Behavior of the muscle quality index and isometric strength in elderly women.

This study aimed (I) to compare the muscle quality index (MQI) and the isometric hip strength between younger and older women, and (II) to determine the relationship of the MQI with the sit-to-stand test (STS) and isometric hip strength in younger and older women. Twenty-eight elderly women (age= 66.2 ± 5.6 years) and twenty younger women (21.2 ± 2.2 years) participated in the study. The following dependent variables were measured: MQI, STS, body composition, and the peak isometric strength of the hip (PF) which was also normalized using three different methods (PF/Body Mass, PF/Fat-Free Mass, and PF/Body Mass0,335). Older women presented a lower PF in hip flexion, extension and external rotation regardless of the method of normalization (p < 0.001), but the PF of hip abductors and internal rotators was higher for older women (p < 0.05). No significant differences were found in the MQI between older and younger women (p = 0.443). The MQI was negatively correlated with the time in the STS in older women (r = -0.706, p < 0.001) and younger women (r = -0.729, p < 0.001), while the correlations of MQI with isometric hip strength were weaker in older women (r range: -0.082 - 0.556) and younger women (r range: -0.020 - 0.309). MQI is a clinical and practical tool to assess the muscular power of the lower extremities.

Beneficial Effect of Ubiquinol on Hematological and Inflammatory Signaling during Exercise.

Strenuous exercise (any activity that expends six metabolic equivalents per minute or more causing sensations of fatigue and exhaustion to occur, inducing deleterious effects, affecting negatively different cells), induces muscle damage and hematological changes associated with high production of pro-inflammatory mediators related to muscle damage and sports anemia. The objective of this study was to determine whether short-term oral ubiquinol supplementation can prevent accumulation of inflammatory mediators and hematological impairment associated to strenuous exercise. For this purpose, 100 healthy and well-trained firemen were classified in two groups: Ubiquinol (experimental group), and placebo group (control). The protocol was two identical strenuous exercise tests with rest period between tests of 24 h. Blood samples were collected before supplementation (basal value) (T1), after supplementation (T2), after first physical exercise test (T3), after 24 h of rest (T4), and after second physical exercise test (T5). Hematological parameters, pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines and growth factors were measured. Red blood cells (RBC), hematocrit, hemoglobin, VEGF, NO, EGF, IL-1ra, and IL-10 increased in the ubiquinol group while IL-1, IL-8, and MCP-1 decreased. Ubiquinol supplementation during high intensity exercise could modulate inflammatory signaling, expression of pro-inflammatory, and increasing some anti-inflammatory cytokines. During exercise, RBC, hemoglobin, hematocrit, VEGF, and EGF increased in ubiquinol group, revealing a possible pro-angiogenic effect, improving oxygen supply and exerting a possible protective effect on other physiological alterations.

Absolute reliability and concurrent validity of a novel electromechanical pulley dynamometer for measuring shoulder rotation isometric strength in asymptomatic subjects. Study conducted at Pontificia Universidad Católica, Santiago, Chile.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the test-retest reliability of measurements in shoulder internal and external rotators' isometric peak torque using a new dynamometer, and to compare it with isokinetic dynamometer. METHODS: The validity study was conducted in September-October 2016 at Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Chile and the Clinica Las Condes, Santiago, Chile. It comprised of asymptomatic university students who were randomly tested twice within a two-week period while in a supine position at 90° of shoulder abduction, using the novel functional electromechanical pulley dynamometer. Concurrent validity was assessed through comparing the values with the gold standard isokinetic dynamometer in the same position. SPSS 17 was used for data analysis. RESULTS: Of the 24 subjects, 5(21%) were males and 19(79%) were females. The overall mean age was 23.1±2.2 years, body mass index 23.6±2.13 kg/m2 and Shoulder Pain and Disability Index score was 3.9±6.4. There was no statistically non-significant difference in terms of test-retest trials and between the devices (p>0.05). Absolute reliability was 24.3% for internal rotation and 27.9% for external rotation. Both dynamometer systems were very highly correlated for internal rotators peak torque (0.93) and highly correlated for external rotators peak torque (0.84). CONCLUSIONS: Compared to the gold standard, the new device was found to be a valid instrument in measuring maximal voluntary isometric peak torque in internal and external rotation.

Validity and reliability of evaluating hip abductor strength using different normalization methods in a functional electromechanical device.

