Motor learning and tDCS: A systematic review on the dependency of the stimulation effect on motor task characteristics or tDCS assembly specifications.

TDCS is one of the most commonly used methods among studies with transcranial electrical stimulation and motor skills learning. Differences between study results suggest that the effect of tDCS on motor learning is dependent on the motor task performed or on the tDCS assembly specification used in the learning process. This systematic review aimed to analyze the tDCS effect on motor learning and verify whether this effect is dependent on the task or tDCS assembly specifications. Searches were performed in PubMed, SciELO, LILACS, Web of Science, CINAHL, Scopus, SPORTDiscus, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), Embase, and PsycINFO. Articles were included that analyzed the effect of tDCS on motor learning through pre-practice, post-practice, retention, and/or transfer tests (period ≥24 h). The tDCS was most frequently applied to the primary motor cortex (M1) or the cerebellar cortex (CC) and the majority of studies found significant stimulation effects. Studies that analyzed identical or similar motor tasks show divergent results for the tDCS effect, even when the assembly specifications are the same. The tDCS effect is not dependent on motor task characteristics or tDCS assembly specifications alone but is dependent on the interaction between these factors. This interaction occurs between uni and bimanual tasks with anodal uni and bihemispheric (bilateral) stimulations at M1 or with anodal unihemispheric stimulations (unilateral and centrally) at CC, and between tasks of greater or lesser difficulty with single or multiple tDCS sessions. Movement time seems to be more sensitive than errors to indicate the effects of tDCS on motor learning, and a sufficient amount of motor practice to reach the "learning plateau" also seems to determine the effect of tDCS on motor learning.

The Relative Age Effect on Anthropometry, Body Composition, Biological Maturation and Motor Performance in Young Brazilian Soccer Players.

The present study aimed to investigate the influence of months of birth on anthropometry, body composition, biological maturation, and motor performance in young Brazilian soccer players. Young Brazilian soccer players from the Under-13 (n = 50; 13.6 ± 0.3 years), Under-15 (n = 50; 15.5 ± 0.4 years), and Under-17 categories (n = 46; 17.7 ± 0.3 years) took part in this study. Athletes were divided according to chronological age, 1st tertile (January to April); 2nd tertile (May to August); and 3rd tertile (September to December). Anthropometry, body composition, biological maturation, and motor performance variables were evaluated for all participants. There were no differences between the U-13, U-15, and U-17 categories regarding birth tertiles (p > 0.05). Differences between the ages and birth tertiles were observed for the stature, body mass, and lean body mass (p < 0.05). Moreover, differences were found in maturational status between the ages and birth tertiles (p < 0.05). In general, U-13 players showed lower values compared to U-15 and U-17 players in tests of motor performance. In addition, there was a difference in motor performance between the birth tertiles only for RSA variables. The months of birth influenced the stature, body mass, lean body mass, and repeated sprint ability in the U-13 and U-15 categories. Thus, care should be taken during the process of talent selection, as many young players could be underestimated due to their date of birth.

Recursos relacionados ao bem-estar na aposentadoria de trabalhadores de instituição pública / Resources related to welfare in retirement of employees of a public university institution

Aim:Analyze the resources related to welfare in retirement of employees of a public university institution. Methods:This was a cross-sectional, analytical-descriptive study conducted at a public university institution in the South ofBrazil, with 295 employees. Data was collected in the months between August and October 2017. The mean values of responses of each domain of the Inventory of Resources for Retirement were calculated. Bivariate analysis was performed to identify the correlations between the domains of the instrument by means of the Spearman correlation coefficient. Results: The majority of the participants belonged to the technical-administrative or operational category (56.9%), professors (43.1%), and post-graduate students (67.2%). The employees presented the highest deficits related to financial resources. Analysis among the constructs of the instrument demonstrated weak to moderate correlations among all the domains (R2 ranged from 0.175 ­0.566 / p-value=0.000). Conclusion: The resources related to welfare in retirement, which were approached in this study, showed correlation among them, indicating the need to implement interdisciplinary strategies with regard to preparation for retirement, with the purpose of promoting a successful post-career for employees.

Objetivo: Analisar a correlação dos recursos relacionados ao bem-estar na aposentadoria de trabalhadores de instituição universitária pública. Métodos: Estudo transversal, analítico-descritivo, desenvolvido em uma instituição universitária pública do sul do Brasil, com 295 trabalhadores. A coleta de dados ocorreu entre os meses de agosto a outubro de 2017. Foram calculadas as médias das respostas de cada domínio do Inventário de Recursos para a Aposentadoria. Realizou-se a análise bivariada para identificar as correlações entre os domínios do instrumento por meio do coeficiente de correlação de Spearman. Resultados: A maioria dos participantes pertencia à categoria técnico-administrativa ou operacional (56,9%) e docentes (43,1%), pós-graduados (67,2%). Os trabalhadores apresentaram maiores déficits relacionados ao recurso financeiro. A análise entre os constructos do instrumento demonstrou correlações de fraca à moderada entre todos os domínios (R2 variou de 0,175 ­ 0,566 / p-valor=0,000). Conclusão: Os recursos relacionados ao bem-estar na aposentadoria, abordados neste estudo, possuem correlação entre si, indicando a necessidade de implementar estratégias interdisciplinares de preparação para a aposentadoria, a fim de promover ao trabalhador uma pós-carreira bem-sucedida.

