Evaluation of Reaction Time during the One-Leg Balance Activity in Young Soccer Players: A Pilot Study.

This study's aim was two-fold: (i) to test the intra-session reliability of the one-leg balance activity test; and (ii) to assess the influence of age on reaction time (RT) and the differences between dominant and non-dominant feet. Fifty young soccer players with an average age of 12.4 ± 1.8 years were divided into two groups: younger soccer players (n = 26; 11.6 ± 0.9 years) and older soccer players (n = 24; 14.2 ± 0.8 years). Each group then completed four trials (two with each leg) of the one-leg balance activity (OLBA) to evaluate RT under a single-leg stance. Mean RT and the number of hits were calculated, and the best trial was also selected. T-tests and Pearson correlations were performed for statistical analysis. Values for RT were lower, and the number of hits was higher while standing on the non-dominant foot (p = 0.01). MANOVA revealed that the "Dominant Leg" factor did not affect the multivariate composite (Pillai Trace = 0.05; F(4, 43) = 0.565; p = 0.689; Partial ETA Squared = 0.050; Observed Power = 0.174). The "Age" factor did not present an effect on the multivariate composite (Pillai Trace = 0.104; F(4, 43) = 1.243; p = 0.307; Partial ETA Squared = 0.104; Observed Power = 0.355). The results of the present investigation demonstrate that RT may be lower while standing on the non-dominant foot.

Further development of the Affordances for Motor Behavior of Schoolchildren: standardized version and scoring system / Desenvolvimento adicional do Affordances for Motor Behavior of Schoolchildren: versão estandardizada e sistema de pontuação

Mapping and evaluating regular contexts that schoolchildren attend is of great importance to un-derstanding motor behavior. This communication aims to present the scoring system and standardi-zation of the Affordances for Motor Behavior of Schoolchildren (AMBS), recently presented to the scientific and educational community. The AMBS was developed to assess children's interdependent systems, such as home, school, and sports activities, that can influence 6 to 10-year-olds' motor devel-opment, motor learning, and motor competence. The questionnaire was completed by 377 Brazilian families. Raw scores of each of the three subscales (home, materials, and school) were transformed into standard scores, ranging from very low to very high. AMBS subscales were classified as very low (1st quartile), low (2nd quartile), good (3rd quartile), and very good (4th quartile). The AMBS total raw score is a result of the sum of the three subscales standard scores and can be classified into three categories, ranging from a low to a high AMBS. Thus, AMBS total scores were classified as low (1st tercile), average (2nd tercile), and high (3rd tercile). We expect that raw and standard scores of the AMBS can be used by researchers, parents, and clinical/education professionals to assess children's affordances for motor behavior

Mapear e avaliar os contextos regulares que escolares frequentam é de grande importância para a com-preensão do comportamento motor. Esta comunicação tem como objetivo apresentar o sistema de pontuação e padronização do Affordances for Motor Behavior of Schoolchildren (AMBS), recentemente apresentado à comunidade científica e educacional. O AMBS foi desenvolvido para avaliar os sistemas interdependentes das crianças, como casa, escola e atividades esportivas, que podem influenciar o desenvolvimento motor, a aprendizagem motora e a competência motora de crianças de 6 a 10 anos. O questionário foi respondido por 377 famílias brasileiras. As pontuações brutas de cada uma das três subescalas (casa, materiais e escola) foram transformados em pontuações padrão, variando de muito baixo a muito alto. As subescalas AMBS foram classificadas em muito baixo (1º quartil), baixo (2º quartil), bom (3º quartil) e muito bom (4º quartil). A pontuação bruta total do AMBS é resultado da soma das pontuações padrão das três subescalas e pode ser classificada em três categorias, variando de um AMBS baixo a alto. Assim, os escores totais da AMBS foram classificados em baixo (1º tercil), médio (2º tercil) e alto (3º tercil). Esperamos que as pontuações brutas e padrão da AMBS possam ser utilizadas por pesquisadores, pais e profissionais clínicos/educacionais para avaliar as affordances das crianças visando melhor entendimento do comportamento motor

Relationship between the Affordances for Motor Behavior of Schoolchildren (AMBS) and Motor Competence Assessment (MCA) in Brazilian Children.

