Effect of circadian rhythm and menstrual cycle on physical performance in women: a systematic review.

The literature has extensively investigated potential factors influencing women's performance, including the menstrual cycle and the circadian rhythm. However, review articles exploring the combined influence of both factors remain lacking in the literature. The study aimed to systematically review the literature on the relationship between the circadian rhythm and menstrual cycle on physical performance in women. The review followed the PRISMA guidelines. The search was performed on the Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, SPORTDiscus, and Google Scholar databases. Of the 1205 records identified, four articles met the inclusion criteria. From four articles, two studies found a significant interaction between the time of day and phase of the menstrual cycle with physical performance. The isometric strength increased in the afternoon in the mid-luteal phase (versus the morning in the mid-luteal phase, p < 0.05), and the maximum cycling power was higher in the afternoon in the mid-follicular phase (versus the morning in the mid-follicular phase, p < 0.01). Our findings suggest that the time of day and the menstrual cycle phase affect physical performance, with the daytime potentially having a more significant influence. However, the results should be interpreted cautiously due to the limited studies and diverse methodologies used to monitor the menstrual cycle phase. This review reinforces the need for further investigation to understand better the combined effects of the circadian rhythm and menstrual cycle on women's physical performance. Systematic Review Registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=380965, identifier CRD42022380965.

The effect of space travel on human reproductive health: a systematic review.

With increasing possibilities of multi-year missions in deep space, colonizing other planets, and space tourism, it is important to investigate the effects of space travel on human reproduction. This study aimed to systematically review and summarize the results of available literature on space travel, microgravity, and space radiation, or Earth-based spaceflight analogues impact on female and male reproductive functions in humans. This systematic review was performed according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines and Space Biomedicine Systematic Review methods. The search was performed using three databases: PubMed, Web of Science, and Medline Complete. During the database search, 364 studies were identified. After the study selection process, 16 studies were included in the review. Five studies included female participants, and the findings show an increased risk of thromboembolism in combined oral contraceptive users, decreased decidualization, functional insufficiency of corpus luteum, and decreased progesterone and LH levels related to space travel or its simulation. Male participants were included in 13 studies. In males, reproductive health considerations focused on the decrease in testosterone and sex hormone-binding globulin levels, the ratio of male offspring, sperm motility, sperm vitality, and the increase in sperm DNA fragmentation related to space travel or its simulation. Results of this systematic review highlight the need to focus more on the astronaut's reproductive health in future research, as only 16 studies were found during the literature search, and many more research questions related to reproductive health in astronauts still need to be answered.

Effect of 12-week rehearsal on cardiorespiratory fitness and body composition in Brazilian samba dancers.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of 12 weeks of rehearsals on cardiorespiratory parameters and body composition in Brazilian samba dancers belonging to a first-league samba school. METHODS: Twenty-six women were divided into a Samba Group (n=13) and a Control Group (n=13). Cardiorespiratory parameters (cardiopulmonary exercise test) and body composition (skinfold assessment) were assessed before and after the 12 weeks of rehearsals. The Samba Group rehearsed three times per week for 30-60 minutes, and the Control Group participated in no physical activity. A comparison test was performed within and between groups, with p<0.05 indicating statistical significance. RESULTS: Compared with the Control Group, the Samba Group showed a significant increase in maximal oxygen uptake (19%), oxygen pulse (13%), and lean body mass (3%) and a decrease in body fat percentage (11%) and fat mass (12%). CONCLUSION: Twelve weeks of samba dance rehearsals improved the cardiorespiratory and body composition parameters in women dancers compared with the Control Group. These findings suggest that dancing samba regularly can increase physical activity levels and positively affect the health parameters of samba dancers.

Description of the menstrual cycle status, energy availability, eating behavior and physical performance in a youth female soccer team.

