Current evidence for hypopressive exercises in healthy women: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Hypopressive exercises have been mainly used in the treatment of pelvic floor dysfunctions. Recently it has started to spread among healthy women. However, no comprehensive review is available in this population. PURPOSE: Assess the current evidence of the effects of hypopressive exercises on healthy women. METHODS: This study was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42020203103). The search was performed in Scielo, Pubmed, Lilacs, Embase, Scopus, Pedro, Trip Database, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. The last search was performed on November 1st, 2021. Inclusion criteria were randomized controlled trials and single-arm trials, healthy women, acute or late effects of hypopressive exercises, and pre and post-training analysis. Exclusion criteria included non-original research, conference proceedings, dissertations and theses. Downs and Black checklist were used to assess the methodological quality. Study design, participants characteristics, description of the intervention, follow-up period, variables, instruments, and outcomes were extracted and recorded. RESULTS: From the 410 studies, five were selected. The variable of major interest was waist circumference, which showed a decrease with exercise. It also seemed to have plausible positive effects on height, lower back mobility, abdominal and pelvic floor muscle contraction, respiratory flow and apnea, and hemodynamic responses. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that the current literature on the effects of hypopressive exercise on healthy women is very limited. Despite the plausible positive effects identified, we cannot recommend its practice due to the serious methodological problems. Therefore, more studies are needed to elucidate the benefits and adverse effects of hypopressive exercises.

Breathing Motion Pattern in Cyclists: Role of Inferior against Superior Thorax Compartment.

The thoracoabdominal breathing motion pattern is being considered in sports training because of its contribution, along with other physiological adaptations, to overall performance. We examined whether and how experience with cycling training modifies the thoracoabdominal motion patterns. We utilized optoelectronic plethysmography to monitor ten trained male cyclists and compared them to ten physically active male participants performing breathing maneuvers. Cyclists then participated in a self-paced time trial to explore the similarity between that observed during resting breathing. From the 3D coordinates of 32 markers positioned on each participant's trunk, we calculated the percentage of contribution of the superior thorax, inferior thorax, and abdomen and the correlation coefficient among these compartments. During the rest maneuvers, the cyclists showed a thoracoabdominal motion pattern characterized by an increased role of the inferior thorax relative to the superior thorax (26.69±5.88%, 34.93±5.03%; p=0.002, respectively), in contrast to the control group (26.69±5.88%; 25.71±6.04%, p=0.4, respectively). In addition, the inferior thorax showed higher coordination in phase with the abdomen. Furthermore, the results of the time trial test underscored the same pattern found in cyclists breathing at rest, suggesting that the development of a permanent modification in respiratory mechanics may be associated with cycling practice.

Reliability of the Frontal Plane Knee Alignment Measurement Based on a Remote Protocol.

Introduction: The analysis of movement quality is important for better exercise prescription. This study tested the reproducibility of a protocol for remote assessment of dynamic knee alignment using images taken by patients. Methods: Thirteen women filmed themselves performing single-leg squats on two days at a 15-day interval. Three raters measured the knee frontal plane projection angle using the resultant images. Results: Two participants (15.4%) were excluded for not performing the protocol correctly. The intraclass correlation coefficient was between 0.880 and 0.999 for the intra-rater comparison, and between 0.817 and 0.987 for the inter-rater comparison. Discussion: The success of the protocol in 84.6% of participants and the excellent reproducibility suggest that the methodology of analyzing patient-captured cell phone images might be a plausible alternative for remote evaluation of dynamic knee alignment.

Is age rating enough to investigate changes in breathing motion pattern associated with aging of physically active women?

