GRINCIRCAR: una iniciativa para promover la cirugía académica e investigación quirúrgica en el caribe colombiano / GRINCIRCAR: an initiative to promote academic surgery and surgical research in the Colombian Caribbean

Introducción. La investigación quirúrgica es uno de los pilares de la cirugía académica, que integra el microambiente para lograr una adecuada práctica basada en la evidencia, realizar planteamientos y conseguir eventuales soluciones a necesidades quirúrgicas de una población. En el caribe colombiano existen brechas significativas en cuanto al aporte en investigación quirúrgica, comparado con otras regiones del país. Por ende, es necesaria una iniciativa que haga frente a estos retos. Métodos. El Grupo Colaborativo de Investigación en Cirugía General y Subespecialidades del Caribe Colombiano (GRINCIRCAR), es una iniciativa fundada por una colectividad de estudiantes de medicina, médicos residentes de cirugía y cirujanos académicos de universidades del caribe colombiano, que buscan impulsar la investigación quirúrgica y aportar a la resolución de problemas de salud en cirugía de la región. Discusión. De acuerdo al programa de investigación con políticas y prioridades en salud establecidos por el Instituto Nacional de Salud, existen por lo menos dos dimensiones donde se involucra directamente la cirugía. A pesar de esto, no existen datos sobre la distribución de recursos para la investigación quirúrgica en la región del Caribe colombiano, pese a que el acceso al cuidado quirúrgico básico y las enfermedades quirúrgicas, hace parte de las prioridades en salud y cirugía global. Conclusiones. Se necesita promover la cirugía académica y la investigación quirúrgica en la región del caribe colombiano. La investigación colaborativa podría ser una solución al integrar la participación de múltiples centros y participantes

Introduction. Surgical research is one of the cornerstones of academic surgery, which integrates the microenvironment to achieve an adequate evidence-based practice, asking the right questions to achieve eventual solutions to the surgical needs of a population. In the Colombian Caribbean, there are significant gaps in the contribution in surgical research, compared to other regions of the country. Therefore, an initiative is needed to address these challenges. Methods. The Collaborative Group for Research in General Surgery and Subspecialties of the Colombian Caribbean (GRINCIRCAR) is an initiative founded by a group of medical students, surgical residents and academic surgeons from Colombian Caribbean universities, who seek to promote surgical research and contribute to solutions of health problems in surgery in the region. Discussion. According to the research program, health policies and priorities established by the National Institute of Health, there are at least two dimensions where surgery is directly involved. Despite this, there are no data on the distribution of resources for surgical research in the Colombian Caribbean region, despite the fact that access to basic surgical care and surgical diseases are part of the priorities in global health and surgery. Conclusions. There is a need to promote academic surgery and surgical research in the Colombian Caribbean region. Collaborative research in the region could be a solution by integrating the participation of multiple centers and participants

Modeling Dynamical Positional Physical Data on Field Zones Occupied by Playing Positions in Elite-Level Futsal: A Comparison Between Running Velocities, Accelerations, and Decelerations.

ABSTRACT: Serrano, C, Felipe, JL, García-Unanue, J, Vicente Gimenez, J, Jiménez-Linares, L, Ibáñez, E, Hernando, E, Gallardo, L, and Sánchez-Sánchez, J. Modeling dynamical positional physical data on field zones occupied by playing positions in elite-level futsal: a comparison between running velocities, acceleration, and deceleration. J Strength Cond Res 37(1): 200-206, 2023-The aim of this study was to analyze the influence of playing positions on the physical demands and the specific court zones occupied during official futsal games. The total number of observations were 188, corresponding to 8 matches from the first division of the Spanish Futsal League during the 2019-2020 season. All dynamic motion representations were recorded using an 18 Hz device with ultra-wideband technology and local positioning system installed on the futsal pitch for each position. Python Data Analysis Library, Matplotlib, and Python programming language were applied as computational tools to generate visual analysis of figures to represent every physical demand analyzed. An analysis of variance test showed differences between playing positions, specifically, for winger position (p < 0.05). Based on eta-square coefficients, all variables showed large effects, except acceleration distance zone 1 (1-2 m·s-2). Accordingly, the visual representation of positional dynamic motion data showed differences in the physical demands and the court zone occupied by the different playing positions. This innovative visual analysis allows fitness coaches to associate the physical demands with court zones occupied by different playing positions, and it aids in the design of training drills associated with futsal competition requirements.