The hip abductor muscles are vitally important for pelvis stability, and common strength deficits can negatively affect functionality. The muscle strength can be measured using different dynamometers and be evaluated in three positions (side-lying, standing, and supine). Obtained strength data can be expressed in different ways, with data normalization providing more objective and comparable results. The aim of this study was to establish the validity and reliability of three protocols in evaluating the isometric strength of the hip abductor muscles. A new functional electromechanical dynamometer assessed strength in three positions, with findings subjected to three data normalization methods. In two identical sessions, the hip abductor strengths of 29 subjects were recorded in the side-lying, standing, and supine positions. Peak force was recorded in absolute terms and normalized against body mass, fat-free mass, and an allometric technique. The peak force recorded in the side-lying position was 30% and 27% higher than in the standing and supine positions, respectively, independent of data normalization methodology. High inter-protocol correlations were found (r: 0.72 to 0.98, p ≤ 0.001). The supine position with allometric data normalization had the highest test-retest reliability (0.94 intraclass correlation coefficient and 5.64% coefficient of variation). In contrast, the side-lying position with body mass data normalization had a 0.66 intraclass correlation coefficient and 9.8% coefficient of variation. In conclusion, the functional electromechanical dynamometer is a valid device for measuring isometric strength in the hip abductor muscles. The three assessed positions are reliable, although the supine position with allometric data normalization provided the best results.

[Anthropometric characteristics and functional fitness of Chilean community-dwelling older adults]. / Características antropométricas y condición física funcional de adultos mayores chilenos insertos en la comunidad.

INTRODUCTION: Anthropometry and functional fitness (FF) are fundamental aspects for functional independence conservation of older adults (OA). However, little has been investigated in chilean OA. OBJECTIVE: To analyze anthropometric and FF characteristics of non-disabled OA. METHODS: One hundred and sixteen subjects participated in the study. It was determined the prevalence of weight categories (Body Mass Index [BMI]) and cardiometabolic risk (CMR) (Waist Circumference [WC], Waist-Hip Ratio [WHR] and Waist-to-Height ratio [WHtR]). Additionally, "under the norm" physical performance and performance standards (Senior Fitness Test Battery [SFT]). Anthropometric and FF differences were analyzed according sex and age categories. RESULTS: A total of 63.8% and 73.5% of men and women respectively were overweight. The highest prevalence of CMR was obtained through WHtR and the tests with the highest prevalence of low performance were 2-minute step Test and Back scratch Test. The performance standard was reached in 29.7% and 17.3%, in men and women respectively. Men presented greater height, WHR, strength and aerobic capacity. Women had greater hip circumference, BMI, WHtR and flexibility. These results tends to be maintained in the analyzes according age categories. CONCLUSIONS: The studied sample presented a high prevalence of overweight, CMR and low physical performance especially in women. Due its low cost and complexity, it is proposed that integral evaluation of anthropometric and FF parameters should be implemented in primary care programs aimed to preserving functionality of OA.

Compromiso Deportivo a través del Clima Motivacional creado por madre, padre y entrenador en jóvenes futbolistas / Sport commitment via the motivational climate created by mother, father and coach in young football players / Compromisso desportivo através do clima motivacional criado pela mãe, pai e treinador em jovens futebolistas

El presente estudio tuvo como objetivo identificar la relación entre el compromiso deportivo y el clima motivacional percibido por jóvenes practicantes de fútbol, de su madre, padre y entrenador. Los participantes fueron 913 jugadores de fútbol entre 10 y 14 a.os (M: 12.2 DE: 1.3). Los instrumentos utilizados fueron las versiones en español del Motivational Climate Scale for Youth Sport (MCSYS), el Parents Initiated Motivational Questionnaire (PIMCQ-2) y el Sport Commitment Questionnaire -SCQe-. A partir de los resultados y análisis de correlación y regresión lineal, se puede apreciar la importancia que cumplen las madres, padres y entrenadores (de manera diferenciada) a la hora de generar compromiso deportivo y as. evitar abandono, por lo que es fundamental considerarlos e integrarlos en el trabajo práctico

This study aimed to identify the relationship between sport commitment and motivational climate perceived by young football players, their mother, father and coach. 913 football players aged 10 to 14 years (M: 12.2 SD: 1.3) took part. The instruments used were Spanish versions of the Motivational Climate Scale for Youth Sport (MCSYS), the Parents Initiated Motivational Questionnaire (PIMCQ-2) and the Sport Commitment Questionnaire (SCQ-e). From the results and correlation and linear regression analysis, we can see the importance of mothers, fathers and coaches (each in a different way) when generating sport commitment and, therefore, avoid drop-outs, so it is essential to consider and integrate them into practical work