The aim of the study was to describe the menstrual status and perception, risk of low energy availability (LEA) and the presence of orthorexia nervosa (ON) in youth female from a soccer team. Also, verify the possible effect of LEA and ON on physical performance. Data from 19 female players (14.6 ± 1.42 yr) belonging to a soccer team from Cyprus was taken during pre-season. The menstrual cycle status was evaluated by specific questions, LEA by the Low Energy Availability in Females Questionnaire (LEAF-Q), ON by the ORTO-R questionnaire and physical performance by jump, handgrip and cardiorespiratory exercise tests. Players were separated into the risk of LEA and ON. Comparison and correlation tests were performed with a significance set at p < 0.05. As the main results, 66.7% of players perceived that the menstrual period affects their performance in the game, 83.3% did not communicate with coaches about their menstrual cycle; the prevalence of risk of LEA was 26.3%; players with risk of LEA also presented higher scores ON; neither LEA nor ON presented a significant association with players performance. The findings highlighted that youth players perceived an impact of the menstrual period on performance, but did not communicate with the coach about it. Players with the risk of LEA and high values of ON seem not to be associated with a decrease in physical performance during the pre-season evaluation. Attention is required as the players were assessed once. Monitoring these parameters throughout the sports season is recommended to obtain better clarification about the topic.

Effect of 12-week rehearsal on cardiorespiratory fitness and body composition in Brazilian samba dancers

ABSTRACT Objective To investigate the effect of 12 weeks of rehearsals on cardiorespiratory parameters and body composition in Brazilian samba dancers belonging to a first-league samba school. Methods Twenty-six women were divided into a Samba Group (n=13) and a Control Group (n=13). Cardiorespiratory parameters (cardiopulmonary exercise test) and body composition (skinfold assessment) were assessed before and after the 12 weeks of rehearsals. The Samba Group rehearsed three times per week for 30-60 minutes, and the Control Group participated in no physical activity. A comparison test was performed within and between groups, with p<0.05 indicating statistical significance. Results Compared with the Control Group, the Samba Group showed a significant increase in maximal oxygen uptake (19%), oxygen pulse (13%), and lean body mass (3%) and a decrease in body fat percentage (11%) and fat mass (12%). Conclusion Twelve weeks of samba dance rehearsals improved the cardiorespiratory and body composition parameters in women dancers compared with the Control Group. These findings suggest that dancing samba regularly can increase physical activity levels and positively affect the health parameters of samba dancers.

The Prevalence of Menstrual Cycle Disorders in Female Athletes from Different Sports Disciplines: A Rapid Review.

The aim of this study was to rapidly review the literature on the prevalence of menstrual disorders in female athletes from different sports modalities. Articles were searched in the Web of Science and PubMed database in May 2022. A total of 1309 records were identified, and 48 studies were included in the final stage. The menstrual disorders described in the included studies were primary (in 33% of included studies) and secondary amenorrhea (in 73% of included studies) and oligomenorrhea (in 69% of included studies). The prevalence of menstrual disorders among the studies ranged from 0 to 61%. When data were pooled according to discipline (mean calculation), the highest prevalence of primary amenorrhea was found in rhythmic gymnastics (25%), soccer (20%) and swimming (19%); for secondary amenorrhea in cycling (56%), triathlon (40%) and rhythmic gymnastics (31%); and oligomenorrhea in boxing (55%), rhythmic gymnastics (44%) and artistic gymnastics (32%). Based on the results of this review, the study supports the literature of the higher prevalence of menstrual disorders in gymnastics and endurance disciplines. However, team sports modalities such as volleyball and soccer also presented a considerable percentage of menstrual disorders compared to the general population. It reinforces the importance of coaches and physicians paying attention to athletes' menstrual cycle as the occurrence of menstrual disorders can be associated with impairment on some health components.

Preventing chronic fatigue in Czech young athletes: The features description of the "SmartTraining" mobile application.