The most common way to analyze the effect of aging on breathing is to divide subjects into age groups. However, in addition to the fact that there is no consensus in the literature regarding age group division, such design critically influences the interpretation of the effects attributed to aging. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the feasibility to distinguish different age groups from the 3D kinematic variables of breathing motion (i.e., markers' coordinate as a function of time allowing the calculation of compartmental volume variations) and to analyze whether the aging could influence these variables. Seventy-three physically active women aged 19-80 years performed quiet breathing and vital capacity maneuvers. To record the thoracoabdominal breathing motion, the 3D coordinates of 32 retroreflective markers positioned on the trunk were used to estimate the volume variation of the superior thorax, inferior thorax, and abdomen. The percentage of contribution and the correlation coefficient were calculated to analyze the breathing motion pattern from the estimated volumes. The k-means cluster analysis was performed to analyze the age group classification. Linear regression was performed to investigate whether age can predict changes in the breathing motion pattern. The results showed that physically active women could not be classified into age groups from breathing motion. Despite significant p values of the linear regression, the high variability of the data suggested that age itself is not enough to predict the changes in breathing motion pattern when non-sedentary women are considered.

Relationship between bow stability and postural control in recurve archery.

AbstractArchery is a sport that requires fine movement control, and postural stability is considered an important variable to achieve high performance. In order to better understand the coupling between archer and bow during the aiming phase, the aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between bow stability and postural control in recurve archery according to shooting performance. A total of 8 archers shot 6 arrows at a 13-m distant target. The three-dimensional position of one marker attached to the bow and the center of pressure (COP) position of the archer (the point of application of the resultant ground reaction force on a force plate) were measured during the aiming phase, representing bow and archer displacement, respectively. COP displacement in the direction across the target (COPY), length of the COP trajectory (DCOP) and length of the bow trajectory (Dbow) were higher in the lowest scoring shot compared to the highest one. A strong and significant correlation was found between COP and bow displacement in the direction towards/away from the target (COPX and DX) and between COPX and vertical displacement of the bow (DZ) during the highest scoring shot. This result indicates that synchronization between body and bow sway may influence the accuracy of the shot, suggesting that combined balance and bow stability training exercises would be beneficial to improve archery performance.

Analysis of required coefficient of friction in running and walking.

The popularity of running has increased over the past few years. However, just a few studies in running have focused on the friction between surface and shoe/foot. Changes in friction can affect aspects of human motion, such as safety, motion pattern and efficiency among others. The aim was to investigate the effects of cadence (walk, self-selected running and imposed-running), stance sub-phases (absorption and propulsion) and footwear (barefoot and shod) on the required coefficient of friction (RCOF) of regular runners. Twenty healthy runners (12 males, 8 females, 29.4 ± 4.9 years, 70.4 ± 9.6 kg) participated in this study. Two force plates were used to measure the ground reaction forces (GRF) in order to calculate the RCOF for each condition and the stance phase was divided in sub-phases. In walk, the RCOF was smaller in the absorption than in propulsion phase (p < 0.001). Results evidenced effects of the cadence (p < 0.001), stance sub-phases (p < 0.001) and footwear (p < 0.001) on the RCOF. There was interaction effect in cadence with stance sub-phases (p < 0.001) and footwear with stance sub-phases (p < 0.001). Our results show RCOF is influenced by cadence and footwear condition in the absorption phase.

Effects of kettlebell training and detraining on mood status and sleep and life quality of healthy women.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Kettlebell exercise have become popular because of its ability to simultaneously train aerobic/anaerobic systems, low cost and easy access, and the great potential for physical fitness programs with a focus on public health. However, little is known about its effects on mood status, sleep, and quality of life (QOL) parameters. The aim of the present study was to examine the effects of kettlebell training/detraining on the prevention of depressive and anxiety symptoms and QOL and sleep quality. METHODS: The sample was composed of 17 healthy women (age: 26.0 ± 5.0 years; body mass: 60.9 ± 12.5 kg; height: 164.6 ± 5.5 cm). The study was organized into four consecutive phases: pre-intervention (PRE), intervention (kettlebell training, 12 weeks, three times/week), post-intervention (POST) and detraining (D, four weeks). The questionnaires SF-36 (QOL), Beck (depressive symptoms), State-Anxiety Inventory (acute anxiety symptoms), POMS (mood state) and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (sleep quality) were administered at PRE/POST/D phases. RESULTS: QOL, anxiety, sleep quality, and mood state exhibited no differences between PRE/POST/D. Levels of depressive symptoms significantly decreased (22.0%, p = 0.003) between PRE and POST phases, and remained low and similar to POST levels after D. CONCLUSION: Twelve weeks of kettlebell training was able to reduce and prevent depressive/anxiety symptoms in healthy women and these results were maintained after short-term detraining. Thus, kettlebell training might be considered an alternative method on the promotion of mental health and prevention of mood disorders and consequently can improve QOL even in health people.

