Impact of Soccer-Based Training Interventions on Anthropometric Measures Among Children and Adolescents With Overweight/Obesity: A Systematic Review, Meta-Analysis, and Assessment of Certainty of Evidence.

PURPOSE: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to systematically examine and summarize recent evidence on the effects of soccer-based training (SBT) on anthropometric measures in children and adolescents with overweight/obesity. METHODS: Adhering to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis 2020 guidelines, a thorough literature search across 7 electronic databases was conducted on October 11, 2023. The studies' methodological quality was evaluated using the QualSyst tool, followed by conducting a meta-analysis with a random-effects model, and the certainty of evidence was assessed. RESULTS: Six studies were included, with 4 studies of strong methodological quality and 2 studies of moderate methodological quality. The results of the meta-analysis revealed SBT decreases fat mass percentage (effect size [ES] = 0.47 [small]; P = .002), with no significant effect of SBT on body mass index (ES = 0.180 [small]; P = .275), body mass (ES = 0.183 [trivial]; P = .212), fat-free mass (ES = 0.074 [trivial]; P = .635), or waist circumference (ES = 0.358 [small]; P = .053). The certainty of evidence was moderate for all outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: SBT appears to decrease fat mass percentage, without affecting body mass, body mass index, fat-free mass, or waist circumference in obese/overweight children and adolescents. These findings require further investigation given the moderate certainty of evidence. REGISTRATION: The protocol of this review was registered in the Open Science Framework database (https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/8P4V2).

Feasibility Telerehabilitation at Home on Body Composition, Anthropometric Measures and Muscular Strength After Interruption 4-5 Years of Spinal Cord Injury: Serial Cases Study on Islamic State of Iraq and Syria War Survivors in Iraq.

Introduction: The war caused huge devastation to rehabilitation centers in Mosul City, leading to a significant gap in rehabilitation services, which was further compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic. Objectives: We sought to incorporate simple and safe clinical exercises by utilizing common household items, thereby maximizing effectiveness through a combination of psychological simulation and physical impact while ensuring safety, and evaluate its efficacy as a home telerehabilitation program (HTRP) for participants with spinal cord injury (SCI) following a 4- to 5-year rehabilitation interruption. Methods: Eighteen volunteers, including 13 with SCI (injuries sustained 53.4-55 months prior), were split into an experimental group (Exp., n = 8), a first control group (first Con., n = 5), and a second control group of healthy individuals (second Con., n = 5), averaging 21.2 years old. The HTRP focused on muscles and whole-body joints, conducted with five weekly sessions gradually increasing from 45 to 120 min, with sufficient rest. Assessments occurred every 3 months. Results: The Friedman test indicated no significant effect of HTRP on weight, body mass index, 3 of 4 anthropometric measures, and 4 of 19 muscle strength tests, p > 0.05, and small effect sizes (ES). However, significant effects were observed in pelvic strength (p < 0.001, ES = 0.73), exceeding control groups (first Con. 1.6%, second Con. 1.0%). Muscle strength in the lower extremities, head, and trunk showed significant improvements (p < 0.05, ES = 18.3-81.8%), it is indicating functional enhancement despite morphological weaknesses, particularly in individuals with SCI. Conclusion: The HTRP demonstrated weak effects on muscle morphology but strong effects on functionality, highlighting its potential for long-term management and improvement of muscle functional outcomes in individuals with SCI, even after prolonged rehabilitation interruptions.

Spinal Cord Injuries in Iraq: A Teleassessment Survey of the Survivors from 2017 to 2018 Islamic State of Iraq and Syria War.

