Monitoring Training Loads in Judo Athletes: Different Time Courses of Physiological, Neuromuscular, and Perceptual Responses.

This study aims to elucidate the internal load, performance, physiological, and perceptual recovery responses during four weeks of traditional judo training. Ten cadet and junior judo athletes were evaluated daily for four weeks, in which their perception of recovery, heart rate variability, handgrip strength, and countermovement jump performance were assessed. A one-way repeated-measures ANOVA was performed to analyze the variables across the weeks. A significant time effect in internal load (F = 6.51; p = 0.001) has been observed. Handgrip test performance showed significantly higher values in the 3rd and 4th weeks (p <0.001), while countermovement jump performance was significantly higher in the 4th week (p =0.0007). The heart rate variability's coefficient of variation was lower in both the 3rd and 4th weeks (p =0.02). Regarding perceptual aspects, the Hooper Index showed a significant time effect (p =0.04), but pairwise comparison did not reveal differences between weeks. The present study indicates that neuromuscular, physiological, and perceptual responses to training load alterations present different time courses. This must be considered for the adequate monitoring of training programs.

Playing videogames or using social media applications on smartphones causes mental fatigue and impairs decision-making performance in amateur boxers.

This study aimed to analyze the effect of playing videogames and using social media applications on smartphones on decision-making and countermovement jump (CMJ) performance in amateur boxers. Twenty one boxers were enrolled in the study and were randomly assigned to all three experimental conditions [smartphone (30SMA), videogame (30VID), and control (CON)]. CMJ was measured before and 30-min after each experimental condition. The athletes ran simulated combat recorded for decision-making analysis. The boxers watched coaching videos (CON), used social media applications on smartphones (30SMA), and played video games (30VID) for 30 min just before the combat simulation. Both attack and defense decision-making performance were worse in both 30SMA and 30VID conditions compared to the CON condition (p = 0.001). Regarding CMJ, despite no condition effect (p = 0.96) been obtained, a time effect (p = 0.001) was observed; So, it was found a decrease in CMJ performance after all experimental conditions (p = 0.001), with no difference between them. Using social media applications on smartphones and playing video game impairs decision-making performance in amateur boxers, with no harms for CMJ performance.

Reliability of physical performance and thermoregulatory parameters in rats subjected to incremental treadmill running.

Thermoregulatory changes may influence the rats' prolonged physical performance and are commonly evaluated during treadmill running. Therefore, we determined the reliability of performance and thermoregulatory parameters in rats subjected to incremental-speed exercises (i.e., we assessed whether the testing protocol provides measurements that are consistent and free from error). Twenty rats were subjected to two sessions of incremental exercises at 24 °C, separated by 48 h, until they were fatigued. The rats' performance and thermoregulatory responses were determined, and values concerning the reliability of these parameters [e.g., intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and minimal detectable change (MDC)] were calculated. Our data revealed that the core temperature (TCORE) at fatigue and heat loss threshold were the most reproducible parameters, showing good reliability (ICC between 0.75 and 0.90). Moreover, all performance parameters assessed, the change in TCORE, the rate of TCORE increase, and the TCORE increase-to-distance traveled ratio presented moderate reliability. We then investigated whether changes in performance and thermoregulation induced by a warm environment were greater than the MDC95% values determined in the first experiment. Eight rats were subjected to incremental exercises at two environmental conditions: 24 °C and 31 °C. Individual analyses showed that most rats presented thermoregulatory differences between exercises at 31 °C and 24 °C greater than the calculated MDC95% values; this was not the case for their performance. In conclusion, we provide data on the reliability of rats' performance and thermoregulatory parameters during incremental-speed running. Also, the exercise in a warm environment produced detectable thermoregulatory changes relative to the exercise under temperate conditions.

Effect of mental fatigue on mean propulsive velocity, countermovement jump, and 100-m and 200-m dash performance in male college sprinters.

The objective of this study was to analyze the effect of mental fatigue on mean propulsive velocity (MPV), countermovement jump (CMJ), 100, and 200-m dash performance in college sprinters. A total of 16 male athletes of sprint events (100 and 200-m dash) participated in this study. Each participant underwent two baseline visits and then running under the three experimental conditions. Assessments (MPV and CMJ) occurred both before and after either smartphone use (SMA) or Stroop task (ST), or watching a documentary TV show about the Olympic Games (CON). Then, the athletes ran the simulated race (i.e. the 100 and 200-m dash). There was no condition (p > 0.05) or time effect (p > 0.05) for MPV, CMJ, 100-m, or 200-m dash performance. In conclusion, the present study results revealed no mental fatigue effect induced by SMA or ST on neuromuscular, 100-m or 200-m dash performance in male college sprinters.

