Effects of active exergames on physical performance in older people: an overview of systematic reviews and meta-analysis.

This overview assessed the available body of published peer-reviewed systematic reviews and meta-analyses related to the effects of active exergames compared with active/passive control on physical performance outcomes in older people. The methodological quality and certainty of evidence were assessed using PRISMA, AMSTAR 2, and GRADE. The protocol was registered in PROSPERO (code: CRD42023391694). The main outcomes indicate that 4,477 records, five systematic reviews, and 10 meta-analyses were included. The AMSTAR-2 reported six meta-analyses with high methodological quality, four moderate quality, two systematic reviews with low quality, and three very-low quality. Meta-analysis was performed on balance using the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and Timed Up-and-Go (TUG) tests, on cardiorespiratory fitness using the 6-min walk test, and on upper and lower limbs muscle strength using the handgrip strength, knee extension, and 30-s chair stand tests. Significant differences in favor of the active exergames groups concerning active/passive groups were reported in BBS (SMD = 0.85; 95% CI = 0.12-1.58; I2 = 96%; p = 0.02), TUG (SMD = 1.44; 95% CI = 0.71-2.16; I2 = 97%; p < 0.0001), and 30-s chair stand test (SMD = 0.79; 95% CI = 0.33-1.25; I2 = 88%; p = 0.0008). However, no significant differences were reported in favor of the active exergames groups in 6-min walk (SMD = 0.93; 95% CI = -0.64 to 2.50; I2 = 95%; p = 0.24), handgrip strength (SMD = 0.67; 95% CI = -0.04 to 1.38; I2 = 84%; p = 0.06), and knee extension tests (SMD = 0.20; 95% CI = -0.05 to 0.44; I2 = 95%; p = 0.12) compared to active/passive control. However, it was impossible to perform a meta-analysis for the variables of walking speed as a fall risk due to the diversity of instruments and the small number of systematic reviews with meta-analysis. In conclusion, interventions utilizing active exergames have shown significant improvements in the static and dynamic balance and lower limb muscle strength of apparently healthy older people, compared to control groups of active/inactive participants, as measured by BBS, TUG, and 30-s chair stand tests. However, no significant differences were found in the 6-min walk, HGS, and knee extension tests. Systematic review registration: PROSPERO, CRD42023391694.

Relationship between appendicular muscular mass index and physical function in older people.

This study aimed to establish the relationship between the appendicular muscle mass index (AMMI), assessed from anthropometric variables, and the physical function of older people. Seventy-six older people participated in this study (72.03 ± 7.03 years). The participants underwent evaluations to determine their AMMI using anthropometry (weight, calf circumference, hip circumference, and knee height) and manual grip strength. Additionally, their physical function was evaluated using the 5-chair stand test, the 3-meter walk test, and the timed up and go test (TUG) to determine the strength of the lower limbs, the gait speed, and the dynamic balance, respectively. The results show that the AMMI did not present a significant relationship with the 5-chair stand test in both women (r = -0.135; p = 0.204) and men (r = -0.067; p = 0.349). The AMMI was moderately correlated with the gait speed in both women (r = 0.542; p < 0.001) and men (r = 0.556; p < 0.001). Finally, a statistical significance was observed in the relationship between the AMMI and the TUG test in women (r = -0.273; p = 0.047) and older men evaluated in this study (r = -0.284; p = 0.042). In conclusion, there is a relationship between the AMMI and both the dynamic balance and the gait speed. Therefore, the AMMI emerges as a potential public health assessment by enabling the clinical quantification of muscle mass and an estimation of physical function in the elderly population.

Quadriceps muscle reaction time in obese children.