Introduction: The significance of comprehensive investigations specifically addressing the characteristics and implications of nervous system injuries (NSIs) and particularly war-related spinal cord injuries (SCI) remain limited. Iraq lacks comprehensive survey studies for quality of life for people after SCI. The objective of this work was to identify the number of NSIs and mortality of those injured during the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) war in Iraq and analyze events specifically as sociodemographic variables to assess quality of life healthy, psychological, and social disorders from onset of injury till the involving. Methods: A survey-based descriptive study, and analytical retrospective at community-based of Nineveh Governorate, in Iraq. The participants were 34 survivors of ISIS war with SCIs, ages between 9 and 60 years, and 7 females (20.59%) and 27 males (79.41%) as registered in Nineveh Center of Disability Rehabilitation. Data collection was conducted using Telephone Video Interviews and respondents' health information. Protocol-specific questions and some psychological and social scales (PTSD) (DSM-IV), (TAS-20), (SWLS), and (MSPSS) were also used. Results: There were 2,990 NSIs with the highest rate of injuries occurring from 2017 to 2018, and the SCIs were 267 injuries (8.93%), and (70.59%) at level T the mortalities were 57 cases, all participants suffered from physical and psychological chronic complications, while the results of the PTSD, GPC, and SWLS were at a moderate level. Conclusions: In urban warfare, there's a rise in NSIs, notably SCIs influenced by the type of weaponry. The survivors face significant physical, psychological, social, and financial burdens. More research is crucial to understanding their situations and developing strategies to alleviate their health, social, and financial challenges.

Activities of daily living, self-efficacy and motor skill related fitness and the interrelation in children with moderate and severe Developmental Coordination Disorder.

BACKGROUND: Children with Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) are diagnosed based on poor motor skills that impact their daily activities. However, this may also lead to lower predilection and participation in physical activities and a higher risk to develop health problems. OBJECTIVE: To determine motor skill related levels in children with moderate and severe DCD and compare that to typically developing children (TD). The study also aimed to determine the level of activities of daily living (ADL) as reported by their parent and self-efficacy as reported by the children. Lastly, the relation of motor skill related fitness, ADL, and self-efficacy has been examined. METHODS: A cross-sectional study has compared TD children (n = 105) and children with DCD (n = 109; 45 moderate DCD and 64 severe DCD) from elementary schools in Tunisia between 7 and 10 years of age. The DCDDaily-Questionnaire and Children's Self-perceptions of Adequacy in and Predilection for Physical Activity Questionnaire have been used to determine ADL and adequacy towards physical activity, respectively. The PERF-FIT has been used to measure motor skill related fitness levels. RESULTS: Large group differences (p = 0.001) were found for ADL and all domains of self-efficacy between TD and DCD children. However, ADL and self-efficacy were not different between moderate and severe DCD. Motor skill related fitness was significantly lower (p = 0.01) for children with DCD than TD children, and between children with moderate and severe DCD. The relation between self-efficacy and DCDDaily-Q was different in the two DCD groups. Slow motor learning was associated with lower perceived enjoyment in physical education in the moderate DCD group, and with lower perceived adequacy in physical education in the severe DCD group. CONCLUSIONS: Children with DCD participate and enjoy physical activity less than their peers. This combination of lower participation, lower predilection to physical activity and lowered motor skill-related fitness is a concern for the present and future health status of children with DCD.

Spatial Accuracy and Variability in Dart Throwing in Children with Developmental Coordination Disorder and the Relationship with Ball Skill Items.

The present study aimed to examine precision and variability in dart throwing performance and the relationships between these outcomes and bouncing, throwing and catching tasks in children with and without DCD. Children between the ages of 8 and 10 years (n = 165) were classified according to results obtained on the Movement Assessment Battery for Children (MABC-2) and divided into three groups: 65 children with severe DCD (s-DCD), 45 with moderate DCD (m-DCD) and 55 typically developing children (TD). All children performed the dart throwing test and the ball skill items of the Performance and Fitness Test (PERF-FIT). The accuracy and variability of dart throwing tasks were significantly different between TD and s-DCD (p < 0.01), and also between m-DCD and s-DCD (p < 0.01). Participants with s-DCD were also found to perform significantly worse on all PERF-FIT ball skill items than m-DCD (p < 0.001), and m-DCD were significantly poorer than TD (p < 0.001). The dart score and coefficient of variation of the long-distance task appear to be significant predictors for the ball skills and explain between 24 to 29% of their variance. In conclusion, poor results in aiming tasks using darts in children with DCD corroborate with the explanation of deficits in predictive control since the tasks require ballistic movements.

Examining the association between speed and myoelectric activity: Time-based differences and muscle group balance.