Effect of walk training combined with blood flow restriction on resting heart rate variability and resting blood pressure in middle-aged men

Aim: To investigate the effects of low-intensity walk training with and without blood flow restriction (BRF) on resting heart rate variability (HRV) and blood pressure (BP) in middle-aged men. Methods: Twenty-one men were randomly assigned into the walk training group with (BRF-W; n = 11) and without (NOR-W; n = 10) BFR. The resting HRV and blood pressure were assessed pre- and post-6 weeks of the intervention [3 times/week, 5 sets of 3-min walking (6 km.h-1) with 1-min of rest, totalizing 18 sessions of training]. The BFR-W group received the occlusive stimulus before of training sessions though of a standard sphygmomanometer and performed the training sessions with the vascular occlusion (80-100 mmHg) in both the legs. Results: Only BRF-W group improved HRV on time domain indices (SDNN and RMSSD; p < 0.05) after training but it was not found differences on frequency domain indices. In addition, systolic blood pressure (SBP) improved after training (PRE: 128.5 ± 5.9 vs POST: 119.1 ± 8.6 mmHg; Cohen's d = -1.30; p < 0.01) only in BFR-W group. There was not a significant difference on diastolic blood pressure (DBP) after training, however, effect size was moderate for BFR-W (Cohen's d = -0.56; p > 0.05). Conclusion: Our results showed that walking training with blood flow restriction can improve health cardiovascular parameters in middle-aged men.(AU)

Birth month distribution and anthropometric measures of U-15 national elite soccer players / Distribuição do mês de nascimento e medidas antropométricas de jogadores de futebol de elite nacional sub-15

Abstract The aim of this study was to analyze the birth month distribution and anthropometric measurements of U-15 elite soccer players. The sample consisted of 400 athletes (15.4 ± 0.4 years, 171.0 ± 10.6 cm and 63.0 ± 8.8 kg) participants of the 11th edition of the Brazil U-15 Soccer Cup, who had their birth month information and height and body mass measures obtained from data available on the organization's website. Athletes were separated according to the categorization of chronological age into four-month periods: 1st quarter (1st QDT), athletes born between January and April; 2nd quarter (2nd QDT), those born between May and August, and 3rd quarter (3rd QDT), those born between September and December. The non-parametric chi-square test (X2) was used to analyze the possible differences between observed and expected birth date distributions in the four-month periods. The significance level was P<0.05. The results show that the number of players born in 1st QDT was higher when compared to 2nd QDT and 3rd QDT (P<0.05), and higher when compared to 2nd QDT with 3rd QDT (P<0.05). For variables height and body mass, it was observed that players born in 1st QDT presented values significantly higher than those born in 2nd QDT and 3rd QDT (P<0.05). In the same way, players born in 2nd QDT presented higher values than those born in 3rd QDT (P<0.05). It could be concluded that the relative age effect exerts an influence on the selection of Brazilian U-15 soccer players because it is associated with differences in the anthropometric characteristics of these young players.

Resumo O propósito deste estudo foi analisar a distribuição do mês de nascimento e a influência do efeito relativo da idade (ERI) sobre as medidas antropométricas de jogadores de futebol de elite nacional sub-15. Para tanto, a amostra foi composta por 400 atletas (15,4 ± 0,4 anos; 171.0 ± 10,6 cm e 63,0 ± 8,8 kg) participantes da 11ª edição da Copa Brasil de Futebol Sub-15, e que tiveram suas informações de datas de nascimento e medidas de estatura e massa corporal, obtidas a partir de dados disponíveis no site da organização do evento. Os atletas foram separados de acordo com a categorização de idade cronológica em quadrimestres: 1˚ quadrimestre (1˚ QDT) jovens nascidos entre janeiro e abril; 2˚ quadrimestre (2˚ QDT) os nascidos entre maio e agosto, e o terceiro quadrimestre (3˚ QDT) os nascidos entre setembro e dezembro. Os resultados demonstraram diferença estatisticamente significativas entre as frequências de datas de nascimento dos jogadores nos quadrimestres. Da mesma forma, as variáveis antropométricas estatura e massa corporal, apresentaram diferenças significativas entre os quadrimestres. Pode-se concluir que o ERI exerce influência na seleção de jovens jogadores brasileiros de elite por estar associado à diferenças nas características antropométricas.

Self-perceived health among workers at a University Hospital and associations with indicators of adiposity, arterial blood pressure and physical activity habits.

It has been shown that self-perceived health has a close relationship with indicators of morbidity and mortality. Since there is a lack of information on the self-perceived health status of hospital workers, the objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of satisfaction with health among people working at a University Hospital (UH) and its associations with indicators of adiposity, arterial blood pressure (BP) and physical activity (PA). A total of 380 adults took part in the study, with ages ranging from 20 to 59 and a mean age of 43.92 (SD = 8.46) years. Self-perceived health was assessed using a question from the "WHOQOL-bref" questionnaire. Overall satisfaction with health was 60.8%, and women reported lower satisfaction than men. An analysis adjusted for sex showed that having a healthy BMI was associated with the highest rate of satisfaction with health (PR = 1.478 [95%CI: 1.272 - 1.717]), followed by WC (PR = 1.323 [95%CI: 1.135 - 1.541]). Neither BP nor PA were associated with self-perceived health. It was concluded that the UH workers are aware of risks to their health, but that they do not recognize the importance of maintaining healthy blood pressure or of engaging in regular PA in order to delay onset of chronic conditions that could be harmful to them.