This study aimed to determine the influence of obesity, according to body mass index (BMI) and fat mass percentage, on quadriceps muscle reaction times. The study utilized a cross-sectional design. The sample size consisted of 42 schoolchildren (54.5% girls) aged 11 to 12 years old. Participant measurements included weight and height, which were used to categorize individuals based on BMI. Additionally, the electrical bioimpedance technique was employed to categorize participants based on their body fat percentage. A sudden destabilization test of the lower limb was performed to assess the reaction time of the rectus femoris, vastus medialis, and vastus lateralis muscles. The results show that overweight/obese children have a longer muscle reaction time for both the rectus femoris (ß = 18.13; p = 0.048) and the vastus lateralis (ß = 14.51; p = 0.042). Likewise, when the children were classified by percentage of body fat the results showed that overfat/obese children have a longer muscle reaction time for both the rectus femoris (ß = 18.13; p = 0.048) and the vastus lateralis (ß = 14.51; p = 0.042). Our results indicate that BMI and fat mass classification negativity alter the muscle reaction time in children. Overweight/obese or overfat/obese children showed longer reaction times in the rectus femoris and vastus lateralis muscles compared to children with normal weight. Based on these findings, it is suggested that in overweight and obese children, efforts not only focus on reducing body weight but that be complemented with training and/or rehabilitation programs that focus on preserving the normal physiological function of the musculoskeletal system.

Frailty, Seasonal Sensitivity and Health-related Quality of Life in Older People Living in High Southern Latitudes: a Bayesian Analysis.

Background: In older people, a notable research gap exists regarding the intricate dynamics between frailty, seasonal sensitivity, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL). This study aimed to determine the association between frailty, seasonal sensitivity, and HRQoL in older people from high southern latitudes. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted. Frailty, seasonal sensitivity, and HRQoL measurements were self-reported by participants through questionnaires. A total of 118 older people were recruited from a local community. The participants were selected through intentional non-probabilistic sampling. Results: The adjusted models showed a trend where lower education was associated with a higher risk of frailty (BF = 0.218). For frailty and HRQoL, we observed a trend suggesting that HRQoL decreases with increasing severity of frailty (BF = 1.76). In addition, we observed a linear effect based on the severity of seasonal sensitivity, meaning that older people with higher perceived severity report a proportional decrease in HRQoL (BF = 6.66). Conclusion: Sociodemographic factors, such as lower education levels, have increased the risk of frailty. At the same time, frailty and seasonal sensitivity perceived severity were associated with a lower HRQoL in older people.

Pain neuroscience education for patients with chronic pain: A scoping review from teaching-learning strategies, educational level, and cultural perspective.

OBJECTIVE: (1) To identify the characteristics of PNE programs in terms of teaching-learning strategies, session modality, content delivery format, number of sessions, total minutes and instructional support material used in patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain, (2) to describe PNE adaptations for patients with different educational levels or cultural backgrounds, and (3) to describe the influence of the patient's educational level or cultural background on the effects of PNE. METHODS: The PRISMA guideline for scoping reviews was followed. Nine databases were systematically searched up to July 8, 2023. Articles that examined clinical or psychosocial variables in adults with chronic musculoskeletal pain who received PNE were included. RESULTS: Seventy-one articles were included. Studies found benefits of PNE through passive/active teaching-learning strategies with group/individual sessions. However, PNE programs presented great heterogeneity and adaptations to PNE were poorly reported. Most studies did not consider educational level and culture in the effects of PNE. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the large number of studies on PNE and increased interest in this intervention, the educational level and culture are poorly reported in the studies. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: It is recommended to use passive and/or active teaching-learning strategies provided in individual and/or group formats considering the patient's educational level and culture.

A comparative electromyographic study of scapular stabilizing muscles during five main rehabilitation exercises.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the surface electromyographic (sEMG) amplitude, activation ratio, and onset latency of the main scapular stabilizing muscles between five typical rehabilitative exercises. DESIGN: Twenty-seven healthy participants performed five scapular exercises [wall-slide (WS), wall push-up plus, prone horizontal abduction with external rotation (PHABER), external rotation in side-lying (ERSL), and low row] while simultaneously recording sEMG of serratus anterior (SA), middle trapezius (MT), lower trapezius (LT), and upper trapezius (UT). sEMG amplitudes, onset latencies, and activation ratios were calculated. RESULTS: PHABER showed an excellent UT/MT (0.43) and UT/LT (0.30) muscle balance with high (> 50% MVIC) MT and LT amplitudes, a low (< 20% MVIC) UT amplitude, and an early activation of the scapular stabilizing muscles (-474.7 to 89.9 ms) relative to UT. ERSL showed excellent UT/SA (0.26), UT/MT (0.32), and UT/LT (0.21) activation ratios; and along with LR and WS, showed early activation of the scapular stabilizing muscles (-378.1 to -26.6 ms). CONCLUSIONS: PHABER presented optimal scapular neuromuscular control. Although ERSL, low row, and WS did not meet all the criteria associated with optimal scapular neuromuscular control, these exercises could be used in early stages of shoulder rehabilitation because they favor early activation of the scapular stabilizing muscles.