Association between lung function, thoracoabdominal mobility and posture in cystic fibrosis: pilot study / Associação entre função pulmonar, mobilidade toracoabdominal e postura na fibrose cística: estudo piloto / Asociación entre función pulmonar, movilidad toracoabdominal y postura en la fibrosis quística: estudio piloto

Abstract Introduction: Deterioration of lung function is the main cause of mortality in cystic fibrosis (CF), so it is essential to study different related factors. Objective: To assess the association of pulmonary function with thoracoabdominal mobility and postural alignment in individuals with CF. Method: A cross-sectional study was performed in individuals with CF (8-17 years). Pulmonary function was assessed by spirometry. Thoracoabdominal mobility and postural alignment were evaluated by photogrammetry using the Postural Assessment Software (PAS/Sapo). Pearson correlation coefficient analysis was performed, and p < 0.05 was considered significant. Results: The following spirometric variables showed a decrease compared to predicted values: FEV1, FEV1/FVC, PEF and FEF25-75%. Postural assessment showed alterations in head horizontal alignment (HHA; 2.71 ± 2.23o), acromion horizontal alignment (AHA; 1.33 ± 1.35o), anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS) horizontal alignment (ASISHA; 1.11 ± 0.89o), angle between acromia and ASIS (AAASIS; 0.89 ± 0.39o), scapula horizontal asymmetry - T3 (SHAT3; 16.95 ± 12.03%), and asymmetry of the projection of the center of gravity within the base of support in the frontal (11.45 ± 8.10%) and sagittal (48.98 ± 18.55%) planes. A strong positive correlation was found between pulmonary function and thoracoabdominal mobility in the variables anteroposterior mobility of the upper chest (APMUC) and FVC (r = 0.818, p = 0.024), APMUC and FEV1 (r = 0.874, p = 0.010), and APMUC and FEF25-75% (r = 0.797, p = 0.032). A strong negative correlation was detected between FEV1/FVC and AHA (r = -0.761, p = 0.047). Conclusion: Our study showed in CF a reduction in pulmonary function, strong positive correlation between APMUC and pulmonary function, high prevalence of kyphoscoliosis and strong negative correlation between AHA and pulmonary function.

Resumo Introdução: A deterioração da função pulmonar é a principal causa de mortalidade na fibrose cística (FC), portanto é fundamental estudar diferentes fatores que se relacionam com esta variável. Objetivo: Verificar em indivíduos FC, a associação da função pulmonar com a mobilidade toracoabdominal e a postura. Método: Estudo piloto transversal realizado em indivíduos com FC (08-17 anos). A função pulmonar foi avaliada pela espirometria. A mobilidade toracoabdominal e a postura foram avaliadas por fotogrametria, usando o Software de Avaliação Postural (Sapo). Foi utilizado o Coeficiente de Correlação de Pearson, considerando-se significante p < 0,05. Resultados: As seguintes variáveis espirométricas apresentaram-se reduzidas em relação ao previsto: VEF 1, VEF 1 /FVC, PFE e FEF 25-75%. Na avaliação postural, foram observadas alterações no alinhamento horizontal da cabeça (AHC, 2,71 ± 2,23); alinhamento horizontal acrômios (AHA, 1,33 ± 1,35); alinhamento horizontal espinhas ilíacas ântero-superiores (AHEIAS, 1,11 ± 0,89); ângulo entre dois acrômios e duas espinhas ilíacas ântero-superiores (AEDAEDEIAS, 0,89º± 0,39); assimetria horizontal de escápula em relação a T3 (AHERT3, 16,95% ± 12,03); assimetria da projeção do centro de gravidade na base de sustentação no plano frontal (11,45 ± 8,10%) e sagital (48,98±18,55%). Foi encontrada correlação positiva forte entre função pulmonar e mobilidade toracoabdominal nas variáveis: distâncias anteroposterior do tórax superior (DAPTS) e FVC (r = 0,818; p = 0,024); DAPTS e VEF 1 (r = 0,874; p = 0,010); DAPTS e FEF 25-75% (r = 0,797; p = 0,032). Na correlação entre função pulmonar e postura houve correlação negativa forte entre VEF 1 /FVC e AHC (r = -0,761; p = 0.047). Conclusão: O estudo mostrou forte correlação positiva entre expansibilidade anteroposterior do tórax superior e função pulmonar, alta prevalência de cifoescoliose e forte correlação negativa entre AHC e função pulmonar.