Physical Demands in Elite Futsal Referees During Spanish Futsal Cup.

In futsal there are two referees on the playing court and their capacity to respond to physical and physiological demands imposed during the game is essential for the success. The futsal characteristics such as size pitch, referees position and rules of games or type of league could impose specific physical efforts probably. The aim of this study were to analyze the physical demands of eight elite referees (age 40 ± 3.43 years; height 1.80 ± 0.03 m; weight 72.84 ± 4.01 kg) from seven matches of Spanish Futsal Cup 2020. The physical activity of each referee during the match was monitored with a Local Positioning System, which was installed on futsal pitch where the matches were played. The data differences were evaluated as Paired-Samples T-Test procedure. The results revealed a similar total distance between halves (2888.39 vs. 2831.51 m). The zone 3 distance (15.1-18 km⋅h-1) showed a significative decrease (p < 0.05) during the match in comparison to the first and second halves (-24.48 m; CI95%: -9.54 to -39.42; ES: 0.56). The number of high-intensity acceleration (-10.29; CI95%; 3.71-16.86; ES: 0.92) and deceleration (-24.86; CI95%; 11.59-38.12; ES: 0.99) decreased in the second half of the match (p < 0.05). Therefore, the use of the tracking device to monitoring physical performance provides knowledge of the specific activity profile from futsal referees. This information to can be useful to design more accurate the training programs.

Local Positioning System Analysis of Physical Demands during Official Matches in the Spanish Futsal League.

The aim of this study was to analyze the influence of the match half and the playing position on physical requirements in the Spanish Professional Futsal League players during official games. The external load from distance, speed, acceleration and deceleration variables were obtained from fourteen elite futsal players during 10 official matches of the 2019-2020 season using a Local Positioning System with ultra-wideband technology installed on the futsal pitch. The results revealed similar results from physical requirements between first and second half (p > 0.05). Wingers demonstrated greater high-speed running distance (+4.04 m·min-1; CI95%: 0.35 to 7.72; ES: 0.87) than pivots (p > 0.05). There were a high number of accelerations (7.42-9.41 n·min-1) and decelerations (7.37-9.12 n·min-1) per minute in all player positions. The principal finding of the current manuscript did not evidence differences in the physical performance of players between the first and second half. The physical requirements varied among pivots and wingers regarding high-intensity actions. These outcomes add new contributions to the understanding of futsal physical demands.

Physical and Physiological Responses of U-14, U-16, and U-18 Soccer Players on Different Small-Sided Games.

As most existing studies in youth academies are focused on top players, the objective of this research is to analyze the physical and physiological demands of various small-sided games (SSGs) on different age categories within a sub-elite soccer academy. We evaluated 63 young players from a Spanish sub-elite academy (under 14 = 21; under 16 = 21; under 18 = 21). Players performed four different small-side games focused on possession game (3-a-side; 4-a-side; 5-a-side; 6-a-side). The global indicators of performance and high-intensity actions were recorded through global positioning systems, whereas the heart rate responses were measured using heart rate monitors. Results: Under 16 ran a greater distance at high-intensity velocity than under 14 in the small side games 3v3 and 6v6. Furthermore, under 16 also ran a greater distance at high-intensity velocity than under 18 in the small side game 3v3 (p < 0.01). Under 14 showed greater acceleration at the highest intensity (> 2.75 m/s2) than the other age groups, under 16 and U18 (p < 0.01; ES (effect size) > 1). According to the physiological load, SSG 3v3 presented lower outcomes in Zone 6 (> 95% HRmax) than the small side game 4v4 and the small side game 5v5, in both under 14 and under 16. The workload of SSGs varies depending on the number of players, but also depending on the players' ages. Therefore, when designing the SSGs it is important to consider both the players' ages and the workload that want to be achieved.