During growth, children are influenced by an extensive network, in which more favorable contexts provide better affordance landscapes, and consequently have a better potential to foster child development. We aimed to examine the affordances provided to children using the Affordances for Motor Behavior of Schoolchildren (AMBS) tool, estimating its association with children's motor competence, as assessed by the Motor Competence Assessment (MCA) battery. Seventy-two Brazilian children were evaluated using the MCA instrument. Their parents/guardians completed the AMBS. The correlations between the two instruments (sub-scales and total scores) were investigated. ANOVAs were used to compare the motor competence performance of children with Low, Average, and High AMBS scores. Positive associations were found between AMBS and MCA, although weak to moderate in nature. In addition, children whose environments were richer in motor affordances (higher AMBS scores) showed significantly higher levels on the MCA. This study provides evidence that AMBS is a valid tool for assessing motor affordances for schoolchildren, and that those affordances are related to children's motor competence.

Can exergames be used as an alternative to conventional exercises?

Abstract Aim: The present study aimed to analyze if the exergaming exercise produces the same acute effects as conventional training. Methods: The Nintendo® Wii was chosen as the stimulus for this study. Participants should conduct a physical training session under Exergames Training (ET) and Conventional Training (CT). Both training conditions use two aerobic exercises and six strength exercises, which were always performed in the same sequence. The study group was composed of 30 young adults (16 men and 14 women, mean age of 23.7 ± 3.7 years). Results: Our findings showed significant results between pre and post-tests: the heart rate (HR) and the double product (DP) were higher in the post-exercise period, while the systolic blood pressure (SBP) was lower. Further analysis revealed that ET and CT conditions had no significant differences. ET condition showed to present similar results as CT condition to women (regarding HR, diastolic blood pressure - DBP, and DP), and to men (HR, SBP, and DBP). Conclusion: The present research showed that exergaming provides the same acute effects in physiological variables as conventional exercises. Thus, this kind of exercise can be a reliable way to improve the lifestyle of young adults.

Cross-cultural comparisons of motor competence in southern Brazilian and Portuguese schoolchildren

Abstract Aim: This study aimed to compare the MC levels of Brazilian and Portuguese schoolchildren from 4 to 11 years. Methods: One hundred and forty-eight Brazilian children were evaluated using the Motor Competence Assessment (MCA) instrument and were later compared to the existent normative values of Portuguese children for a similar age range. Results: Our findings showed that MC increased with age, and boys outperformed girls, especially in the older age group. The distribution of the Brazilian children showed that while Brazilian boys perform above Portuguese normative values in 4 of the 6 tasks of the MCA, Brazilian girls perform below those values in all tasks, except for the standing long jump. Conclusion: The differences found, especially in girls, may be related to differences in the Physical Education curricula and how school recess periods are used.

O impacto da prática do futsal para a competência motora de crianças / The impact of futsal practice for child motor competence / El impacto de la práctica de fútbol sala en las habilidades motoras de los niños

A competência motora é um importante componente para o desenvolvimento infantil e está relacionada à performance nos mais variados esportes. Esse estudo examinou a relação entre a prática do futsal e a competência motora de meninos dos 6 aos 10 anos. Participaram 99 crianças com idade média de 8,15±1,18 anos, as quais foram divididas em dois grupos (praticantes de futsal vs. não praticantes). Para a avaliação da competência motora foi utilizado o Motor Competence Assessment (MCA). Os resultados indicam que os praticantes de futsal apresentam médias melhores em cinco dos seis testes do MCA (salto em comprimento, saltos laterais, lançamento e chute da bola, e shuttle run) do que às crianças que apenas participam das aulas de educação física. Em relação às categorias e à Competência Motora total, os resultados mostram que os praticantes de futsal obtiveram melhores resultados no que tange aos escores de estabilização (t= -3,936; p=0.000), locomoção (t= -3,803; p=0.000), manipulação (t= -4,124; p=0.000) e competência motora total (t= -4,529, p=0,000). Assim, esse estudo mostra que as crianças inseridas na prática de futsal possuem maiores níveis de competência nos testes de locomoção, de estabilização e de manipulação de objetos, bem como na competência motora total.