Resumen Introducción: El deterioro de la función pulmonar es la principal causa de mortalidad en la fibrosis quística (FQ) y es fundamental estudiar diferentes factores relacionados con esta variable. Objetivo: Verificar en individuos con FQ la asociación entre la función pulmonar, la movilidad toracoabdominal y la postura. Método: Estudio piloto transversal realizado en individuos con FQ (08-17 años). La función pulmonar fue evaluada por la espirometría. La movilidad toracoabdominal y la postura fueron evaluadas por fotogrametría, usando el Software de Evaluación Postural (Sapo). Se utilizó el Coeficiente de Correlación de Pearson, considerándose significante p < 0,05. Resultados: En la espirometría se encontraban menores que los valores previstos: VEF 1 , VEF 1 /CVF, PFE y FEF 25-75% . En la evaluación postural se observaron alteraciones en la alineación horizontal de la cabeza (AHC, 2,71 ± 2,23); alineación horizontal de los acromios (AHA, 1,33º± 1,35); alineación horizontal espinas ilíacas antero-superiores (AHEIAS, 1,11º± 0,89); ángulo entre dos acromios y dos espinas ilíacas antero-superiores (AEDAEDEIAS, 0,89 ± 0,39); asimetría horizontal de escápula con respecto a la T3 (AHERT3, 16,95% ± 12,03); asimetría de la proyección del centro de gravedad en la base de sustentación en el plano frontal (11,45±8,10%) y sagital (48,98±18,55%). Se encontró una correlación positiva fuerte entre la función pulmonar y la movilidad toracoabdominal en las variables: distancia anteroposterior del tórax superior (DAPTS) y CVF (r = 0,818; p = 0,024); DAPTS y VEF 1 (r = 0,874; p = 0,010); DAPTS y FEF 25-75% (r = 0,797; p = 0,032); y en la correlación entre la función pulmonar y la postura hubo una correlación negativa fuerte entre VEF 1 /CVF y AHC (r = -0,761; p = 0,047). Conclusión: El estudio mostró una fuerte correlación positiva entre la expansibilidad anteroposterior del tórax superior y la función pulmonar, alta prevalencia de cifoescoliosis y fuerte correlación negativa entre AHC y la función pulmonar.

Quality of Life, Depression, Anxiety Symptoms and Mood State of Wheelchair Athletes and Non-athletes: A Preliminary Study.

The present study aims to compare quality of life, depression, anxiety symptoms, and profile of mood state of wheelchair athletes and non-athletes. Thirty-nine basketball and rugby wheelchair athletes (n = 23, nine women, age 36.0 ± 10.0 years; body mass 66.2 ± 13.8 kg; height 170.0 ± 8.5 cm) and non-athletes (n = 16, 4 women, 39.0 ± 14.2 years; body mass 79.6 ± 17.2 kg; height 170.0 ± 6.4 cm) were recruited. Quality of life, anxiety and depressive symptoms and mood disorders were evaluated by the Medical Outcomes Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36), State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, Beck Depression Inventory and Profile of Mood State questionnaire, respectively. Comparison between groups (non-athletes vs. athletes) was performed using Student's t-test for independent samples. No differences (p > 0.05) were found between non-athletes vs. athletes regards to quality of life, depressive and anxiety symptoms and profile of mood state. Overall, non-athletes and athletes presented medium anxiety symptoms and mild to moderate depressive symptoms. In conclusion, the wheelchair athletes and non-athletes presented similar quality of life, depressive and anxiety symptoms, and profile of mood state.

Reproducibility and Validity of a Stroke Effectiveness Test in Table Tennis Based on the Temporal Game Structure.

