Increased tolerance to low K+, and to cationic stress of Arabidopsis plants by expressing the F130S mutant version of the K+ transporter AtHAK5.

Potassium (K+) selectivity of high-affinity K+ uptake systems is crucial for plant growth under low K+ and in the presence of inhibitors of K+ uptake that are toxic to plants such as Na+ or Cs+. Here, we express a mutated version of the Arabidopsis AtHAK5 high-affinity K+ transporter consisting on a change of phenylalanine 130 to serine (F130S) in athak5 akt1 double mutant plants. F130S-expressing plants show better growth, increased K+ uptake from low external concentrations and higher K+ contents when grown at low K+ (10 µM) and when grown at low K+ in the presence of Na+ (15 mM) or Cs+ (1 µM). In addition, these plants accumulate less Na+ and Cs+, resulting in lower Na+/K+ and Cs+/K+ ratios, which are important determinants of plant tolerance to salt stress and to Cs+-polluted soils. Structure analysis of AtHAK5 suggest that the F130 residue approaches the intracellular gate of the K+ tunnel of AtHAK5, affecting somehow its ionic selectivity. Modification of transport systems has a large potential to face challenges of future agriculture such as sustainable production under abiotic stress conditions imposed by climate change.

What Are the Physical Demands of Sexual Intercourse? A Systematic Review of the Literature.

The aim of this study was to systematically review the literature investigating the physical demands of sexual intercourse and to synthesize the evidence related to this research topic. Original studies published on PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science up until April 2020 were examined. The Effective Public Health Practice Project scale was used to assess the methodological quality of each study. Eighteen studies analyzed physical demands during sexual intercourse through the physiological demands (n = 14) and kinematics (n = 4) of sexual intercourse. Sexual intercourse can elicit an energy expenditure of ~ 100 kcal (or ~ 6 metabolic equivalent units, METs) during the activity, mean heart rates between ~ 90 and ~ 130 beats per minute (bpm), and peak heart rates up to ~ 170 bpm. However, these physical demands may vary depending on health status, intercourse position, activity duration, intercourse phase, and sex differences. The movement pattern was cyclic in all positions and the greatest demands in lumbar spine flexion were found in the missionary positions for women. Missionary and side-lying positions elicited the greatest lumbar flexion movement in men. Regarding the movement of the hip joint during sexual intercourse, flexion, abduction, and external rotation mainly characterized the woman's movement while external rotation did so in the man. In conclusion, sexual intercourse may elicit moderate intensity physical demands, but these demands vary depending on contextual variables. In addition, not only studies combining physiological and kinematic analyses are necessary but also more high-quality studies need to be published in order to have a better understanding of the physical demands of sexual intercourse.

Evolución de la percepción y distorsión de la imagen corporal con la práctica de Pilates en suelo y con aparatos en mujeres adultas / Evolution of body image perception and distorsion with mat and apparatus Pilates practice in adult women

INTRODUCCIÓN: la práctica sistemática de ejercicio físico podría influir en la percepción y distorsión de la imagen corporal de mujeres adultas. OBJETIVO: analizar la evolución de la percepción y la distorsión de la imagen corporal en mujeres adultas que realizan una práctica sistemática de Pilates en suelo (PS) o Pilates con aparatos (PA). METODOLOGÍA: un total de 35 mujeres adultas participaron en un programa de PS (n = 19) o PA (n = 26) durante 16 semanas, dos días por semana. La imagen corporal se valoró antes y después de las intervenciones con el cuestionario "Inventario de la conducta alimentaria 3" (EDI-3), la escala de evaluación de la imagen corporal de Gardner y la escala de siluetas de Thompson y Gray. RESULTADOS: el grupo de PS mostró una reducción significativa de la insatisfacción con los glúteos, la insatisfacción con la imagen corporal, la imagen percibida, el índice de distorsión, el índice de insatisfacción, la imagen mental percibida, la imagen afectiva percibida, el índice de insatisfacción cognitiva y el índice de insatisfacción afectiva (p < 0,05; TE: 0,26-0,80). En relación con el grupo de PA se encontró una disminución significativa de la insatisfacción con los muslos, la insatisfacción con las caderas, la insatisfacción con la imagen corporal, el índice de insatisfacción, el índice de insatisfacción cognitiva y el índice de insatisfacción afectiva (p < 0,05; 0,22-0,79). CONCLUSIONES: la práctica sistemática de PS o PA mejora la imagen corporal en mujeres adultas, reduciéndose el grado de insatisfacción corporal de las mismas

INTRODUCTION: the systematic practice of physical exercise may influence the perception and distortion of body image in adult women. OBJECTIVE: to analyze the evolution of body image perception and distortion in adult women who performed a systematic practice of mat Pilates (PM) or Pilates with apparatus (PA). METHODS: a total of 35 adult women participated in a PM (n = 19) or PA (n = 26) program for 16 weeks, two days a week. Body image was assessed before and after the interventions using the Eating Behavior Inventory 3 (EBI-3), Gardner's body image assessment scale, and Thompson and Gray's silhouette scale questionnaires. RESULTS: the PM group showed a significant reduction in dissatisfaction with buttocks, dissatisfaction with body image, perceived image, distortion index, dissatisfaction index, perceived mental image, perceived affective image, cognitive dissatisfaction index, and affective dissatisfaction index (p < 0.05; ES: 0.26-0.80). As compared to the PA group, a significant reduction was shown in dissatisfaction with thighs, dissatisfaction with hips, dissatisfaction with body image, dissatisfaction index, cognitive dissatisfaction index, and affective dissatisfaction index (p < 0.05; 0.22-0.79). CONCLUSION: the systematic practice of PM or PA improves body image in adult women, reducing their body dissatisfaction

[Evolution of body image perception and distorsion with mat and apparatus Pilates practice in adult women]. / Evolución de la percepción y distorsión de la imagen corporal con la práctica de Pilates en suelo y con aparatos en mujeres adultas.

