Relación entre la condición física y el hábito de actividad física con la capacidad de atención selectiva en alumnos de enseñanza secundaria / Relação entre condição física e hábito de atividade física com capacidade de atenção seletiva em estudantes do ensino secundário / Relationship between physical fitness and the physical activity habit with the selective attention capacity in secondary school students

El objetivo del presente estudio fue analizar la relación entre las capacidades físicas, el hábito de realizar actividad física y la capacidad de atención selectiva en una muestra de estudiantes de enseñanza secundaria. La muestra fue configurada por un total de 97 participantes, concretamente 51 estudiantes de género femenino (n = 51) y 46 de género masculino (n = 46) de Barcelona (Cataluña) con edades comprendidas entre los 13 y los 15 años (13,7 ± 1,17). Para analizar la capacidad de atención selectiva se utilizó el Test de Percepción de Semejanzas y Diferencias (CARAS-R). Referente a la condición física, se evaluó la velocidad lineal (30 metros lisos), la fuerza de tren inferior (test de salto horizontal), la agilidad (test de10x5 metros) y la resistencia aeróbica (test de Luc-Léger). Finalmente el hábito de realización de actividad física se calculó con el Cuestionario internacional de actividad física en su formato adaptado para adolescentes (IPAQ-A). Los resultados mostraron que los participantes con un mayor rendimiento en el test de Luc-Léger, obtuvieron mejores puntuaciones en el test CARAS-R. Asimismo se obtuvo una correlación alta entre los registros del test de Luc-Léger y el test CARAS-R tanto para el género masculino como el femenino y una correlación alta entre el cuestionario IPAQ-A y el test CARAS-R en el género masculino. Dichos hallazgos, ponen de manifiesto la relación entre la atención selectiva y el nivel de condición física en adolescentes. En este sentido, se refuerza la importancia de practicar actividad física a esta edad, sugiriendo que el incremento de la condición física puede tener implicaciones positiva sobre la atención selectiva.

The aim of this study was to analyze the relationship between fitness, selective attention and the physical activity habit in high school students. The sample was configured by a total of 97 participants, 51 females (n = 51) and 46 males (n = 46) from Barcelona (Catalonia), aged between 13 and 15 years (13,7 ± 1,17). To analyze the selective attention capacity, it was used the Perception of Similarities and Differences Test (CARAS-R). Regarding physical fitness, linear velocity (30-meter dash test), lower body strength (board jump test), agility (10x5 meter test) and aerobic capacity (Luc-Léger test) were evaluated. Finally, the physical activity was calculated with the International Physical Activity Questionnaire adapted for adolescents (IPAQ-A). The results showed that the subjects with higher performance in the Luc-Léger test obtained better scores in the CARAS-R test. A high correlation was also obtained between the records of the Luc-Léger test and the CARAS-R test in both boys and girls and a high correlation between the IPAQ-A questionnaire and the CARAS-R test in boys. These findings highlight the relationship between selective attention and the fitness level in adolescents. In this sense, the importance of practicing physical activity at this age is reinforced, suggesting that the increase of physical condition may have positive implications on selective attention.

O objetivo do presente estudo foi analisar a relação entre habilidades físicas, atenção seletiva e o hábito de praticar atividade física numa amostra de estudantes do ensino médio. A amostra foi composta por um total de 97 sujeitos, especificamente 51 estudantes do sexo feminino (n = 51) e 46 do sexo masculino (n = 46) de Barcelona (Catalunha) com idades entre 13 e 15 anos (13,7 ± 1,17). Para analisar a capacidade de atenção seletiva, foi utilizado o Teste de Percepção de Diferenças e Diferenças (CARAS-R). A condição física foi avaliada através do teste de 30 metros de velocidade suave (velocidade linear), do teste de salto horizontal (força do corpo inferior), do teste de 10x5 metros (agilidade) e do teste de Luc-Léger (resistência). Por fim, o hábito de realizar atividade física foi calculado com o Questionário Internacional de Atividade Física, em formato adaptado para adolescentes (IPAQ-A). Os resultados mostraram que os sujeitos com maior desempenho no teste Luc-Léger obtiveram melhores pontuações no teste CARAS-R. Da mesma forma, foi obtida uma alta correlação entre os registros do teste Luc-Léger e o teste CARAS-R em meninos e meninas e uma alta correlação entre o questionário IPAQ-A e o teste CARAS-R em meninos. Os resultados revelam a relação entre a atenção seletiva e o nível de aptidão física em adolescentes. Nesse sentido, a importância da prática de atividade física nessa faixa etária é reforçada, sugerindo que o aumento da condição física pode ter implicações positivas na atenção seletiva. (AU)

