A trend toward significance was observed in the hamstring and lumbar spine flexibility (p = 0.074) in both treatment conditions when compared to the NT condition. However, no differences were seen between the FR and VFR conditions. CONCLUSIONS: Both FR conditions seem to assist in exercise-induced muscle fatigue recovery with improvements in ROM, balance and perceived stability.

Perceptual-cognitive skills and performance in orienteering.

The goal was analysis of the perceptual-cognitive skills associated with sport performance in orienteering in a sample of 22 elite and 17 nonelite runners. Variables considered were memory, basic orienteering techniques, map reading, symbol knowledge, map-terrain-map identification, and spatial organisation. A computerised questionnaire was developed to measure the variables. The reliability of the test (agreement between experts) was 90%. Findings suggested that competence in performing basic orienteering techniques efficiently was a key variable differentiating between the elite and the nonelite athletes. The results are discussed in comparison with previous studies.

Effectiveness of a school-based program focusing on diet and health habits taught through physical exercise.

The global rate of obesity in childhood is becoming an epidemic and many authors have established a significant association between childhood obesity and overweight in adulthood. It is therefore necessary to seek effective strategies to reduce these levels of obesity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of the Healthy Habits Program (HHP). The participants comprised 158 children from the fifth and sixth grades (intervention group, n = 82; control group, n = 76). The HHP is a school-based physical activity program focusing on promoting a healthy lifestyle. It lasted for 8 months, and measurements were taken at the beginning and end of the program. Physiological variables (total cholesterol, triglycerides, blood glucose, blood pressure, and maximal oxygen consumption), anthropometric variables (body mass index (BMI)) and behavioral variables (breakfast, quality of diet, meal frequency, physical activity, sedentary behavior, sleep, and perceived health) were evaluated. Repeated-measures ANOVA showed significant improvements (p < 0.05) after the intervention for the intervention group in triglycerides, blood glucose and maximal oxygen consumption. Significant improvements were also observed in breakfast habits and quality of diet. Finally, a significant improvement in prevalence of normal levels was observed for total cholesterol, blood pressure, and BMI. It can therefore be stated that the HHP is an innovative and useful school-based program that can help to improve diet and health in childhood.

Benefits of a self-myofascial release program on health-related quality of life in people with fibromyalgia: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Fibromyalgia (FM) is a disease with symptoms that significantly limit the life of affected patients. Earlier studies have shown that the application of self-myofascial release provides benefits in variables such as fatigue, range of motion (ROM) or perceived muscle pain in a healthy population. Despite this, the self-myofascial release technique has not yet been used in people with FM. This study aimed to find out the benefits of applying a self-myofascial release program on health-related quality of life in people with FM. METHODS: Sixty-six participants with FM were randomized into two groups, intervention (N.=33) and control (N.=33). The intervention group (IG) participated in the self-myofascial release program for twenty weeks. The study assessed the impact of a self-myofascial release program on cervical spine, shoulder and hip ROM and self-reported disease impact. Two measurements were performed, one at baseline (preintervention) and one postintervention. Two-way mixed-effect (between-within) ANOVA was used for the statistical analysis. RESULTS: Significant changes (P<0.05) were achieved between the two measurements and between groups for final Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ-S) Score and for five of its seven subscales, including: days per week feeling good, pain intensity, fatigue, stiffness and depression/sadness, as well as all the ROM variables evaluated (neck flexion, neck extension, lateral neck flexion and rotation (bilateral), shoulder flexion and abduction and hip abduction) excluding hip flexion. CONCLUSIONS: The application of a self-myofascial release program can improve the health-related quality of life of people with FM, provided that regular, structured practice is carried out.

[Validation of eating habits subscale in children (sehan: spanish version) from 10 to 12 years]. / Validación de la subescala de hábitos alimentarios en niños (SEHAN) de 10 a 12 años.