This study describes a beta version of a mobile application (app) that focuses on preventing chronic fatigue in Czech youth athletes. The first version of the SmartTraining app was developed for athletes as a way to prevent chronic fatigue via alertness and education. For alertness, a multistage process was developed using a combination of parameters about training responses, such as tiredness, well-being, heart rate, energy balance and psychological, and health-related aspects. According to the combination of the multistage parameter outcomes, the algorithm classifies the risk of fatigue based on semaphore light: green corresponds to low, yellow to moderate and red to high risk. The education presented in the app consisted of written and "animated videos" material about the variables involved in training, such as training demands and athletes' responses, regeneration, nutrition and communication between athletes, coaches, and parents. Subsequently, a beta version of the app was created and freely available to download for Android or iOS mobile. The app can be used in daily routines to reduce the risk of chronic fatigue from inadequate training dose response. Prevention can minimise the risk of injury or physical and emotional burnout in youth. Informing athletes on how to carefully handle the training factors can improve athletes' awareness of their performance and health status. Collaboration between sports scientists and the commercial sector allows for the efficient development of an easy-to-use and low-cost tool for use in sports settings. Future steps should be performed to validate the app's accuracy in its alertness and in the efficiency of the educational process.

Effect of home training during the COVID-19 lockdown on physical performance and perceptual responses of team-sport athletes: a mini-review.

This article aims to summarize the effects of home training performed during the COVID-19 lockdown on physical performance and perceptual responses among team-sport athletes. Studies with comparison of pre-post lockdown results of physical performance and perceptual responses were considered. A search was made in PubMed and SPORTDiscus databases. The PICO criteria were used for the keywords "athlete" AND "home-based training" AND "performance" OR "mental health", with their respective entry terms. The multistage process of selection followed the PRISMA 2020 recommendations. Of 586 records identified, 9 articles were available for the final process. Physical performance was evaluated for 8 studies with the VO2max change ranging from 5.7% to -9%; an increase in the duration of sprint test ranging from 0.4% to 36%; an increase of agility duration of 12.4%; a decrease in maximal repetition load of 2.9%; and changes in countermovement jump height ranging from -4.7% to +15.4% after home training. Regarding the perceptual responses, no significant changes in wellbeing and mental index and a significant decrease in motivation and perceived effort were reported during the home training in lockdown. Based on the articles selected, home training programmes performed by athletes from team sports during the COVID-19 lockdown presented inconsistent results in physical performance, decreasing by up to 36%, and maintaining the wellbeing and mental index, but with a significant drop in training motivation and perceived effort. Caution should be taken considering the small number of articles included in the study.

The Effect of Menstrual Cycle on Perceptual Responses in Athletes: A Systematic Review With Meta-Analysis.

This article aimed to investigate the effects of menstrual cycle phases on perceptual responses in athletes by means of systematic review and meta-analysis. The search was conducted in the PubMed, Web of Science, and Sport Discus databases considering articles with two or more menstrual phases for comparison. The PECO criteria were used for the keywords "menstrual cycle," "athletes," and "perceptual responses" with their respective entry terms. Of 1.165 records identified, 14 articles were available for the final evaluation, while eight articles were eligible for a meta-analysis. The perceptual responses evaluated in the studies were: motivation, competitiveness, sleep quality, stress, muscle soreness, fatigue, perceived effort, mood, menstrual symptoms, perceived endurance, and readiness. The meta-analysis was conducted for perceived effort only. The results showed that the level of perceived exertion does not differ two phases of the menstrual cycle (MD = 3.03, Q = 1.58, df = 1, p = 0.209), whereas RPE was 19.81 ± 0.05 and 16.27 ± 0.53 at day 1-5 and day 19-24, respectively. Two studies found statistically significant changes in motivation and competitiveness during the cycle, with better outcomes in ovulatory phase compared to follicular and luteal. One study found an increase in mood disturbance in the pre-menstrual phase (vs. mid-cycle); one decreased vigor in the menstrual phase (vs. luteal); one increased the menstrual symptoms in the follicular phase (vs. ovulation), and one study reported increased fatigue and decreased sleep quality on luteal phase (vs. follicular). The remaining studies and variables were not affected by the menstrual cycle phase. Based on the results from the studies selected, some perceptual responses are affected in different menstrual cycle phases. A "favorable" subjective response in athletes was noticed when the ovarian hormones present an increase in concentration levels compared to phases with lower concentration. Different perceptual variables and methodological approaches limit the generalization of the conclusion.