Effects of smartphone use before resistance exercise on inhibitory control, heart rate variability, and countermovement jump.

BACKGROUND: The effect of MF induced by exposure time to social media smartphone apps on inhibitory control, heart rate variability (HRV), and high-intensity physical effort following a resistance exercise session might indicate whether strength and conditioning professionals should suggest avoiding smartphone usage before a resistance exercise session. AIM: The objective of this study was to analyze the effect of mental fatigue on inhibitory control, HRV, and countermovement jump (CMJ) in trained adults after resistance exercise. METHODS: A total of 16 trained males (21.4 ± 3.3 years) volunteered in this study. The participants performed resistance exercises with and without mental fatigue. The Stroop Task, countermovement jump, and heart rate variability were evaluated before and after the resistance exercise. The participants used smartphones in the mental fatigue condition, whereas the participants watched TV in the control condition. RESULTS: No condition × time interaction was found for the Stroop accuracy (p = 0.87), CMJ (p = 0.68), SDNN (p = 0.15), or pNN50 (p = 0.15) in the heart rate variability. An interaction was found for Stroop response time (p = 0.01) with a higher response time for the mental fatigue condition (p = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Mental fatigue impaired the inhibitory control performance after a resistance exercise session in trained adults.

Validity of the estimated body fat percentage by bioimpedance and skinfolds in middle-aged and elderly women / Validez del porcentaje de grasa corporal estimado por bioimpedancia y pliegues cutáneos en mujeres de mediana edad y ancianas

Objectives: Verify the validity of electrical bioimpedance (BIA) and the skinfold method in estimating the percentage ofbody fat (% BF) in middle-aged and elderly women, using dual emission X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) as a reference method.Material and methods: The sample consisted of 106 volunteers (middle age, n = 58 [51.3 ± 4.9 years] and elderly, n = 48[67.2 ± 5.8 years]). The volunteers were submitted to anthropometric assessments and the % BF was subsequently calculatedusing the Jackson and Pollock 7 skinfold protocol (7SF). The % BF was also measured using BIA and DXA. Pearson’s correlation,Bland and Altman method, effect size and repeated-measure t-test were used to test the hypotheses.Results: Although there is a moderate positive relationship between the methods evaluated for middle-aged women (DXAvs 7SF, r = 0.67; DXA vs BIA, r = 0.62) and moderate to strong for the elderly (DXA vs 7SF, r = 0.57; DXA vs BIA, r = 0.75) (p ≤ 0.05in all analyzes), the agreement between the methods was weak (limits of agreement > ± 3.5%). Additionally, when assessingthe % BF mean using each method within the groups, it was observed that there was no significant difference between theestimates only between DXA and Pollock 7SF in the elderly group.Conclusion: Therefore, both the 7SF method and the BIA are not valid for estimating body fat in the sample evaluated. It isnecessary to develop equations for specific skinfolds to estimate the % BF of middle-aged and elderly women and reviewthe equations used by the BIA.(AU)

Objetivo: Verificar la validez de la bioimpedancia eléctrica (BIA) y el método del pliegue cutáneo en la estimación delporcentaje de grasa corporal (% GC) en mujeres de mediana edad y ancianas, mediante la doble emisión de rayos X (DXA )como método de referencia.Material y método: La muestra estuvo formada por 106 voluntarias (mediana edad, n = 58 [51,3 ± 4,9 años] y ancianas, n= 48 [67,2 ± 5,8 años]). Las voluntarias fueron sometidas a evaluaciones antropométricas y, posteriormente, se calculó el %GC utilizando el protocolo de pliegues cutáneos Jackson y Pollock 7 (7PC). El% de GC también se midió usando BIA y DXA.La correlación de Pearson, el método de Bland y Altman, el tamaño del efecto y la prueba t de medida repetida se utilizaronpara probar las hipótesis.Resultados: Aunque existe una relación positiva moderada entre los métodos evaluados para mujeres de mediana edad (DXAvs 7PC, r = 0,67; DXA vs BIA, r = 0,62) y moderada a fuerte para las ancianas (DXA vs 7PC, r = 0,57 ; DXA vs BIA, r = 0,75) (p ≤ 0,05en todos los análisis), la concordancia entre los métodos fue débil (límites de acuerdo > ± 3,5%). Además, al evaluar la mediade % GC usando cada método dentro de los grupos, se observó que no hubo diferencia significativa entre las estimacionessolo entre DXA y Pollock 7PC en el grupo de ancianas.Conclusiones: Por tanto, tanto el método 7PC como el BIA no son válidos para estimar la grasa corporal en la muestra eva-luada. Es necesario desarrollar ecuaciones para pliegues cutáneos específicos para estimar el % GC de mujeres de medianaedad y ancianas y revisar las ecuaciones utilizadas por el BIA.(AU)