O presente estudo teve como objectivo identificar a relação entre o compromisso desportivo e o clima motivacional percebido por jovenspraticantes de futebol, mãe, pai e treinador. Os participantes foram 913 jogadores de futebol com idades compreendidas entre os 10 e os 14 anos (M:12.2 DP: 1.3). Os instrumentos utilizados foram as versões espanholas do Motivational Climate Scale for Youth Sport(MCSYS), do Parents InitiatedMotivational Questionnaire(PIMCQ-2) e do Sport Commitment Questionnaire-SCQe-. A partir dos resultados e análises de correlação e regressãolinear, pode-se constatar a importância que têm as mães, pais e treinadores (de forma diferenciada) no que respeita ao desenvolvimento do compromissodesportivo e assim evitar o abandono, pelo que é fundamental considerá-los e integrá-los no trabalho aplicado

Implementation of a nutrition education program in a handball team; consequences on nutritional status / Implementación de un programa de educación nutricional en un equipo de balonmano; consecuencias en estado nutricional

Objective: To evaluate nutritional status and dietary habits after implementation of a nutritional education program in professional handball players. Research methods and procedures: Longitudinal study of 14 handball players evaluated with 72-h recall, a questionnaire on food consumption and anthropometric measures during 4 months. The intervention consisted of a nutrition education program. Results: Energy intake was consistently below the recommended allowances. Macronutrient intakes as a percentage of total energy intake were below the recommended allowances for carbohydrates, and above recommended allowances for fats. Nutritional education was followed by a significant increase (p < 0.01) in total energy and macronutrient intakes, with no significant changes in macronutrient or micronutrient intakes after adjustment for energy intake. Discussion: The imbalance in nutrient intake in handball players suggests that detailed reanalysis is needed to determine specific recommendations for this population. Nutritional education with continuous follow-up to monitor athletes' dietary habits may lead them to adopt appropriate nutritional habits to optimize dietary intakes. The lack of specific recommendations for micronutrient intakes in athletes leads to confusion regarding appropriate intakes; biochemical tests that yield normal values (albeit approaching cut-off values for deficiency) may disguise deficient status for some nutrients when strenuous exercise is involved. Conclusion: In-depth studies with nutrition education programs that include long-term follow-up are advisable to avoid deficiencies that can lead to irreversible damage in competitive athletes (AU)

Objetivos: Evaluar el estado nutricional y los hábitos dietéticos en respuesta a la aplicación de un programa de educación nutricional en jugadores profesionales de balonmano. Sujetos y metodología: Estudio longitudinal realizado a una muestra de 14 jugadores pertenecientes a un equipo de balonmano de alto rendimiento, a los que se les evaluó mediante recordatorio de 72 horas, un cuestionario de frecuencia de consumo, medidas antropométricas a lo largo de 4 meses, y a los que se les aplicó un programa de educación nutricional al inicio del estudio. Los valores de ingesta y de frecuencia de consumo fueron comparados con las recomendaciones de macronutrientes existentes para deportistas y micronutrientes para población sana, respectivamente, y con la pirámide de alimentos para población sana española. Resultados: La ingesta de energía de los deportistas se situó por debajo de las recomendaciones a lo largo de todo el estudio. La ingesta de macronutrientes respecto a la energía ingerida, se situó por debajo de las recomendaciones para la ingesta de carbohidratos y por encima de las recomendaciones para la ingesta de grasa, mostrada en los resultados obtenidos de frecuencia de consumo de alimentos. La educación nutricional produjo un incremento significativo (p < 0,01) en la ingesta de energía y macronutrientes tras su aplicación. A pesar de ello, no se produjeron cambios significativos en la ingesta de macronutrientes y micronutrientes al ajustar por energía ingerida. Los niveles bioquímicos se encontraron dentro de los rangos de normalidad durante todo el estudio. Discusión: El desequilibrio en la ingesta de nutrientes presente en los jugadores de balonmano hace necesario realizar un ajuste nutricional completo para poder establecer recomendaciones específicas para este tipo de población. La aplicación de un programa de educación nutricional monitorizada de manera continuada mediante seguimiento en los deportistas, puede tener como consecuencia la instauración de hábitos nutricionales adecuados que lleve a una optimización en la ingesta. La ausencia de recomendaciones específicas de micronutrientes en el deporte, provoca una cierta confusión a la hora de establecer una ingesta adecuada de micronutrientes, ya que en muchos casos demuestran normalidad en los niveles bioquímicos, aunque muy cercanos a la deficiencia, pudiendo comprometer el estatus de algún nutriente en situaciones de ejercicio extremo. Conclusión: Sería aconsejable realizar estudios exhaustivos de valoración del estatus nutricional que planteen la instauración de programas de educación nutricional a largo plazo, con el fin de evitar carencias que deriven en daños irreversibles en el deportista de competición (AU)