Pre-competitive anxiety and autonomic responses in professional U-20 futsal players: Effect of the competition phase and game location.

The study examined whether pre-competition anxiety and autonomic responses in elite futsal players change across the playoffs at away vs home venues. Heart rate variability, somatic and cognitive anxiety and self-confidence (by CSAI-2R questionnaire) were evaluated in nine male futsal players from a professional U-20 team, before competitive matches at the quarter-final, semi-final and final stages played at home and away venues. Two-way ANOVA for repeated measures was used, considering factor one the game location and factor two the playoff stage, with significance set at p<0.05. Significant effects of the playoff stage were demonstrated in the Mean of HR (F = 4.643; p = 0.014) and SD2 index (F = 14.83; p=<0.001)(quarter versus final). No difference was found for somatic and cognitive anxiety and self-confidence between the two factors. The results suggest that play at the final stage of the playoff, regardless of the game location, may cause higher physiological stress, demonstrated by elevated HR and decrease of SD2 index.

Prevalence of Risk for Orthorexia in Athletes Using the ORTO-15 Questionnaire: A Systematic Mini-Review.

The article aims to summarize the literature about the profile of risk of orthorexia in athletes using the ORTO-15 questionnaire. The search was performed at PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Sport Discus databases, using the terms "orthorexia" AND "athletes" with the respective entry terms. A multistage process of selection followed the PRISMA 2020 recommendation. A total of 688 articles were identified, and six studies were available for the final process. The prevalence of risk for orthorexia was assessed by the articles by the ORTO-15 questionnaire and ranged between 38 and 35 points. The comparison between male and female athletes and, athletes and non-athletes was not significant in the six articles. In conclusion, the review highlights that athletes from different sports, included in the review, do not present a risk of orthorexia nervosa considering the cutoff of 40 points, but not 35 points. Also, athletes present the same orthorexic behavior compared to non-athletes, demonstrating that orthorexia is an issue that needs to be considered in the general population. Moreover, a special focus should be given on the ORTO-15 questionnaire, about the sensitivity to diagnose the prevalence of orthorexia, especially in athletes.

"We missed the psychological support": A case study about the preparation of the Brazilian bronze medal kata team for the 2019 Pan American Games.

Purpose: The main aim of the study was to describe the key factors involved in the preparation process of the Brazilian bronze medal kata team for the 2019 Pan American Games, focusing on the athletes' perceptions. Methods: Three male athletes from the Brazilian team performed a semistructured interview to identify the following topics: specific time for preparation, training organization, supplementary support, and perception and suggestion about the efficiency of the preparation process. Results: Data from interviews were gathered and coded, and the major themes were summarized as follows after performing content analysis of the data: (a) technical and tactical training took the major part of the preparation; (b) the high level of the coaches helped the team to reach the technical quality of the kata; (c) better psychological support during the preparation could improve the athletes' performance during the training and competition; and (d) the lack of financial support compromised the commitment of the athletes during the training routine. Conclusion: We concluded, based on the athletes' perception, that the most positive factor during preparation for a major competition was the high amount of time focused on technical-tactical training. Even with limitations to performing the physical training, the athletes recognized the importance of the physical component, to increase performance. Financial and psychological support could have helped the team to reach a better result (gold medal) attenuating the training distress.