INTRODUCTION: The vulnerability of children and the current epidemiological situation requires the use of validated instruments to study their eating habits in contexts like home and school. OBJECTIVE: Validating a subscale Eating Habits in Children, aged between 10 and 12 years. METHOD: To study the validity and the internal logic of the instrument, 5 experts rated each item and afterwards, the canonical coefficient concordance (CCC) was calculated. 134 students completed the subscale two times to ensure the study consistency and reliability. The Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC), the Spearman Correlation Coefficient (SCC) and Wilcoxon test were calculated. 187 students were involved for the criterion validity. The SCC between BMI and triceps skinfold (TS) was assessed with the final subscale score. RESULT: The subscale was finally composed by 27 items. The experts score was 3.94 (out of 4 possible points). The CCC was 83.04%. Wilcoxon result was (p<.05) to each item. Result of ICC> .06 was obtained to 81.86% of the subscale. The ICC was (range 467-914)for 25 out of the 27 items. The CCS was (range 350-777)(p <.01) in 25 out of the 27 variables. The SCC for criteria validity of de Subescale with BMI and PLT was in both cases (p<.05). CONCLUSIONS: It is proven that this subscale is a valid instrument, reliable, simple, with fast delivery and easy understanding.

Introducción: La vulnerabilidad de los niños y la actual situación epidemiológica, hace necesarioel uso de instrumentos validados para estudiar sus hábitos alimenticios tanto en contextos familiares como en escolares. Objetivo: Validar una Subescala de Hábitos Alimentarios en Niños (SEHAN), de 10 a 12 años. Método: Se validó el instrumento y sus ítems por cinco expertos y apartir de estas valoraciones se calculó el coeficiente de concordancia canónica (CCC). Para la fiabilidad y consistencia interna, 134 estudiantes completaron dos veces la subescala y se calculó el Coeficiente de Correlación Intraclase (CCI), el Coeficiente de Correlación de Spearman (CCS) y el test Wilcoxon. Para la validez criterial se halló el CCS de 187 alumnos. Se valoró la correlación entre IMC y pliegue tricipital (PLT) con la puntuación final de la SEHAN. Resultado: La SEHANquedó compuesta por 27 ítems. La puntuación de los expertos fue de 3.94 (sobre 4 puntos posibles). El CCC fue del 83.04%. El resultado del test de Wilcoxon, fue (p< .05). Para el 81.86% de la subescalase obtuvo un CCI>.06. El CCI rango fue .467 - .914 para 25 de los 27 ítems. El CCS rango fue .350 - .777 (p< .01) en 25 de las 27 variables. El CCS para la validez criterial de la SEHAN con IMCy PLT en ambos casos fue (p< .05). Conclusiones: La SEHAN demostró ser un instrumento válido, fiable, sencillo, de rápida administración y fácil compresión.

The Effects of Eight-Month Physical Activity Intervention on Vigilance Performance in Adult Obese Population.

We aim to analyze the effects of an 8-month physical activity intervention on cardiorespiratory fitness, body mass index (BMI), and vigilance performance in an adult obese population. We conducted an 8-month physical activity intervention based on dance and rhythmic activities. The weekly frequency was 2 sessions of 1 hr per day. Training sessions were divided into 3 phases: a 10-min warm-up, 40 min of dance and rhythmic activities, and 10 min to cool-down. To assess cardiorespiratory fitness, participants performed a modified version of the 6-min walk test from the Senior Fitness Test battery (Larsson & Mattsson, 2001; Rikli & Jones, 1999). Vigilance performance was measured by means of the psychomotor vigilance task (PVT). Two measurements were performed immediately before and after the intervention. The results revealed that participants improved their cardiorespiratory fitness, BMI, and vigilance performance after the intervention. All in all, findings contribute new empirical evidence to the field that investigates the benefits of physical activity intervention on cognitive processes in obese population.

[EFFECTS OF VOLUNTARY INTAKE OF FLUIDS (WATER AND SPORTS DRINK) IN AMATEUR MOUNTAIN RUNNERS]. / EFECTOS DE LA INGESTA VOLUNTARIA DE LÍQUIDOS (AGUA Y BEBIDA DEPORTIVA) EN CORREDORES POR MONTAÑA AMATEURS.