Implementation of a nutrition education program in a handball team; consequences on nutritional status.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate nutritional status and dietary habits after implementation of a nutritional education program in professional handball players. RESEARCH METHODS AND PROCEDURES: Longitudinal study of 14 handball players evaluated with 72-h recall, a questionnaire on food consumption and anthropometric measures during 4 months. The intervention consisted of a nutrition education program. RESULTS: Energy intake was consistently below the recommended allowances. Macronutrient intakes as a percentage of total energy intake were below the recommended allowances for carbohydrates, and above recommended allowances for fats. Nutritional education was followed by a significant increase (p < 0.01) in total energy and macronutrient intakes, with no significant changes in macronutrient or micronutrient intakes after adjustment for energy intake. DISCUSSION: The imbalance in nutrient intake in handball players suggests that detailed re-analysis is needed to determine specific recommendations for this population. Nutritional education with continuous follow-up to monitor athletes' dietary habits may lead them to adopt appropriate nutritional habits to optimize dietary intakes. The lack of specific recommendations for micronutrient intakes in athletes leads to confusion regarding appropriate intakes; biochemical tests that yield normal values (albeit approaching cut-off values for deficiency) may disguise deficient status for some nutrients when strenuous exercise is involved. CONCLUSION: In-depth studies with nutrition education programs that include long-term follow-up are advisable to avoid deficiencies that can lead to irreversible damage in competitive athletes.

Objetivos: Evaluar el estado nutricional y los hábitos dietéticos en respuesta a la aplicación de un programa de educación nutricional en jugadores profesionales de balonmano. Sujetos y metodología: Estudio longitudinal realizado a una muestra de 14 jugadores pertenecientes a un equipo de balonmano de alto rendimiento, a los que se les evaluó mediante recordatorio de 72 horas, un cuestionario de frecuencia de consumo, medidas antropométricas a lo largo de 4 meses, y a los que se les aplicó un programa de educación nutricional al inicio del estudio. Los valores de ingesta y de frecuencia de consumo fueron comparados con las recomendaciones de macronutrientes existentes para deportistas y micronutrientes para población sana, respectivamente, y con la pirámide de alimentos para población sana española. Resultados: La ingesta de energía de los deportistas se situó por debajo de las recomendaciones a lo largo de todo el estudio. La ingesta de macronutrientes respecto a la energía ingerida, se situó por debajo de las recomendaciones para la ingesta de carbohidratos y por encima de las recomendaciones para la ingesta de grasa, mostrada en los resultados obtenidos de frecuencia de consumo de alimentos. La educación nutricional produjo un incremento significativo (p < 0,01) en la ingesta de energía y macronutrientes tras su aplicación. A pesar de ello, no se produjeron cambios significativos en la ingesta de macronutrientes y micronutrientes al ajustar por energía ingerida. Los niveles bioquímicos se encontraron dentro de los rangos de normalidad durante todo el estudio. Discusión: El desequilibrio en la ingesta de nutrientes presente en los jugadores de balonmano hace necesario realizar un ajuste nutricional completo para poder establecer recomendaciones específicas para este tipo de población. La aplicación de un programa de educación nutricional monitorizada de manera continuada mediante seguimiento en los deportistas, puede tener como consecuencia la instauración de hábitos nutricionales adecuados que lleve a una optimización en la ingesta. La ausencia de recomendaciones específicas de micronutrientes en el deporte, provoca una cierta confusión a la hora de establecer una ingesta adecuada de micronutrientes, ya que en muchos casos demuestran normalidad en los niveles bioquímicos, aunque muy cercanos a la deficiencia, pudiendo comprometer el estatus de algún nutriente en situaciones de ejercicio extremo. Conclusión: Sería aconsejable realizar estudios exhaustivos de valoración del estatus nutricional que planteen la instauración de programas de educación nutricional a largo plazo, con el fin de evitar carencias que deriven en daños irreversibles en el deportista de competición.

Fiabilidad y optimización del programa PROTODEBA v 1.0 para la observación de la Toma de Decisiones en Balonmano / Reliability and optimization of PROTODEBA v 1.0 software for the observation of the decision making in handball / Fiabilidade e otimização do programa de PROTODEBA v 1.0 Para a observação da toma de decisões em basquete