Ansiedade pré-competitiva e desempenho percebido em atletas de Futsal: efeito do local de jogo / Precompetitive anxiety in futsal athletes: effect of game location

A relação entre a ansiedade pré-competitiva e desempenho esportivo ainda se encontra pouco explorada pela literatura científica, principalmente nas modalidades coletivas. Assim o objetivo do estudo foi analisar as respostas de ansiedade pré-competitiva e desempenho percebido em relação ao local de jogo em atletas de futsal. Foram avaliados 14 atletas do sexo masculino (20,64±3,93 anos de idade) pertencentes a uma equipe de futsal, em um jogo dentro e um jogo fora de casa. A ansiedade pré-competitiva foi avaliada pelo questionário Revised Competition State Anxiety Inventory-2(CSAI-2R) antes de cada jogo e o desempenho percebido pela escala Likert (0 a 4) após cada jogo. Utilizou-se o tamanho do efeito (TE) para as diferenças entre os jogos paras as variáveis de ansiedade e o teste de Friedman para o desempenho percebido, considerando P < 0,05. Como principais resultados foram observados um TE moderado e incerto para a ansiedade somática (TE=0,75; LC= -0,19; 1,62) e cognitiva (TE=0,70; LC=-0,23; 1,52), com maiores valores no jogo em casa. Para a autoconfiança um efeito pequeno e incerto (TE=0,20; LC=-0,69;1,70). A percepção de desempenho não diferiu entre os jogos (P=0,564). Conclui-se que o local de jogo afeta moderadamente nas respostas pré-competitivas de ansiedade somática e cognitiva, assim jogar em casa pode ser percebido pelos atletas como uma maior ameaça, porém de maneira incerta. Essa variação nas respostas de ansiedade, entretanto parecem não impactar negativamente nas respostas de percepção de desempenho desses atletas.(AU)

The relationship between precompetitive anxiety and sports performance remains poorly explored in the scientific literature, especially in sports-team. In this study, we aim to analyze the relationship between precompetitive anxiety and perceived performance in futsal athletes, considering the game location. Fourteen male athletes (20.64 ± 3.93 years old) belonging to a futsal team in a home and away game was evaluated. Precompetitive anxiety was assessed by the Revised Competition State Anxiety Inventory-2(CSAI-2R) questionnaire before each game and the performance perceived on the Likert scale (0 to 4) after each game. Effect size (ES) was used to analyze the difference between the games for the anxiety and the Friedman test to analyze the perceived performance, considering P < 0.05. Main results included a moderate and unclear effect of somatic (ES= 0.75, CL = -0.19; 1.62)and cognitive anxiety (ES= 0, 70; CL = -0.23; 1.52) with higher values in the game played at home. Small and unclear effect was found for self-confidence (ES= 0.20; CL = -0.69; 1.70). The perception of performance did not differ between games (P = 0.564). We can conclude that the game location moderately affects the precompetitive responses of somatic and cognitive anxiety, so playing at home can be perceived by the athletes as a major treat, but unclearly. This variation in anxiety-responses does not seem to impact directly on performance perception.(AU)

Time trends of physical inactivity in Brazilian adults from 2009 to 2017.

OBJECTIVE: The aim was to evaluate the changes in the prevalence of physical inactivity in the Brazilian adults from 2009-2017. METHODS: This study used a time-series research design based on the cross-sectional data of 462,498 Brazilian adults from 2009-2017. Participants were classified as physically inactive if they indicated not participating in physical activity in the last three months. The Prais-Winsten regression analyzed physical inactivity trends over time. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of physical inactivity was stable (p>0.05). Physical inactivity increased for women in four state capitals (annual growth rate: Goiânia 1.62%, Campo Grande 3.28%, Porto Velho 0.93%, and Vitória 2.09%) and decreased in one (annual growth rate: Rio Branco 4.50%). Physical inactivity decreased for men in four state capitals (annual growth rate: Campo Grande 4.72%, Natal 2.73%, São Luís 4.94%, and Rio Branco 2.95%). CONCLUSION: The physical inactivity among the Brazilian adults was stable between 2009 and 2017. Physical inactivity increased in women from Goiânia, Campo Grande, Porto Velho, and Vitória and decreased in women from Rio Branco and in men from Campo Grande, Natal, São Luís, and Rio Branco.