INTRODUCTION: Introduction: the systematic practice of physical exercise may influence the perception and distortion of body image in adult women. Objective: to analyze the evolution of body image perception and distortion in adult women who performed a systematic practice of mat Pilates (PM) or Pilates with apparatus (PA). Methods: a total of 35 adult women participated in a PM (n = 19) or PA (n = 26) program for 16 weeks, two days a week. Body image was assessed before and after the interventions using the Eating Behavior Inventory 3 (EBI-3), Gardner's body image assessment scale, and Thompson and Gray's silhouette scale questionnaires. Results: the PM group showed a significant reduction in dissatisfaction with buttocks, dissatisfaction with body image, perceived image, distortion index, dissatisfaction index, perceived mental image, perceived affective image, cognitive dissatisfaction index, and affective dissatisfaction index (p < 0.05; ES: 0.26-0.80). As compared to the PA group, a significant reduction was shown in dissatisfaction with thighs, dissatisfaction with hips, dissatisfaction with body image, dissatisfaction index, cognitive dissatisfaction index, and affective dissatisfaction index (p < 0.05; 0.22-0.79). Conclusion: the systematic practice of PM or PA improves body image in adult women, reducing their body dissatisfaction.

INTRODUCCIÓN: Introducción: la práctica sistemática de ejercicio físico podría influir en la percepción y distorsión de la imagen corporal de mujeres adultas. Objetivo: analizar la evolución de la percepción y la distorsión de la imagen corporal en mujeres adultas que realizan una práctica sistemática de Pilates en suelo (PS) o Pilates con aparatos (PA). Metodología: un total de 35 mujeres adultas participaron en un programa de PS (n = 19) o PA (n = 26) durante 16 semanas, dos días por semana. La imagen corporal se valoró antes y después de las intervenciones con el cuestionario "Inventario de la conducta alimentaria 3" (EDI-3), la escala de evaluación de la imagen corporal de Gardner y la escala de siluetas de Thompson y Gray. Resultados: el grupo de PS mostró una reducción significativa de la insatisfacción con los glúteos, la insatisfacción con la imagen corporal, la imagen percibida, el índice de distorsión, el índice de insatisfacción, la imagen mental percibida, la imagen afectiva percibida, el índice de insatisfacción cognitiva y el índice de insatisfacción afectiva (p < 0,05; TE: 0,26-0,80). En relación con el grupo de PA se encontró una disminución significativa de la insatisfacción con los muslos, la insatisfacción con las caderas, la insatisfacción con la imagen corporal, el índice de insatisfacción, el índice de insatisfacción cognitiva y el índice de insatisfacción afectiva (p < 0,05; 0,22-0,79). Conclusiones: la práctica sistemática de PS o PA mejora la imagen corporal en mujeres adultas, reduciéndose el grado de insatisfacción corporal de las mismas.

Hamstring extensibility differences among elite adolescent and young dancers of different dance styles and non-dancers.

BACKGROUND: Hamstrings have been analyzed extensively due to their tendency to shorten and their effect in the lumbo-pelvic dynamics and the sagittal position of the spine in trunk flexion with extended knees positions. It has been demonstrated that practicing a certain sport results in long-term changes in hamstring extensibility. Despite this, adequate extensibility of the hamstring musculature is essential for the dancer's performance. Several studies have found differences in the extensibility of the hamstrings depending on the dance style, but none have compared ballet, Spanish dance and modern dance. The purpose of the present research was to analyze the differences in hamstring extensibility among professional dance students based on dance style practiced and non-dancers. METHODS: The sample was comprised of 210 students from the Professional Dance Conservatory (70 for ballet, 70 for Spanish dance and 70 for modern dance) and 70 non-dancers. For the assessment of hamstring extensibility, the angle in the passive and active straight leg raise (PSLR and ASLR, respectively) test, and the scores of the pelvic tilt in sit-and-reach (SR) test and the toe-touch (TT) test were randomly conducted. RESULTS: The results showed significant differences for all the tests according to group (p < 0.001). In the PSLR and ASLR test, for both legs, and in the pelvic tilt in the SR test, the ballet dancers showed greater ranges of hamstring extensibility than the modern dancers and Spanish dancers (p ≤ 0.001). In the distance in the SR test and in the pelvic tilt in the TT test, the ballet dancers obtained higher values than the Spanish dancers (p = 0.004 and p = 0.003, respectively). The modern dancers showed higher ranges of hip flexion than the Spanish dancers in the ASLR test for both legs and in the pelvic tilt in the SR test (p from 0.007 to <0.001). Dancers showed significantly higher hamstring extensibility than non-dancers in all the tests (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The systematic practice of dance, regardless of the style, seems to lead to high ranges of hamstring extensibility. Ballet dancers have the greatest hamstring extensibility.

A longitudinal analysis of morphological characteristics and body proportionality in young elite sprint paddlers.

Introduction: There are certain anthropometric attributes common to most high-level paddlers and among the determinants for optimal performance consecution in senior categories.Objective: The present investigation aimed to determine the evolution of morphological characteristics of elite paddlers during adolescence and to compare them with the values exhibited by Olympic competitors.Methods: In a longitudinal study, thirteen young elite paddlers (seven boys and six girls) completed a battery of anthropometric tests (heights, weight, girths, lengths, and sum of skinfolds) and on-water performance assessments (200 and 500 m) during three consecutive years.Results: Body mass and upper body sizes significantly change over the years (p < .05), especially in boys. Both male and female paddlers presented significant differences and large effect sizes in muscle mass and skin mass values (η2p > .64) whereas bone mass and fat mass remained stable from the 1st to the 3rd year. Proportionality analysis revealed girths and breadths differences in arm and chest variables as well as large effect sizes in biacromial breadth among all years (η2p > .62; p < .05), particularly in boys. Similarly, significant improvements in 200-m performance times were observed for both sexes.Conclusions: The findings of the current investigation might suggest a tendency towards a leaner and more robust morphological profile of elite paddlers in the transition from young to senior categories. In addition, the presence of superior relative body dimensions from young categories seems to be paramount in the evolution to later successful paddling.

Morphological and Physical Fitness Profile of Young Female Sprint Kayakers.

