Test-retest reliability of Latin American Group for Maturity (GDLAM) protocol in older women.

Functional autonomy (FA) is a critical factor in determining the quality of life of older adults (OA), especially in the case of older women (OW), as they face a decline in FA in their later years of life. FA should be assessed early, using valid, reliable, and low-cost tests. This study evaluated the test-retest reliability of GDLAM and GDLAM autonomy index (GI) in OW. Thirty-nine OW (71.2 ± 6.50 years) participated in the study. A repeated measures design was used to compare the interday test-retest reliability of the five GDLAM tests (seconds) and the GI (points). The five tests represent activities of daily living, such as dressing or wandering around the house, while the GI provides a weighting of the results of the five tests. The analysis consisted of the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), standard error of measurement (SEM), and coefficient of variation (CV). A CV ≤ 10% and an ICC ≥ 0.80 were considered acceptable reliability, whereas a CV ≤ 5% and an ICC ≥ 0.90 were considered high reliability. The outcome of the five tests, represented by the GI, showed high interday test-retest reliability (CV = 6.00% and ICC = 0.91). The results of this study demonstrate that the five tests of the GDLAM protocol and the GI have high interday test-retest reliability and good interday reproducibility. From a practical point of view, the GDLAM protocol allows the assessment of FA of community-dwelling OW, providing background for early diagnosis and, with it, the possibility of developing an individualized physical exercise prescription.

The Effects of a Physical Activity Intervention on Adiposity, Physical Fitness and Motor Competence: A School-Based, Non-Randomized Controlled Trial.

Evidence suggests that early physical activity interventions are a means of preventing childhood obesity and are more effective when delivered in a school setting and based on the ecological model. Therefore, the present study aims to determine the effect of a multicomponent intervention based on the ecological model on adiposity, physical fitness and motor competence in children aged 4 to 5 years. METHODS: This study is a non-randomized controlled trial involving 173 children from Chile. The intervention was based on an ecological model and consisted of a physical activity program with three simultaneous parts, affecting intra- and interpersonal dimensions. The adiposity index, body mass index and waist circumference were measured. For physical fitness, muscle strength in the lower part, speed/agility and cardiorespiratory fitness were measured. Motor competence was assessed using catching, aiming and dynamic and static balance tests. RESULTS: After the intervention, there was no reduction in adiposity indices; in the intervention group, body mass index increased significantly with a high effect size. The intervention group showed significant differences in physical fitness in the components of muscle strength in the lower part (p = 0.000) and speed/agility (p = 0.002). For motor competence, the intervention group showed significant improvements in most components. CONCLUSIONS: The multicomponent intervention did not reduce adiposity indices; however, it caused significant improvements in the physical fitness and motor competence components, so it seems prudent to continue implementing it, given the benefits that adequate levels of motor competence and physical fitness bring to children's health, both in the short and long term.

Rendimiento en los Juegos Panamericanos de Santiago 2023: Predicción mediante método de suavización exponencial simple

El objetivo del presente trabajo es analizar el desempeño deportivo de la delegación chilena en los Juegos Panamericanos celebrados entre los años 1951 y 2023, haciendo uso de datos retrospectivos y proyectivos a través de series temporales de tiempo. Para esto se empleó un diseño cuantitativo, no experimental y longitudinal de tendencias y un método de suavización exponencial simple, que utiliza promedios históricos y que permite realizar una predicción o comportamiento futuro basado en una media ponderada de los valores actuales y de los pasados. A partir de los resultados obtenidos, fue posible concluir que, en las últimas décadas, la ubicación de Chile en el ranking de los Juegos Panamericanos se ha estabilizado en torno a un onceavo lugar, posición pronosticada para Santiago 2023. Manteniéndose condiciones similares, el desempeño deportivo general y específico no tendría un quiebre exponencial de la tendencia y los resultados no resultan favorables, específicamente en lo que respecta a la obtención de medallas de oro y la posición general de la delegación.