Correlation between strength and skin temperature asymmetries in the lower limbs of Brazilian elite soccer players before and after a competitive season.

This study aimed to investigate the correlation between strength and skin temperature (Tsk) asymmetries in the lower limbs of elite soccer players before and after a competitive season. The sample (n = 20) was composed of elite male soccer players. Strength asymmetry and Tsk asymmetry was measured through the countermovement jump (CMJ) test and infrared thermography, respectively. Asymmetries were quantified using the symmetry angle (SA) equation. A strong correlation was found between the SA of rate of force development (RFD) and the SA of Tsk before (baseline) (r = 0.7; r2 = 0.43; p = 0.03) and after (r = 0.6; r2 = 0.42; p = 0.04) the competitive season. Moreover, after the competitive season there were significant decreases in Peak force (p < 0.018), Impulse (p < 0.04), RFD (p = 0.0001) and CMJ height (p = 0.05), and significant increases in Tsk (p < 0.03), C-reactive protein (p = 0.03), Creatine kinase (p = 0.0001) and Cortisol (p = 0.04), even after a 3-day rest interval (no training). These results suggest that the CMJ test can be combined with infrared thermography for monitoring strength asymmetry and contribute to the prevention of muscle injuries.

The Brazilian version of the SCOFF questionnaire to screen eating disorders in young adults: cultural adaptation and validation study in a university population.

OBJECTIVE: This study translated, culturally adapted, and validated a Brazilian Portuguese version (SCOFF-BR) of the Sick, Control, One Stone, Fat, Food Questionnaire (SCOFF) to screen eating disorders in young adults. METHODS: This study used back-translation to culturally adapt the questionnaire according to International Society of Pharmacoeconomics and Outcome Research principles. The SCOFF-BR validation process involved a sample of men and women aged 18-32 years from a university community. After the participants completed the SCOFF-BR questionnaire, pre-trained researchers interviewed them with the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI). The presence of eating disorders was determined according to DSM-5 criteria. RESULTS: Of the 361 subjects, 9.7% had an eating disorder (2.2% anorexia nervosa, 5% bulimia nervosa, and 2.5% binge-eating disorder). Using a cutoff point of two positive responses, we obtained a sensitivity of 80% and a specificity of 71.5%, with an accuracy of 72.3%. The positive and negative predictive values were 23.1% and 97.1%, respectively. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that the Brazilian version of the SCOFF questionnaire presents satisfactory accuracy and reliability to screen eating disorders among young adults in the Brazilian university community.

Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation: No Effect on Aerobic Performance, Heart Rate, or Rating of Perceived Exertion in a Progressive Taekwondo-Specific Test.

PURPOSE: To investigate the effects of anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (a-tDCS) on the aerobic performance, heart rate (HR), and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) of highly trained taekwondo athletes. METHODS: Twelve (8 men and 4 women) international/national-level athletes received a-tDCS or sham treatment over the M1 location in a randomized, single-blind crossover design. The stimulation was delivered at 1.5 mA for 15 min using an extracephalic bihemispheric montage. Athletes performed the progressive-specific taekwondo test 10 min after stimulation. HR was monitored continuously during the test, and RPE was registered at the end of each stage and at test cessation. RESULTS: There were no significant differences between sham and a-tDCS in time to exhaustion (14.6 and 14.9, respectively, P = .53, effect size = 0.15) and peak kicking frequency (52 and 53.6, respectively, P = .53, effect size = 0.15) or in HR (P > .05) and RPE responses (P > .05). CONCLUSIONS: Extracephalic bihemispheric a-tDCS over M1 did not influence the aerobic performance of taekwondo athletes or their psychophysiological responses, so athletes and staff should be cautious when using it in a direct-to-consumer manner.