The optimal dose of pain neuroscience education added to an exercise programme for patients with chronic spinal pain: A systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis.

ABSTRACT: Pain neuroscience education (PNE) has shown promising results in the management of patients with chronic spinal pain (CSP). However, no previous review has determined the optimal dose of PNE added to an exercise programme to achieve clinically relevant improvements. The aim was to determine the dose-response association between PNE added to an exercise programme and improvements in pain intensity and disability in patients with CSP. A systematic search of PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library was conducted from inception to April 19, 2023. The exposure variable (dosage) was the total minutes of PNE. Outcome measures included pain intensity, disability, quality of life, pressure pain thresholds, and central sensitization inventory. Data extraction, risk-of-bias assessment, and certainty of evidence were performed by 2 independent reviewers. The dose-response relationship was assessed using a restricted cubic spline model. Twenty-six randomised controlled trials with 1852 patients were included. Meta-analysis revealed a statistically significant effect in favour of PNE on pain intensity and disability. In addition, a dose of 200 and 150 minutes of PNE added to an exercise programme was estimated to exceed the minimum clinically important difference described in the literature for pain intensity (-2.61 points, 95% CI = -3.12 to -2.10) and disability (-6.84 points, 95% CI = -7.98 to -5.70), respectively. The pooled effect of the isolated exercise was small. These findings may be useful in optimising the most appropriate PNE dose to achieve clinically relevant improvements in patients with CSP.

Effects of different plyometric training frequencies on physical performance in youth male volleyball players: a randomized trial.

This study aimed to analyze the effect of plyometric training (PT) at different frequencies on jump performance, running sprint speed, and service speed in youth male volleyball players. The participants were randomly assigned to one PT session per week (Experimental Group 1, EG1, n = 15), two PT sessions per week (Experimental Group 2, EG2, n = 14), and a control group (CG, n = 13). The total weekly jumping ranged between 98 and 196 jumps (equalized between, EG1 and, EG2). The assessments performed were squat jump (SJ), countermovement jump (CMJ), CMJ-arms, drop jump (DJ), 5-m sprint, 10-m sprint, and service speed. The intragroup comparisons showed that, EG1 significantly (p < 0.001) improved SJ (Δ = 12.74%; d = 1.30), CMJ (Δ = 11.94%; d = 1.71), CMJ-arms (Δ = 12.02%; d = 1.47), DJ (Δ = 10.93%; d = 1.30), 5-m sprint (Δ = -4.61%; d = 0.29), 10-m sprint (Δ = -3.95%; d = 0.40) and service speed (Δ = 8.17%; d = 1.53). Similarly, EG2 significantly (p˂ 0.001) improved SJ (Δ = 11.52%; d = 1.25), CMJ (Δ = 11.29%; d = 1.38), CMJ-arms (Δ = 11.42%; d = 1.26), DJ (Δ = 13.90%; d = 2.17), 5-m sprint (Δ = -3.85%; d = 0.25), 10-m sprint (Δ = -2.73%; d = 0.25) and service speed (Δ = 6.77%; d = 1.44). The CG significantly (p < 0.05) improved SJ (Δ = 2.68; d = 0.28), CMJ-arms (Δ = 2.30; d = 0.35), 5-m sprint (Δ = -1.27; d = 0.10) and service speed (Δ = 1.42; d = 0.30). Intergroup comparisons revealed significantly greater improvements in all variables (p < 0.001) in, EG1 and, EG2 concerning to CG. However, no significant differences were found between, EG1 and, EG2. A moderate weekly PT volume, distributed in one or two sessions per week, seems equally effective.

Effects of Olympic Combat Sports on Cardiorespiratory Fitness in Non-Athlete Population: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials.