López-Plaza, D, Alacid, F, Rubio, JÁ, López-Miñarro, PÁ, Muyor, JM, and Manonelles, P. Morphological and physical fitness profile of young female sprint kayakers. J Strength Cond Res 33(7): 1963-1970, 2019-Traditionally, physical and anthropometrical profiles of the most successful kayak athletes have been identified in male kayakers. This study attempted to identify the differences in morphology and fitness level of 2 performance-based groups of young elite female paddlers. Eighty-six female kayakers, aged 13.62 ± 0.57 years (mean ± SD), were allocated in 2 groups (Top-10 and Rest) depending on their ranking in the 3 Olympic distances (200, 500, and 1,000 m). All subjects underwent a battery of anthropometrical (heights, mass, girths, and sum of skinfolds), physical fitness (overhead medicine ball throw, countermovement jump, sit-and-reach test, and 20-m multistage shuttle run test), and specific performance assessments (200, 500, and 1,000 m). Best paddlers presented significantly greater anthropometrical values in muscle mass percentage, maturity status, and chronological age (p ≤ 0.05), whereas physical fitness comparison only revealed significant differences in countermovement jump (p ≤ 0.05). Furthermore, aerobic power and muscle mass percentage seem to be crucial in achieving optimal performances at long (1,000 m) and short duration races (200 and 500 m). These findings confirm the importance of a larger and compact morphology, as well as superior fitness level, for success in female kayakers. The current results not only identify the weak areas on body composition and physical fitness depending on the maturity status but also the development of specific training programs for females.

Relación entre los parámetros antropométricos y la adhesión a la dieta mediterránea en jóvenes piragüistas hombres de élite

El objetivo del presente estudio fue analizar la adhesión a la dieta mediterránea y su relación con las variables antropométricas en piragüistas cadetes de élite. Para ello, 110 piragüistas varones de categoría cadete (media de edad: 15,51 ±0,66 años y IMC medio: 22,66 ± 2,03 kg·m-2) fueron valorados antropométricamente siguiendo las indicaciones de la International Society for the Advancement of Kinanthropometry. También se analizó su adherencia a la dieta mediterránea mediante la autocomplementación del cuestionario KIDMED. Se encontró que seis piragüistas tuvieron una baja adhesión a la dieta mediterránea; 31, una mediana, y 73, una excelente. Al dividir a los piragüistas en función de su adhesión a la dieta mediterránea, se hallaron valores similares en las variables antropométricas, el índice de masa corporal, el somatotipo y los porcentajes de composición corporal. En general, los piragüistas mostraron un consumo adecuado de cereales, aceite de oliva, productos lácteos en el desayuno, bollería industrial, dulces, golosinas y comida rápida. No obstante, ingerían menos fruta, verdura, pescado, legumbres, yogures, queso y frutos secos de lo recomendado. En conclusión, no se encontró una relación clara entre los parámetros antropométricos y el grado de adhesión del deportista a la dieta mediterránea en piragüistas varones cadetes de élite. Además, la mayoría de los participantes mostraron una adhesión media o excelente a la dieta mediterránea.

The present study aimed to analyze Mediterranean diet adherence and its relationship with anthropometric variables in young elite paddlers. One hundred and ten young male paddlers (mean age: 15.51 ±0.66 years old and mean BMI: 22.35 ± 1.66 kg·m-2) were measured according to International Society for the Advancement of Kinanthropometry guidelines. Mediterranean diet adherence was analyzed using the KIDMED questionnaire. Most of the paddlers presented an excellent adherence to the Mediterranean diet (n=73); meanwhile, 31 showed a medium and six a low adherence. Anthropometric variables, body mass index, somatotype and body composition percentages showed similar values when the paddlers were divided based on their adherence to the Mediterranean diet. Paddlers showed an adequate consumption of cereals, olive oil, dairy products for breakfast, processed baked goods, candy sweets, and fast food. The consumption of fruits, vegetables, fish, legumes, yogurt, cheese, and nuts was lower than recommended. In conclusion, the present study showed that there is not a clear relationship between anthropometric parameters and the Mediterranean diet adherence among young elite male paddlers. Furthermore, most paddlers showed an excellent or medium adherence to the Mediterranean diet.

O objetivo do presente estudo foi analisar a aderência à dieta mediterrânea e sua relação com as variáveis antropométricas em canoístas cadete de elite. Para isso, 110 canoístas categoria cadete do sexo masculino (idade média de 15,51 ± 0,66 anos e IMC médio: 22,66 ± 2,03 kg m-2) foram avaliados antropométricamente seguindo as indicações da International Society for the Advancement of Kinanthropometry. Também se analisou sua adherencia à dieta mediterránea mediante a autocomplementación do questionario KIDMED. Encontrou-se que seis canoístas tinham baixa adesão à dieta mediterrânea; 31, mediana e 73, excelente. Ao dividir canoístas com base em sua adesão à dieta mediterrânea, valores semelhantes foram encontrados em variáveis antropométricas, índice de massa corporal, somatotipo e percentuais da composição corporal. . Em general, os canoístas mostraram um consumo adequado de cereais, azeite de oliva, produtos lácteos no café da manhã, produtos de padaría, doces, balas e comida rápida. No entanto, eles comiam menos frutas, legumes, peixe, legumes, iogurte, queijo e frutos secos que eram recomendados. Em conclusão, não se encontrou uma relação clara entre os parâmetros antropométricos e o grau de adesão do desportista à dieta mediterránea entre os canoístas cadetes de elite do sexo masculino. Ademais, a maioria dos participantes mostraram uma adesão média ou excelente à dieta mediterránea.

Differences in Anthropometry, Biological Age and Physical Fitness Between Young Elite Kayakers and Canoeists.