Motor competence is an important component of child development related to the performance of various sports. This study examined the relationship between futsal practice and motor skills in 6-to 10-year old boys. Ninety-nine Brazilian children with a mean age of 8.15 ± 1.18 years participated. The children were divided into two groups (futsal vs. non-practitioners). Motor Competence Assessment (MCA) was used to measure motor competence. The results indicate that futsal practitioners have better mean in five of six MCA tests (stand long jump, side jumps, ball throwing and kicking, and shuttle run) than children who only attend physical education classes. Regarding the categories and the total Motor Competence, the results show that futsal practitioners obtained better results regarding the stabilization scores (t = -3.936; p = 0.000), locomotion (t = -3.803; p = 0.000) , manipulation (t = -4,124; p = 0.000) and total motor competence (t = -4.529, p = 0.000). Thus, this study shows that children involved in futsal practice have higher levels of competence in locomotion, stabilization, and object manipulation tests, as well as in total motor competence

La competencia motora es un componente importante para el desarrollo infantil y está presente en desempeño de los deportes más variados. Este estudio examinó la relación entre la práctica del fútbol sala y las habilidades motoras entre niños de 6 a 10 años. Participaron 99 niños brasileños con una edad promedio de 8.15 ± 1.18 años. Los niños se dividieron en dos grupos (jugadores de fútbol sala versus no practicantes). La evaluación de la competencia motora (ACM) se utilizó para evaluar la competencia motora. Los resultados indican que los practicantes de fútbol sala tienen mejores medias en cinco de las seis pruebas de MCA (salto largo, saltos laterales, patada y patada con pelota, y carrera de lanzadera) que los niños que solo participan en clases de educación fisica. Con respecto a las categorías y la competencia motora total, los resultados muestran que los practicantes de fútbol sala obtuvieron mejores resultados con respecto a los puntajes de estabilización (t = -3.936; p = 0.000), locomoción (t = -3.803; p = 0.000), manipulación (t = -4,124; p = 0,000) y competencia motora total (t = -4,529, p = 0,000). Los resultados muestran que los practicantes de fútbol sala obtuvieron mejores resultados (t = -4.529, p = 0.000). Este estudio muestra que los niños insertados en la práctica de fútbol sala tienen niveles más altos de competencia en pruebas de locomoción, estabilización y manipulación de objetos, así como en la competencia motora total.

Affordances for Motor Skill Development in Home, School, and Sport Environments: A Narrative Review.

Through development, a child's varied movement contexts provide different opportunities or affordances for action that are fundamental to promoting motor competence. Although home is the primary environment for infants, as children age, school and sport environments gain importance. Studies focusing on affordances for motor behavior in children have mainly addressed the home microsystem, providing an incomplete picture of affordances across different settings, particularly later in development. Here, we undertook a narrative literature review of various affordances for children's motor development. This review revealed that prior studies of school and sports contexts have not specifically focused on those environmental properties that promote or hinder motor learning opportunities, meaning that future research should assess these relationships through manipulations of environmental features in these different microsystems.

DNA damage and postural balance in multiple sclerosis patients / Dano ao DNA e equilíbrio postural de portadores de Esclerose Múltipla

Abstract Introduction: Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by infiltration of inflammatory cells on the Central Nervous System (CNS). There is evidence that cumulative DNA damage can contribute to various mechanisms underlying MS lesions. Changes in postural balance are frequent observations in subjects with MS. Objective: Evaluated the DNA damage index (DDI)) and postural balance in patients with MS. Methods: A case-control study was conducted with 28 subjects matched for sex, age, and body mass index, divided into MS group and control. The DDI was assessed by comet assay and postural balance through recording the body oscillations of the center of pressure (COP), in the anterior-posterior and lateral middle directions. Results: Showed higher DDI in MS patients (21.3 ± 4.8) than controls (7.9 ± 6.1). Significant differences between groups were also noted in postural control parameters. The wider ranges of postural sway were observed in the MS group. The associations between DDI and postural control parameters showed weak, but significant correlations. No associations were found between DDI and time of diagnosis of MS. Conclusion: People with MS had higher DDI and larger body oscillations than healthy individuals.