The objective of this paper is to analyze the sports performance of the Chilean delegation in the Pan American Games held between 1951 and 2023, using retrospective and projective data through time series. For this purpose, a quantitative, non-experimental and longitudinal design of trends and a simple exponential smoothing method was used, which uses historical averages and allows a prediction or future behavior based on a weighted average of current and past values. From the results obtained, it was possible to conclude that, in recent decades, Chile's position in the Pan American Games ranking has stabilized around eleventh place, a position predicted for Santiago 2023. Maintaining similar conditions, the general and specific sporting performance would not have an exponential break in the trend and the results are not favorable, specifically in terms of obtaining gold medals and the overall position of the delegation.

O objetivo deste artigo é analisar o desempenho esportivo da delegação chilena nos Jogos Pan-Americanos realizados entre 1951 e 2023, usando dados retrospectivos e projetivos por meio de séries temporais. Para isso, foi utilizado um desenho quantitativo, não experimental e longitudinal de tendências e um método de suavização exponencial simples, que utiliza médias históricas e permite uma previsão do comportamento futuro com base em uma média ponderada dos valores atuais e passados. Com base nos resultados obtidos, foi possível concluir que, nas últimas décadas, a posição do Chile no ranking dos Jogos Pan-Americanos se estabilizou em torno do 11º lugar, posição prevista para Santiago 2023. Mantendo-se condições semelhantes, o desempenho esportivo geral e específico não teria uma quebra exponencial na tendência e os resultados não são favoráveis, especificamente em termos de conquista de medalhas de ouro e posição geral da delegação.

Intensity of a Physical Exercise Programme Executed through Immersive Virtual Reality.

Evidence suggests that moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) is necessary for health benefits. Immersive virtual reality is a technology that uses images, sounds, and tactile sensations from a simulated world to encourage healthy behaviours and physical activity. The aims of this research are (1) to determine the duration and intensity of physical activity performed through immersive virtual reality; (2) to determine differences in physical activity intensity according to gender. METHODS: A nonprobabilistic convenience sample composed of 39 university students of physical education pedagogy, who performed, through immersive virtual reality, a physical activity programme composed of three levels that progressively increased in complexity. Physical activity intensity was measured using accelerometers. RESULTS: Of the three levels, the most complex was not the one that produced the most minutes of MVPA. The three levels added up to 08:53 min of MVPA. No significant differences were found when comparing them by sex. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study suggest that an exercise programme delivered through immersive virtual reality generates MVPA levels, with no major differences between sexes. Further research is needed to confirm the contribution of immersive virtual reality to physical activity.

Aproximación a la calidad percibida de un servicio deportivo universitario. Un estudio de caso

La población joven y adulta de Chile presenta altos niveles de inactividad física y sedentarismo, lo que coincide con los rangos etarios de los estudiantes universitarios. En este sentido, es escasa la evidencia científica que ha estudiado la calidad de los servicios deportivos que entregan las instituciones de educación superior, tanto a nivel latinoamericano, como chileno. Por lo tanto, este estudio tuvo como objetivo evaluar la calidad del servicio de la Unidad de Deportes y Recreación de la Universidad Católica de la Santísima Concepción de Chile, mediante la percepción que manifiestan los estudiantes que asisten a los talleres deportivos y de actividad física. Se aplicó el cuestionario SERVPERF que mide cinco dimensiones: elementos tangibles, fiabilidad, capacidad de respuesta, seguridad y empatía, según el grado de satisfacción de los usuarios. La investigación tuvo un enfoque cuantitativo y de tipo descriptivo. La muestra fue de 70 participantes (55 mujeres y 15 hombres). En general, los resultados mostraron una buena percepción y evaluación de todas las dimensiones del cuestionario. La dimensión seguridad fue la mejor valorada y la dimensión Elementos tangibles fue la que mostró una más baja evaluación.