The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between speed and myoelectric activity, measured during an incremental 25m shuttle running test, exploring the time-based variations and assessing muscle group balance within the context of this association. Twelve male young soccer players (n = 12) aged 18±1.2 years, with an average body mass of 68.4±5.8kg and average body height of 1.72±0.08m, from a professional Italian youth team (Italian "Primavera"), volunteered as participants for this study. The speed of each player during testing was measured using GPS technology, sampling at 50Hz. Myoelectrical activities of the gluteus, hamstrings, and quadriceps muscles were recorded through wearable sEMG devices, sampled at 100Hz. To ensure alignment of the sampling frequencies, the sEMG data was resampled to 50Hz, matching the GPS data sampling rate. This allowed for direct comparison and analysis of the data obtained from both measurement systems. The collected data were then analyzed to determine the relationship between the investigated variables and any potential differences associated with different sides of the body. The results revealed a robust correlation (r2≈0.97) between the speed of the participants (m·s-1) and their myoelectrical activity (µV) during the test. Factorial ANOVA 2x11 showed no significant differences between the sides of the analyzed muscles (p>0.05). The interpolation lines generated by the association of speed and sEMG exhibit very similar angular coefficients (0.9 to 0.12) in all six measurements obtained from electromyography of the three investigated muscle groups on each side of the body. In conclusion, the concurrent validity between the two instruments in this study indicates that GPS and sEMG are valid and consistent in estimating external load and internal load during incremental shuttle running.

Effect of maturation level on normative specific-agility performance metrics and their fitness predictors in soccer players aged 11-18 years.

BACKGROUND: In sports sciences, normative data serve as standards for specific physical performance attributes, enhancing talent identification within a specific population. The aim of this study was to provide standard data for Agility-15 m, Ball-15 m tests, and skill index, considering maturation level, specifically age at peak height velocity (PHV). The study also investigated the relationship between relative performances in these tests and anthropometrics, jumping (squat jump [SJ], countermovement jump [CMJ]), and sprinting abilities (S-5 m, S-10 m, S-20 m, S-30 m) in young soccer players. METHODS: The study involved 647 soccer players aged 11-18 years, categorized into three groups: pre-PHV, circum-PHV, and post-PHV. Statistical analysis was conducted using analysis of variance and Bonferroni post hoc testing to detect variations among maturation groups, and Pearson's correlation test to examine the relationship between factors. RESULTS: Agility-15 m and ball-15 m performances among maturity groups showed significant differences (p < 0.01). Significant correlations were identified in pre-PHV group, between lower limb length and Agility-15 m (r=-0.23, p < 0.05) and between height and Ball-15 m (r=-0.23, p < 0.05). In post-PHV group, there was a correlation between body fat percentage (BF %) and Agility-15 m (r = 0.17, p < 0.05) and Ball-15 m (r = 0.21, p < 0.05). In all maturity groups, there were significant correlations between agility and sprint tests (S-5 m, S-10 m, S-20 m, and S-30 m) and muscle power (SJ and CMJ). CONCLUSION: The study revealed that both speed and lower limb power significantly influence agility in young soccer players, providing valuable insights for coaches and practitioners to create tailored training plans and interventions for different age groups and maturity levels.

Chronic beetroot juice supplementation attenuates neuromuscular fatigue etiology during simulated soccer match play.

The aim of the present study was to assess the effect of beetroot juice supplementation (BEET) on neuromuscular fatigue etiology during simulated soccer match play. In a randomized, double-blind, crossover design, 13 soccer players completed the Loughborough Intermittent Shuttle Test (LIST). Players received either BEET (2×150 mL; ∼8 mmol/L nitrate) or placebo (PLA) for 7 days (6 days prior to the experimental session and on the day of trial, 2 h before LIST). Neuromuscular assessments were performed at baseline, 45 min (half time: HT), and 90 min (full time: FT) following LIST. Maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) and twitch responses, delivered through electrical femoral nerve stimulation, were used to assess peripheral (quadriceps resting twitch force Qtw,pot) and central fatigue (voluntary activation, VA). Compared with baseline, MVC Qtw,pot and VA values decreased in PLA and BEET conditions at HT and FT (P < 0.05). Compared with PLA, the decrease in MVC and Qtw,pot was significantly attenuated with BEET at HT and FT (P < 0.001). Likewise, BEET attenuated the decrease in VA at HT (P < 0.001, d = 1.3) and FT (P < 0.001, d = 1.5) compared with the PLA condition. Chronic beetroot juice supplementation attenuates neuromuscular fatigue development during simulated soccer matches, and this is due to both central and peripheral factors. Consequently, chronic beetroot may optimize physical performance.