Female students are the most psychologically affected by the COVID-19 outbreak: a case study in an academic community in Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: The study evaluates psychological responses to the COVID-19 outbreak in the students, professors, and staff due to the social distancing and transition of the classroom activities through online learning. METHODS: 518 participants from a University community in Brazil answered an online survey with questions related to demographic data, psychological responses, and preventive measures. Absolute and relative frequencies described the sample, Chi-square and z-test tested associations between the variables, adopting p<0.05. RESULTS: Female (71.20%), young age -18 to 35 years (82.60%), students (76.10%), living in a family with 1 to 3 members during quarantine (55.40%) were more prevalent respondents. Women, young age, and students had a significantly higher rate of negative feelings in all psychological questions. Curiously, negative feelings during social distances affect the participants, independent of living quarantine alone or with family/friends during the COVID-19 outbreak. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings demonstrated that the COVID-19 outbreak affected the psychological responses in the Brazilian academic community, also, women, young age, and students appear to be a risk group to negative psychological responses. The long-term quarantine due to the COVID-19 pandemic may cause further worsening in the psychological responses, especially in those in the risk group.

Effect of training session on mood state responses in athletes of wheelchair basketball team / Efeito de sessões de treinamento nas respostas de estado de humor em atletas de uma equipe de basquete em cadeira de rodas

ABSTRACT The assessment of mood state can be used as a tool for monitoring the training adaptation. However, to athletes with a physical disability, this tool is still a few explored, especially in training daily conditions. The aim of the study was to analyze the mood state during training sessions in wheelchair basketball athletes. Twelve male athletes, aged between 23 and 62 years old, were evaluated. The subjects answered the POMS questionnaire before and after five training sessions during the preparatory period. Shapiro Wilk test for normality and Friedman were used for comparison amongst sessions, adopting p<0.05. It was found that the athletes presented a positive mood profile (iceberg) during the analyzed period. A negative mood reduction and positive mood maintenance were observed after all training sessions. Therefore, the results indicate that the training sessions can decrease the negative mood dimension, especially the depression and anger in wheelchair basketball athletes.

RESUMO A avaliação do estado de humor pode ser utilizada como uma ferramenta para monitorar as adaptações ao treinamento. Entretanto, para atletas com deficiência física, essa ferramenta ainda encontram-se pouco explorada, principalmente em condições do dia a dia de treinamento. O objetivo do estudo foi analisar o estado de humor durante sessões de treinamento em atletas de basquete em cadeira de rodas. Foram avaliados 12 atletas do sexo masculino, com idade entre 23 e 62 anos. Os sujeitos responderam o questionário POMS pré e pós cinco sessões de treinamento durante o período preparatório. Foram utilizados o teste de Shapiro Wilk para normalidade e Friedman para comparação do humor entre as sessões, adotando-se p<0,05. Verificou-se que os atletas apresentaram um perfil positivo (iceberg) de humor nas sessões analisadas. Uma redução do humor negativo e uma manutenção do humor positivo foi observada após todas as sessões de treinamento. Dessa maneira, os resultados indicam que sessões de treinamento esportivo podem diminuir as dimensões negativas do humor, principalmente a depressão e a raiva em atletas de uma equipe de basquete em cadeira de rodas.

Competition phase affect motivation and perceived performance but not the pre-competitive anxiety on professional dancers

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of competition phase on pre-competitive anxiety, motivation and perceived of performance on professional contemporary dancers. Eight professional dancers from the same company were evaluated on basal condition, classificatory and final phase. Anxiety and motivation state were evaluated pre-competition and perceived of performance (PP) post-competition. ANOVA with repeated measures presented no difference for anxiety state between the competitive phases (p > 0.05). Motivation and PP were significantly higher during the final phase, tested by Friedman test (p ≤ 0.05). The data suggest competing in a final phase may lead to a major motivation and perceived of performance on professional contemporary dancers.