The aim of this study was to determine the anthropometric and physical characteristics of youth elite paddlers and to identify the differences between kayakers and canoeists. A total of 171 male paddlers (eighty-nine kayakers and eighty-two canoeists), aged 13.69 ± 0.57 years (mean ± SD) volunteered to participate in this study. The participants completed basic anthropometric assessments (body mass, stretch stature, sitting height, body mass index, maturity level, sum of 6 skinfolds and fat mass percentage) as well as a battery of physical fitness tests (overhead medicine ball throw, counter movement jump, sit-and-reach and 20 m multi-stage shuttle run tests). The anthropometric results revealed a significantly larger body size (stretch stature and sitting height) and body mass in the kayakers (p < 0.01) as well as a more mature biological status (p = 0.003). The physical fitness level exhibited by the kayakers was likewise significantly greater than that of the canoeists, both in the counter movement jump and estimated VO2max (p < 0.05), as well as in the overhead medicine ball throw and sit-and-reach test (p < 0.01). These findings confirm the more robust and mature profile of youth kayakers that might be associated with the superior fitness level observed and the specific requirements of this sport discipline.

Sprint kayaking and canoeing performance prediction based on the relationship between maturity status, anthropometry and physical fitness in young elite paddlers.

This study aimed to identify the maturity-related differences and its influence on the physical fitness, morphological and performance characteristics of young elite paddlers. In total, 89 kayakers and 82 canoeists, aged 13.69 ± 0.57 years (mean ± s), were allocated in three groups depending on their age relative to the age at peak height velocity (pre-APHV, circum-APHV and post-APHV) and discipline (kayak and canoe). Nine anthropometric variables, a battery of four physical fitness tests (overhead medicine ball throw, countermovement jump, sit-and-reach test and 20 m multistage shuttle run test) and three specific performance tests (1000, 500 and 200 m) were assessed. Both disciplines presented significant maturity-based differences in all anthropometric parameters (except for fat and muscle mass percentage), overhead medicine ball throw and all performance times (pre > circum > post; P < 0.05). Negative and significant correlations (P < 0.01) were detected between performance times, chronological age and anthropometry (body mass, height, sitting height and maturity status), overhead medicine ball throw and sit and reach for all distances. These findings confirm the importance of maturity status in sprint kayaking and canoeing since the more mature paddlers were also those who revealed largest body size, physical fitness level and best paddling performance. Additionally, the most important variables predicting performance times in kayaking and canoeing were maturity status and chronological age, respectively.

[Not Available]. / Características cineantropométricas de los jugadores de béisbol de élite.

Introducción: a pesar de que las características antropométricas es uno de los métodos utilizados dentro de la selección de talentos deportivos, son pocos los estudios que han analizado el perfil morfológico del jugador de béisbol de élite.Objetivo: analizar el perfil antropométrico de los jugadores de béisbol de élite nacional de forma global y según el puesto ocupado.Material y métodos: Doscientos diecisiete jugadores de béisbol masculino (edad: 23,87 ± 5,32 años) de la División de Honor española participaron en el presente estudio. A todos ellos se les clasificó según su posición de juego y se les realizó una valoración antropométrica. Posteriormente se calculó su somatotipo, composición corporal, índice de masa corporal (IMC) y sumatorio de seis pliegues.Resultados: los jugadores no mostraron diferencias significativas en función de su posición en el campo en la talla, el peso, los pliegues tríceps, subescapular, bíceps, supraespinal, abdominal y pierna, ni en el sumatorio de seis pliegues o el diámetro biestiloideo. Sí que se encontrarondiferencias significativas en el pliegue del muslo, perímetros del brazo contraído y pierna y diámetros biepicondíleo del húmero y fémur. Tampoco se hallaron diferencias significativas en el IMC, la composición corporal o el somatotipo. Los valores de endomorfia fueron altos, los de mesomorfia altos o medio-altos y los de ectomorfia bajos, siendo la clasificación del somatotipo mesoendomorfo o endomorfo-mesomorfo según la posición de juego.Conclusión: existe una gran homogeneidad en el perfil antropométrico de los jugadores de béisbol según su posición de juego, diferenciándose únicamente en algunas variables antropométricas como perímetros y diámetros.

Características cineantropométricas de los jugadores de béisbol de élite / Kinantropometry characteristic of elite baseball players

Introducción: a pesar de que las características antropométricas es uno de los métodos utilizados dentro de la selección de talentos deportivos, son pocos los estudios que han analizado el perfil morfológico del jugador de béisbol de élite. Objetivo: analizar el perfil antropométrico de los jugadores de béisbol de élite nacional de forma global y según el puesto ocupado. Material y métodos: Doscientos diecisiete jugadores de béisbol masculino (edad: 23,87 ± 5,32 años) de la División de Honor española participaron en el presente estudio. A todos ellos se les clasificó según su posición de juego y se les realizó una valoración antropométrica. Posteriormente se calculó su somatotipo, composición corporal, índice de masa corporal (IMC) y sumatorio de seis pliegues. Resultados: los jugadores no mostraron diferencias significativas en función de su posición en el campo en la talla, el peso, los pliegues tríceps, subescapular, bíceps, supraespinal, abdominal y pierna, ni en el sumatorio de seis pliegues o el diámetro biestiloideo. Sí que se encontraron diferencias significativas en el pliegue del muslo, perímetros del brazo contraído y pierna y diámetros biepicondíleo del húmero y fémur. Tampoco se hallaron diferencias significativas en el IMC, la composición corporal o el somatotipo. Los valores de endomorfia fueron altos, los de mesomorfia altos o medio-altos y los de ectomorfia bajos, siendo la clasificación del somatotipo mesoendomorfo o endomorfo-mesomorfo según la posición de juego. Conclusión: existe una gran homogeneidad en el perfil antropométrico de los jugadores de béisbol según su posición de juego, diferenciándose únicamente en algunas variables antropométricas como perímetros y diámetros (AU)

Introduction: Anthropometric characteristics is one of the methods that they have been used in sport talent detection. However, few studies have analyzed the morphological profile of elite baseball player. Objective: To analyze the anthropometric profile of elite Spanish baseball players, classified by playing positions and globally. Material and methods: Two hundred and seventeen male baseball players (age: 23.87 ± 5.32 years) from Spanish Honor Division participated in this study. Athletes were classified based on their playing position. Anthropometric variables were measured and somatotype, body composition, body mass index (BMI) and six skinfolds sum were calculated. Results: Players did not show significant differences based on their playing position in stretch stature; body mass; triceps, subscapular, biceps, supraspinale, abdominal and medial calf skinfolds; six skinfold sum; and wrist (bi-styloid) bone breadth. There were significant differences in front thigh skinfold, arm flexed and tensed and calf girths, humerus (biepicondylar) and femur (biepicondylar) bone breadths; BMI, body composition and somatotype. Endomorphy showed a high value, mesomorphy a high or medium-high values and ectomorphya low value. Generally, athletes showed a mesomorphic endomorph and mesomorph-endomorph somatotype, depends on the playing position. Conclusion: Baseball players of all the playing positions showed a high homogeneity in the anthropometric profi le. There were only few differences in some anthropometric variables such as girths and bone breaths (AU)

The effects of a reformer Pilates program on body composition and morphological characteristics in active women after a detraining period.

