Effects of a Low Dose of Orally Administered Creatine Monohydrate on Post-Fatigue Muscle Power in Young Soccer Players.

The use of creatine monohydrate (Cr) in professional soccer is widely documented. However, the effect of low doses of Cr on the physical performance of young soccer players is unknown. This study determined the effect of a low dose of orally administered Cr on muscle power after acute intra-session fatigue in young soccer players. Twenty-eight young soccer players (mean age = 17.1 ± 0.9 years) were randomly assigned to either a Cr (n = 14, 0.3 g·kg-1·day-1 for 14 days) or placebo group (n = 14), using a two-group matched, double-blind, placebo-controlled design. Before and after supplementation, participants performed 21 repetitions of 30 m (fatigue induction), and then, to measure muscle power, they performed four repetitions in half back squat (HBS) at 65% of 1RM. Statistical analysis included a two-factor ANOVA (p ˂ 0.05). Bar velocity at HBS, time: p = 0.0006, ŋp2 = 0.22; group: p = 0.0431, ŋp2 = 0.12, time × group p = 0.0744, ŋp2 = 0.02. Power at HBS, time: p = 0.0006, ŋp2 = 0.12; group: p = 0.16, ŋp2 = 0.06, time × group: p = 0.17, ŋp2 = 0.009. At the end of the study, it was found that, after the induction of acute intra-session fatigue, a low dose of Cr administered orally increases muscle power in young soccer players.

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.

Environmental pollution and health in Chilean older adults: Impact on quality of life and functional autonomy.

Background and Aims: Due to increased urbanization and industry, environmental pollution is a serious public health concern. Globally, the quality of life is particularly lowered by exposure to high amounts of particulate matter (PM). Chile has five industrial zones with high pollution levels, called "sacrifice zones." However, the effect of polluted air on the quality of life and functional autonomy (FA) of older people living in industrial zones with high pollution levels is unknown. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the quality of life and FA differences between Chilean older women (OW) living in areas with lower and higher PM levels. Materials and Methods: Seventy-two OW volunteered for this study. The sample was divided into Zone 1 (PM2.5 ≤ 15 µg/m3, n = 36) and Zone 2 (PM2.5 > 15 µg/m3, n = 36). The variables were quality of life-assessed through the SF-36v2.0 questionnaire, and FA-assessed through the GDLAM protocols. Differences between zones were tested by Student's t-test and Mann-Whitney test, both for independent samples (p < 0.05). Results: All eight dimensions of quality of life were lower in Zone 2, of which the role emotional (RE) showed significant differences between zones (p < 0.05). Performance on the GDLAM protocols and the FA index were lower in Zone 2 (p ˃ 0.05). Conclusion: OW in Zone 2 showed lower quality of life and FA. PM could affect the older population's physical and mental health and, therefore, the quality of life.

Next steps to advance general physical activity recommendations towards physical exercise prescription: a narrative review.

Physical inactivity is a major health concern, associated with the development of several non-communicable diseases and with an increased mortality rate. Therefore, promoting active lifestyles has become a crucial public health necessity for enhancing overall health and quality of life. The WHO guidelines for physical activity (PA) present valuable contributions in this respect; however, we believe that greater specificity should be added or complemented towards physical exercise (PE) testing, prescription and programming in future recommendations. In this review article, we suggest simple and practical tools accessible to the entire population to improve the specificity of this approach, highlighting aspects of PE programming used by trained subjects. By adopting these suggestions, exercise professionals, clinicians and physical trainers can optimise the current general PA recommendations towards PE prescription to improve fitness status and encourage PE adherence in the general population.

Multicomponent Training in Progressive Phases Improves Functional Capacity, Physical Capacity, Quality of Life, and Exercise Motivation in Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of a multicomponent progressive training program (MPTP) on functionality, quality of life (QoL) and motivation to exercise (EM) in a group of older adults (OA) of a community. METHODS: A total of 55 participants of 69.42 ± 6.01 years of age were randomized into two groups; experimental (EG:35) and control (CG:20), and subjected to 27 weeks of MPTP. Functionality (pre/post-intervention) was assessed using the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), Time Up and Go (TUG), Walking While Talking Test (WWT), Manual Dynamometry (MD), Forced Expiratory Volume in the first second (FEV1), Sit and Reach (SR), Back Scratch (BS), and walk for 2 min (2 mST). QoL was assessed using the SF-36 questionnaire and EM using the BREQ-3. The Kolmogorov-Smirnov and Levene tests were applied. A two-way repeated measures ANOVA was applied. A significance level of p < 0.05 was accepted for all comparisons. RESULTS: The EG compared to the CG improved in SPPB (ΔEG/CG: 29.67%/p < 0.001), TUG (ΔEG/CG: 35.70%/p < 0.05), WWT (ΔEG/CG: 42.93%/p < 0.001), MD (ΔEG/CG: 20.40%/p < 0.05), FEV1 (ΔEG/CG: 21.37%/p < 0.05), BS (ΔEG/CG: 80.34%/p < 0.05), 2 mST (ΔEG/CG: 33.02%/p < 0.05), SF-36 (ΔEG/CG: 13.85%/p < 0.001), and Intrinsic Regulation (ΔEG/CG: 27.97%/p < 0.001); Identified by regulation (ΔEG/CG: 9.29%/p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: An MPTP improves functionality, QoL and EM, and is a safe and effective method for community OAs.