INTRODUCTION: 21 K and 1 000 m ascent trail-running races can be dangerous if an appropriate liquid replacement isn't maintained. OBJECTIVES: know trail-runners level of dehydration and assess the differences between ad libitum water (CcA) and sport drink (CcB) hydration after a trail running race. METHODS: 18 subjects, mean age 31.9 (±2.8) and %MG 10.53 (±2.8), completed CcA or CcB. CcA and CcB effects on Weight (P), Fat Mass (MG), Glucose (GL), Lactate (LT), Systolic (TAS) and Diastolic Arterial Tension (TAD), Heart Rate (PPM) and Tympanic Temperature (Tª) were assessed. All measurements were taken at the start (T1) and the finish (T2) of each race. A Friedman ANOVA test was used to calculate the effect of CcA and CcB on each variable. Differences between race time (TC), % bodyweight loss (%PP) and liquid ingestion (LI) were assessed with a Wilcoxon test. All statistical analysis were conducted with SPSS version 20.0 (IBM, Somers, NY, USA). RESULTS: mean %PP was 2.967 (± 0.969) and 2.883 (± 0.730) for CcA and CcB respectively. No significant differences were found between %PP and LI (p > .05) between races. Significant changes were found in P, %MG, GL, L, TAS and PPM between T1 and T2 in CcA condition. While only significant changes in P and PPM were stabilised between T1 and T2 in CcB condition. CONCLUSIONS: neither water or sport drink ingestion avoid trail-runners to reach a dehydrated state. However, dehydration effects seems to be more serious when only water is ingested.

Introducción: las carreras por montaña de 21 km y 1.000 metros de desnivel pueden suponer un riesgo si no se mantiene una adecuada reposición hídrica. Objetivo: conocer los niveles de deshidratación y evaluar las diferencias entre una carrera con ingesta voluntaria de agua (CcA) y bebida deportiva (CcB). Método: 18 sujetos de 31,9 (±2,8) años y %MG 10,53 (±2,8), completaron una CcA o una CcB. Se evaluó el efecto de CcA y CcB sobre cada variable; Peso (P), Masa Grasa (MG), Glucosa (GL), Lactato (LT), Tensión Arterial Sistólica (TAS) y Diastólica (TAD), Pulsaciones por Minuto (PPM) y Temperatura Timpánica (Tª). Estas fueron tomadas al inicio (T1) y al final (T2) de cada prueba. Los efectos se calcularon con la ANOVA Friedman. Las diferencias en las variables tiempo de carrera (TC), % de pérdida de peso (%PP) y líquido ingerido (LI) se evaluaron con la prueba de Wilcoxon. Todos los cálculos se realizaron con el SPSS versión 20.0 (IBM, Somers, NY, USA). Resultado: el % PP fue de 2,967 (± 0,969) y 2,883 (± 0,730), para CcA y CcB. En TC, %PP y LI no hay diferencias (p > .05) entre carreras. Para CcA en función del tiempo, son significativos (p < .05) los cambios en: P, %MG, GL, L, TAS y PPM. Para CcB en función del tiempo, solo son significativos en P y PPM. Conclusiones: ningún líquido consigue evitar que los deportistas se deshidraten. No obstante, los efectos de la deshidratación son mucho más severos ingiriendo solo agua.

Patents, antibiotics, and autarky in Spain.

Patents on antibiotics were introduced in Spain in 1949. Preliminary research reveals diversification in the types of antibiotics: patents relating to penicillin were followed by those relating to streptomycin, erythromycin and tetracycline. There was also diversification in the firms that applied for patents: while Merck & Co. Incorporated and Schenley Industries Inc. were the main partners with Spanish antibiotics manufacturers in the late 1940s, this industrial space also included many others, such as Eli Lilly & Company, Abbott Laboratories, Chas. Pfizer & Co. Incorporated, and American Cyanamid Company in the mid-1970s. The introduction of these drugs in Spain adds new elements to a re-evaluation of the autarkic politics of the early years of the Franco dictatorship.