Purpose: This study aimed to develop a stroke effectiveness test in table tennis based on the temporal game structure to assess the ball speed and ball placement of the players, with a purpose to analyze its reproducibility and validity. Methods: Nineteen male table tennis players participated in this study. The test was performed twice during the first session and once during the second session to assess the intrasession and intersession reproducibility, respectively. Moreover, the test was examined on its ability to discriminate between regional (n = 10) and local performance-level (n = 9) players and on the relationship between the test results and the table tennis performance to assess the discriminant and concurrent validity, respectively. In general, the test consisted of 11 simulated rallies of 2-5 balls with the effort and rest ratio of 0.5, and focused on attack with offensive strokes at defensive balls delivered by a robot randomly between the left and right positions on the table. Results: Ball speed, ball placement, and ball speed-ball placement index showed satisfactory reliability (ICC range 0.78-0.96, P < 0.05) and agreement (CV range 2.7-16.2%) outcomes. Additionally, the Bland-Altman plots show the systematic error of the analyses closer to 0, and that most values were within the limits of agreements. Concerning validity analyses, regional players had higher scores of ball placement (+51.3%; P = 0.01, ES = 1.33) and ball speed-ball placement index (+56.1%; P = 0.0009, ES = 1.87) as well as made fewer errors (-25.4%; P = 0.017, ES = 1.20) than local players. Moreover, ball placement (r = -0.79, P = 0.04), ball speed-ball placement index (r = -0.78, P = 0.04), and percentage error (r = 0.88, P = 0.01) presented a strong and significant correlation with table tennis performance. However, ball speed was slightly different between the regional than local players (+1.7%; P = 0.78, ES = 0.13) and this variable was not related to table tennis performance (r = 0.32, P = 0.49). Conclusion: Our findings show evidences that the test is reproducible. Moreover, discriminant and concurrent validity are confirmed for ball placement and ball speed-ball placement index.

Frequency and associated factors of poor knee alignment in young Brazilian volleyball players.

Objectives: Poor knee alignment during the deceleration phase of closed kinetic chain movements, such as landings, is a relevant risk factor for injuries in sports. This study assessed the knee alignment and possible associated factors in young Brazilian volleyball athletes Methods: One hundred and seventeen athletes of both genders (9-19 years old) were assessed during a drop jump for the observation of knee alignment. Chi-square test was used to describe the association between poor knee alignment and: gender, age category (≤14 years and ≥15 years), sports experience, participation in competitions, the presence of knee pain during training, and history of lower limb injury Results: Seventy percent of athletes presented poor knee alignment, which was slightly associated with a sports experience lower than one year. Conclusion: Thus, considering the high number of volleyball practitioners and its strong presence in physical education classes, preventive measures should be adopted for young volleyball athletes of both genders, especially in the sports initiation phase.

Thoracoabdominal breathing motion pattern and coordination of professional ballet dancers.

Ballet training includes exercises of high and moderate intensities, which require breathing control for a good performance. This study describes the thoracoabdominal motion of professional dancers and compares the breathing patterns between professional dancers and non-dancers. Participants of this study were four male and four female (30.33 ± 4.64 years) professional dancers and four male and four female (22.75 ± 1.49 years) non-dancers. The participants executed two breathing manoeuvres while sitting motionless: quiet breathing (QB) and vital capacity (VC). The 3D coordinates of 32 retro-reflective markers positioned on the trunk were used to calculate the volume of the superior thorax, inferior thorax and abdomen. Principal component analysis was applied in the volume variation of each trunk compartment to search for dominant independent variables in a breathing motion pattern. The correlation coefficient was calculated to verify the coordination between the compartments during the breathing manoeuvres. A predominance of the superior thorax or abdomen movement was found in both groups. The professional ballet dancers have an efficient breathing pattern and maintain the same breathing pattern in QB and VC manoeuvres. On the other hand, the non-dancers group showed relevant changes of the breathing pattern to respond to a greater breathing effort, like in VC.

Effects of mat Pilates training and habitual physical activity on thoracoabdominal expansion during quiet and vital capacity breathing in healthy women.