Fatigue score as a promising complementary training monitoring tool: a pilot study in elite rugby sevens players.

The aim of this study was to compare physical and hormonal responses of seventeen elite rugby sevens players over a 6-week intense training block (IT) and a consecutive 2-week tapering period (TAP), using a fatigue cut-off score of 20 as a potential moderating variable. Training was monitored by daily training load (TL) and strain (TS) (using the session rating of perceived exertion [sRPE]) and also the weekly total score of fatigue (TSF; 8-item questionnaire tool). Testing and 24 h urinary cortisol (CL), cortisone (CN), adrenaline (AD) and noradrenalin (NAD) concentrations were also analysed before (T0) and after IT (T1) and after the TAP (T2). Players were assigned to group 1 with a TSF above 20 (G1 > 20, n = 9) and group 2 with a TSF below 20 (G2 < 20, n = 8) according to the French Society for Sports Medicine guidelines. TSF (effect size [ES] from 1.17 to 1.75), TL (ES from 0.81 to 1.06) and TS (ES from 1.23 to 1.40) were higher in G1 > 20 than in G2 < 20 over IT. Likewise, performance standards (ES from 1.58 to 2.61) and AD levels were lower (ES = 3.20), whereas CL and CL/CN ratio (ES from 1.60 to 3.47) were higher in G1 > 20 than in G2 < 20. After the TAP, TSF, TL and TS returned to baseline values for both groups, with an increase in performance standards and normalization in hormone levels. We suggest that a TSF greater than or equal to 20 could be considered as a fatigue threshold generating hormone disturbance and performance decrement, making it a potentially useful preventive and complementary training monitoring tool.

Effects of wearing fixed orthodontic appliance on dynamic balance, reaction time, and pain perception in adolescents and young adult elite athletes.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of using fixed orthodontic appliance on dynamic balance, auditory/visual reaction times, as well as pain perception in adolescent and young adult elite athletes. METHODS: A total of 34 elite athletes (n = 19 males) aged 16-21 years from different sports (track and field sprint, long jump and discus throw) were randomly allocated to treatment (n = 17) or control (n = 17) groups. The treatment group received self-ligating brackets with 0.04 cm super-elastic nickel-titanium arch wire, placed in the brackets to correct the teeth position. Perceived pain (i.e., visual analogue scale), dynamic balance (i.e., Y balance test), and auditory reaction time and visual reaction time using Direct RT software were assessed before (day-1), and on five occasions after fixed orthodontic appliance placement (day+1, +3, +7, +14, and +30). The two groups' quantitative data [expressed as mean (standard deviation)] for each occasion were compared using the Student's t-test. Comparisons of the Y-balance test, auditory reaction time, visual reaction time, and pain visual analogue scale data were each made between the 6 occasions via a factorial A × B analysis of variance in order to check for the possible interaction between the two groups and the (6) consecutive days (occasions). RESULTS: Compared to the control group, the treatment group showed significantly (i) lower values of anterior reach for both the dominant ([78(4) vs. 75(3)%, respectively]) and the non-dominant [76(3) vs. 74(4)%, respectively] legs at day+3, and (ii) higher values of pain visual analogue scale at day+1, day+3, and day+7 [0.00(0.00) vs. 4.94(1.25); 0.00(0.00) vs. 4.12(1.17), and 0.00(0.00) vs. 0.41(0.51), respectively). Factorial analysis of variance revealed that only pain visual analogue scale values were different between the two groups at day+1 and day+3. CONCLUSION: FOA induced a high pain level during the first week following its placement in elite athletes.

High-intensity circuit training change serum myostatin but not myogenin in adolescents' soccer players: a quasi-experimental study.