Community strategies for health promotion and prevention of chronic non-communicable diseases with a focus on physical activity and nutrition: the URO/FOCOS study protocol.

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) account for 71% of all annual deaths, totaling 41 million people worldwide. The development and progression of these diseases are highly related to the environment and lifestyle choices, among which physical inactivity and excess malnutrition stand out. Currently, in Chile, there is no evidence at the regional and local level on the impact of physical activity and healthy nutrition plans and interventions on health promotion, prevention, and timely treatment of NCDs. The following protocol delineates the URO/FOCOS (Universidad Regional de O'Higgins/FOrtaleciendo COmunidades Saludables- Regional University of O'Higgins/Strengthening Healthy Communities) study, which will assess pilot community intervention strategies using a participatory action research approach by identifying barriers and facilitators on the practice of physical activity and healthy eating habits. In this project, the community from the O'Higgins region will be involved throughout the entire research process to develop strategies that promote regular physical activity and healthy eating practices. We propose three interrelated strategies: (1) Participatory Action Research, (2) Community interventions for promoting physical activity and healthy nutrition practices, and (3) health education. The URO/FOCOS study offers a unique opportunity in the O'Higgins region to develop participatory strategies and interventions based on the community's needs and motivations with regard to physical activity and healthy eating habits. We believe these strategies will help to improve the community's overall health through effective changes in their decision and preferences toward a more active lifestyle and healthier nutrition practices.

Relationship between Asymmetries and Functional Autonomy in Older Chilean Adults.

The objectives of this study were: (a) to determine asymmetries, both lower limb (LL) and upper limb (UL), in Chilean older adults, and (b) to relate asymmetries to FA in both LL and UL. Forty-one older adults voluntarily participated in this study (mean ± standard deviation [SD]: age 72.0 ± 8.0 years, LL asymmetries 13.78 ± 14.87%, UL asymmetries 10.70 ± 8.85%, FA 40.35 ± 16.26 points). The variables were: (1) asymmetries of LL and UL, assessed through a force platform and handgrip, respectively; (2) FA, assessed through the Latin American Group for Maturity (GDLAM) and the GDLAM index of autonomy (GI) protocol. The relationship between the variables was performed through Spearman's correlation. The analysis showed that 39% of the participants presented asymmetries above 15% in the LL. Likewise, this 39% of older adults presented a lower FA than their peers with asymmetries below 15% in the LL (≤15%: 35.64 ± 12.26 points vs. >15%: 47.69 ± 19.23 points, p = 0.003). The analysis showed a small correlation between LL and GI asymmetries (r = 0.27, p = 0.07) and a small but negative correlation between UL and GI (r = -0.21). The mean values of asymmetries of both LL and UL are within 'normal' parameters. However, several older adults were identified as being at risk. In parallel, older adults who presented a higher level of asymmetries in LL showed a lower level of FA.

Physical activity and daily steps cut offs points for overweight/obesity prevention among eight Latin American countries.

This study aims to establish cut-off points for the number of minutes of physical activity intensity and the number of daily steps that identify overweight/obesity in adolescents, adults, and older adults. This study examined data from 2737 participants. Physical activity intensity and the number of daily steps were assessed using GT3X+ ActiGraph model accelerometers. Body mass index, waist-to-height ratio, and waist-to-hip ratio were used as indicators of overweight/obesity. The cut-off points for moderate-to-vigorous physical activity for the prevention of overweight/obesity according to body mass index in women ranged from 15.1 to 30.2 min/day; in men, the values were from 15.4 to 33.8 min/day. The lowest cut-off point for daily steps was established in the adolescent group for women and men (7304 and 5162). The highest value in women was 11,412 (51-65 years) and 13,234 in men (18-30 years). Results from measurements different from BMI, show average cut-off points for moderate-to-vigorous physical activity and daily steps of 29.1/8348 and 43.5/10,456 according to waist-to-height ratio; and results of 29.3/11,900 and 44.3/11,056 according to the waist-to-hip ratio; in women and men respectively. A more specific recommendation of physical activity and daily steps adjusted by sex and age range is suggested to prevent overweight/obesity.

Warm-Up and Handgrip Strength in Physically Inactive Chilean Older Females According to Baseline Nutritional Status.