A população jovem e adulta do Chile apresenta altos níveis de inatividade física e estilos de vida sedentários, o que coincide com as faixas etárias dos estudantes universitários. Nesse sentido, há poucas evidências científicas que tenham estudado a qualidade dos serviços esportivos prestados pelas instituições de ensino superior, tanto na América Latina quanto no Chile. Portanto, o objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a qualidade do serviço prestado pela Unidade de Esportes e Recreação da Universidad Católica de la Santísima Concepción, no Chile, por meio da percepção dos alunos que participam das oficinas de esportes e atividades físicas. Foi aplicado o questionário SERVPERF, que mede cinco dimensões: elementos tangíveis, confiabilidade, capacidade de resposta, segurança e empatia, de acordo com o grau de satisfação do usuário. A pesquisa teve uma abordagem quantitativa e descritiva. A amostra foi composta por 70 participantes (55 mulheres e 15 homens). Em geral, os resultados mostraram uma boa percepção e avaliação de todas as dimensões do questionário. A dimensão Segurança foi a mais bem avaliada e a dimensão Elementos tangíveis apresentou a avaliação mais baixa.

The young and adult population of Chile presents high levels of physical inactivity and sedentary lifestyle, which coincides with the age ranges of university students. In this sense, there is little scientific evidence that has studied the quality of sports services provided by higher education institutions, both at the Latin American and Chilean levels. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the quality of the service of the Sports and Recreation Unit of the Universidad Católica de la Santísima Concepción de Chile, through the perception expressed by students who attend sports and physical activity workshops. The SERVPERF questionnaire was applied, which measures five dimensions: tangible elements, reliability, response capacity, security and empathy, according to the degree of user satisfaction. The research had a quantitative and descriptive approach. The sample consisted of 70 participants (55 women and 15 men). In general, the results showed a good perception and evaluation of all the dimensions of the questionnaire. The security dimension was the best valued and the tangible elements dimension was the one that showed the lowest evaluation.

Physical Activity in Immersive Virtual Reality: A Scoping Review.

Physical activity has benefits for health, but many adolescents are inactive. However, video games such as Immersive Virtual Reality (IVR) have grown in popularity as a leisure activity among young people, allowing them to manipulate objects in virtual environments increasing the practice of physical activity. The evidence indicates that the interest in physical activity through IVR is greater than in traditional methods, and different experiences have been reported. However, few studies indicate the sample evaluated, the effects found, or the IVR instruments used. Due to this, is the aim of this study is to identify the publications referring to IVR and physical activity, characterize them, and present the obtained main findings. For this, the guidelines described in the PRISMA-ScR for scoping reviews were applied. After the use of the inclusion and exclusion criteria, eight articles were included. Results show evidence regarding physiological outcomes, perceptual variables, interest and enjoyment, and psychological effects regarding physical activity through IVR. Additionally, the use of different devices and their prescriptions are explored. It is concluded that there is interest from the scientific community for the practice of physical activity through IVR, as well as for its application for the maintenance of active habits. This is important as it positions IVR as a method that can be a more experiential and effective way to develop and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

The Association between Sedentary Behavior, Physical Activity, and Physical Fitness with Body Mass Index and Sleep Time in Chilean Girls and Boys: A Cross-Sectional Study.

BACKGROUND: In recent decades, the school population has undergone behavioral changes that have affected their health and adult life. The current educational scenario presents high levels of sedentary behavior, physical inactivity, low physical fitness, high levels of obesity, and non-compliance with sleep recommendations. In Chile, the scientific evidence on associations between these behaviors is incipient. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the association between sedentary behavior, physical activity, and physical fitness with BMI and minutes of sleep in Chilean children aged 10 to 11 years. METHODS: A non-probabilistic convenience sample of 222 schoolchildren aged 10 to 11 years. The variables measured were body composition (BMI), cardiorespiratory fitness (20 m shuttle run test), lower and upper muscular strength (long jump test and handgrip dynamometry), speed (4 × 10 m running), and flexibility (sit and reach test). Physical activity and sleep were measured by accelerometers. RESULTS: Of the participants, 60.4% and 90.6% did not comply with sleep and physical activity recommendations, respectively. Physical fitness was higher in boys in all components. The results of the linear regression show that in girls, moderate-vigorous-intensity physical activity, lower- and upper-body muscular strength, and cardiorespiratory endurance were associated with BMI and sleep. In boys, light-intensity physical activity and upper-body muscular strength were associated with both variables. CONCLUSIONS: Physical activity intensity, strength, and cardiorespiratory fitness were associated with BMI and sleep; however, physical activity intensity and associated physical fitness components differed by gender.