This systematic review aimed to assess the available body of published peer-reviewed articles related to the effects of Olympic combat sports (OCS) on cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) in the non-athlete population. The methodological quality and certainty of evidence were evaluated using PRISMA, TESTEX, RoB, and GRADE scales. The protocol was registered in PROSPERO (code: CRD42023391433). From 4133 records, six randomized controlled trials were included, involving 855 non-athletes (mean age = 27.2 years old). The TESTEX scale reported all studies with a ≥ 60% (moderate-high quality) score. The GRADE scale indicated moderate to low certainty of evidence. It was only possible to perform a meta-analysis on direct methods to maximum oxygen consumption (VO2max). The main results indicated significant differences in favor of OCS compared to active/passive controls in VO2max (SMD = 4.61; 95%CI = 1.46 to 7.76; I2 = 99%; p = 0.004), while the individual results of the studies reported significant improvements in favor of the OCS on the indirect methods of the CRF. OCS improved CRF in a healthy non-athlete population of different ages, specifically showing a significant improvement in VO2max with direct tests, such as cardiopulmonary tests. However, moderate to low certainty of evidence is reported, so no definitive recommendations can be established.

Efficacy of cupping therapy in individuals with fibromyalgia. A systematic review of randomized clinical trials.

BACKGROUND: Fibromyalgia is a chronic and idiopathic condition and is among the most common causes of generalized chronic pain, even affecting psychological and cognitive aspects. AIM: To evaluate the efficacy of cupping therapy on pain, quality of life, sleep disorders, and the impact of the disease in subjects with fibromyalgia. METHODS: We searched the Pubmed, CINAHL, Epistemonikos, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. Randomized controlled trials involving adults with fibromyalgia undergoing cupping were included. Pain intensity, quality of life, sleep disturbances, and the impact of fibromyalgia were assessed. We have reported the results using descriptive statistics and narrative synthesis. RESULTS: Two articles with a total of 155 participants were included. Large effect sizes were found for pain intensity, moderate for quality of life, and low for the impact of fibromyalgia and sleep disorders. However, the certainty of the evidence is low for most outcomes except for sleep disorders. CONCLUSIONS: There is a discrepancy in the efficacy of cupping therapy in improving pain intensity, quality of life, sleep disturbances, and disease impact in people with fibromyalgia. Future high-quality randomized clinical trials are required.

Effectiveness of elastic band training and group-based dance on physical-functional performance in older women with sarcopenia: a pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Sarcopenia is a syndrome associated with aging that causes progressive loss of skeletal muscle mass and muscle function. In this pilot study, we compared the effectiveness of elastic band training regarding group-based dance on fat mass, fat-free mass, handgrip strength (HGS; dominant and non-dominant hand), leg strength, timed up-and-go (TUG) and walking speed in older women with sarcopenia. METHODS: This is a randomized controlled trial, single-blind, repeated measures of parallel groups (elastic band group: EBG, n = 21; group-based dance: GBD, n = 19), and a quantitative methodology. Three 60-minute sessions per week for 12 weeks were dedicated to the interventions with pre- and post-assessments. A two-factor mixed analysis of variance (ANOVA) model with repeated measures was performed to measure the group×time effect. RESULTS: A significant interaction revealed for fat-free mass (F1,16= 18.91; p < 0.001; EBG + 10.9% vs. GBD - 1.97%), HGS dominant hand (F1,16= 7.44; p = 0.014; EBG + 10.9% vs. GBD + 0.59%), HGS non-dominant hand (F1,16= 6.41; p = 0.022; EBG + 10.21% vs. GBD + 3.80%), leg strength (F1,16= 17.98; p < 0.001; EBG + 9.1% vs. GBD + 3.83%), TUG (F1,16= 7.52; p = 0.014; EBG - 14.7% vs. GBD - 1.0%) and walking speed (F1,16 = 6.40; p = 0.019; EBG - 7.6% vs. GBD - 4.35%) in favor of EBG. CONCLUSION: Elastic band training produces significantly greater responses on physical-functional performance regarding group-based dance in older women with sarcopenia. On the other hand, the EBG revealed a significant improvement in fat-free mass and upper and lower limb muscle strength, as well as a significant decrease time in TUG, and walking speed. Elastic band exercise is a safe, easy, affordable, and effective physical activity strategy, according to the findings.

Impact of adapted taekwondo vs. multicomponent training on health status in independent older women: a randomized controlled trial.