BACKGROUND: Skeletal muscle contractions due to exercise lead to the secretion of many proteins and proteoglycan peptides called myokines. Myostatin (MSTN) and Myogenin (MyoG) are two of the most important skeletal muscle growth regulatory factors related to myoblast differentiation and muscle hypertrophy. The present study aims at investigating the effects over eight weeks of high-intensity circuit training (HICT) on serum MyoG and MSTN in male soccer players. METHOD: The present study is a quasi-experimental study on 21 male soccer players (Experimental group: n = 11, Control group: n = 10) (ages 15.0 ± 3.4 years, body mass 55.7 ± 7.8 kg, height 173.3 ± 8.0 cm, Body mass index 18.4 ± 1.9 kg m-2, maximum oxygen uptake 61.89 ± 3.01 ml kg-1 and the peak height velocity 14.5 ± 0.3 years). Participants were randomly divided into two groups: training group and a control group. The first resting blood samples were obtained in the morning-fasting state, and the second blood samples were obtained after the maximum aerobic test at pre- and post-HICT. RESULTS: There were non-significant differences in resting serum values of MyoG (p = 0.309, p > 0.05) but significant differences in resting serum values of MSTN between the training and control groups after eight weeks of HICT (p = 0.003, p < 0.05). No significant differences were observed between groups in the acute response of serum values of MyoG (p = 0.413, p < 0.05) and MSTN (p = 0.465, p < 0.05) to the maximum aerobic test after eight weeks of HICT. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that eight weeks of HICT can decrease the resting serum values of MSTN but not change the resting serum values of MyoG in male adolescent soccer players. Also, eight weeks of HICT does not affect the acute response of MSTN and MyoG after a maximum aerobic test.

Workload management strategies in football: A global survey project.

AIM: This research design protocol outlines the methodology for a thorough evaluation of workload monitoring and management strategies in football. METHODS: The study involves conducting a global survey to fitness coaches, sports scientists, analysts, and physicians with experience in load monitoring within football. The research adheres to the principles of the Helsinki Declaration and complies with General Data Protection Regulation standards, with ethical approvals obtained from multiple Ethics Committees across various countries, including Tunisia. A consortium of professionals collaboratively crafted the survey instrument, dividing it into seven sections, each addressing specific aspects of workload monitoring in football. Survey reliability will undergo evaluation in a pilot study utilizing Cronbach's alpha and intraclass correlation coefficient. To ensure inclusivity, the survey will be translated into multiple languages, facilitating participation from diverse regions. As such, survey distribution will consider online platforms (such as social media) and email invitations, with a specific focus on engaging football clubs, federations, and professional networks. The targeted sample size will remain at 385 participants. Statistical analysis planning encompasses descriptive examination, exploration of variable relationships, hypothesis testing, and qualitative analyses of participant feedback and recommendations regarding load monitoring practices. EXPECTED RESULTS: Expected outcomes include i) A comprehensive global overview of training and match load monitoring practices in football, ii) The identification of emerging trends, an improved understanding of training optimization processes, and iii) The development of practical recommendations to enhance player well-being and performance. CONCLUSION: This study will contribute to the ongoing development of knowledge in the field of football workload monitoring.

A Simple Field Tapping Test for Evaluating Frequency Qualities of the Lower Limb Neuromuscular System in Soccer Players: A Validity and Reliability Study.

Over the years, the foot tapping test protocol has been proposed by scientists to identify the capabilities of the lower limb neuromuscular system in the medical context; however, to our knowledge, no studies have established its usefulness and relationship to athletic performance. The aim of the present study was to test the reliability, criterion validity and sensitivity of a new foot tapping (TAP) test, and to examine its relationship with proxies of athletic performance in soccer players. Forty voluntary soccer players of two different levels participated in this study (20 players from the national level: age: 22.6 ± 2.5 years and 20 players from regional level: 25.1 ± 3.6 years). They performed the TAP test on two separate occasions to test its relative and absolute reliability. To examine the criterion validity of the TAP test, all participants performed four types of jumps, sprint tests, agility tests, the Wingate test and the finger tapping test considered a gold standard tapping test. The sensitivity was assessed with national and regional player levels. The TAP test presented a high relative and absolute reliability with intra-class correlation coefficient ICC > 0.90, standard errors of measurement SEM < 5% and mean difference ±95% limits of agreement equal to 0.2 ± 0.8 tap·s−1. National level players showed a higher TAP score (p < 0.001; dz = 1.96, large) compared to regional players (9.68 ± 1.41 tap·s−1 vs. 7.28 ± 1.01 tap·s−1, respectively) and the value of area under curve measured by the receiver operating characteristic curve technique was 0.95 (95% CI: 0.827−0.990). The TAP test showed a significant association with the finger tapping test (r = 0.84, p < 0.001), whereas no correlation was seen between the TAP test and all the other physical tests measured. The TAP test could be considered a valid and reliable test to assess lower limb neuromuscular ability in soccer players.