RESUMO O objetivo do estudo foi avaliar o efeito da fase da competição na ansiedade pré-competitiva, motivação e percepção de performance em dançarinos profissionais de dança contemporânea. Oito dançarinos profissionais da mesma companhia foram avaliados na condição basal, fase classificatória e final. O estado de ansiedade e motivação foram avaliados pré-competição e a percepção do desempenho (PP) pós-competição. ANOVA de medidas repetidas não apresentou diferença para a ansiedade entre as fases competitivas (p>0.05). Motivação e PP foram significativamente altas durante a fase final, testada pelo teste de Friedman (p ≤ 0.05). Os dados sugerem que competir na fase final pode levar a uma maior motivação e percepção de performance em dançarinos contemporâneos profissionais.

RESUMEN El objetivo del estudio fue evaluar el efecto de la fase de la competición en la ansiedad precompetitiva, motivación y percepción de desempeño en profesionales de danza contemporánea. Ocho bailarines profesionales fueron evaluados en la condición basal, fase clasificatoria y final. El estado de ansiedad y motivación fueron evaluados pre-competición y la percepción del desempeño (PP) post-competición. ANOVA de medidas repetidas no presentó diferencia para la ansiedad entre las fases competitivas (p> 0.05). Motivación y PP fueron significativamente altas durante la fase final, probada por Friedman (p ≤ 0.05). Los datos sugieren que competir en la fase final puede llevar a una mayor motivación y percepción de desempeño en bailarines contemporáneos profesionales.

Secular trend of physical fitness indicators related to health in children / Tendência secular dos indicadores de aptidão física relacionados à saúde em crianças

INTRODUCTION: Health-related physical fitness (HRPF) demonstratesan inverse association with several cardiovascular risk factors in young people; however, few studies have investigated the alterationsin HRPF indicators throughout a determined period. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the secular trend of HRPF indicators in children of seven to 10 years of age. METHODS: In total, 1,136 subjects were analyzed, seven to 10 years of age, in three-time periods (2002, 2005, 2010-2011). The HRPF tests were: sit-and-reach (SR), abdominal resistance (AB), 9 min walk/run test (9min), and body adiposity by the skinfold sum (∑SF). Classification of the HRPF indicators was carried out by the Physical Best cut-off point. The ANCOVA test (controlled by BMI, height and ∑SF) was used to compare the differencesin HRPF indicators betweenthe three-time periods. RESULTS: Boys presented a 6% decrease in flexibility between the 2010 and 2002 periods; no significance was found in the AB test; children of both sexes presented higher values in the 9min test in the 2005 period. CONCLUSION: It was concluded that there was a negative secular trend for HRPF, in that the individuals studied in 2010 presented inferior results to their peers (2002-2005) for HRPF, in both sexes, except for abdominal strength and endurance.