The aim of this quasi-experimental pilot study was to explore the effects of a reformer Pilates program on the anthropometry, body composition, and somatotype of active adult women after a short non-exercise period. Twenty-eight women (mean age: 40.21 ± standard deviation of 8.12 years old) with one to three years of reformer Pilates experience participated in the study. The women participated in a reformer Pilates program for 16 weeks (one hour, twice per week) after 4 weeks of detraining (summer holidays) in 2012. The International Society for the Advancement of Kinanthropometry full profile was assessed before and after the intervention program. Significant decreases (p ≤ 0.05) from pre- to post-program were observed for triceps, iliac crest, supraspinale, abdominal, front thigh and medial calf skinfold thicknesses, six and eight skinfold thickness sums, forearm and ankle girths, waist/hip ratio, endomorphy, and fat mass. Significant increases (p ≤ .05) were observed for corrected arm, corrected calf girths, and muscle mass. Generally, women showed a mesomorphic endomorph (endomorphy predominant) and mesomorph-endomorph (endomorphy and mesomorphy predominant) in the pre- and posttests, respectively. In conclusion, the practice of reformer Pilates was associated with healthy changes in anthropometric parameters, body composition, and somatotype in Pilates-experienced women after 4 weeks of no physical exercise.

[THE EFFECTS OF THE PILATES METHOD ON HAMSTRING EXTENSIBILITY, PELVIC TILT AND TRUNK FLEXION]. / EFECTOS DEL MÉTODO PILATES SOBRE LA EXTENSIBILIDAD ISQUIOSURAL, LA INCLINACIÓN PÉLVICA Y LA FLEXIÓN DEL TRONCO.

INTRODUCTION: Pilates includes a high volume of hamstring stretching and maximal trunk flexion with knees extended exercises. OBJECTIVE: to perform a systematic review about Pilates practice effects and a detraining period on hamstring extensibility, pelvic tilt and trunk flexion in maximal trunk flexion with knees extended. METHOD: it was analysed all the experimental or quasi-experimental designs written in English, Spanish or Portuguese and included in the following databases: Pubmed, Sports Discus, ISI Web of Knowledge, Dialnet and Research Gate. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: twenty-one papers were analysed. Most of them used a pre-test-post-test design with control group. The intervention programs applied were heterogeneous. Samples were composed mainly of women, both young and old. It was found that the Pilates practice, with different volume, significantly increased hamstring muscle extensibility and pelvic tilt in maximal trunk flexion. At least three training sessions peer week during six weeks were necessary in order to obtain a high trunk inclination. Studies which involved athletes showed contradictory results. By inducing a detraining period it was noticed a decrease in hamstring extensibility and trunk flexion from the second week. CONCLUSIONS: there is a moderate evidence that Pilates is an effective method to increase hamstring extensibility, pelvic tilt and the degree of trunk flexion in maximal flexion positions in sedentary and recreational active people and also to increase hamstring extensibility in athletes.

Introducción: el Pilates engloba un gran volumen de ejercicios de estiramiento de la musculatura isquiosural y de flexión máxima del tronco con rodillas extendidas. Objetivo: realizar una revisión sistemática sobre los efectos de la práctica de Pilates y de un período de desentrenamiento sobre la flexibilidad isquiosural, la inclinación pélvica y la flexión del tronco en flexión máxima del tronco con rodillas extendidas. Metodología: se analizaron todos los diseños experimentales o cuasi-experimentales redactados en inglés, español o portugués incluidos en las siguientes bases de datos: Pubmed, Sports Discus, ISI Web of Knowledge, Dialnet y Research Gate. Resultados y discusión: fueron analizados veintiún artículos. La mayoría utilizaron un diseño de pre-testpost- test con grupo control, siendo heterogéneos los programas de intervención aplicados. La muestra estaba compuesta principalmente por mujeres, jóvenes y mayores. Se encontró que la práctica de Pilates, con diferente volumen, incrementaba significativamente la extensibilidad isquiosural y la inclinación pélvica en flexión máxima del tronco. Para obtener una mayor inclinación del tronco fueron necesarios, al menos, tres días de entrenamiento semanal durante seis semanas. En los estudios que incluyen poblaciones de deportistas los resultados son contradictorios. Con el desentrenamiento se produce una disminución de la extensibilidad isquiosural y la flexión del tronco a partir de la segunda semana. Conclusiones: existen moderadas evidencias de que el Pilates es efectivo para aumentar la extensibilidad isquiosural, la inclinación pélvica y el grado de flexión del ronco en posiciones de flexión máxima en poblaciones sedentarias y activas recreacionales, así como para incrementar la flexibilidad isquiosural en deportistas.