En esta investigación se ha realizado un estudio de fiabilidad para el desarrollo y optimización del programa PROTODEBA v 1.0. Este programa de observación de video estudia los comportamientos de la toma de decisión de los jugadores de balonmano valorando tres dimensiones (ubicación, traslado y finalización) en cada momento (que transcurre entre pase y pase) en secuencias de ataque posicional. Cinco observadores valoraron a seis jugadores en 18 momentos de un partido. El estudio de fiabilidad se realizó desde una doble perspectiva. Por un lado, se calcularon los índices Kappa de acuerdo entre observadores que muestran valores superiores a 0,7 para todas las parejas de observadores. Por otro, se han estimado coeficientes de generalizabilidad para distintos tipos de decisión y con diferentes universos, obteniéndose valores entre 0,87 y 0,99. Los resultados apoyan la precisión de PROTODEBA V1.0 como herramienta de observación (AU)

The aim of this study was to development, and optimizes an observational tool call PROTODEBA v 1.0. This program helps video observation to analyze behavior in decision making in handball players assessing three dimensions (location, transfer and termination) at any time (lag between passing and passing) in different sequences of a game. The study evaluated five observers each one examined six players in eighteen plays of a game. The reliability of the study was conducted in two ways. On one hand, It was calculated the Kappa index of agreement among observers that show values higher than 0,70 for all pairs of observers. For another, it has been estimated generalizability coefficients for different types of decisions and different universes, obtaining values between 0,87 and 0,99. Results support the accuracy of PROTODEBA V1.0 as a tool of observation (AU)

Nessa pesquisa foi realizada um estudo de fiabilidade para o desenvolvimento e otimização do programa PROTODEBA v 1.0. Este programa de observação e vídeo estuda os comportamentos da toma de decisões dos jogadores de basquete, avaliando três dimensões (posicionamento, movimento e finalização) em cada momento (passe a passe) em sequencias de ataque posicional. Cinco observadores valoraram seis jogadores em 18 momentos de um partido. O estudo de fiabilidade foi realizado em dupla perspectiva. Por um lado, foram calculados os índices Kappa em acordo entre os observadores e mostraram valores superiores a 0,7 para todas as duplas de observadores. Por outro lado foram estimados coeficientes de generalização para diferentes tipos de decisão e em diferentes universos, obtendo-se valores entre 0,87 e 0,99. Os resultados apoiam a precisão de PROTODEBA V1.0 como ferramenta de observação (AU)

Changes in the redox status and inflammatory response in handball players during one-year of competition and training.

The present research was designed to evaluate the adaptive responses to oxidative stress and inflammation in handball players subjected to well-controlled training intervals over one-year of competition. Seven blood samples were collected over the season of the study, approximately one a month. Plasma lipid peroxidation, nitrite, cytokines (IL-1ß, IL-6, INFγ and TNFα), and the glutathione cycle in erythrocytes, were measured. Exercise intensity, measured with the Borg's scale, increased significantly up to the middle of the competition season, coinciding with maximal creatine kinase and lactate dehydrogenase values, and then decreased at the end of the study. The inflammatory markers including nitrite, IL-1ß, IL-6, and, to a lesser extent INFγ, increased early in the training season, and remained elevated until the end of the study. TNFα, however, remained low during the season. The oxidative stress response included a transient increase of the glutathione disulphide/glutathione ratio and glutathione reductase activity at the beginning of the study, returning to basal values somewhat later. Glutathione peroxidase also increased at the end of the training season, and lipid peroxidation levels remained low during the athletic season. These results suggest that well-trained athletes were best adapted to the oxidative response, although the beneficial effects of some of the inflammatory cytokines on skeletal muscle myogenesis and repair cannot be ruled out.

Association between erythrocyte concentrations of magnesium and zinc in high-performance handball players after dietary magnesium supplementation.

Currently, research on athletes focuses on optimizing the nutritional status in order to adjust their minerals requirements. This study was designed to evaluate baseline nutritional status and the effect of a nutritional intervention based on magnesium (Mg) supplementation, on plasma and erythrocyte concentrations of Mg and zinc (Zn), and their relationship with training load. We analyzed training load by recording the training volume, intensity and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) during a four-month period, in 14 high-performance handball players. Intensity was studied in different levels of residual heart rate (RHR). We analyzed nutrient intake and plasma and erythrocyte concentrations of Mg and Zn by FAAS. All biomarkers were measured at baseline, after two months of dietary supplementation with Mg, and after two months without supplementation. RPE was associated with training volume at different intensities of RHR. Mg supplementation significantly increased plasma Mg levels during the supplemented period and preserved for subsequent changes in the non-supplemented period. Erythrocyte concentrations of Mg and Zn show associations between baseline and Mg supplementation. Mg levels were associated with training volume at different intensities after supplementation. In conclusion, our findings in high-performance handball players show that during competition, there is a relationship between erythrocyte Zn and Mg levels, regardless of Mg supplementation or Zn intake. Mg dietary supplementation tended to preserve changes in mineral levels during training and competition.