BACKGROUND: Pilates is a body/mind method that requires different types of exercise (balance, endurance, strength, and flexibility) and attention to muscle control, posture, and breathing. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of 12 weeks of mat Pilates training and habitual physical activity on thoracoabdominal motion of healthy and physically active women. METHODS: Thirty-five women without experience in Pilates exercise, aged between 18 and 35 years, participated in the study (habitual physical activity group: N.=14; and mat Pilates group: N.=21). Three-dimensional kinematic analysis was used to evaluate total and separate thoracoabdominal compartments' expansion (superior and inferior thorax and abdomen), contribution of each compartment to total thoracoabdominal expansion, and coordination between thoracoabdominal compartments. RESULTS: After 12 weeks of mat Pilates training, thoracoabdominal expansion during quiet breathing was improved by increasing the expansion of abdomen by about 33% (P=0.01). Moreover, expansion of superior (P=0.04) and inferior thorax (P=0.02) and abdomen (P=0.01) was also improved in Pilates (35%, 33%, and 37%, respectively) compared to the habitual physical activity group, after the experimental protocol. Finally, the habitual physical activity group presented a decrease of 13% in the expansion of abdomen (P=0.002). CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest the capability of Mat Pilates in improving the action of respiratory and abdominal muscles during breathing and, thus, its benefits to breathing mechanics.

Reliability and minimal detectable change of thoracoabdominal mobility measurements using photogrammetry.

The knowledge about measurement errors of the measuring tool is important before its use, as clinical decisions are going to be made based on its results. Here we investigate intrarater and interrater reliability and the minimal detectable change (MDC) of thoracoabdominal mobility measurements using photogrammetry, considering novice and experienced raters. Thoracoabdominal mobility of 17 healthy participants was assessed; photographs during apnea in maximal inspiration and expiration were used to calculate latero-lateral and anteroposterior diameters of the thorax (at axillary and xiphoid level) and abdomen. One novice and one experienced rater measured the same photographs three times. We found good reliability for the experienced rater (average Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC): 0.98; average MDC: 0.3) and for interrater comparison (average ICC: 0.97; average MDC: 0.35) for all measures, with poorer results for latero-lateral mobility of abdomen. The novice rater presented moderate reliability for latero-lateral mobility of the thorax at axillary level and abdomen (ICC: 0.52 and 0.61; MDC: 1.42 and 2.05, respectively) and good reliability for the other measures (average ICC: 0.81; average MDC: 1.52). The photogrammetric analysis of thoracoabdominal mobility presented itself as a reliable method when used by an experienced professional. However, considering that the measurement of latero-lateral mobility is more subjected to errors, it should be used with caution. The MDC presented should be taken into account as a threshold to be certain that the measure is not under the measurement error due to rater variability.

Pilates and aerobic training improve levels of depression, anxiety and quality of life in overweight and obese individuals.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effects of Pilates and walking on quality of life, depression, and anxiety levels. METHODS: Sixty-three overweight/obese participants were randomly divided into: control (n = 20), walking (n = 21), and Pilates (n = 22) groups. Pilates and walking groups attended eight weeks of 60-minute exercise sessions three times per week. Quality of life, depression, and state- and trait-anxiety levels were evaluated before and after eight weeks of training. RESULTS: Scores of quality of life, depression, and trait-anxiety improved in the Pilates and walking groups. State-anxiety levels improved only in the walking group. CONCLUSION: Pilates and walking positively impact quality of life, depression and anxiety. The Pilates method could be used as an alternative to improve mood disorders in overweight/obese individuals.

Pilates and aerobic training improve levels of depression, anxiety and quality of life in overweight and obese individuals / O treinamento de Pilates e aeróbio melhoram os níveis de depressão, ansiedade e qualidade de vida em indivíduos com sobrepeso e obesidade

ABSTRACT Objective: To compare the effects of Pilates and walking on quality of life, depression, and anxiety levels. Methods: Sixty-three overweight/obese participants were randomly divided into: control (n = 20), walking (n = 21), and Pilates (n = 22) groups. Pilates and walking groups attended eight weeks of 60-minute exercise sessions three times per week. Quality of life, depression, and state- and trait-anxiety levels were evaluated before and after eight weeks of training. Results: Scores of quality of life, depression, and trait-anxiety improved in the Pilates and walking groups. State-anxiety levels improved only in the walking group. Conclusion: Pilates and walking positively impact quality of life, depression and anxiety. The Pilates method could be used as an alternative to improve mood disorders in overweight/obese individuals.