Effects of physical activity interventions on anthropometric indicators and health indices in Chilean children and adolescents: A protocol for systematic review and/or meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Physical activity interventions have been a proven effective means of preventing or treating overweight and obesity in children and adolescents. The results of these interventions in many cases are based on the determination of the effect they produce on anthropometric evaluations, which allow the calculation of health indices. However, the effects of physical activity interventions on anthropometric assessments in Chilean children and adolescents have not been systematized. The objective of this study is to provide a detailed protocol for a systematic review with meta-analysis that synthesizes the available evidence on the effect of physical activity interventions on anthropometric indicators and health indices in Chilean children and adolescents and identifies the field-based methods and health indices most used for body composition estimation. METHODS: This protocol was performed according to the PRISMA declaration. MEDLINE (PubMed), Web of Science, Scopus, and Scielo databases will be systematically searched. Eligible studies will include randomized controlled trials (RCTs), non-RCTs and pre-post studies. CONCLUSION: This systematic review and meta-analysis protocol is designed to provide up-to-date evidence that could significantly assist public health policy makers and implementers of physical activity interventions through evidence-based guidance and recommendations.

Activating Specific Handball's Defensive Motor Behaviors in Young Female Players: A Non-Linear Approach.

Traditional models to train and teach young players in team sports assume that athletes learn as linear systems. However, an actual methodology called Non-Linear Pedagogy (NLP) accounts for the fact that the players and the team are complex dynamic systems. Experiences in handball under this methodology are scarce; due to this, an observational study has been conducted with a follow-up, idiographic and multidimensional design, in which 14 female school handball players belonging to four different local teams in Santiago, Chile (age = 15.55 + 0.51) agreed to participate in three special handball training sessions with the use of the NLP methodology where three different constraints were used. Descriptive analysis with the Chi-squared test showed a total of 252 observations where most of the variables were dependent on the constraints (p ≤ 0.001). Frequency showed that mainly "Defense in Line of progression" and "Proximal contact" were the most activated variables, followed by "Harassment" and "Deterrence" for all constraints. However, only constraint 2 highly activated two collective motor behaviors, while the rest only did it with individual motor behaviors. It is concluded that the constraints used in training seem to be effective in activating a group of defensive handball motor behaviors, specifically those that are basic for female school handball players.

Mediterranean Diet Interventions for Depressive Symptoms in Adults with Depressive Disorders: A Protocol for a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

The associations between Mediterranean diet (MD) adherence and depression levels have been synthesized from observational studies. However, a systematic review with meta-analysis including randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on this relationship in adults with depressive disorders remains lacking. This protocol was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis for Protocols statement. MEDLINE (PubMed), Cochrane CENTRAL, PsycINFO, Scopus, and Web of Science databases will be systematically searched to identify studies published from database inception up to 30 September 2022. The inclusion criteria will comprise RCTs reporting pre-post changes in depression status (symptoms or remission) after a MD intervention compared to a control condition in adults over 18 years with depressive disorders. Pooled effect sizes and 95% confidence intervals will be calculated using the DerSimonian random-effects model. This study protocol determines the methodological approach for the systematic review and meta-analysis that will summarize the available evidence on the efficacy of MD interventions on depressive symptoms in adults with depressive disorders. The findings from this review may have implications for public mental health programs. The results will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publication, conference presentation, and infographics. No ethical approval will be required since only published data will be used. PROSPERO registration number: CRD42022341895.

Effectiveness of Teaching Mini Handball through Non-Linear Pedagogy in Different Socioeconomic Contexts: A Pilot Study.