This study, called the TKD and Aging Project, aimed to analyze and compare the effects of an adapted taekwondo program concerning multicomponent training on blood pressure, morphological variables, food consumption frequency, health-related quality of life (HRQoL), physical fitness, handgrip strength, and postural balance in independent older women. A randomized controlled trial study was conducted with parallel groups for 8 weeks (24 sessions of 60 min each), employing a double-blind design and incorporating repeated measures. Twenty-eight older women initially participated in the intervention. Three participants were excluded because they did not participate in the re-assessments. Thus, 14 older women from the adapted taekwondo group (TKD; age: 62.86 ± 2.38 years) and 11 from the multicomponent training group (MCT; age: 63.18 ± 1.94 years) participated in the final analysis. A two-factor mixed analysis of variance (ANOVA) model with repeated measures was performed to measure the time × group effect. The TKD showed significant improvements in the mental health (p = 0.024; ES = 0.91) and general health (p < 0.001; ES = 0.75) dimensions of the HRQoL, as well as in the chair stand (p = 0.001; ES = 1.18), arm curl (p < 0.001; ES = 2.10), 2-min step (p < 0.001; ES = 1.73), and chair sit-and-reach (p = 0.001; ES = 0.91) tests. Additionally, it showed a significant reduction in postural balance for the eyes-closed condition in the center of the pressure area (p = 0.021; ES = 0.89), mean velocity (p = 0.004; ES = 0.79), and mediolateral velocity (p < 0.001; ES = 1.26). However, the MCT showed significant increases in the general health (p = 0.013; ES = 0.95) dimension of the HRQoL and a significant reduction (p = 0.039; ES = 0.28) in the mediolateral velocity of postural balance for the eyes-closed condition. Multiple comparisons showed that the TKD scored significantly higher in the chair stand (p = 0.017; ES = 1.79), arm curl (p = 0.003; ES = 1.77), and 2-min step (p = 0.018; ES = 0.91) tests than the MCT. Compared to multicomponent training, taekwondo improves postural balance and provides better benefits in terms of physical fitness and HRQoL for older women. Therefore, it is possible to recommend it as a safe physical activity strategy, as long as it is well-dosed, since it showed high adherence to intervention in older women.

Influence of lower limb muscle isometric strength and cardiovascular parameters on locomotor capacity in children and adolescents.

BACKGROUND: Although measures of exercise performance and physical activity are known to be related to 6-minute walk test (6mWT), the role of the strength of each muscle group of the lower limb in the locomotor capacity during the development period is unknown. OBJECTIVE: To identify the role of the isometric strength of lower limb muscles and cardiovascular parameters on the locomotor capacity in children and adolescents, controlling for participants sex, age, and height. METHODS: Participants (7 to 15 years old; female, n= 113; male, n= 128) were assessed for isometric strength (seven lower limb muscles), cardiovascular parameters (diastolic pressure, oxygen saturation, resting heart rate, respiratory rate), and 6mWT. Participants were split into nine age groups and separated by 1-year intervals. RESULTS: Hip flexors-controlled for sex, age, and height-explained a meaningful percentage of the variance (R=2 0.45; p< 0.001) for 6mWT distance, and the resting heart rate explained a change in R2 of only 2% (p= 0.008). CONCLUSIONS: Isometric strength of hip flexors explained ∼ 50% of the 6mWT distance, suggesting the importance of strength from an early age. Other factors, such as cardiovascular parameters, while relevant, may exert a secondary role on youth's capacity.

Comparación del consumo alimentario y calidad de vida relacionada con la salud entre baloncestistas de distinto nivel competitivo / Comparison of food consumption and health-related quality of life amongbasketball players of different competitive levels