Efectos del método Pilates sobre la extensibilidad isquiosural, la inclinación pélvica y la flexión del tronco / The effects of the Pilates method on hamstring extensibility, pelvic tilt and trunk flexion

Introducción: el Pilates engloba un gran volumen de ejercicios de estiramiento de la musculatura isquiosural y de flexión máxima del tronco con rodillas extendidas. Objetivo: realizar una revisión sistemática sobre los efectos de la práctica de Pilates y de un período de desentrenamiento sobre la flexibilidad isquiosural, la inclinación pélvica y la flexión del tronco en flexión máxima del tronco con rodillas extendidas. Metodología: se analizaron todos los diseños experimentales o cuasi-experimentales redactados en inglés, español o portugués incluidos en las siguientes bases de datos: Pubmed, Sports Discus, ISI Web of Knowledge, Dialnet y Research Gate. Resultados y discusión: fueron analizados veintiún artículos. La mayoría utilizó un diseño de pre-testpost-test con grupo control, siendo heterogéneos los programas de intervención aplicados. La muestra estaba compuesta principalmente por mujeres, jóvenes y mayores. Se encontró que la práctica de Pilates, con diferente volumen, incrementaba significativamente la extensibilidad isquiosural y la inclinación pélvica en flexión máxima del tronco. Para obtener una mayor inclinación del tronco fueron necesarios, al menos, tres días de entrenamiento semanal durante seis semanas. En los estudios que incluyen poblaciones de deportistas los resultados son contradictorios. Con el desentrenamiento se produce una disminución de la extensibilidad isquiosural y la flexión del tronco a partir de la segunda semana. Conclusiones: existen moderadas evidencias de que el Pilates es efectivo para aumentar la extensibilidad isquiosural, la inclinación pélvica y el grado de flexión del tronco en posiciones de flexión máxima en poblaciones sedentarias y activas recreacionales, así como para incrementar la flexibilidad isquiosural en deportistas (AU)

Introduction: Pilates includes a high volume of hamstring stretching and maximal trunk flexion with knees extended exercises. Objective: to perform a systematic review about Pilates practice effects and a detraining period on hamstring extensibility, pelvic tilt and trunk flexion in maximal trunk flexion with knees extended. Method: it was analysed all the experimental or quasi-experimental designs written in English, Spanish or Portuguese and included in the following databases: Pubmed, Sports Discus, ISI Web of Knowledge, Dialnet and Research Gate. Results and discussion: twenty-one papers were analysed. Most of them used a pre-test-post-test design with control group. The intervention programs applied were heterogeneous. Samples were composed mainly of women, both young and old. It was found that the Pilates practice, with different volume, significantly increased hamstring muscle extensibility and pelvic tilt in maximal trunk flexion. At least three training sessions peer week during six weeks were necessary in order to obtain a high trunk inclination. Studies which involved athletes showed contradictory results. By inducing a detraining period it was noticed a decrease in hamstring extensibility and trunk flexion from the second week. Conclusions: there is a moderate evidence that Pilates is an effective method to increase hamstring extensibility, pelvic tilt and the degree of trunk flexion in maximal flexion positions in sedentary and recreational active people and also to increase hamstring extensibility in athletes (AU)

Efecto de un programa de estiramiento de la musculatura isquiosural sobre la extensibilidad isquiosural en escolares adolescentes: influencia de la distribución semanal de las sesiones / The effect of a hamstring streching protocol on hamstring extensibiity in adolescent students: influence of the class session weekly distribution

Introducción: la realización de estiramientos de la musculatura isquiosural, dos sesiones por semana en días alternos, produce mejoras significativas en escolares. Objetivo: comparar los efectos de un programa de estiramientos de la musculatura isquiosural realizado en las clases de educación física en dos grupos de adolescentes, en función de la distribución semanal de sus sesiones de clase (sesiones alternas vs. sesiones consecutivas). Metodología: cincuenta y ocho estudiantes adolescentes realizaron un programa de estiramientos estático-activos de la musculatura isquiosural durante cinco semanas, ejecutados al comienzo de dos clases semanales de educación física, con una duración total de cinco minutos. Los alumnos fueron divididos en dos grupos: el grupo A, formado por 30 alumnos, tenían las clases en días consecutivos (lunes-martes) y el grupo B, compuesto por 29 alumnos, en días no consecutivos (martes-viernes). La extensibilidad de la musculatura isquiosural se evalúo mediante el test sit-and-reach antes del inicio del programa (pre-test) y tras finalizar el mismo (post-test). Resultados y discusión: se encontró una mejora significativa de la distancia alcanzada en el test sit-and-reach tanto en el grupo A (+2,15 cm) (p = 0,003) como en el grupo B (+2,31 cm) (p 0,05). Conclusiones: la aplicación de un programa de intervención con una duración de cinco semanas y una frecuencia de dos sesiones semanales produce mejoras en la extensibilidad isquiosural en escolares. La distribución semanal de las sesiones no influye en los resultados encontrados (AU)

Introduction: students who do hamstring stretching exercises, twice per week on alternate days, have showed significant increases on extensibility. Objective: to compare the effects of a hamstring stretching program includes in the physical education classes in booth groups of adolescent, which had a different class session weekly distribution (non-consecutive sessions vs. consecutive sessions). Method: fifty-eight adolescent students did a static-active stretching program on hamstring in the warm-up of both weekly physical education sessions for five weeks. The total duration of the stretching was five minutes. Students were divided in two groups: group A, with 30 students, had consecutive sessions (monday-tuesday), and the group B, with 29 students, had non-consecutive sessions (tuesday-friday). Hamstring extensibility was evaluated with the sit-and-reach test before (pre-test) and after (post-test) the intervention program. Results and discussion: there was found a significant increase in the sit-and-reach score in the group A (+2,15 cm) (p = 0.003) and in the group B (+2,31 cm) (p 0.05). Conclusions: the implementation of an intervention program for five weeks, twice sessions a week, induded increases on hamstring extensibility in students. The class session weekly distribution does not affect the results (AU)

[THE EFFECT OF A HAMSTRING STRECHING PROTOCOL ON HAMSTRING EXTENSIBIITY IN ADOLESCENT STUDENTS: INFLUENCE OF THE CLASS SESSION WEEKLY DISTRIBUTION]. / EFECTO DE UN PROGRAMA DE ESTIRAMIENTO DE LA MUSCULATURA ISQUIOSURAL SOBRE LA EXTENSIBILIDAD ISQUIOSURAL EN ESCOLARES ADOLESCENTES: INFLUENCIA DE LA DISTRIBUCIÓN SEMANAL DE LAS SESIONES.