INTRODUÇÃO: A aptidão física relacionada à saúde (AFRS) apresenta associação inversa com diversos fatores de risco cardiovascular em jovens, no entanto, poucos estudos têm investigado as alterações ocorridas ao longo de um determinado período nesses indicadores em crianças. OBJETIVO: Analisar a tendência secular de indicadores da AFRS em crianças de sete a 10 anos de idade. MÉTODO: A amostra foi composta de 1.136 sujeitos com idade de sete a 10 anos avaliados em três períodos do tempo (2002, 2005, 2010-11). Os testes de AFRS incluíram o teste de sentar-e-alcançar (SA), resistência abdominal (ABDO), corrida/caminhada de 9 min (9min) e para a adiposidade corporal utilizou-se o somatório de dobras cutâneas (∑DC). A classificação desses indicadores foi realizada através dos pontos de corte da Physical Best. O teste de ANCOVA (controlado pelo índice de massa corporal (IMC), estatura e ∑DC) comparou a diferença nos indicadores de AFRS entre os três períodos do tempo. RESULTADOS: Meninos apresentaram um declínio da flexibilidade de 6% entre os anos de 2010 e 2002; não ocorreram alterações significativas para teste de ABDO; crianças de ambos os sexos apresentaram maiores valores para o teste de 9 min no ano de 2005. CONCLUSÃO: Ocorreu tendência secular negativa para a AFRS, sendo que os indivíduos estudados em 2010 apresentaram resultados inferiores comparados aos seus pares (2002-2005) para a AFRS, em ambos os sexos, com exceção para força e resistência abdominal.

Mental fatigue impairs technical performance and alters neuroendocrine and autonomic responses in elite young basketball players.

This study investigated the effects of mental exertion on Small-Sided-Games (SSG) technical performance, salivary testosterone (T), cortisol (C), and alpha-amylase (sAA) responses in 32 basketball players (15.2 ±â€¯1.2 years; 180 ±â€¯11 cm; 72 ±â€¯15 kg). Technical performance and heart rate (HR) were assessed on two occasions, preceded by a 30-min incongruent Stroop task (mentally exertion treatment) or a 30-min control treatment. Saliva samples were collected before and after the treatment and after the SSG, and ratings of perceived exertion (session-RPE) was assessed. Large increase was observed from pre-control treatment to post-SSG for T (ES = 0.98) and sAA (ES = 0.82), but there was a small difference from pre-Stroop-task to post-SSG in T (ES = 0.33) and a moderate difference for sAA (ES = 0.55). Small changes in C for both conditions were observed (ES = 0.00 and 0.15, respectively). There were small differences between treatments for session-RPE (ES = 0.07), maximum (ES = -0.35) and average HR (ES = -0.16). Increased turnovers during the SSG (ES = 0.71) was seen following the Stroop task. The data suggest that mental fatigue state is a key regulator of technical performance of basketball players and that mental fatigue seems to modulate endocrine and autonomic responses.

Competition stage influences perceived performance but does not affect rating of perceived exertion and salivary neuro-endocrine-immune markers in elite young basketball players.

This study examined the effects of competition stage on the salivary concentration of testosterone (T), cortisol (C), alpha-amylase (sAA), and IL-1ß cytokine, perceived performance (PP) and session rating of perceived exertion (session-RPE) in elite youth basketball players (age, 15.8 ±â€¯0.8 yrs.; stature, 190.9 ±â€¯7.9 cm; body mass, 90.0 ±â€¯16.9 kg) from two age-categories (U16; n = 7; U17; n = 7). Two winning playoff matches (FM; playing for the championship; 1 for each age-category) and two winning regular stage matches (RM; 1 for each age category, played against opponents ranked 2nd place), were assessed in the current study. Saliva samples were collected before and after each match and analyzed by ELISA; PP and session-RPE were assessed after each match. The results from the two-way ANOVA (condition; FM and RM) with repeated measures (pre-and post-matches) showed a significant effect for time (increase from pre-to-post matches) in T (F = 7.0, p < .001), C (F = 34.0, p < .001), and sAA (F = 25.0, p < .001), but not for IL-1ß (p > .05). No effect of condition or interaction (FM and RM) was observed on salivary markers. PP was higher for FM, compared to RM (effect size; ES = 0.85), despite no clear difference in session-RPE (ES = 0.22). A higher PP for FM might be associated with the fact that players were no longer concerned about issues linked to social dominance and status threats after FM, but they might be uncertain about their status after RM. Additionally, when playing against a high-level opponent, the players might perceive their opponent as a threat against status stability, regardless of the stage of the competition, which might explain the similar change in salivary neuro-endocrine-immune-related markers.