Introducción: Los hábitos alimentarios y la salud mental son aspectos fundamentales para optimizar la preparación y el rendimiento deportivo de los baloncestistas.Objetivo: Comparar la frecuencia en el consumo de alimentos y la calidad de vida relacionada con la salud (CVRS)entre baloncestistas de distinto nivel competitivo (profesional,universitario y amateur). Material y métodos: Estudio transversal que evaluó 122baloncestistas masculinos (edad media de 30,60 ± 10,79años), distribuidos en jugadores de baloncesto profesional(JBP; n=25), universitario (JBU; n=26) y amateur (JBA;n=71). Las variables de estudio se evaluaron a través de encuestas en línea referentes a la frecuencia en el consumo de alimentos y CVRS (SF-36). Resultados: Los JBP ostentan un consumo significativamente mayor de cena (F= 5,007; p= 0,020) comparados conlos JBU, y de frutas (F= 5,857; p= 0,012), verduras (F= 3,756; p= 0,020) y cena (F= 5,007; p= 0,011) respecto a losJBA. Mientras que los JBU presentan un consumo significativamente mayor de frutas (F= 5,857; p= 0,035) que los JBA.Además, los JBU presentaron un consumo significativamente mayor de bebidas azucaradas (F= 9,293; p= 0,004) respecto a los JBP y JBA. La CVRS no presentó diferencias significativas entre los grupos. Conclusión: Los JBP presentan mayor frecuencia en el consumo de alimentos saludables al compararlos con JBU yJBA. Además, los JBU reportan mayor frecuencia en el consumo de bebidas azucaradas respecto a JBP y JBA. Mientras que, la CVRS es positiva independiente al nivel competitivo delos baloncestistas.(AU)

Introduction: Eating habits and mental health are fundamental aspects to optimize the preparation and sports performance of basketball players.Aim: To compare the frequency of food consumption andhealth-related quality of life (HRQoL) among basketball players of different competitive levels (professional, university,and amateur).Material and methods: Cross-sectional study that evaluated 122 male basketball players (mean age of 30.60 ± 10.79years), divided into professional (JBP; n=25), university (JBU;n=26) and amateur (JBA; n=71). The study variables wereevaluated through online surveys regarding the frequency offood consumption and HRQoL (SF-36). Results: The JBP show a significantly higher consumption of dinner (F= 5,007; p= 0,020) compared to the JBU,and of fruits (F= 5,857; p= 0,012), vegetables (F= 3,756;p= 0,020) and dinner (F= 5,007; p= 0,011) compared tothe JBA. While the JBU present a significantly higher con-sumption of fruits (F= 5,857; p= 0,035) than the JBA. In addition, the JBU had a significantly higher consumption ofsugary drinks (F= 9,293; p= 0,004) compared to the JBPand JBA. The HRQoL did not present significant differencesbetween the groups.Conclusion: The JBP have a higher frequency in the consumption of healthy foods when compared to JBU and JBA. Inaddition, the JBU report a higher frequency in the consumption of sugary drinks compared to the JBP and JBA. While, theHRQoL is positive regardless of the competitive level of thebasketball players.

Effects of Neuromuscular Training on Physical Performance in Older People: A Systematic Review.

This systematic review aimed to assess the available evidence on the effects of neuromuscular training on physical performance in older adults. A literature search was conducted across four databases (Psychology and Behavioral (EBSCO), Scopus, Web of Science and PubMed). The PRISMA guidelines were followed. The PEDro scale and Cochrane risk of bias tool were used to assess the quality of and risk of bias in the studies, respectively. The protocol was registered in PROSPERO (code: CRD42022319239). The outcomes were muscle strength, cardiorespiratory fitness, postural balance and gait speed. From 610 records initially found, 10 were finally included in the systematic review, involving 354 older people with a mean age of 67.3 years. Nine of them reported significant changes in at least one variable related to physical performance in the intervention compared to the control groups. The neuromuscular training caused significant improvements in postural balance, flexibility, cardiorespiratory fitness, strength power of the upper and lower limbs and autonomy. The available evidence indicates that neuromuscular training has a positive effect on some variables of physical performance, especially in postural balance; however, the methodological quality and certainty of the evidence in the available literature are limited. Therefore, a greater number of high-quality studies are required to draw definitive conclusions.

Validity and Reliability of Short-Term Heart Rate Variability Parameters in Older People in Response to Physical Exercise.