Autopercepção de saúde em trabalhadores de um Hospital Universitário e sua associação com indicadores de adiposidade, pressão arterial e prática de atividade física / Self-perceived health among workers at a University Hospital and associations with indicators of adiposity, arterial blood pressure and physical activity habits

Resumo A autopercepção de saúde tem demonstrado estreita relação com indicadores de morbidade e mortalidade. Em funcionários de hospitais existe uma escassez acerca destas informações, por isso o objetivo deste estudo foi verificar a prevalência de satisfação com a saúde em trabalhadores de um Hospital Universitário (HU) e sua associação com indicadores de adiposidade, pressão arterial (PA) e de atividade física (AF). Participaram do estudo 380 adultos entre 20 e 59 anos com idade média de 43,92 (DP = 8,46) anos. A autopercepção de saúde foi avaliada mediante uma questão extraída do questionário “WHOQOL-bref”. A satisfação com a saúde foi de 60,8%, e as mulheres declararam estar menos satisfeitas. A análise ajustada pelo sexo indicou que apresentar IMC eutrófico se associou com a maior ocorrência de satisfação com a saúde (RP = 1,478 [IC 95%: 1,272 – 1,717]) seguido pela CC (RP = 1,323 [IC 95%: 1,135 – 1,541]). A PA e a AF não se associaram à autopercepção de saúde. Conclui-se que os trabalhadores do HU reconhecem os riscos à sua saúde, todavia negligenciam a importância de manter valores pressóricos adequados e ter uma prática regular de AF com o intuito de postergar o surgimento de alguma condição crônica que seja maléfica ao organismo.

Abstract It has been shown that self-perceived health has a close relationship with indicators of morbidity and mortality. Since there is a lack of information on the self-perceived health status of hospital workers, the objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of satisfaction with health among people working at a University Hospital (UH) and its associations with indicators of adiposity, arterial blood pressure (BP) and physical activity (PA). A total of 380 adults took part in the study, with ages ranging from 20 to 59 and a mean age of 43.92 (SD = 8.46) years. Self-perceived health was assessed using a question from the “WHOQOL-bref” questionnaire. Overall satisfaction with health was 60.8%, and women reported lower satisfaction than men. An analysis adjusted for sex showed that having a healthy BMI was associated with the highest rate of satisfaction with health (PR = 1.478 [95%CI: 1.272 – 1.717]), followed by WC (PR = 1.323 [95%CI: 1.135 – 1.541]). Neither BP nor PA were associated with self-perceived health. It was concluded that the UH workers are aware of risks to their health, but that they do not recognize the importance of maintaining healthy blood pressure or of engaging in regular PA in order to delay onset of chronic conditions that could be harmful to them.

Selective Efficacy of Static and Dynamic Imagery in Different States of Physical Fatigue.

There is compelling evidence that motor imagery contributes to improved motor performance, and recent work showed that dynamic motor imagery (dMI) might provide additional benefits by comparison with traditional MI practice. However, the efficacy of motor imagery in different states of physical fatigue remains largely unknown, especially as imagery accuracy may be hampered by the physical fatigue states elicited by training. We investigated the effect of static motor imagery (sMI) and dMI on free-throw accuracy in 10 high-level basketball athletes, both in a non-fatigued state (Experiment 1) and immediately after an incremental running test completed until exhaustion (20 m shuttle run-test-Experiment 2). We collected perceived exhaustion and heart rate to quantify the subjective experience of fatigue and energy expenditure. We found that dMI brought better shooting performance than sMI, except when athletes were physically exhausted. These findings shed light on the conditions eliciting optimal use of sMI and dMI. In particular, considering that the current physical state affects body representation, performing dMI under fatigue may result in mismatches between actual and predicted body states.

L-Arginine supplementation does not enhance blood flow and muscle performance in healthy and physically active older women.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of acute L-arginine (L-arg) supplementation on peripheral vasodilatation and muscle performance in older women. METHODS: In a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study, 20 elderly women were randomly assigned in a double-blind fashion to either an L-arg (ARG, N = 10) or placebo (PLA, N = 10) group. During the first visit, both groups underwent a Doppler ultrasound exam (to assess the femoral artery vasodilatation) at rest (baseline), and immediately before and after the isokinetic strength test (performed at 80 min after supplementation). On the second and third visits, the groups completed a battery of muscle performance tests (to assess the isometric and functional strength), initiated at the same time point (80 min after supplementation). RESULTS: The femoral artery blood flow (ARG: 443.9 ± 42.8 vs. PLA: 373.1 ± 40.8 ml/min; P > 0.05) and area (ARG: 0.45 ± 0.03 vs. PLA: 0.41 ± 0.02 cm(2); P > 0.05) were similar between the groups at basal conditions, and they remained unchanged after supplementation. Following exercise, blood flow increased ~160 % above the basal level, and there was no significant (P > 0.05) difference between the ARG and PLA groups. Additionally, there were no significant (P > 0.05) differences between the ARG and PLA groups for any strength variable (isokinetic, isometric, and functional). CONCLUSION: These results show that acute L-arg supplementation provides no ergogenic effect on blood flow and muscle performance in older women.

Improving Cycling Performance: Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation Increases Time to Exhaustion in Cycling.