Mini handball is among the sports included as part of school physical education in Chile to improve children's motor skills and to motivate their adherence to a healthy and active lifestyle in response to concerns about this country's high level of childhood obesity. To this end, non-linear pedagogy (NLP) has been used to develop motor skills through mini handball in the school context. However, socioeconomic differences that influence the development of children's motor skills have not been considered to determine whether the methodology applies to everyone. The aim of the present observational study is to describe and compare the effectiveness of the previously applied NLP methodology in two contrasting socioeconomic contexts to determine whether it helps to develop motor skills through mini handball in both school contexts. The Levine test was used to determine the homogeneity of the variances (p < 0.05), as the distribution of the data was not normal. The Kruskal-Wallis H statistical test was used to analyse within-group data. Additionally, the Mann-Whitney U test was applied for comparisons between groups. The results show significant improvements in the acquisition of the expected motor skills specific to mini handball. Additionally, a shortening of the gap was evidenced between the groups during the training process, with no significant differences at the end of the progression. Therefore, the investigated NLP is equally as effective for schoolchildren in two opposite socioeconomic contexts.

Effectiveness of a physical activity intervention on the overweight and obesity of Chilean schoolchildren.

INTRODUCTION: Physical fitness is considered a measure that integrates most of the functions of the human organism that are involved in physical activity. Motor competence is important due to its observed implications in the physical, mental and social development of children and adolescents. These assessments require the existence of updated reference values that allow the categorization of individuals and groups according to levels of physical fitness and motor competence. This paper describes the study protocol to Effectiveness of a Physical Activity Intervention on the Overweight and Obesity of Chilean Schoolchildren, and in this way determine, through the calculation of a representative sample, reference values for physical fitness and motor competence in children aged 4 to 6 years in the region of La Araucanía, Chile. METHODS: children in pre-basic education in transition grades I and II (4 and 5 years old), and those in the first year of basic education (6 years old) will be invited to participate. The sample will be probabilistic. The measures of a randomized controlled trial (registered in ClinicalTrial.gov NCT04194580) will be used. CONCLUSION: the lack of reference values for physical condition and motor competence for children between 6 and 4 years of age in the Araucanía region highlights the need to establish values, which will contribute to improving the health of children of the age group to be worked on.

Associations between Physical Activity Level and Health Services Use in Spanish Adults.

One of the main concerns of governments and organisations worldwide is the cost and burden of health services, with sedentary lifestyles being a significant impacting factor, and physical activity is one of the potential solutions. Therefore, this study aims to analyse the possible associations between the physical activity level, hospitalisation prevalence, and the use and number of visits to emergency services in the Spanish population, examining potential differences between sex and age groups. This is a cross-sectional study based on data from the Spanish National Health Survey 2017 (ENSE 2017), the last one before the COVID-19 pandemic, with 17,199 participants. A descriptive analysis was performed using median and interquartile range (continuous variables) and absolute and relative frequencies (ordinal variables). Intergroup differences were analysed with non-parametric tests: chi-square and z-test for independent proportions (categorical variables), and Kruskal−Wallis and Mann−Whitney U (continuous variables). Spearman's rho was used to study correlations between variables. A multiple binary regression analysis was performed to predict hospitalisations. Hospitalisations and emergency services use showed a dependence relation with the physical activity level (p < 0.001): those who performed moderate and/or vigorous physical activity used those services less than sedentary individuals and those whose only activity was walking. Thus, associations could be drawn between the hospitalisation prevalence, the use and number of visits to emergency departments, and the physical activity level in the Spanish population aged 18−69 years in the pre-pandemic period.

A Cross-Sectional Study on Self-Perceived Health and Physical Activity Level in the Spanish Population.

One-third of the Spanish population over 15 years of age did not achieve a reasonable amount of physical activity (PA) before the COVID-19 pandemic. We aim to analyse the associations between the PA level (PAL) and self-perceived health (SPH) in the Spanish population aged 15−69 years during the pre-pandemic period. A cross-sectional study was conducted using the Spanish National Health Survey 2017 (ENSE 2017) data, with 17,777 participants. We carried out a descriptive analysis, analysed intergroup differences with non-parametric statistical tests, and calculated the Odds Ratio (OR) and Relative Risk (RR) of having a negative SPH according to PAL. In addition, correlations between PAL and SPH were studied, finding associations between them (p < 0.001). Thus, performing moderate and intense PA was related to better SPH than just walking or inactive. Weak and moderate correlations were found between PAL and SPH (p < 0.001). We also found high ORs and RRs of negative SPH as PAL decreased. Moderate and intense PA were related to positive SPH, while the risk of negative perception in inactive people was higher.