BACKGROUND: Currently, and to the best of our knowledge, there is no standardized protocol to measure the effect of low- to moderate-intensity physical exercise on autonomic modulation focused in older people. AIM: Validate a test-retest short-term exercise protocol for measuring the autonomic response through HRV in older people. METHODS: A test-retest study design was used. The participants were selected through intentional non-probabilistic sampling. A total of 105 older people (male: 21.9%; female: 78.1%) were recruited from a local community. The assessment protocol evaluated HRV before and immediately after the 2-min step test. It was performed twice on the same day, considering a time of three chronological hours between the two measurements. RESULTS: The posterior distribution of estimated responses in the Bayesian framework suggests moderate to strong evidence favoring a null effect between measurements. In addition, there was moderate to robust agreement between heart rate variability (HRV) indices and assessments, except for low frequency and very low frequency, which showed weak agreement. CONCLUSIONS: Our results provide moderate to strong evidence for using HRV to measure cardiac autonomic response to moderate exercise, suggesting that it is sufficiently reliable to show similar results to those shown in this test-retest protocol.

Anthropometric Profile and Physical Activity Level as Predictors of Postural Balance in Overweight and Obese Children.

Overweightness and obesity can negatively influence many activities, including postural balance and locomotion, increasing predisposition to injury and risk of falls due to limitations on the biomechanics of daily living. The present study aimed to determine the influence of the anthropometric profile and physical activity level (PAL) on the postural balance of overweight and obese children. The sample included 387 schoolchildren (216 boys and 171 girls). The variables of the anthropometric profile studied were body mass, biped height, BMI, waist circumference, waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), summation of folds, body composition, and somatotype. PAL was measured using the PAQ-C questionnaire. Static and dynamic postural balance were measured through an open-eye (OE) and closed-eye (CE) posturographic test and the SEBTm, respectively. For static balance, the significant models were for mediolateral velocity (R2 = 0.42 in OA; R2 = 0.24 in OC), anteroposterior velocity (R2 = 0.21 in OA; R2 = 0.27 in OC), and mean velocity (R2 = 0.27 in OA; R2 = 0.46 in OC), where the predictors of low performance were younger age, male sex, overweight/obese nutritional status, greater thickness of skin folds, less tendency to mesomorphy, and greater fat mass. On the other hand, for dynamic postural balance, the significant models were observed in the previous direction (R2 = 0.39), posteromedial (R2 = 0.57), and posterolateral (R2 = 0.56), where the variables that predict a low performance were low PAL, overweight/obese nutritional status, and high WHR. Overweight and obese children presented a deficit in static and dynamic postural balance, enhanced by variables such as gender, age, PAL, and anthropometric characteristics related to adiposity.

Efectos del foam roller sobre la capacidad de salto en deportistas: una revisión sistemática / Effects of foam roller on jumping ability in athletes: a systematic review

Introducción: Se plantea que la utilización del foam roller (FR) en el ámbito deportivo puede ser un buen complemento paraoptimizar la mejora aguda del rango de movimiento y para provocar un efecto analgésico, no obstante, su utilización en elcalentamiento con el fin de mejorar las variables neuromusculares como el salto vertical es controversial en deportistas. Espor esto que el objetivo de esta revisión sistemática fue analizar los efectos del FR sobre la capacidad de salto en deportistas. Material y método: Se realizó una búsqueda comprensiva, exhaustiva y estructurada siguiendo las recomendacionesPRISMA en las siguientes bases de datos: Pubmed/MEDLINE, Cochrane, Scopus, Sciencedirect y Web of Science. Los estudiosque cumplieron los criterios de inclusión fueron valorados en cuanto a su calidad metodológica a través de la escala PEDro. Resultados: Un total de 262 registros se encontraron en la fase de identificación de estudios. En la fase de screening seeliminaron los duplicados y los estudios fueron filtrados seleccionando el título, resumen y palabras clave obteniendo comoresultado 47 referencias. Un total de 18 estudios fueron analizados a texto completo, siendo 12 de ellos excluidos. Por lo tanto,el número total de estudios que cumplió con todos los criterios de selección fue de seis. Conclusiones: Los estudios seleccionados muestran que la aplicación del FR es una técnica que contribuye a aumentar elrendimiento en la capacidad de salto en deportistas y puede perdurar su efecto hasta 10 minutos después de su aplicación.Sin embargo, se debe estandarizar los protocolos y tiempos de duración para maximizar los resultados.(AU)