The central nervous system seems to have an important role in fatigue and exercise tolerance. Novel noninvasive techniques of neuromodulation can provide insights on the relationship between brain function and exercise performance. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on physical performance and physiological and perceptual variables with regard to fatigue and exercise tolerance. Eleven physically active subjects participated in an incremental test on a cycle simulator to define peak power output. During 3 visits, the subjects experienced 3 stimulation conditions (anodal, cathodal, or sham tDCS-with an interval of at least 48 h between conditions) in a randomized, counterbalanced order to measure the effects of tDCS on time to exhaustion at 80% of peak power. Stimulation was administered before each test over 13 min at a current intensity of 2.0 mA. In each session, the Brunel Mood State questionnaire was given twice: after stimulation and after the time-to-exhaustion test. Further, during the tests, the electromyographic activity of the vastus lateralis and rectus femoris muscles, perceived exertion, and heart rate were recorded. RM-ANOVA showed that the subjects performed better during anodal primary motor cortex stimulation (491 ± 100 s) compared with cathodal stimulation (443 ± 11 s) and sham (407 ± 69 s). No significant difference was observed between the cathodal and sham conditions. The effect sizes confirmed the greater effect of anodal M1 tDCS (anodal x cathodal = 0.47; anodal x sham = 0.77; and cathodal x sham = 0.29). Magnitude-based inference suggested the anodal condition to be positive versus the cathodal and sham conditions. There were no differences among the three stimulation conditions in RPE (p = 0.07) or heart rate (p = 0.73). However, as hypothesized, RM- ANOVA revealed a main effect of time for the two variables (RPE and HR: p < 0.001). EMG activity also did not differ during the test accross the different conditions. We conclude that anodal tDCS increases exercise tolerance in a cycling-based, constant-load exercise test, performed at 80% of peak power. Performance was enhanced in the absence of changes in physiological and perceptual variables.

Performance during a 20-km cycling time-trial after caffeine ingestion.

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to analyze the effect of caffeine ingestion on the performance and physiological variables associated with fatigue in 20-km cycling time trials. METHODS: In a double-blind placebo-controlled crossover study, 13 male cyclists (26 ± 10 y, 71 ± 9 kg, 176 ± 6 cm) were randomized into 2 groups and received caffeine (CAF) capsules (6 mg.kg(-1)) or placebo (PLA) 60 min before performing 20-km time trials. Distance, speed, power, rpm, rating of perceived exertion (RPE), electromyography (EMG) of the quadriceps muscles and heart rate (HR) were continuously measured during the tests. In addition, BRUMS questionnaire was applied before and after the tests. RESULTS: Significant interactions were found in power and speed (P = 0.001), which were significantly higher at the end of the test (final 2 km) after CAF condition. A main effect of time (P = 0.001) was observed for RPE and HR, which increased linearly until the end of exercise in both conditions. The time taken to complete the test was similar in both conditions (PLA = 2191 ± 158 s vs. CAF = 2181 ± 194 s, P = 0.61). No significant differences between CAF and PLA conditions were identified for speed, power, rpm, RPE, EMG, HR, and BRUMS (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The results suggest that caffeine intake 60 min before 20-km time trials has no effect on the performance or physiological responses of cyclists.

Ingestão aguda de cafeína reduz a glicemia sanguínea antes e após o exercício físico agudo em ratos diabéticos / Acute caffeine intake lowers glycemia before and after acute physical exercise in diabetic rats

OBJETIVO: O presente estudo verificou os efeitos da suplementação com cafeína associada ao exercício físico agudo sobre a resposta glicêmica em ratos diabéticos. MÉTODOS: Foram utilizados 32 animais, com 60 dias de idade, e 238±3 g de peso, divididos em quatro grupos: controle, controle cafeína, diabetes e diabetes/cafeína. O modelo de diabetes foi induzido pela administração intraperitoneal de 60 mg/kg de estreptozotocina. De forma aguda, os animais receberam 6 mg de cafeína ou salina para os grupos-controles 60 minutos antes do exercício físico. Os animais realizaram um protocolo de natação de 60 minutos de exercício físico, com sobrecarga de 6% do peso corporal com lactacidemia compatível com a máxima produção de lactato em estado estável (5,5 mmol/L). Após o exercício físico agudo, foi realizada a eutanásia dos animais para coleta de sangue e análises glicêmicas. Antes e após a prescrição das suplementações, ocorreu a aferição das respostas cardiovasculares por meio de um pletismógrafo de cauda. Foi realizado o teste estatístico Analise de Variância one way com post hoc de Student-Newman-Keuls para analisar as diferenças estatísticas entre as suplementações, sendo considerado p<0,05. RESULTADOS: A prescrição de cafeína na dose de 6 mg/kg não alterou respostas cardiovasculares. No entanto, a cafeína promoveu uma significante redução na glicemia sanguínea (42%; p<0,05) após 60 minutos do protocolo de exercício nos ratos diabéticos em relação aos grupos-controles. CONCLUSÃO: A ingestão aguda de cafeína associada ao exercício físico agudo pode aumentar a captação de glicose sem alterar as respostas ...

OBJECTIVE: The present study investigated the effects of caffeine supplementation combined with acute physical exercise on the glycemic response of diabetic rats. METHODS: Thirty-two 60-day-old rats with a mean weight of 238±3 g were divided into four groups: control, control caffeine, diabetes, and diabetes/caffeine. Diabetes was induced by 60 mg/kg of streptozotocin intraperitoneally. The control groups received an acute dose of caffeine (6 mg) or saline 60 minutes before exercise. The animals were then forced to swim for 60 minutes carrying a ballast weighing 6% of their body weight, producing lactacidemia compatible with the maximum lactate production during the steady state (5.5 mmol/L). After the acute exercise session, the animals were sacrificed and their blood collected for glucose analysis. The cardiovascular responses were measured before and after supplementation by tail cuff plethysmography. The one-way Analysis of Variance (Anova) was realized with post hoc of Student-Newman-Keuls to analyse the statistical differences between the supplementations, considering p<0.05. RESULTS: Caffeine at a dose of 6 mg/kg did not change the cardiovascular responses. However, compared with the control groups, caffeine reduced the blood glucose (42%, p<0.05) of diabetic rats after 60 minutes of exercise. CONCLUSION: Acute caffeine ingestion together with exercise can increase glucose uptake without changing cardiovascular responses in animal models. .