Anthropometric and fitness profile of high-level basketball, handball and volleyball players / Perfil antropométrico y de aptitud física de jugadores de alto nivel de baloncesto, balonmano y voleibol / Perfil antropométrico e de aptidão física de jogadores de alto rendimento de basquetebol, andebol e voleibol

Objective. The aim of this study was to compare several anthropometric and physiological variables between high-level basketball, handball and volleyball players. Method. Forty-six Spanish first division professional players took part in our study. Height, standing reach, body weight, body fat percentages (by using Jackson & Pollock equation), vertical jumps (assessed by Bosco tests), 4m×5m agility test and maximal power output in a bench press exercise were assessed. Results. A one-way ANOVA, showed that basketball players had significant higher average height and standing reach values (p<0.01) while volleyball players displayed the lowest body mass and handball players presented the highest body mass values. Body fat percentage was significantly lower (p<0.05) in basketball and volleyball. Jump levels were significantly better in volleyball for the countermovement (p<0.05) and the countermovement jump with arm swing (p<0.001). Results of the agility test were significantly better in basketball (p≤0.01). In the concentric actions of maximal power tests basketball players obtained a higher mean power output for all loads (p<0.05). In the eccentric phase volleyball players presented the lower outcome (p<0.001). Conclusions. There is evidence of anthropometric and physiological differences among the high-level team sports analyzed. Its assessment seems capital for the improvement of training strategies and accurate talent identification processes (AU)

Objetivo. El objetivo del presente estudio fue comparar variables antropométricas y fisiológicas entre jugadores de baloncesto, balonmano y voleibol de alto nivel. Método. Cuarenta y seis deportistas profesionales de primera división de España fueron evaluados. Valores de altura, alcance, masa corporal, porcentaje graso (mediante ecuación de Jackson y Pollock), salto vertical (mediante test de Bosco), test de agilidad de 4×5m y potencia máxima de press banca fueron registrados. Resultados. El análisis mediante ANOVA mostró que los jugadores de baloncesto presentaban mayores alturas y alcances (p<0.01). Los jugadores de voleibol mostraban los valores más bajos de masa corporal y los de balonmano los más altos de la muestra. El porcentaje de grasa en baloncesto y voleibol fue el más bajo (p<0.05). Los valores de salto fueron mejores en voleibol para el salto con contra movimiento (p<0.05) y salto con contra movimiento y uso de brazos (p<0.001). Los resultados del test de agilidad fueron mejores en baloncesto (p≤0.01). En las acciones concéntricas del press banca, los baloncestistas obtuvieron mayor potencia media en todas las cargas (p<0.05). En la fase excéntrica los jugadores de voleibol presentaron los valores menores (p<0.001). Conclusiones. Se muestran diferencias antropométricas y fisiológicas entre deportes de equipo. Su evaluación parece clave para la mejora del entrenamiento y para conducir mejores procesos de selección de talentos (AU)

Objetivo. O objetivo do presente estudo foi comparar variáveis antropométricas e fisiológicas entre jogadores de basquetebol, andebol e voleibol de alto rendimento. Método. Quarenta e seis jogadores profissionais da primeira divisão profissional da Espanha fizeram parte desse estudo. Valores de altura, alcance, massa corporal, percentual de gordura (utilizando equação de Jackson & Pollock), salto vertical (medido com o teste de Bosco), teste de agilidade 4×5 e potência máxima no exercício supino reto foram registrados. Resultados. Uma ANOVA one-way mostrou que os jogadores de basquetebol apresentavam uma média significativamente maior na altura e alcance (p<0.01), enquanto que os jogadores de voleibol apresentaram os valores mais baixos de massa corporal e os jogadores de andebol os valores mais altos da amostra. O percentual de gordura foi significativamente menor (p<0.05) nos jogadores de basquetebol e voleibol. Os valores de salto foram significativamente melhores no jogadores de voleibol para o salto com contramovimento (p<0.05) e no salto com contramovimento com utilização do balanço dos braços (p<0.001). Os resultados do teste de agilidade foram significativamente melhores no basquete (p≤0.01). Nas ações concêntricas dos testes de potência máxima os jogadores de basquetebol obtiveram uma média maior de potência para todas as cargas (p<0.05). Na fase excêntrica os jogadores de voleibol apresentaram o resultado mais baixo (p<0.001). Conclusões. Há diferenças antropométricas e fisiológicas entre as equipas de desportosde alto nível analisadas. A sua avaliação parece primordial para a melhoria das estratégias de treino e processos de identificação de talentos precisos (AU)

The use of heart rate variability in assessing precompetitive stress in high-standard judo athletes.