RESUMO Objetivo: Comparar os efeitos do treinamento com Pilates e caminhada sobre os níveis de qualidade de vida, depressão e ansiedade. Métodos: Sessenta e três participantes com sobrepeso/obesidade foram divididos aleatoriamente em grupos: Controle (n = 20), Caminhada (n = 21) e Pilates (n = 22). Os grupos Pilates e caminhada realizaram oito semanas de sessões de exercício de 60 minutos 3 vezes/semana. Os níveis de qualidade de vida, depressão e ansiedade traço e estado foram avaliados antes e após oito semanas de treinamento. Resultados: Os escores de qualidade de vida, depressão e ansiedade-traço melhoraram nos grupos Pilates e caminhada. Os níveis de ansiedade-estado melhoraram apenas no grupo caminhada. Conclusão: O Pilates e a caminhada impactam positivamente os níveis de qualidade de vida, depressão e ansiedade. O método Pilates pode ser usado como um método alternativo para distúrbios do humor em indivíduos com sobrepeso e obesidade.

Impacto de 12 semanas de prática de pilates solo na força de preensão manual, resistência abdominal e na flexibilidade avaliada por fotogrametria em mulheres saudáveis / Impact of 12 weeks of mat pilates practice on handgrip force, abdominal endurance and on the flexibility evaluated by pho-togrammetry in healthy women / Impacto de 12 semanas de pilates suelo en la fuerza de empuña-dura, resistencia abdominal y en la flexibilidad evaluada por fotogrametría en mujeres saludables

Este estudo avaliou o efeito do Pilates solo na força e na flexibilidade de mulheres saudáveis. O grupo controle (C; n=11) manteve a prática de atividade física habitual; o grupo Pilates (P; n=11) praticou Pilates solo (60 minutos, duas vezes semanais) por 12 semanas. Foram avalia-das: a flexibilidade por fotogrametria, a força de preensão manual pelo dinamômetro e a resis-tência abdominal pelo número de repetições do exercício abdominal realizado em um minuto. No grupo P, houve aumento significativo da resistência abdominal (12,5%) e na força de pre-ensão manual esquerda (33%) e direita (12%); no grupo C, houve aumento da força de preen-são manual direita (22%). Não foram observadas diferenças na flexibilidade. Doze semanas de Pilates solo foram suficientes para melhorar a aptidão física de mulheres saudáveis. Contu-do, esse tempo pode não ter sido suficiente para evidenciar diferenças em relação à prática de outras atividades físicas, visto que não houve diferença em relação ao grupo controle.

This study evaluated the effect of mat Pilates on the strength and flexibility of healthy wom-en. The control group (C, n = 11) maintained the habitual physical activity practice; Pilates group (P, n = 11) practiced mat Pilates (60 minutes, twice a week) for 12 weeks. Flexibility was evaluated by photogrammetry. The handgrip strength was measured with a dynamometer and abdominal endurance by the number of repetitions of abdominal exercise in a minute. In group P there was a significant increase in abdominal endurance (12.5%) and left (33%) and right (12%) handgrip strength; in group C there was an increase in right grip strength (22%). There were no differences in the flexibility. Twelve weeks of training with mat Pilates were sufficient to improve muscle fitness of healthy women. Nevertheless, this period might not be sufficient to lead to differences in comparison with an active control group.

Este estudio evaluó el efecto de Pilates suelo en la fuerza y en la flexibilidad de mujeres salu-dables. El grupo control (C, n = 11) mantuvo la actividad física habitual; el grupo Pilates (P, n = 11) practicó Pilates suelo (60 minutos, dos veces por semana) durante 12 semanas. Se eva-luó la flexibilidad con fotogrametría, la fuerza de empuñadura con un dinamómetro y la resis-tencia abdominal con el número de repeticiones de ejercicios abdominales realizados en un minuto. En el grupo P hubo un aumento significativo de resistencia abdominal (12,5%) y en la empuñadura izquierda (33%) y derecha (12%); en grupo C aumentó la fuerza de prensión derecha (22%). No fueron observadas diferencias en la flexibilidad. Doce semanas de Pilates suelo fueron suficientes para mejorar la condición física de la mujeres saludables. Sin embar-go, ese período puede no haber sido suficiente para mostrar diferencias en relación a la prácti-ca de otras actividades físicas, pues no hubo diferencia en relación al grupo de control.