Sulfonylurea induction of caffeine-enhanced insulin secretion and reduction of glycemic levels in diabetic rats.

CONTEXT: Caffeine can stimulate insulin secretion by attenuating hyperglycemia in diabetes models with significant reduction of pancreatic functional ß cells. Knowledge of these mechanisms could contribute to new strategies for treating diabetes. OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the effects of caffeine and physical exercise on glycemic and insulin responses in diabetic rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The diabetes model was induced by intraperitoneal administration of 60 mg/kg of streptozotocin (STZ). Animals were divided into six groups: control, caffeine, STZ control, STZ caffeine, STZ sulfonylurea, and STZ caffeine + sulfonylurea. Acutely, control animals received 6 mg of caffeine and 10 mg/kg sulfonylurea or 10 mg/kg saline. Animals were sacrificed after physical exercise; blood samples were collected for glucose, glycerol, lactate, and insulin analyses. Cardiovascular responses were recorded before and after treatments. A one-way ANOVA and the post hoc Student-Newman-Keuls test were used to analyze statistical differences between treatments (p < 0.05). RESULTS: About 6 mg/kg of caffeine did not alter cardiovascular responses, but promoted blood glucose reduction after 60 min of exercise when compared to animals in the control groups (387-187 mg/dL; p < 0.05). Insulin levels increased significantly (0.6-10 µU/mL; p < 0.05) in rats that received acute caffeine treatment associated with sulfonylurea compared to rats in the other groups. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Acute caffeine intake with exercise can increase glucose uptake enhancing insulin secretion stimulated by sulfonylurea in ß cells-deficient pancreas. The results indicate the potential use of caffeine as a strategy for glycemic and insulin control in diabetes.

Acute effect of motor imagery on basketball players' free throw performance and self-efficacy / Efeito agudo da imagetica no desempenho de lances livres e percepcao de autoeficacia em atletas

It is becoming ever more common for the difference between winning and losing in sport to be decided by the smallest details. In basketball, free throws can be a differentiating factor between teams and motor imagery (IMA) has been studied as a potential ergogenic agent to improve free throw performance, but little attention as been given to its acute effects, particularly among athletes. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of a single mental training session on the free throw performance and self-efficacy of young athletes. Eleven young basketball players from the Federação Paulista de Basquete junior league were enrolled on the study. Players were either allocated to an IMA group and watched a 1 minute video before a 3-minute motor imagery session, or to a control group and were rested for 4 minutes, before taking 10 free throw shots in both cases. All participants completed a self-efficacy questionnaire before and after the intervention. Statistical analysis was conducted using the Mann-Whitney U test and the Wilcoxon test, plus measures of Smallest Worthwhile Change (SWC). There were no significant difference between median results for the two groups, but the SWC statistic indicated an 84% likelihood that mental training had a beneficial effect on performance in the first two free throws. It is concluded that motor imagery used in advance has an 84% chance of having a beneficial effect on performance in up to two free throws.

O esporte cada vez mais diferencia vencedores e perdedores por mínimos detalhes. No basquetebol um fator diferenciador é o lance livre. Sessões de imagética motora (IMA) vêm sendo estudada como um ergogênico sobre o desempenho de lance livre, porém, pouco se estuda o seu efeito agudo, principalmente, em atletas. O objetivo desse estudo foi verificar o efeito de uma sessão prévia de treinamento mental sobre o desempenho no lance livre e na percepção de autoeficácia de jovens atletas. Participaram do estudo 11 atletas juvenis da Federação Paulista de Basquete. Na condição IMA, foram submetidos a 1 minuto de vídeo + 3 minutos de imagética, seguidos de 10 lances livres, e no controle, 4 minutos de repouso seguidos de 10 lances livres. O questionário de autoeficácia foi preenchido antes e após a intervenção. Para análise estatística, foram utilizados os testes U de Mann-Withney, Wilcoxon e o Smallest Wothwhille Change (SWC). Não foi encontrada diferença entre a mediana dos grupos, porém, o SWC apontou uma possibilidade de 84% de efeito benéfico do treinamento mental sobre o desempenho para até 2 lances livres. Concluiu-se que a imagética motora prévia tem 84% de chance de causar um efeito benéfico sobre o desempenho de lance livre em até 2 arremessos.

Carbohydrate mouth rinse does not improve repeated sprint performance / Enxágue bucal com carboidrato não melhora o desempenho em sprints repetidos