Bilateral Asymmetries Assessment in Elite and Sub-Elite Male Futsal Players.

This study aimed to investigate morphological, functional, and neuromuscular asymmetries on futsal players' lower limbs at different competitive levels. Sixteen male elite futsal players from the Spanish National Futsal League and thirteen male sub-elite futsal players from the third division participated in this study. Morphological asymmetry was assessed through bioelectrical impedance (fat-mass (g and %) and lean-mass (g)). Functional asymmetry was assessed by means of a 20-second static unipedal balance test. Finally, neuromuscular asymmetry was assessed using tensiomiography tests on both the rectus femoris (RF) and biceps femoris (BF) of each participant. The three tests conducted did not reveal significant bilateral asymmetries in elite players. On the other hand, sub-elite players showed significant bilateral asymmetry in fat-mass percentage between dominant and non-dominant limbs (+6%; CI95%: 1 to 11; ES: 0.88; p = 0.019). They also showed higher bilateral asymmetry in the delay time of the RF (+13%; CI95%: 7 to 21; ES: 1.3; p < 0.05). However, the static unipedal balance test (p > 0.05) did not evidence asymmetries regardless of the level of the participants. Elite futsal players do not develop bilateral asymmetries in lower limbs in the studied parameters. On the contrary, sub-elite players are likely to develop morphological and neuromuscular asymmetries between their dominant leg and non-dominant leg.

Muscular and Physical Response to an Agility and Repeated Sprint Tests According to the Level of Competition in Futsal Players.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the neuromuscular response to an agility and repeated sprint ability (RSA) test according to the level of competition in futsal players. A total of 33 players from two elite teams and one amateur team participated in the study. The participants completed an agility t-test, a 30 m-speed test, and a RSA test. A countermovement jump (CMJ) test and a tensiomyography test of the rectus femoris (RF) and biceps femoris (BF) of both legs were carried out before and after the tests. RSA test revealed better sprint times in elite players compared to amateurs in the seven bouts, as well as in the 30 m sprint and in the agility test (p < 0.05). Before the tests, elite players showed higher sustain time (Ts) in RF (+31.03 ms; ES: 0.76) and BF (+28.73 ms; ES: 0.73), higher half-relaxation time (Tr) in BF (+20.79 ms; ES: 0.94), and lower delay time (Td) in BF (-2 ms; ES: 1.19) compared to amateur players. However, post-test values did not present any significant differences (p > 0.05). In conclusion, elite players showed greater performance in the RSA test, in the 30 m tests and in the agility test compared to amateur players. The contractile properties were not a key factor in the RSA performance of the futsal players.

Influence of the playing surface on changes of direction and plantar pressures during an agility test in youth futsal players.

The ability to effect a change of direction (COD) when performing high-speed actions is essential in team sports like futsal. Nevertheless, the interaction effect of sports surfaces on this ability remains unknown. This research aimed to analyse the plantar pressures and time performance of 15 youth futsal players when performing CODs on two playing surfaces with different mechanical properties. The shock absorption and vertical deformation of one synthetic flooring surface and one wooden flooring surface were assessed. CODs were evaluated using a modified version of the Agility T-Test, while total time of the test, time of CODs, and plantar pressure in CODs were all recorded. The wooden flooring surface displayed higher values of shock absorption (35.70% ± 2.87%) and vertical deformation (2.77 ± 0.38 mm) compared with the synthetic flooring (p < 0.01). Faster CODs were performed on the wooden flooring than on the synthetic flooring (-0.05 s, 95% confidence interval [CI]: -0.10 to -0.007, effect size [ES]: 0.07, p < 0.05), but no differences in total test time were found (p > 0.05). Finally, no differences in plantar pressures by playing surface were found. In sum, the differences in the mechanical properties of the two futsal surfaces affected the performance of futsal players in the modified agility test. However, these differences were not great enough to generate different plantar pressures on players, probably due to players own adaptations.