Cross-cultural adaptation, validity, and reliability of the Parenting Styles and Dimensions Questionnaire - Short Version (PSDQ) for use in Brazil

Objective: The Parenting Styles and Dimensions Questionnaire (PSDQ) is used worldwide to assess three styles (authoritative, authoritarian, and permissive) and seven dimensions of parenting. In this study, we adapted the short version of the PSDQ for use in Brazil and investigated its validity and reliability. Methods: Participants were 451 mothers of children aged 3 to 18 years, though sample size varied with analyses. The translation and adaptation of the PSDQ followed a rigorous methodological approach. Then, we investigated the content, criterion, and construct validity of the adapted instrument. Results: The scale content validity index (S-CVI) was considered adequate (0.97). There was evidence of internal validity, with the PSDQ dimensions showing strong correlations with their higher-order parenting styles. Confirmatory factor analysis endorsed the three-factor, second-order solution (i.e., three styles consisting of seven dimensions). The PSDQ showed convergent validity with the validated Brazilian version of the Parenting Styles Inventory (Inventário de Estilos Parentais - IEP), as well as external validity, as it was associated with several instruments measuring sociodemographic and behavioral/emotional-problem variables. Conclusion: The PSDQ is an effective and reliable psychometric instrument to assess childrearing strategies according to Baumrind's model of parenting styles.

Cross-cultural adaptation, validity, and reliability of the Parenting Styles and Dimensions Questionnaire - Short Version (PSDQ) for use in Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: The Parenting Styles and Dimensions Questionnaire (PSDQ) is used worldwide to assess three styles (authoritative, authoritarian, and permissive) and seven dimensions of parenting. In this study, we adapted the short version of the PSDQ for use in Brazil and investigated its validity and reliability. METHODS: Participants were 451 mothers of children aged 3 to 18 years, though sample size varied with analyses. The translation and adaptation of the PSDQ followed a rigorous methodological approach. Then, we investigated the content, criterion, and construct validity of the adapted instrument. RESULTS: The scale content validity index (S-CVI) was considered adequate (0.97). There was evidence of internal validity, with the PSDQ dimensions showing strong correlations with their higher-order parenting styles. Confirmatory factor analysis endorsed the three-factor, second-order solution (i.e., three styles consisting of seven dimensions). The PSDQ showed convergent validity with the validated Brazilian version of the Parenting Styles Inventory (Inventário de Estilos Parentais - IEP), as well as external validity, as it was associated with several instruments measuring sociodemographic and behavioral/emotional-problem variables. CONCLUSION: The PSDQ is an effective and reliable psychometric instrument to assess childrearing strategies according to Baumrind's model of parenting styles.

Plasma and cerebrospinal fluid levels of cytokines as disease markers of neurologic manifestation in long-term HTLV-1 infected individuals.

AIM: The aim of this study is to evaluate the presence of a particular immunological profile in individuals long-term infected with HTLV-1, followed presenting different clinical courses. MATERIALS & METHODS: Forty-eight individuals were evaluated for 19 cytokines analyzed in cerebrospinal fluid and plasma of patients with HTLV-1 presenting with and without neurological symptoms. RESULTS: Proinflammatory cytokines and the chemokine ligand 11 (ITAC/CXCL11) were increased in individuals with HTLV-1 coursing with neurological symptoms. CONCLUSION: Different cytokines' expression profile in the presence of neurological symptoms may help to understand and characterize the progression for severe clinical presentations.

Translation, Adaptation, and Validation of the Brazilian Version of the Dickman Impulsivity Inventory (Br-DII).

Impulsivity has mainly been described as a negative or dysfunctional characteristic associated with several disorders. However, impulsivity is not only related to dysfunctional outcomes and may explain individual differences in optimal human functioning as well. The Dickman Impulsivity Inventory (DII) is a self-report instrument measuring both the dysfunctional and the functional aspects of impulsivity. In this study, we performed the translation and cultural adaptation of the DII to the Brazilian context and analyzed its psychometric properties. Translation and cultural adaptation followed a rigorous process, which relied on an expert panel in the cross-cultural adaptation of psychological instruments. Data from 405 undergraduate students were obtained for the Brazilian version of the DII (Br-DII). The 23 items of the Br-DII was considered unsuitable according to model fit indices of the Confirmatory Factor Analysis (both for Oblique and Orthogonal models). Exploratory Factor Analysis showed an 18 items version of the Br-DII to be suitable (CFI = 0.92; TLI = 0.90, and RMSEA = 0.057). The DII's 18 items version also showed adequate Cronbach's alpha, intraclass correlation coefficient, and convergent and discriminant validity with the BIS-11. Therefore, the Br-DII demonstrated reliability and validity in the measurement of functional and dysfunctional impulsivity.