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of a carbohydrate mouth rinse on the repeated sprint ability (RSA) of young soccer players. Nine youth soccer players (15.0 ± 1.5 years; 60.7 ± 4.84 kg; 1.72 ± 0.05 m; 20.5 ± 1.25 kg/m²) were selected. The athletes were submitted to an RSA test consisting of six sprints of 40 m (going/ return = 20 m + 20 m), separated by 20 s of passive recovery, under three experimental conditions: carbohydrate mouth rinse (CHO) or placebo (PLA) and control (CON). The mouth rinses containing CHO or PLA were administered 5 min and immediately before the beginning of the test in doses of 100 mL. The best sprint time (RSAbest), mean sprint time (RSAmean), and drop-off in sprint performance (fatigue index) were determined for the different treatments. One-way ANOVA for repeated measures did not identify significant differences (P > 0.05) in RSAbest (CHO = 7.30 ± 0.31 s; PLA = 7.30 ± 0.30 s; CON = 7.26 ± 0.16 s), RSAmean (CHO = 7.71 ± 0.30 s; PLA = 7.71 ± 0.25 s; CON = 7.66 ± 0.24 s), or fatigue index (CHO = 5.58 ± 2.16%; PLA = 5.77 ± 3.04%; CON = 5.55 ± 3.72%). The results suggest that a carbohydrate mouth rinse does not improve the repeated sprint performance of young soccer players.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi analisar os efeitos do enxágue bucal com carboidrato sobre o desempenho, durante sprints repetidos (RSA), de jovens jogadores de futebol. Nove atletas de futebol da categoria infantil (15,0 ± 1,5 anos; 60,7 ± 4,84 kg; 1,72 ± 0,05 m; 20,5 ± 1,25 kg/m²) foram submetidos ao teste de RSA. O teste foi composto por seis sprints de 40 m (ida/volta = 20 m + 20 m), separados por 20 s de recuperação passiva com três condições experimentais: enxágue bucal com carboidrato (CHO) ou placebo (PLA) e controle (CON). O enxágue bucal com CHO ou PLA foi conduzido 5 min antes e imediatamente antes do início dos testes em doses de 100 mL. O tempo do melhor sprint (RSAbest), a média de tempo dos sprints (RSAmean) e o índice de fadiga (IF) foram determinados nas diferentes condições experimentais. ANOVA one-way para medidas repetidas não identificou diferenças significantes (P > 0,05) para RSAbest (CHO = 7,30 ± 0,31 s; PLA = 7,30 ± 0,30 s; CON = 7,26 ± 0,16 s), RSAmean (CHO = 7,71 ± 0,30 s; PLA = 7,71 ± 0,25 s; CON = 7,66 ± 0,24 s) e IF (CHO = 5,58 ± 2,16%; PLA = 5,77 ± 3,04%; CON = 5,55 ± 3,72%). Os resultados sugerem que o enxágue bucal com CHO não parece capaz de melhorar o desempenho, sobre sprints repetidos, de jovens jogadores de futebol.

Música: un recurso psicofisiológico para el ejercicio físico y deporte / Music: a psychophysiological aid to physical exercise and sport

El uso de la música se ha identificado como un auxiliar ergogénico potencial que ayuda a mejorar el rendimiento en el ejercicio. La música ha sido clasificada como una ayuda ergogénica psicológica y ha despertado el interés principalmente por sus efectos encontrados en estudios con un enfoque en el rendimiento durante, antes y después del ejercicio, En este contexto, el objetivo de este estudio fue revisar la literatura sobre los principales efectos de la música sobre el rendimiento y sus posibles mecanismos, cubriendo nuevas perspectivas sobre el tema. El método consistió en la búsqueda, selección y estratificación de los artículos originales de grandes bases de datos (Medline, Sport Discuss, Scopus, Web of Science and Scielo) que utilizan los descriptores: música, ejercicio, rendimiento y fatiga. Se consideraron todos los modelos y tipos de ejercicio y música. Estos artículos indican que el uso de la música como un auxiliar ergogénico podría ser eficaz para mejorar el rendimiento; disminuir la tasa de percepción de esfuerzo y es capaz de ofrecer mejores sensaciones con el ejercicio, de acuerdo con el tiempo de aplicación, la condición física de los sujetos, el tipo de ejercicio y componentes musicales, respetando algunas recomendaciones y orientaciones para la inserción. Los principales mecanismos de acción propuestos por los efectos ergogénicos de la música se basan en la hipótesis de comportamiento y se siguen discutiendo; tampoco hay evidencias suficientes para descartar cualquiera de ellos, lo que demuestra la necesidad de estudios futuros en un intento por aclarar tales efectos en el sistema nervioso central. Para resumir todo esto, proponemos algunas orientaciones de uso en el ejercicio submáximo y máximo, permitiendo que los entrenadores y atletas aplicar esta técnica en sus métodos de entrenamiento (AU)

The use of music has been identified as a potential ergogenic aid that helps to improve performance in exercise. Music has been classified as a psychological ergogenic aid and has attracted interest mainly for its effects found in studies with a focus on performance during exercise, pre-task and post-task. In this context, the objective of this study was to review the literature about the main effects of music on performance and their possible mechanisms, covering new perspectives about the theme. The method consisted of search, selection and stratification of the original articles of major databases (Medline, Sport Discuss, Scopus, Web of Science and Scielo) using the descriptors music, exercise, performance and fatigue. We considered all models and types of exercise and music. These articles suggest that the use of music as an ergogenic aid could be efficient to improve performance; decrease rate perceived of exertion and is capable to bring better feelings to exercise, according to time of application, physical fitness of subjects, type of exercise and musical components, respecting some recommendations and orientations to insertion. The main proposed mechanisms of action for the music ergogenic effects are based on behavioral hypothesis and are still being discussed; also there are not enough evidences to discard any of them, demonstrating the need for future studies in attempt to clarify such effects in central nervous system. To sum it all up, we propose some orientations of use in submaximal and maximal exercise, allowing coaches and athletes apply this technique in their methods of training (AU)