Globally altered sleep patterns and physical activity levels by confinement in 5056 individuals: ECLB COVID-19 international online survey.

Symptoms of psychological distress and disorder have been widely reported in people under quarantine during the COVID-19 pandemic; in addition to severe disruption of peoples' daily activity and sleep patterns. This study investigates the association between physical-activity levels and sleep patterns in quarantined individuals. An international Google online survey was launched in April 6th, 2020 for 12-weeks. Forty-one research organizations from Europe, North-Africa, Western-Asia, and the Americas promoted the survey through their networks to the general society, which was made available in 14 languages. The survey was presented in a differential format with questions related to responses "before" and "during" the confinement period. Participants responded to the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) questionnaire and the short form of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. 5056 replies (59.4% female), from Europe (46.4%), Western-Asia (25.4%), America (14.8%) and North-Africa (13.3%) were analysed. The COVID-19 home confinement led to impaired sleep quality, as evidenced by the increase in the global PSQI score (4.37 ± 2.71 before home confinement vs. 5.32 ± 3.23 during home confinement) (p < 0.001). The frequency of individuals experiencing a good sleep decreased from 61% (n = 3063) before home confinement to 48% (n = 2405) during home confinement with highly active individuals experienced better sleep quality (p < 0.001) in both conditions. Time spent engaged in all physical-activity and the metabolic equivalent of task in each physical-activity category (i.e., vigorous, moderate, walking) decreased significantly during COVID-19 home confinement (p < 0.001). The number of hours of daily-sitting increased by ~2 hours/days during home confinement (p < 0.001). COVID-19 home confinement resulted in significantly negative alterations in sleep patterns and physical-activity levels. To maintain health during home confinement, physical-activity promotion and sleep hygiene education and support are strongly warranted.

Effect of a Warm-Up Protocol with and without Facemask-Use against COVID-19 on Cognitive Function: A Pilot, Randomized Counterbalanced, Cross-Sectional Study.

The present study aimed to verify the effect of a warm-up protocol with and without facemask-use on cognitive function. The sample was composed of 17 healthy, non-smoking physical education students (age = 17.6 years, height = 1.71 m, and body mass = 69.7 kg). They were randomized to perform 15 min of warm-up exercises, while wearing a cloth facemask (EXP) or no mask (CON) on two separate occasions, with at least 48-h separating conditions. Rate of perceived exertion (RPE) and d2 Attention assessment were used to verify cognitive function, using a repeated measures general linear model. The warm-up improved cognitive abilities and the results demonstrated significant differences between the EXP vs. CON groups in post-concentration performance (186.06 ± 15.47 EXP-score vs. 178.12 ± 13.66 CON-score), post the total number of errors (23.47 ± 14.50 EXP-frequency < 29.06 ± 13.74 CON-frequency), and in the post RPE (6.0 ± 1.37 EXP-index > 4.7 ± 0.85 CON-index). Wearing a cloth facemask caused positive effects on cognitive function. This data suggests that wearing a cloth facemask during warm-up may stimulate/improve the cognitive function.

Effects of home confinement on mental health and lifestyle behaviours during the COVID-19 outbreak: insights from the ECLB-COVID19 multicentre study.