Factor Analysis of the Brazilian Version of UPPS Impulsive Behavior Scale.

Objective: To examine the internal consistency and factor structure of the Brazilian adaptation of the UPPS Impulsive Behavior Scale. Methods: UPPS is a self-report scale composed by 40 items assessing four factors of impulsivity: (a) urgency, (b) lack of premeditation; (c) lack of perseverance; (d) sensation seeking. In the present study 384 participants (278 women and 106 men), who were recruited from schools, universities, leisure centers and workplaces fulfilled the UPPS scale. An exploratory factor analysis was performed by using Varimax factor rotation and Kaiser Normalization, and we also conducted two confirmatory analyses to test the independency of the UPPS components found in previous analysis. Results: Results showed a decrease in mean UPPS total scores with age and this analysis showed that the youngest participants (below 30 years) scored significantly higher than the other groups over 30 years. No difference in gender was found. Cronbach's alpha, results indicated satisfactory values for all subscales, with similar high values for the subscales and confirmatory factor analysis indexes also indicated a poor model fit. The results of two exploratory factor analysis were satisfactory. Conclusion: Our results showed that the Portuguese version has the same four-factor structure of the original and previous translations of the UPPS.

Structural brain abnormalities in patients with type I bipolar disorder and suicidal behavior.

Some studies have identified brain morphological changes in the frontolimbic network (FLN) in bipolar subjects who attempt suicide (SA). The present study investigated neuroanatomical abnormalities in the FLN to find a possible neural signature for suicidal behavior in patients with bipolar disorder type I (BD-I). We used voxel-based morphometry to compare euthymic patients with BD-I who had attempted suicide (n=20), who had not attempted suicide (n=19) and healthy controls (HCs) (n=20). We also assessed the highest medical lethality of their previous SA. Compared to the participants who had not attempted suicide, the patients with BD-I who had attempted suicide exhibited significantly increased gray matter volume (GMV) in the right rostral anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), which was more pronounced and extended further to the left ACC in the high-lethality subgroup (p<0.05, with family-wise error (FWE) correction for multiple comparisons using small-volume correction). GMV in the insula and orbitofrontal cortex was also related to suicide lethality (p<0.05, FWE-corrected). The current findings suggest that morphological changes in the FLN could be a signature of previous etiopathogenic processes affecting regions related to suicidality and its severity in BD-I patients.

Can Eye Fixation During the Grooved Pegboard Test Distinguish Between Planning and Online Correction?

The Grooved Pegboard Test, in its standard use, has well-documented utility. However, a revised methodology needs further study, leading us to investigate whether duration of eye fixation could predict performance on different task conditions of the Grooved Pegboard Test (place and remove pegs) with the preferred and nonpreferred hands. Fifty-two right-handed undergraduate students (33 male and 19 female), with a mean age of 22.22 (±3.57) years, performed the Grooved Pegboard Test. SensoMotoric eye-tracking glasses with a binocular time resolution of 30 Hz were used to measure eye fixation. The videos were recorded in iView software, and data were analyzed using BeGaze software. The number and duration of eye fixations were statistically different with preferred and nonpreferred hands and also differed across tasks. Simple linear regression showed eye fixation duration to predict movement time in the place task (preferred hand: R2 = 31%; nonpreferred hand: R2 = 41%) and in the remove task (preferred hand: R2 = 11%; nonpreferred hand: R2 = 25%). Thus, duration of eye fixation during the Grooved Pegboard Test differentially predicted performance with each hand and on preferred and different subtests of this instrument.

Cross-Cultural Adaptation and Validation of the MPAM-R to Brazilian Portuguese and Proposal of a New Method to Calculate Factor Scores.