INTRODUCTION: students who do hamstring stretching exercises, twice per week on alternate days, have showed significant increases on extensibility. Objetive: to compare the effects of a hamstring stretching program includes in the physical education classes in booth groups of adolescent, which had a different class session weekly distribution (non-consecutive sessions vs. consecutive sessions). METHOD: fifty-eight adolescent students did a static-active stretching program on hamstring in the warm-up of both weekly physical education sessions for five weeks. The total duration of the stretching was five minutes. Students were divided in two groups: group A, with 30 students, had consecutive sessions (monday-tuesday), and the group B, with 29 students, had non-consecutive sessions (tuesday-friday). Hamstring extensibility was evaluated with the sit-and-reach test before (pre-test) and after (post-test) the intervention program. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: there was found a significant increase in the sit-and-reach score in the group A (+2,15 cm) (p = 0.003) and in the group B (+2,31 cm) (p < 0.001). No significant differences were found between groups in the pre-test and the post-test (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: the implementation of an intervention program for five weeks, twice sessions a week, induded increases on hamstring extensibility in students. The class session weekly distribution does not affect the results.

Introducción: la realización de estiramientos de la musculatura isquiosural, dos sesiones por semana en días alternos, produce mejoras significativas en escolares. Objetivo: comparar los efectos de un programa de estiramientos de la musculatura isquiosural realizado en las clases de educación física en dos grupos de adolescentes, en función de la distribución semanal de sus sesiones de clase (sesiones alternas vs. sesiones consecutivas). Metodología: cincuenta y ocho estudiantes adolescentes realizaron un programa de estiramientos estático- activos de la musculatura isquiosural durante cinco semanas, ejecutados al comienzo de dos clases semanales de educación física, con una duración total de cinco minutos. Los alumnos fueron divididos en dos grupos: el grupo A, formado por 30 alumnos, tenían las clases en días consecutivos (lunes-martes) y el grupo B, compuesto por 29 alumnos, en días no consecutivos (martes-viernes). La extensibilidad de la musculatura isquiosural se evalúo mediante el test sit-and-reach antes del inicio del programa (pre-test) y tras finalizar el mismo (post-test). Resultados y discusión: se encontró una mejora significativa de la distancia alcanzada en el test sit-and-reach tanto en el grupo A (+2,15 cm) (p = 0,003) como en el grupo B (+2,31 cm) (p < 0,001). No se encontraron diferencias significativas ni en el pre-test ni en el post-test entre grupos (p > 0,05). Conclusiones: la aplicación de un programa de intervención con una duración de cinco semanas y una frecuencia de dos sesiones semanales produce mejoras en la extensibilidad isquiosural en escolares. La distribución semanal de las sesiones no influye en los resultados encontrados.

[CRITERION-RELATED VALIDITY OF SIT-AND-REACH TEST AS A MEASURE OF HAMSTRING EXTENSIBILITY IN OLDER WOMEN]. / VALIDEZ DEL TEST SIT-AND-REACH PARA VALORAR LA EXTENSIBILIDAD ISQUIOSURAL EN MUJERES MAYORES.

INTRODUCTION: lumbo-sacral posture and the sit-andreach score have been proposed as measures of hamstring extensibility. However, the validity is influenced by sample characteristics. OBJECTIVE: to determine the validity of lumbo-horizontal angle and score in the sit-and-reach test as measures of hamstring extensibility in older women. METHOD: a hundred and twenty older women performed the straight leg raise test with both leg, and the sit-and-reach test (SR) in a random order. For the sitand- reach test, the score and the lumbo-sacral posture in bending (lumbo-horizontal angle, L-Hfx) were measured. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: the mean values of straight leg raise in left and right leg were 81.70 ± 13.83º and 82.10 ± 14.36º, respectively. The mean value of EPR of both legs was 81.90 ± 12.70º. The mean values of SR score and L-Hfx were -1.54 ± 8.09 cm and 91.08º ± 9.32º, respectively. The correlation values between the mean straight leg raise test with respect to lumbo-sacral posture and SR score were moderate (L-Hfx: r = -0.72, p < 0.01; SR: r = 0.70, p < 0.01). Both variables independently explained about 50% of the variance (L-Hfx: R2 = 0.52, p < 0,001; SR: R2 = 0.49, p < 0,001). CONCLUSIONS: the validity of lumbo-sacral posture in bending as measure of hamstring muscle extensibility on older women is moderate, with similar values than SR score.

Introducción: la disposición del raquis lumbo-sacro y la distancia alcanzada en el test sit-and-reach han sido propuestas para valorar la extensibilidad isquiosural, siendo su validez diferente en función de la población analizada. Objetivo: determinar la validez del ángulo lumbo-horizontal en flexión y la distancia alcanzada en el test sitand- reach como criterio de extensibilidad isquiosural en mujeres mayores. Metodología: un total de 120 mujeres mayores realizaron aleatoriamente los test de elevación de pierna recta (EPR) con ambas piernas y el test sit-and-reach (SR). En este último se valoró la distancia alcanzada y la disposición del raquis lumbo-sacro (L-Hfx) al alcanzar la posición de máxima flexión del tronco. Resultados y discusión: los valores medios en el EPR fueron 81,70 ± 13,83º y 82,10 ± 14,36º en las piernas izquierda y derecha, respectivamente. La media del EPR de ambas piernas fue de 81,90 ± 12,70º. La distancia media en el SR fue de -1,54 ± 8,09 cm. En el L-Hfx, el valor medio fue de 91,08º ± 9,32º. La correlación entre el test EPR medio de ambas piernas respecto a la distancia alcanzada en el test DDP y el ángulo L-Hfx fueron moderados (L-Hfx: r = -0,72, p < 0,01; SR: r = 0,70, p < 0,01). Ambas variables, de forma independiente, explicaron alrededor del 50% de la varianza (L-Hfx: R2 = 0,52; p < 0,001; SR: R2 = 0,49; p < 0,001). Conclusiones: la validez de la disposición del raquis lumbo-sacro en mujeres mayores es moderada, siendo similar a la obtenida por la distancia alcanzada en el test sit-and-reach.