La activación de la corteza prefrontal durante las tareas motrices y perspectivas de diferentes imágenes visuales en los hombres y las mujeres: un estudio de la espectroscopia de reflectancia en el infrarrojo funcional (fNIRS) / Ativação do córtex pré-frontal durante tarefas motoras e perspectivas de diferentes imagens visuais em homens e mulheres: um estudo com espectroscopia por reflectância infravermelho funcional (fNIRS) / Equal prefrontal cortex activation between males and females in a motor tasks and different visual imagery perspectives: a functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) study

The purpose of this study was to compare the prefrontal cortex (PFC) blood flow variation and time on in males and females while performing a motor task and imagery perspectives. Eighteen right handed subjects (11 males and 7 females) were volunteers to this study. All subjects went through three randomly conditions, a motor task condition (MT) in which they had to do a simple finger tap. The other conditions included practicing imagery in first and third views. During all the conditions, the fNIRS device was attached to the subject forehead to obtain the blood flow; the total time in each task which was measured with a chronometer. No difference had been found in any condition for both sexes in the PFC and time, nor for all subjects integrated in the PFC. Therefore, we conclu-de that both imageries can be used to mentally train a motor task, and probably both sexes can be benefited.

O objetivo do estudo foi comparar a variação sanguínea do córtex prefrontal (CPF) e o tempo de realização, durante uma tarefa motora e diferentes perspectivas de imagética motora em homens e mulheres. Dezoito sujeitos destros (11 homens e 7 mulheres) foram voluntários. Todos os sujeitos passaram por 3 condições randomicamente, uma tarefa motora que consistia em uma simples batida de dedos. As outras condições fora a prática de imagética motora em primeira e terceira pessoa. Durante todas as condições, um aparelho fNIRS foi acoplado a testa para obtenção do fluxo sanguíneo; e o tempo total de cada tarefa foi obtido com um cronômetro. Nenhuma diferença foi encontrada em nenhuma condição para ambos os gêneros no CPF e no tempo, bem como quanto considerados todos os sujeitos. Concluímos que ambas imagéticas podem ser usadas para treinar mentalmente uma tarefa motora e que, provavelmente, ambos os gêneros podem se beneficiar da técnica.

El propósito de este estudio fue comparar la actividad de la corteza frontal (CF) y el tiempo del realización de una tarea motora en diferentes perspectivas del entrenamiento mental. Dieciocho participantes diestros (11 hombres y 7 mujeres) fueron voluntarios en este estudio. Todos los participantes realizaram tres condiciones aleatorias: tarea motora (TM), dónde hicieron golpes con los dedos en una secuencia determinada. Las otras condiciones estaban practicando el entrenamiento mental vistas en primera y tercera persona. Durante todas las condiciones, el dispositivo fNIRS estaba unido a la frente del sujeto para obtener el flujo de sangre; el tiempo total de cada tarea se midió con un cronómetro. Ninguna diferencia se había encontrado en ninguna condición para ambos sexos y el tiempo. Por lo tanto, llegamos a la conclusión de que ambas las formas de imaginación pueden utilizar para entrenar mentalmente una tarea motora, y probablemente ambos géneros pueden ser beneficiados.

Efeito da ingestão de cafeína sobre o desempenho físico e estado de humor de ciclistas / Effects of caffeine on performance and mood of cyclists

O objetivo do estudo foi analisar os efeitos da ingestão de cafeína sobre o desempenho físico e estado de humor de ciclistas em teste contrarrelógio de 1 km. Dez ciclistas do sexo masculino realizaram aleatoriamente um teste contrarrelógio de 1 km em duas condições experimentais: ingestão de cafeína (CAF - 6 mg.kg-1) e placebo (PL) 60 min antes do teste. Durante os testes foram obtidas as medidas de tempo total e estado de humor pelo questionário de Brunel (BRUMS). Para comparações dos parâmetros tempo total e estado de humor, foi utilizado o teste t de Student pareado e teste Wilcoxon, respectivamente. Nenhuma diferença estatisticamente significante foi encontrada no tempo total e no estado de humor nas condições CAF e PL (P>0,05). Os resultados sugerem que a cafeína não melhora o desempenho físico e nem altera o estado de humor dos atletas em um teste contrarrelógio de 1 km.

This study analyzed the effects of caffeine ingestion on physical performance and mood state of cyclists in a 1km time trial test. Ten male cyclists performed randomly a 1km time-trial test under two experimental conditions: Caffeine (CAF - 6 mg.kg-1) and placebo (PL) 60 min before the test. During the test were obtained the total time and the mood using the Brunel questionnaire (BRUMS). For comparisons of total time and mood states it was applied the paired Student's t-test and Wilcoxon test, respectively. No significant differences were found in the total time to complete tests and in the mood states between CAF and PL conditions (P>0.05). The results suggested that caffeine does not improve performance or change the mood of cyclists in a 1km time trial test.

EMG spectral analysis of incremental exercise in cyclists and non-cyclists using Fourier and Wavelet transforms / Análise espectral do sinal emg de exercício incremental em ciclistas e não ciclistas usando as transformadas de Fourier e Wavelet

The aim of this study was to compare the electromyographic indices of fatigue (slope of median frequency) calculated with the fast Fourier transform (FFT) and wavelet transform (WT) in trained and untrained individuals during cycle exercise. A second objective was to compare the variance of the spectral parameters (median frequency - MF) obtained by the FFT and WT during exercise. Twelve cyclists and non-cyclists performed a maximal incremental test to determine the peak power (Wp) and electromyographic activity of the vastus lateralis (VL), rectus femoris (RF), biceps femoris (BF), semitendinous (ST) and tibialis anterior (TA). Mean values of median frequency, determined by the FFT and WT, were used for the spectral analysis of the electromyographic signals of the studied muscles. The analyzed parameters were obtained for each time period corresponding to 0, 25, 50, 75, and 100% of total duration of the maximal incremental test. No statistically significant differences were found in the values of MF and electromyographic indices of fatigue between the two techniques (FT and WT) both in the cyclists and non-cyclists group (P>0.05). Regarding the MF variance, statistically significant differences were found in all analyzed muscles, as well as in different time periods, both in the cyclists and non-cyclists groups when comparing the FFT and WT techniques (P<0.05). The WT seems to be more adequate to dynamic tasks, since it does not require the signal to be quasi-stationary, unlike the limitation imposed upon the use of the FFT.