This study aims to analyze the effect of different types of warm-ups on handgrip strength (HGS) in physically inactive older females. Secondarily, it aims to compare HGS according to their baseline nutritional status. A randomized crossover trial study was conducted with 44 physically inactive older females distributed into normal weight (n = 12, BMI = 23.9 ± 3.2 kg/m2), overweight (n =16, BMI = 27 ± 4.7 kg/m2) and obese (n = 16, BMI = 31.6 ± 5.3 kg/m2), who participated in three warm-up conditions (static stretching condition, SSC; elastic band condition, EBC; and therapeutic compression ball condition, TCBC) and one control condition (CC, no warm-up). All participants performed the four randomized conditions with recovery within 72 h. A significant decrease (p < 0.05) in HGS for the dominant and non-dominant hands was observed when comparing SSC vs. CC. In contrast, comparing the warm-up conditions according to the baseline nutritional status, statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) were only reported in the obese group in the dominant and non-dominant hand in favor of CC concerning SSC. In conclusion, warm-up with static flexibility led to a decrease in HGS in physically inactive older females. Only the obese group exhibited this result when analyzed by nutritional status.

Anthropometric Indicators of the Cardiometabolic Risk, Muscle Strength, and Functional Capacity of Schoolchildren with Intellectual Disabilities during Lockdown in Chile.

Lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic has negatively impacted the social, psychological, and physical well-being of the world population. In the case of people with intellectual disabilities, the impact of lockdown on their physical condition and functionality is not completely clear. This study aimed to determine the effects of COVID-19 lockdown on the anthropometric indicators of cardiometabolic risk, muscle strength, and functionality on schoolchildren with intellectual disabilities. The sample was composed of 132 students of both sexes (n = 74 pre-lockdown; n = 58 lockdown) belonging to two special education centers from the Metropolitan Region of Santiago, Chile. Our results showed significant reductions (p ≤ 0.05) in absolute and relative handgrip strength, as well as in functionality, when comparing pre-lockdown and lockdown measurements, with a greater loss in girls than boys. The design and implementation of physical exercise programs centered on strength training are necessary for the physical and functional reconditioning of this population. These programs need to be implemented in special education centers considering the general well-being, quality of life and work needs of people with intellectual disabilities.

Methodological Proposal for Strength and Power Training in Older Athletes: A Narrative Review.

INTRODUCTION: Within the adult population, it is not uncommon to meet older athletes who challenge the negative stereotypes associated with aging. Although their physical performance is superior to their sedentary counterparts, they are not immune to impaired neuromuscular function, leading to a decreased physical capacity and an increased risk of injuries. Despite the abundant information about the benefits of strength/power training in advanced ages, there are no methodological proposals that guide physical activity professionals to program this type of training. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to review the factors related to the decrease in sports performance within older athletes and the benefits of a strength/power program in order to provide a methodological proposal to organize training in this population. METHODS: This is a review article. First, databases from PubMed, Science Direct, and SPORTSDiscus and search engines, namely Google Scholar and Scielo, were reviewed, using standard keywords such as strength and power training, evaluation of physical performance, neuromuscular function, and risk of injury in the elderly athlete. All related articles published during the period 1963 to 2020 were considered. A total of 1837 documents were found. By removing 1715 unrelated documents, 122 articles were included in the study after revision control. RESULTS: Strength/power training is key to alleviating the loss of performance in older athletes and the benefits in neuromuscular function, which helps reduce the rate of serious injuries, maintaining sports practice for a longer period of time. In order to design an appropriate program, a prior evaluation of the individual's physical-technical level must be carried out, respecting the biologicalpedagogical principles and safety regulations. CONCLUSION: The methodological proposal delivered in this review can serve as a technical guide for physical activity professionals, which will be able to structure the strength/power training and thus preserve the sports practice in older athletes for a longer time.

Effects of multicomponent exercise program with progressive phases on functional capacity, fitness, quality of life, dual-task and physiological variables in older adults: Randomized controlled trial protocol.

INTRODUCTION: The multicomponent exercise program must be carried out in phases, due to the low tolerance of the old adults to prolonged efforts, since their functional reserve is reduced. The aim of study is investigate the effects of Multicomponent on Progressive Phases Program on functional capacity, fitness, quality of life, dual-task and physiological variables in the elderly. METHODS: This is a randomized controlled trial protocol with blind examiners. The protocol was registered at clinictrials.gov (protocol number: NCT04118478). The experimental group will participate in a progressive multi-component program of 27 weeks divided into 3 phases of 9 weeks each of them. Primary outcomes will be determined by evaluating functional capacity using the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), gait speed, and Time up and Go test. Fitness will be determined by the handgrip, 2-min step test, chair sit and reach test, and back scratch test. Quality of life will appear with the SF-36 questionnaire and dual-task with the walking-while-talking test. The physiological variables evaluated will be heart rate and blood pressure at rest, autonomic balance and forced spirometry. Secondary outcomes are determined by measuring the level of physical activity, motivation for exercise, and anthropometric variables. DISCUSSION: The results derived from this research will increase the knowledge about the effects of a program of this type. The possible discoveries could serve as a guide to encourage future researchers to develop similar protocols. The purpose of the program is to serve as a practical and viable tool for the benefit of older people. Clinical trial registry protocol: NCT04118478.