Validez del test sit-and-reach para valorar la extensibilidad isquiosural en mujeres mayores / Criterion-related validity of sit-andreach test as a measure of hamstring extensibility in older women

Introducción: la disposición del raquis lumbo-sacro y la distancia alcanzada en el test sit-and-reach han sido propuestas para valorar la extensibilidad isquiosural, siendo su validez diferente en función de la población analizada. Objetivo: determinar la validez del ángulo lumbo-horizontal en flexión y la distancia alcanzada en el test sitand-reach como criterio de extensibilidad isquiosural en mujeres mayores. Metodología: un total de 120 mujeres mayores realizaron aleatoriamente los test de elevación de pierna recta (EPR) con ambas piernas y el test sit-and-reach (SR). En este último se valoró la distancia alcanzada y la disposición del raquis lumbo-sacro (L-Hfx) al alcanzar la posición de máxima flexión del tronco. Resultados y discusión: los valores medios en el EPR fueron 81,70 ± 13,83º y 82,10 ± 14,36º en las piernas izquierda y derecha, respectivamente. La media del EPR de ambas piernas fue de 81,90 ± 12,70º. La distancia media en el SR fue de -1,54 ± 8,09 cm. En el L-Hfx, el valor medio fue de 91,08º ± 9,32º. La correlación entre el test EPR medio de ambas piernas respecto a la distancia alcanzada en el test DDP y el ángulo L-Hfx fueron moderados (L-Hfx: r = -0,72, p < 0,01; SR: r = 0,70, p < 0,01). Ambas variables, de forma independiente, explicaron alrededor del 50% de la varianza (L-Hfx: R2 = 0,52; p < 0,001; SR: R2 = 0,49; p < 0,001). Conclusiones: la validez de la disposición del raquis lumbo-sacro en mujeres mayores es moderada, siendo similar a la obtenida por la distancia alcanzada en el test sit-and-reach (AU)

Introduction: lumbo-sacral posture and the sit-andreach score have been proposed as measures of hamstring extensibility. However, the validity is influenced by sample characteristics. Objective: to determine the validity of lumbo-horizontal angle and score in the sit-and-reach test as measures of hamstring extensibility in older women. Method: a hundred and twenty older women performed the straight leg raise test with both leg, and the sit-and-reach test (SR) in a random order. For the sitand-reach test, the score and the lumbo-sacral posture in bending (lumbo-horizontal angle, L-Hfx) were measured. Results and discussion: the mean values of straight leg raise in left and right leg were 81.70 ± 13.83º and 82.10 ± 14.36º, respectively. The mean value of EPR of both legs was 81.90 ± 12.70º. The mean values of SR score and L-Hfx were -1.54 ± 8.09 cm and 91.08º ± 9.32º, respectively. The correlation values between the mean straight leg raise test with respect to lumbo-sacral posture and SR score were moderate (L-Hfx: r = -0.72, p < 0.01; SR: r = 0.70, p < 0.01). Both variables independently explained about 50% of the variance (L-Hfx: R2 = 0.52, p < 0,001; SR: R2 = 0.49, p < 0,001). Conclusions: the validity of lumbo-sacral posture in bending as measure of hamstring muscle extensibility on older women is moderate, with similar values than SR score (AU)

[The effect of a warm-up protocol on the sit-and-reach test score in adolescent students]. / EFECTO DE UN PROTOCOLO DE CALENTAMIENTO EN LA DISTANCIA ALCANZADA EN EL TEST SIT-AND-REACH EN ALUMNOS ADOLESCENTES.

INTRODUCTION: Sit-and-reach tests are often used in physical education classes for measurement of hamstring extensibility in students, without a standar protocol to perform it. OBJETIVE: To analyze the effect of a warm-up protocol based on locomotion activities and stretching in the sit-and-reach scores in adolescent students. METHOD: A total of 47 teenagers students (17 boys and 30 girls) performed the sit-and-reach test before, immediately after, and 5 and 10 minutes after completing a structured warm-up. The warm-up consisted on a part of continuous running, dynamic locomotor and mobility activities as well as static stretching of lower limbs (quadriceps, hamstrings, adductors, iliopsoas and gastrocnemius), with a total duration of 8 minutes. Between measurements after warm-up, the participants remained standing without performing any exercise and/or stretching. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: After warm-up there was a significant improvement in the sit-and-reach score (+ 2.15 cm) (p < 0.001), being slightly higher at 5 and 10 minutes (+ 2.49 cm at 5 minutes and + 2.61 cm at 10 minutes) (p < 0.001 with respect to the pre-test). CONCLUSIONS: A warm-up protocol performed before the sit-and-reach test, comprised by locomotion, dynamic activities and stretching, improves significantly the distance achieved in this test.

Introducción: los test lineales son frecuentemente utilizados en las clases de educación física para evaluar la extensibilidad isquiosural del alumnado, sin que haya una estandarización del procedimiento para su realización. Objetivo: analizar la influencia de un protocolo de calentamiento en los resultados obtenidos en el test sit-andreach en estudiantes adolescentes. Metodología: a 47 adolescentes (17 chicos y 30 chicas) se les midió la distancia alcanzada en el test sit-and-reach antes, inmediatamente después de finalizar, así como a los 5 y 10 minutos tras finalizar un protocolo de calentamiento compuesto por una parte de carrera continua, actividades de locomoción y movilidad, además de estiramientos estáticos de cuádriceps, isquiosurales, aductores, psoas ilíaco y gemelos, con una duración total de 8 minutos. Entre las mediciones realizadas tras el calentamiento, los participantes permanecieron en bipedestación sin realizar ejercicio y/o estiramiento alguno. Resultados y discusión: tras el calentamiento hubo una mejora significativa en la distancia alcanzada en el test sit-and-reach (+ 2,15 cm) (p < 0,001), siendo ligeramente mayor a los 5 y 10 minutos (+ 2,49 cm a los 5 minutos y + 2,61 cm a los 10 minutos) (p < 0,001 respecto al pretest). Conclusiones: la realización de un protocolo de calentamiento previo al test sit-and-reach, compuesto por locomoción, movilidad y estiramientos, incrementa de manera significativa la distancia alcanzada en este test, que permanece aumentada, al menos, hasta 10 minutos después de finalizar el calentamiento.