Repeated Sprint Ability and Muscular Responses According to the Age Category in Elite Youth Soccer Players.

The aim of this study was to analyse the influence of age category on the performance and muscle response after a Repeated Sprint Ability (RSA) test in elite youth soccer players. 62 soccer players from three different age categories (Under 14 [n = 21], Under 16 [n = 20], and Under 18 [n = 21]) were selected to participate in this study. Players completed an RSA test (7 × 30 m) with a 20-s recovery between sprints. The muscular response to an electrical stimulus before and after the test of both the biceps femoris (BF) and the rectus femoris (RF) were evaluated using tensiomyography. A two-way ANOVA was used to analyse the differences in RSA parameters in each of the four distance-intervals (0-5; 5-25; 25-30; 0-30 m) between sprint and age category. The U14 age category (5.30 ± 0.30 s) showed higher mean sprint times than U16 (4.62 ± 0.20 s) and U18 (4.46 ± 0.17 s) throughout the entire test (p < 0.01). U16 players revealed a worse best sprints time (RSABEST) than U18 players (+0.12 s, CI95%: to 0.01 to 0.24; ES: 1.09, p = 0.03). The muscular contractile properties were similar in the three age categories analyzed (p > 0.05), although the delay time (Td) of the muscle was significantly lower after the RSA test in U16 players (-1.53 ms, CI95%: -2.607 to -0.452; ES: 0.38) and U18 players (-1.11 ms, CI95%: -2.10 to -0.12; ES: 0.22). In conclusion, this study revealed an increase in physical performance and muscle response variability after a repeated sprint ability test in the U16's and over. The fatigue induced by the RSA test did not show differences depending on the age of the players, although muscle mechanical properties were altered after the RSA test in U16 and U18 soccer players. Physical performance and muscle response can be complementary variables in managing fatigue according to the age category in soccer players.

Effect of a Repeated Sprint Ability test on the muscle contractile properties in elite futsal players.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a repeated sprint ability (RSA) test on the contractile properties of the muscles in elite futsal players. A total of 20 elite players completed the RSA test (7 × 30 m), and the contractile response from the rectus femoris (RF) and biceps femoris (BF) of both legs were analysed pre and post through tensiomyography. There was a significant increment in 30-m times from the third sprint onwards (p < 0.05). The percent decrement in sprint ability (RSADEC) with respect to the first sprint was significantly higher in the last sprint. The players did not show evidence of lateral asymmetry in any of the muscle groups analysed after the RSA test (p > 0.05). Following the RSA test there was a significant reduction in the delay time (Td) in RF, a significant decrement in half-relaxation time (Tr) in the RF, and a significant reduction in sustain time (Ts) in the RF and BF of both legs. The maximum radial displacement of the muscle belly (Dm) increased (1.6 mm; effect size = 0.75; p < 0.05) in the RF after the RSA test, indicating reduced muscle stiffness and the ability to generate strength rapidly. The decrement in performance during the RSA test was significantly correlated with changes in contraction time (Tc) in RF and BF, Td in BF, and Dm in RF (p < 0.05). The RSA test generated alterations in the contractile properties of the RF and BF in elite players. However, futsal players did not present asymmetries in any muscular parameters. The baseline contractile muscle parameters could be an important factor related to performance of players during repeated high-intensity actions.

Neuromuscular responses and physiological patterns during a soccer simulation protocol. Artificial turf versus natural grass.