The objective of this study is to examine the sensitivity to and changes in heart rate variability (HRV) in stressful situations before judo competitions and to observe the differences among judo athletes according to their competitive standards in both official and unofficial competitions. 24 (10 male and 14 female) national- and international-standard athletes were evaluated. Each participant answered the Revised Competitive State Anxiety Inventory (CSAI-2R) and their HRV was recorded both during an official and unofficial competition. The MANOVA showed significant main effects of the athlete's standard and the type of competition in CSAI-2R, in HRV time domain, in HRV frequency domain and in HRV nonlinear analysis (p<0.05). International-standard judo athletes have lower somatic anxiety, cognitive anxiety, heart rate and low-high frequency ratio than national-standard athletes (p<0.05). International-standard athletes have a higher confidence, mean RR interval, standard deviation of RR, square root of the mean squared difference of successive RR intervals, number of consecutive RR that differ by more than 5 ms, short-term variability, long-term variability, long-range scaling exponents and short-range scaling exponent than national-standard judo athletes. In conclusion, international-standard athletes show less pre-competitive anxiety than the national-standard athletes and HRV analysis is sensitive to changes in pre-competitive anxiety.

A comparative study between serve mode and speed and its effectiveness in a high-level volleyball tournament.

AIM: This study carries out a comparative analysis between serve mode and speed and its effectiveness at the 2004 Men's Olympic Qualification Tournament. METHODS: A total of 377 serves were analysed, 124 of which belonged to Cuba vs Holland, 63 to Spain vs Cameroon, 100 to Spain vs Cuba, and 91 to Holland vs Cameroon. Serve were recorded using a tripod mounted radar gun. RESULTS: The analysis has shown the predominance of jump serve (JUMP, 84.9%) compared with float serve with jump (FLOAT JUMP, 5.6%) and float serve (FLOAT, 9.5%). Only 25.3% of the total jump serves analysed was successfully stricken back making the first tempo attack possible. The respective percentages for FLOAT JUMP and FLOAT were 42.9% and 55.6%. Ball speed in JUMP (23.03+/-3.94 m.s(-1)) was markedly higher compared with FLOAT JUMP and FLOAT (12.05+/-3.44 m.s(-1) and 11.47+/-4.22 m.s(-1)). While negative outcomes (66.7%) in FLOAT stand out, a better balance between negative and positive outcomes were found in both JUMP (50%) and FLOAT JUMP (42.9%). However, no relationship was found between serve speed and its effectiveness outcome (R2=0 in the overall sample and R2=0.005, when pooling the five serve effectiveness categories into negative and positive outcomes. In fact, JUMP was mainly performed in the span of velocities between 23.06 and 28.06 m.s(-1) in both error and direct point categories. CONCLUSION: We found no significant relationship between serve velocity and a better outcome related to effectiveness. In addition, JUMP and FLOAT JUMP present a better balance between negative and positive outcomes compared with FLOAT.

Assessing changes in vaginal bleeding patterns in contracepting women.

In clinical trials comparing alternative contraceptive methods, women often discontinue for disturbances in menstrual bleeding patterns. Vaginal bleeding diaries have been used to monitor these patterns, and this paper suggests two new methods of analysis of these data. One analysis measures trends over time in the occurrence of specific patterns and, a second analysis, the relation between a woman's current experience and the probability of continuing method use. Contrasts between these approaches and the reference period method of analysis are made. A randomised clinical trial of the relative efficacy of 100 and 150 mg doses of depot-medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) is used for illustration.