Introduction: It is proposed that the use of the foam roller (FR) in the sports field can be a good complement to optimizethe acute improvement of range of motion and to cause an analgesic effect, however, its use in warm-up to improve neuro-muscular variables such as vertical jump is controversial in athletes. Therefore, the objective of this systematic review was toanalyze the effects of FR on jumping ability in athletes. Material and method: A comprehensive, exhaustive, and structured search was carried out following PRISMA recommendations in the following databases: Pubmed/MEDLINE, Cochrane, Scopus, Sciencedirect and Web of Science. The studies thatmet the inclusion criteria were assessed for their methodological quality using the PEDro scale. Results: A total of 262 records were found in the study identification phase. In the screening phase, duplicates were elimi-nated, and the studies were filtered by selecting the title, abstract and keywords, obtaining 47 references as a result. A totalof 18 studies were analyzed in full text, 12 of which were excluded. Therefore, the total number of studies that met all theselection criteria was six. Conclusions: The selected studies show that the application of RF is a technique that contributes to increasing the performance of jumping capacity in athletes and its effect can last up to 10 minutes after its application. However, protocols andduration times should be standardized to maximize results.(AU)

Variables predictoras de la calidad de vida durante la pandemia de Covid-19 en adultos latinoamericanos

Objetivo: Evaluar las variables predictoras de la calidad de vida en población adulta latinoamericana en situación de pandemia durante la cuarentena por COVID-19. Métodos: Estudio descriptivo, trasversal. La muestra estuvo compuesta por 3101 habitantes adultos de Chile, Colombia, México y Perú. Los factores que aumentaron la probabilidad de tener una baja calidad de vida se identificaron mediante un análisis de regresión logística. Estos análisis fueron ajustados por estado nutricional, edad y procedencia geográfica. Resultados: Ser de género femenino (OR=1.73; p=0.001), físicamente inactivo/a (OR=1.85; p=0.001), consumir tabaco (OR=1.29; p=0,026), alcohol (OR=1.31; p=0,002) y comida chatarra (OR=2.04; p=0,001) aumentaron la probabilidad de tener una disminución en la dimensión salud general de la calidad de vida durante una cuarentena por Covid-19. Conclusiones: Los hallazgos en este estudio confirman la necesidad de promover hábitos y estilos de vida saludables en la población durante las cuarentenas en una pandemia como, por ejemplo, una dieta sana, practicar actividad física y evitar estar mucho tiempo sentado.

Objective: To evaluate the predictive variables of the quality of life in the Latin American adult population in a pandemic situation during the Covid-19 quarantine. Methods: Descriptive, cross-sectional study. The population was composed of 3,101 adult inhabitants of Chile, Colombia, Mexico and Peru. Factors that increased the likelihood of poor quality of life were identified using logistic regression analysis. These analyzes were adjusted for nutritional status, age, and geographic origin. Results: Being female (OR=1.73; p=0.001), physically inactive (OR=1.85; p=0.001), consuming tobacco (OR=1.29; p=0.026), alcohol (OR=1.31; p=0.002) and junk food (OR=2.04; p=0.001) increased the probability of having a decrease in the general health dimension of quality of life during a Covid-19 quarantine. Conclusions: The findings in this study confirm the need to promote healthy habits and lifestyles in the population during quarantines in a pandemic, such as a healthy diet, practicing physical activity and avoiding prolonged sitting.

Factors Associated with Poor Health-Related Quality of Life in Physically Active Older People.

This study aimed to associate morphological variables and physical fitness with health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in physically active older people. A cross-sectional study was carried out that evaluated 470 older people (89.57% female) with a mean age of 70.13 ± 6.57 years, residing in two regions of Chile. Morphological variables (body weight, bipedal height, waist circumference, body mass index, and waist to height ratio), physical fitness through the Senior Fitness Test protocol, and HRQoL using the SF-36 questionnaire were obtained. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify risk factors between morphological variables and physical fitness associated with HRQoL. The main results indicated that overweight (OR = 1.52; p = 0.034), a waist circumference with risk (OR = 1.56; p = 0.021), poor performance in the back scratch tests (OR = 1.02; p = 0.008) and timed up-and-go (OR = 1.19; p = 0.040) increased the probability of having a low general HRQoL. Also, the low performance of chair stand and arm curl tests was associated with poor physical and social dimensions of HRQoL (p < 0.05). In conclusion, a low HRQoL in physically active older people is associated with both morphological and physical fitness factors.