In order to understand the reasons that lead individuals to practice physical activity, researchers developed the Motives for Physical Activity Measure-Revised (MPAM-R) scale. In 2010, a translation of MPAM-R to Portuguese and its validation was performed. However, psychometric measures were not acceptable. In addition, factor scores in some sports psychology scales are calculated by the mean of scores by items of the factor. Nevertheless, it seems appropriate that items with higher factor loadings, extracted by Factor Analysis, have greater weight in the factor score, as items with lower factor loadings have less weight in the factor score. The aims of the present study are to translate, validate the MPAM-R for Portuguese versions, and investigate agreement between two methods used to calculate factor scores. Three hundred volunteers who were involved in physical activity programs for at least 6 months were collected. Confirmatory Factor Analysis of the 30 items indicated that the version did not fit the model. After excluding four items, the final model with 26 items showed acceptable model fit measures by Exploratory Factor Analysis, as well as it conceptually supports the five factors as the original proposal. When two methods are compared to calculate factors scores, our results showed that only "Enjoyment" and "Appearance" factors showed agreement between methods to calculate factor scores. So, the Portuguese version of the MPAM-R can be used in a Brazilian context, and a new proposal for the calculation of the factor score seems to be promising.

Impairment of fine motor dexterity in mild cognitive impairment and alzheimer's disease dementia: association with activities of daily living

Objective: Cognitive impairment is a hallmark of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer’s disease dementia (AD). Although the cognitive profile of these patients and its association with activities of daily living (ADLs) is well documented, few studies have assessed deficits in fine motor dexterity and their association with ADL performance. The objective of this research paper is to evaluate fine motor dexterity performance among MCI and AD patients and to investigate its association with different aspects of ADLs. Methods: We assessed normal aging controls, patients with multiple- and single-domain amnestic MCI (aMCI), and patients with mild AD. Fine motor dexterity was measured with the Nine-Hole Peg Test and cognitive functioning by the Mattis Dementia Rating Scale. We analyzed the data using general linear models. Results: Patients with AD or multiple-domain aMCI had slower motor responses when compared to controls. AD patients were slower than those with single-domain aMCI. We found associations between cognition and instrumental ADLs, and between fine motor dexterity and self-care ADLs. Conclusion: We observed progressive slowing of fine motor dexterity along the normal aging-MCI-AD spectrum, which was associated with autonomy in self-care ADLs.

Impairment of fine motor dexterity in mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease dementia: association with activities of daily living.

OBJECTIVE: Cognitive impairment is a hallmark of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer's disease dementia (AD). Although the cognitive profile of these patients and its association with activities of daily living (ADLs) is well documented, few studies have assessed deficits in fine motor dexterity and their association with ADL performance. The objective of this research paper is to evaluate fine motor dexterity performance among MCI and AD patients and to investigate its association with different aspects of ADLs. METHODS: We assessed normal aging controls, patients with multiple- and single-domain amnestic MCI (aMCI), and patients with mild AD. Fine motor dexterity was measured with the Nine-Hole Peg Test and cognitive functioning by the Mattis Dementia Rating Scale. We analyzed the data using general linear models. RESULTS: Patients with AD or multiple-domain aMCI had slower motor responses when compared to controls. AD patients were slower than those with single-domain aMCI. We found associations between cognition and instrumental ADLs, and between fine motor dexterity and self-care ADLs. CONCLUSION: We observed progressive slowing of fine motor dexterity along the normal aging-MCI-AD spectrum, which was associated with autonomy in self-care ADLs.

Gray matter brain volumes in childhood-maltreated patients with bipolar disorder type I: A voxel-based morphometric study.

BACKGROUND: Childhood maltreatment (CM) may be related to clinical expression and outcome of bipolar disorder (BD). Several neuroimaging studies have detected brain morphological changes in specific neural networks of adults who suffered maltreatment in their childhood. We investigated alterations in gray matter volume (GMV) to determine a possible neuroanatomical basis of vulnerability in patients with CM having type I BD (BD-I). METHODS: We assessed 39 euthymic DSM-IV BD-I patients with (n=20) and without (n=19) a history of CM and 20 healthy controls without maltreatment as defined by the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ). Voxel-based morphometry (VBM) was used to compare GMV differences between patients and controls and perform linear correlations in overall BD group between GMV and CTQ scores. RESULTS: BD-I patients had significant negative correlations between CTQ total score and GMV in the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (PFC) and the right thalamus; between physical abuse and GMV in the right dorsolateral PFC; between physical neglect and GMV in the thalamus bilaterally; and between emotional neglect and GMV in the right thalamus. LIMITATIONS: Pharmacological treatment could have altered GMV findings. Results emerged only when using SVC approach. CTQ, a retrospective self-report, has the risk of potential recall bias. The cross-sectional design limits longitudinal and neurodevelopmental inferences. CONCLUSIONS: The severity of self-reported CM in BD-I patients is associated with morphological changes in GMV of specific neural networks relevant to responses to stress and to modulate emotional behavior.