Physical Self-Concept and Physical Activity Levels in University Students during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cluster Analysis.

With the COVID-19 pandemic, the physical activity (PA) levels of university students declined as a result of confinement. The aim of the study was to analyse the segmentation of university students according to physical self-concept ratings and to determine the differences between each cluster during the pandemic. The sample consisted of 492 students aged 18-31 years, 36.8% male and 63.2% female, who were administered the PSDQ-S and IPAQ instruments. The data collected were analysed with SPSS software, from which descriptive statistics, a cluster analysis from the PSDQ-S, was obtained. The IPAQ and socio-demographic variables were used to characterise the groups. Finally, a non-hierarchical K-means analysis was performed to establish the clusters. The results reported three different group profiles of students. Significant differences were found in all self-concept variables analysed, with the exception of some items. In relation to PA level, it could be established that the Positive Physical Self-Concept group had the highest PA level and was composed of 52.1% females and 34.4% males, showing a high physical self-concept, whereas, in the Medium-Physical Self-Concept and Negative-Physical Self-Concept groups, females were predominant in number. They were also the least physically active groups and had a low physical self-concept.

Professional Esports Players: Motivation and Physical Activity Levels.

The professionalisation of esports has increased in recent years, generating the need for further study. Its evolution and continuous development have led the consideration of esports as a profession, increasing the number of players, practice modalities, and hours of play dedicated to this field. The aim of this study was to analyse the relationship between physical activity levels and motivational orientations in an international sample of professional esports players. A cross-sectional and observational study was conducted in European and Latin American countries. The sample was non-probabilistic by convenience, and 260 male professional esports players were recruited. A survey was used that included demographic data, body composition, physical activity (International Physical Activity Questionnaire), and motivation (Sport Motivation Scale). The results show that 92.7% of professional esports players have moderate and high levels of physical activity and that players with low levels of physical activity have positive values in all dimensions of motivation. It is concluded that extrinsic and intrinsic motivation correlates inversely with energy expenditure.

Professional esports players are not obese: analysis of body composition based on years of experience / Los jugadores profesionales de esports no son obesos: análisis de la composición corporal basada en los años de experiencia

SUMMARY: Esports are considered a form of electronic sports that have become an important element of popular culture. Its evolution and continuous development have led to consider esports as a profession, increasing the number of players, practice modalities and hours of play dedicated to this field. Therefore, scientific and economic contributions have increased in recent years, however, there is little research on body composition in this group of players. To describe the anthropometric characteristics and body composition in professional esports players according to the years of experience. The sample consisted of 53 esports players competing in the Spanish professional league, with a mean age of 21.01 ? 0.39 years, whose body composition was measured by electrical bioimpedance with the TANITA® BC-601F Segment device. No differences were found between groups nor significant associations according to linear regression (p<0.05) between body composition variables and years of experience as a professional player. The years of practice, as well as the esports practiced have no influence on the body composition of professional esports players.

RESUMEN: Los esports, son considerados como una forma de deporte electrónico que se han convertido en un importante elemento de la cultura popular. Su evolución y continuo desarrollo han llevado a considerar los esports como una profesión, incrementando el número de jugadores, modalidades de práctica y horas de juego dedicadas a este ámbito. Es por esto que las aportaciones científicas y económicas han se han incrementado en los últimos años, sin embargo, existe un escaso desarrollo de investigaciones sobre la composición corporal en este grupo de jugadores. El objetivo de este estudio fue describir las características antropométricas y la composición corporal en jugadores profesionales de esports según los años de experiencia. La muestra estuvo compuesta por 53 jugadores de esports que compiten en la liga profesional española, con una edad media de 21,01 ? 0,39 años a los que se midió la composición corporal mediante bioimpedancia eléctrica con el dispositivo TANITA® BC-601F Segment. No se encontraron diferencias entre los grupos ni asociaciones significativas según regresión lineal (p<0,05) entre las variables de composición corporal y los años de experiencia como jugador profesional. Los años de práctica, así como el esports practicado no tienen influencia sobre la composición corporal de los jugadores profesionales de esports.