O Programa de Pós-Graduação em Educação Física / UFES: Pesquisa e ensino em atividade física & saúde / Postgraduate Program in Physical Education / UFES: Research and education in physical education and health

A pesquisa e a formação de recursos humanos em atividade física e saúde têm importância significativa para o desenvolvimento da pós-graduação em educação física no país. O presente artigo apresenta os laboratórios e linhas de pesquisa do Programa de Pós-Graduação em Educação Física da Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo (PPGEF/UFES) com aderência a esta temática. São descritos o contexto, ações e motivações que possibilitaram a abertura da área de concentração em Educação Física, movimento corporal humano e saúde, suas respectivas linhas de pesquisa, os princípios gerais adotados na formação de novos pesquisadores, as temáticas específicas de cada grupo e as parcerias e redes de pesquisa estabelecidas. Como conclusão, indicamos o potencial de contribuição das linhas de pesquisa do PPGEF/UFES para o conhecimento sobre o tema e o desenvolvimento regional.

Research and training of human resources in physical activity and health have significant importance for the development of graduate in physical education in the country. This article presents laboratories and research lines of the Postgraduate Program in Physical Education of the Federal University of Espírito Santo (PPGEF / UFES) related to that subject. Context, actions and motivations that made possible the opening of a major in Physical Education, Human body movement and health, their respective research lines, general principles adopted in the training of new researchers, their specific themes, partnerships and research networks established are described. In conclusion, we point out the potential of contribution of the PPGEF / UFES for the knowledge on the subject and the regional development.

Wheelchair rugby improves pulmonary function in people with tetraplegia after 1 year of training.

This study investigated the effects of 1 year of regular wheelchair rugby training on the pulmonary function of subjects with tetraplegia. A total of 15 male subjects with tetraplegia participated in this study and were divided into an experimental group of rugby players (n = 8) and a control group (n = 7) of sedentary tetraplegic subjects. Both groups underwent spirometry, and the experimental group was tested before and after participating of a regular 1-year program of wheelchair rugby training. At the beginning of the training program, all the subjects presented reduced pulmonary function compared with predicted values (p < 0.05) for healthy subjects. There were a significant increase in forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expired volume after 1 second (FEV1), and maximal voluntary ventilation (MVV, p < 0.05) values after 1 year of regular wheelchair rugby training. The regression analysis between total training time and spirometric variables FVC (r = 0.97, p < 0.0001) and MVV (r = 0.58, p = 0.02) revealed that the players with longer training time had higher pulmonary function values. This study showed that regular wheelchair rugby training can improve the pulmonary function of subjects with spinal cord injuries.

A 3D kinematic analysis of breathing patterns in competitive swimmers.

The purpose of this paper was to understand which differences long-term swimming training can cause on trunk mechanics during breathing and how these differences are related to the years of swimming training. The variations and coordination among trunk compartments were considered as target movement patterns. Video-based plethysmography was utilised for data acquisition and pre-processing. A group of swimmers, who followed a long-term intensive swimming training previously to this study, was compared with a non-swimmer control group. The participants of both groups performed quiet breathing and vital capacity tests. From the compartmental volumes associated with each breathing curves, the relative amplitude and cross-correlation among these volumetric time-varying signals were calculated, in order to analyse the relative partial volume variation and the coordination among trunk compartments involved in respiration. The results of a Mixed-ANOVA test (P ≤ 0.05) revealed higher coefficient of variation (P < 0.001) and correlations among trunk compartments in the swimmers group when vital capacity was performed. Significant linear regression was found between the years of swim training and the coefficients of variation and correlation. The results suggest that after long periods of intensive swim training, athletes might develop specific breathing patterns featuring higher volume variations in the abdominal region and more coordination among compartments involved in forced respiratory tasks such as vital capacity.