O objetivo deste estudo foi comparar índices de fadiga eletromiográfica (inclinação da frequência mediana), calculado com a transformada rápida de Fourier (FFT) e transformada de wavelet (WT) em indivíduos treinados e não treinados durante o exercício de ciclismo. Um segundo objetivo foi o de comparar a variância dos parâmetros espectrais (frequência mediana - MF), obtidos por FFT e WT durante o exercício. Doze ciclistas e doze não ciclistas realizaram um teste incremental máximo, para determinar a potência pico (Wp) e atividade eletromiográfica do vasto lateral (VL), reto femoral (RF), bíceps femoral (BF), semitendíneo (ST) e tibial anterior (TA). Os valores médios da frequência mediana determinados pelo FFT e WT, foram utilizados para a análise espectral dos sinais eletromiográficos dos músculos estudados. Os parâmetros avaliados foram obtidos para cada período de tempo correspondente a 0, 25, 50, 75 e 100% da duração total do teste incremental máximo. Nenhuma diferença estatisticamente significativa foi encontrada nos valores da MF e índices eletromiográficos de fadiga entre as duas técnicas utilizadas (FT e WT), em ambos os grupos, ciclistas e não ciclistas (P> 0,05). Quanto à variância da MF, as diferenças estatisticamente significativas foram encontradas em todos os músculos analisados, bem como em diferentes períodos de tempo, tanto nos ciclistas quanto nos não ciclistas, quando se compara as técnicas FFT e WT (P <0,05). A WT parece ser mais adequada para tarefas dinâmicas, uma vez que não requer que o sinal a ser quase estacionário, ao contrário da limitação imposta ao uso da FFT.

Influência da música em variáveis psicofisiológicas durante um exercício submáximo em ciclossimulador / Music influence on psychophysiological variables during submaximal exercise in cycle simulator

O Colégio Americano de Medicina do Esporte (CAME) propõe algumas recomendações para a prática de atividade física na tentativa de aprimorar a saúde ou prevenir problemas crônicos degenerativos ao ser humano, dessa forma algumas estratégias ergogênicas podem auxiliar essa prática, entre elas o uso da música, capaz de possibilitar um melhor desempenho e menor percepção de esforço. Sendo assim, o objetivo deste estudo foi investigar o efeito da música em variáveis psicofisiológicas de adultos durante a prática de atividade física prescrita segundo as recomendações do CAME/AAC, (2007). Participaram deste estudo 10 voluntários saudáveis do sexo masculino (22,3 ± 1,8 anos, 175,0 ± 5,5 cm e 74,8 ± 11,0 Kg) que realizaram duas sessões experimentais de 30 minutos em ciclossimulador com intensidade correspondente a 60% da frequência cardíaca de reserva (FC Limiar de Treino), sobre duas condições: Música (M) e Controle (C). Foram avaliadas as variáveis: potência média (WMED), variabilidade da frequência cardíaca (VFC), percepção subjetiva de esforço (PSE) e o estado de humor (EH) dos participantes. Para as variáveis: PSE, WMED, VFC foi usado o teste de análise de variância (ANOVA ? two-way) para medidas repetidas, seguido do post-hoc de Bonferroni e para a variável EH foi usado o teste de Wilcoxon. O nível de significância estatística adotada nas análises foi de 5%. Nenhuma diferença estatisticamente significante foi encontrada para as variáveis WMED, VFC, PSE e EH dos participantes entre as condições M e C (P > 0,05). Conclui-se que a música não foi capaz de influenciar as medidas psicofisiológicas em esforço submáximo.

The American College of Sports Medicine and the American Heart Association (ACSM and AHA) bring some recommendations for the practice of physical activity with the intention of health increase or prevent diseases like degenerative problems on human, in this way some ergogenics strategies can help this practice, between them, the use of music, capable to enable a better performance and lower the perception of effort (RPE). Thus, the objective of this study was to investigate the effect of music in psychophysiological variables in adults during practice of physical activity following the recommendations of ACSM/AHA. Participated of this study 10 healthy volunteers from masculine genre (22.3 ± 1.8 years, 175.0 ±5.5 cm and 74.8 ± 11.0 Kg) that did two experimental session with 30 minutes in a cyclesimulator with intensity corresponding to 60% of the heart reserve rate (HR training threshold), in two conditions: with music (M) and control (C). Was evaluated the variables: power output (WMED), heart rate variability (HRV), rate perception of effort (RPE) and mood status (MS) of volunteers. For the variables RPE, WMED, HRV was used the variance analyses test (ANOVA ? two way) for repeated measures followed by the post hoc of Bonforreoni and the Wilcoxon?s test was used to compare the ME. The level of statistical significance was 5%. No differences were found in any variables WMED, HRV, RPE e MS of participants between conditions M and C (P > 0.05). Concluded that music don?t was capable to change psychophysiological measures in submaximal effort.