BACKGROUND: Latest studies suggest similar performance of soccer players either on artificial turf (AT) or natural grass (NG). However, it is not clear if their muscular and physiological responses are also similar on both surfaces. This research aims to assess the influence of game surface on physiological patterns and neuromuscular responses of soccer players during a soccer simulation protocol (SSP) that incorporates repeated sprints and nonlinear actions at maximum speed. METHODS: Sixteen amateur soccer players completed three bouts of the SSP on both AT and NG. The mechanical behaviour of both surfaces was recorded and the order was randomly established for each player. The physiological responses were measured during the SSP. A contra-movement jump and a tensiomyography analysis of the rectus femoris (RF) and biceps femoris (BF) were assessed right before and right after the SSP. RESULTS: Both surfaces presented different mechanical properties. No differences among either surfaces or bouts were found for heart rate (HR) peak and HR mean (P>0.05). While the half-relaxation time of the RF on NG decreased after the SSP (right-leg: -44.430 ms; P=0.049; left-leg: -52.131 ms; P=0.008), the sustain time of the BF decreased after the SSP on AT (right-leg: +64.868 ms; P=0.007; left-leg: +87.564 ms; P<0.001). No differences between surfaces were found for the contra-movement jump. CONCLUSIONS: The mechanical behaviour of both surfaces does not differ enough to cause different physiological and neuromuscular responses. Playing on AT should cause similar neuromuscular responses to NG.

Impact of Futsal and Swimming Participation on Bone Health in Young Athletes.

Physical activity plays a crucial role in bone mass acquisition during childhood and adolescence, with weightbearing and high-impact sport activities being more beneficial. This study sought to evaluate the impact of different sports activities on bone mineral density and content in male Portuguese athletes. Seventy adolescent boys (aged 12-15 years) including 28 futsal players (FG), 20 swimmers (SG) and 22 non-athletic adolescents used as control subjects (CG), participated in the current study. Areal bone mineral density (aBMD) and areal bone mineral content (aBMC) were measured by dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA). Futsal players had significantly higher aBMD (lumbar spine - FG: 0.95 ± 0.18, SG: 0.80 ± 0.13, CG: 0.79 ± 0.13 g/cm2, p = 0.001; pelvis - FG: 1.17 ± 0.21, SG: 0.91 ± 0.12, CG: 0.98 ± 0.10 g/cm2, p < 0.001; lower limbs - FG: 1.21 ± 0.19, SG: 0.97 ± 0.10, CG: 0.99 ± 0.09 g/cm2, p < 0.001) and aBMC (lumbar spine - FG: 51.07 ± 16.53, SG: 40.19 ± 12.47, CG: 40.50 ± 10.53 g, p = 0.013; pelvis - FG: 299.5 ± 110.61, SG: 170.02 ± 55.82, CG: 183.11 ± 46.78 g, p < 0.001; lower limbs - FG: 427.21 ± 117.11, SG: 300.13 ± 76.42, CG: 312.26 ± 61.86 g/cm2, p < 0.001) than swimmers and control subjects. Data suggest that futsal, as a weightbearing and high or odd-impact sport, may improve bone mass during childhood and adolescence.

Physical and Physiological Responses of Amateur Football Players on Third-Generation Artificial Turf Systems During Simulated Game Situations.

Sánchez-Sánchez, J, García-Unanue, J, Felipe, JL, Jiménez-Reyes, P, Viejo-Romero, D, Gómez-López, M, Hernando, E, Burillo, P, and Gallardo, L. Physical and physiological responses of amateur football players on third generation artificial turf systems during simulated game situations. J Strength Cond Res 30(11): 3165-3177, 2016-The aim of this study is to evaluate the physical and physiological load imposed on amateur football players in a simulated game situation on different artificial turf systems. For that purpose, 20 football players (21.65 ± 3.10 year old) were monitored with Global Positioning Systems and heart rate bands during 45-minutes games on 4 selected artificial turf systems. The results show more covered distance in high-intensity ranges on the system with lower levels of damping and higher rates of rotational traction (p ≤ 0.05). Likewise, this system of artificial turf demonstrated a high number of sprints (12.65 ± 5.67) and more elevated maximum speed peaks during the last part of the game (28.16 ± 2.90 km·h) in contrast to the systems with better damping capacity (p ≤ 0.05). On the other hand, the physiological load was similar across the 4 artificial turf systems (p > 0.05). Finally, the regression analysis demonstrated a significant influence of the mechanical properties of the surface on global distance (15.4%), number (12.6%), and maximum speed (16.6%) of the sprints. To conclude, the mechanical variability of the artificial turf systems resulted in differences in the activity profiles and the players' perceptions during simulated football games.