Knowledge that traveled between Italy and Spain during the Franco regime: the construction of radioactivity counters / Conhecimento itinerante entre a Itália e a Espanha durante o regime de Franco: a construção dos medidores de radioatividade

Abstract In this paper I propose a reflection on instruments and political power. The objective is to analyze how the knowledge, experiences, and practices that circulated and traveled via radioactivity counters between Italy and Spain constructed and influenced both nuclear energy and political power during the Franco regime. I show people, materials, instruments, and knowledge that traveled, which permits us to think about the Spanish scientists and their role in the circulation of scientific materials and knowledge and as vectors of diplomatic and political relations.

Resumo Este artigo propõe uma reflexão sobre os instrumentos e o poder político. O objetivo é analisar como o conhecimento, as experiências, e práticas que circularam e viajaram entre a Itália e a Espanha, por meio dos contadores de radioatividade, construíram e influenciaram tanto a energia nuclear e o poder político durante o regime de Franco. O trabalho revela pessoas, materiais, instrumentos e conhecimentos itinerantes que nos permite pensar nos cientistas espanhóis e no seu papel na circulação de material e conhecimento científicos, ao mesmo tempo que atuaram como vetores das relações diplomáticas e políticas da época.

Effects of a rhythmic and choreographic program in obese and overweight participants.

INTRODUCTION: Currently there is a growing trend in the prevalence of overweight and obesity. This increased prevalence trend leads to an increase in the costs of health care. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to analyze the effects on physical fitness and bone mineral density through an intervention program of physical activity based on rhythmic and choreographic activities in an overweight and obese population. METHOD: An 8-month physical activity based on rhythmic and choreographic activities was conducted in overweight and obese people. Thirty-four participants aged 50.43 ± 10.57 with a body mass index (BMI) 38.37 ± 4.82 took part in the physical activity program. This study assesses the effects of fitness, percentage of body fat and bone mineral density (BMD). RESULTS: After an 8-month physical activity intervention program based on rhythmic and choreographic activities, significant differences were found in: percentage of body fat (p = 0.004), aerobic capacity (p = 0.023), flexibility of the lower limbs (flexibility in the right leg p = 0.029 and left leg p = 0.002), balance (p < 0.001), strength in lower limbs (p = 0..003) and strength in upper limbs (p < 0.001). Besides that, significant differences were found in parameters related with BMD such as T-Score (p = 0.025) and Z-Score (p = 0.012), Bone Quality Index (BQI) (p = 0.026) and an increase in Broadband Ultrasound Attenuation (BUA) although not a statistically significant one (p = 0.939). CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that a physical activity program based on rhythmic and choreographic activities can act as a preventive method of mobility and fragility, as well as preventing bone loss.

Introducción: Actualmente hay una tendencia creciente en la prevalencia del sobrepeso y la obesidad. Esta tendencia creciente en la prevalencia de la obesidad conduce a un aumento en los costos de la atención sanitaria. Objetivo: El objetivo del presente estudio fue analizar los efectos sobre la aptitud física y la densidad mineral ósea a través de un programa de intervención de actividad física basado en actividades rítmicas y coreográficas en una población con sobrepeso y obesidad. Método: 8 meses de actividad física basada en actividades rítmicas y coreográficas fue llevado a cabo en personas con sobrepeso y obesidad. Treinta y cuatro participantes de 50.43 ± 10.57 años y con un índice de masa corporal (IMC) de 38.37 ± 4.82 participaron en el programa de actividad física. Este estudio evalúa los efectos sobre la aptitud física, el porcentaje de grasa corporal y la densidad mineral ósea (DMO). Resultados: Después de un programa de intervención de actividad física de 8 meses basado en actividades rítmicas y coreográficas, se encontraron diferencias significativas en: el porcentaje de grasa corporal (p = 0.004), la capacidad aeróbica (p = 0.023), la flexibilidad de las extremidades inferiores (flexibilidad en la pierna derecha p = 0.029 y en la pierna izquierda p = 0.002), el equilibrio (p.