PIP: Researchers recruited 1216 females to study changes in amenorrhea patterns with successive injections of the long acting injectable contraceptive depot-medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA). The women received an injection of either 100 mg or 150 mg DMPA on the day of randomization and 3 additional injections at 90 day intervals. 1151 (94.7%) women completed a menstrual diary that could be used, but only diaries of at least 60 days were considered in each reference period (90 days). Of the 99 who received only 1 100mg injection, 23 had amenorrhea. Of the 361 receiving 4 injections, 142 experienced no amenorrhea in any of the injection intervals and 30 had amenorrhea in all 4 intervals. Overall 281 women out of 576 who received 1-4 injections of 100 mg DMPA did not experience amenorrhea at all. For those in the 150 mg sample receiving 1-4 injections, 237 out of 575 women did not have amenorrhea. Analysis of change over time suggested an increase incidence of amenorrhea following the 2nd injection. In terms of the probability of a woman accepting a injection, women who experienced amenorrhea with the 1st injection were less likely to accept a 2nd, especially in the 150 mg DMPA group. Additionally, the trend in amenorrhea pattern demonstrated that a 3rd injection was adversely affected by amenorrhea in the 2nd injection interval in the 150 mg group but not the 100 mg group. Nevertheless, the decision to have a 4th injection appeared adversely affected by amenorrhea in the 3rd injection interval in both groups. The conditional probabilities used in this research can also be applied to examine continuation or survival rates in a follow-up study based on any prognostic factors.

Introduction of the injectable contraceptive NET-EN into family planning clinics in Bangladesh.

PIP: In preparation for introducing the injectable contraceptive norethisterone enanthate (NET-EN) into the national family planning program, a field study was conducted in 6 family planning clinics in Bangladesh. 3 of the clinics were located in Dhaka, the capital city, 1 was located in a town approximately 15 kilometers from Dhaka, and the other 2 clinics were located several hundred kilometers from Dhaka. A total of 913 women were chosen to receive injections of NET-EN every 8 weeks for 6 months and every 12 weeks thereafter. The mean age of the subjects was 26.8 years, and the mean number of live births was 3.4. The overall cumulative discontinuation rates were 26.3/100 women at 6 months, 37.3/100 at 12 months, and 42.9/100 at 18 months. The most common reason for discontinuing was a disturbance in bleeding. Heavy and/or prolonged bleeding was the single most frequent reason (6.3/100 women at 12 months), but amenorrhea was not uncommon (5.1/100 women at 12 months), while irregular bleeding or spotting was given as a reason somewhat less frequently (3.9/100 women). 3 women became pregnant during the study, giving a cumulative pregnancy rate of 0.4/100 women at 18 months. A variety of complaints fell within the category of "other medical reasons," the most common being fatigue, headache, and dizziness. The overall discontinuation rates varied markedly by center, as did the reasons for discontinuation. The lowest discontinuation rate of 14.7/100 women at 12 months was seen in the Mohammedpur Fertility Services and Training Center. This rate was considerably lower than that in any other center. The highest discontinuation rate was found by the Bangladesh Association for Voluntary Sterilization -- 52.0/100 women at 12 months. The variation in rate of discontinuation because of bleeding disturbances was most dramatic, with relatively high rates at the Bangladesh Association for Voluntary Sterilization, markedly low rates in the Mohammedpur Fertility Services and Training Centre, and intermediate rates elsewhere. Neither the overall discontinuation rate, nor the individual reasons for discontinuation varied much by age group. The most notable finding regarding discontinuation of NET-EN was the marked difference between centers. This is particularly notable given the lack of any major differences with respect to age, parity, residence, and history of contraception of the subjects. These findings suggest that the specific approach used in each clinic had a considerable impact on continuation rates and acceptance of NET-EN.^ieng

Reasons for discontinuing contraception among women in Bangkok.

PIP: In an attempt to investigate in detail clients' reasons for discontinuing use of a particular contraceptive, a study was undertaken to develop and test a system of classification that would allow precise categorization of individuals in the study and to ascertain detailed medical and social reasons for discontinuing contraception. A total of 666 women, who had accepted a family planning method from 1 of 14 health clinics administered by the Bangkok Metropolitan Health Authority over a 6-month period in 1977, were traced and interviewed 1 year later. Of these, 46% were still using their initial method of contraception and their original supply source. A further 29% had changed either their method or their source of supply or both, and 26% were not using any contraception. The most frequent reason given for discontinuation referred to medical side effects; the 2nd most frequent reason was the woman's feeling that she had no need for contraception. However, the study indicated that preconceived ideas of a contraceptive method, rather than the side effects experienced, may play a leading role in determining whether the method will continue to be used. (author's modified)^ieng