Although recognised as effective measures to curb the spread of the COVID-19 outbreak, social distancing and self-isolation have been suggested to generate a burden throughout the population. To provide scientific data to help identify risk factors for the psychosocial strain during the COVID-19 outbreak, an international cross-disciplinary online survey was circulated in April 2020. This report outlines the mental, emotional and behavioural consequences of COVID-19 home confinement. The ECLB-COVID19 electronic survey was designed by a steering group of multidisciplinary scientists, following a structured review of the literature. The survey was uploaded and shared on the Google online survey platform and was promoted by thirty-five research organizations from Europe, North Africa, Western Asia and the Americas. Questions were presented in a differential format with questions related to responses "before" and "during" the confinement period. 1047 replies (54% women) from Western Asia (36%), North Africa (40%), Europe (21%) and other continents (3%) were analysed. The COVID-19 home confinement evoked a negative effect on mental wellbeing and emotional status (P < 0.001; 0.43 ≤ d ≤ 0.65) with a greater proportion of individuals experiencing psychosocial and emotional disorders (+10% to +16.5%). These psychosocial tolls were associated with unhealthy lifestyle behaviours with a greater proportion of individuals experiencing (i) physical (+15.2%) and social (+71.2%) inactivity, (ii) poor sleep quality (+12.8%), (iii) unhealthy diet behaviours (+10%), and (iv) unemployment (6%). Conversely, participants demonstrated a greater use (+15%) of technology during the confinement period. These findings elucidate the risk of psychosocial strain during the COVID-19 home confinement period and provide a clear remit for the urgent implementation of technology-based intervention to foster an Active and Healthy Confinement Lifestyle AHCL).

Sleep Quality and Physical Activity as Predictors of Mental Wellbeing Variance in Older Adults during COVID-19 Lockdown: ECLB COVID-19 International Online Survey.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 lockdown could engender disruption to lifestyle behaviors, thus impairing mental wellbeing in the general population. This study investigated whether sociodemographic variables, changes in physical activity, and sleep quality from pre- to during lockdown were predictors of change in mental wellbeing in quarantined older adults. METHODS: A 12-week international online survey was launched in 14 languages on 6 April 2020. Forty-one research institutions from Europe, Western-Asia, North-Africa, and the Americas, promoted the survey. The survey was presented in a differential format with questions related to responses "pre" and "during" the lockdown period. Participants responded to the Short Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) questionnaire, and the short form of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. RESULTS: Replies from older adults (aged >55 years, n = 517), mainly from Europe (50.1%), Western-Asia (6.8%), America (30%), and North-Africa (9.3%) were analyzed. The COVID-19 lockdown led to significantly decreased mental wellbeing, sleep quality, and total physical activity energy expenditure levels (all p < 0.001). Regression analysis showed that the change in total PSQI score and total physical activity energy expenditure (F(2, 514) = 66.41 p < 0.001) were significant predictors of the decrease in mental wellbeing from pre- to during lockdown (p < 0.001, R2: 0.20). CONCLUSION: COVID-19 lockdown deleteriously affected physical activity and sleep patterns. Furthermore, change in the total PSQI score and total physical activity energy expenditure were significant predictors for the decrease in mental wellbeing.

Optimal Pretaper Phase on Physical Match Performance in Professional Soccer.

PURPOSE: To investigate the optimal pretaper duration on match running performance in a professional soccer team. METHODS: The training load was monitored during daily training sessions and matches during 2 seasons according to different periodization strategies. Matches' running distances were collected using match analysis system. The data were analyzed in 3 types of mesocycle blocks of 5 (M5), 4 (M4), and 3 weeks (M3), concludes all of them by 1 taper week. RESULTS: Significant decreases in the training load during the taper weeks compared to standard weeks were observed in 3 types of mesocycle blocks (d ≥ 5; P < .01). An increase in overall match running performance was observed in matches played after the taper weeks compared to matches played after the standard weeks during M4 for all speed ranges (d ≥ 1.3; P < .05). The increase was only observed in low-intensity running (d = 1.3; P < .04) and total distance, low-intensity running, and intense running (d ≥ 1.3; P < .05) in M5 and M3, respectively. Match running performance following the taper weeks between the 3 different mesocycle durations was significantly higher in M4 for the number of high-speed running, sprinting, and high-intensity running (P < .05). The greatest enhancement of match running performance was observed at M4 when the training load was decreased by approximately 18% during the tapering period. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that a period of 3 standard weeks of training followed by 1 taper week is the optimal taper strategy when compared to different pretaper durations.