Resumo Introdução: A Esclerose Múltipla (EM) é uma doença inflamatório crônica caracterizada pela infiltração de células inflamatórias no Sistema Nervoso Central (SNC). Há evidencias de que danos cumulativos ao DNA possam contribuir para vários mecanismos subjacentes às lesões da EM. As alterações no equilíbrio postural são observações frequentes nos sujeitos com EM. Objetivo: Este estudo avaliou os índices de dano ao DNA (ID) e equilíbrio postural em portadores de Esclerose Múltipla (EM). Métodos: Um estudo de caso-controle foi conduzido com 28 sujeitos pareados por sexo, idade e índice de massa corporal, divididos em grupo EM e controle. O ID foi avaliado pelo ensaio cometa e o equilibro postural através do registro das oscilações corporais relativas ao deslocamento centro de pressão (COP) nas direções antero posterior e médio lateral. Resultados: Maiores ID em portadores de EM (21,3 ± 4,8) do que controles (7,9 ± 6,1). Diferenças significativas entre os grupos também foram percebidas nos parâmetros do controle postural. As maiores amplitudes de oscilação foram observadas no grupo EM para ambas as direções. As associações entre o ID e parâmetros do controle postural apresentaram correlações fracas e significativas. Não foram encontradas associações entre ID e tempo de diagnóstico de EM. Conclusão: Portadores de EM apresentaram maior ID e maiores oscilações corporais do que controles saudáveis.

Efeitos da modelagem na aprendizagem da habilidade do chute em meninas / Effects modeling in ability of learning in girls

O objetivo do presente estudo foi verificar os efeitos da modelagem na aprendizagem da habilidade do chute em meninas, com média de idade de 7,6 ± 0,49 anos. A tarefa requeria que as participantes realizassem chutes em um arco de futsal com medidas de 110 x 90 cm. Foi utilizada uma bola de futebol (nº 4), indicada para idade, posicionada a uma distância de cinco metros até a goleira. Foram realizados, um pré-teste, aquisição com 20 tentativas de prática e retenção composta por cinco tentativas. As 33 participantes foram divididas igualmente em três grupos distintos (Instrução Verbal ­ IV; Instrução Verbal e Demonstração ­ IVD; Demonstração - DM), com cada grupo recebendo uma forma específica de instrução, as quais foram fornecidas antes da primeira tentativa, na fase de aquisição. Os resultados mostraram benefícios na utilização de demonstrações para a aprendizagem de uma tarefa de chute, em meninas (p=0,043). O uso de demonstrações, somada à prática, fez com que as meninas apresentassem maiores níveis de aprendizagem na tarefa. A partir dos resultados encontrados, evidencia-se a importância da utilização de métodos adequados no aprendizado de habilidades motoras.(AU)

The aim of this research was to investigate the effects of modeling in learning of a skill of kicking in girls with a mean age 7,6 ± 0,49 years. The task required the participants perform kicks in a target, 110 x 90 cm. A soccer ball was used (nº4), indicated for age, positioned at a distance of five meters to the target. A pre-test, acquisition with 20 trials of practice and retention composed of five trials were performed. The 33 participants were divided equally into three groups (Verbal Instruction ­ IV; Verbal Instruction and Demonstration ­ IVD; Demonstration - DM), with each group received a specific instruction, which was provided prior to the first trial, in the acquisition phase. The results showed benefits for DM group (p=0,043). The use of demonstrations outperformed the others two groups. Thus, it's clear the importance of appropriate methods for each age group.(AU)

Efeitos da prática de Jump no equilíbrio e no tempo de reação em mulheres / Effects of Jump on balance and reaction time in women

Introdução: A prática do Jump em academias de ginástica vem sendo muito procurada pelo público feminino. Objetivo: Verificar os efeitos da prática de Jumpno equilíbrio e no tempo de reação de mulheres. Métodos: Fizeram parte do estudo 12 mulheres com média de idade 22,9 ± 3,31 anos. As participantes foram submetidas a 16 sessões de Jump, com duração de 60 minutos, cada. As sessões de prática apresentaram exercícios variados, contendo movimentos de giros, mudança de direção e passos com apoio unipodal e bipodal, coreografados. Resultados: Foram encontradas diferenças estatisticamente significativas para o tempo de reação simples (t= 6,36; p= 0,000). Esses dados indicam que a prática sistemática de Jump, é benéfica para a diminuição do tempo de reação simples de mulheres. Conclusão: Apesar da não verificação de diferenças estatísticas, o TRE e o equilíbrio mostraram ser capacidades importantes para uma vida mais ativa fisicamente.

Introduction: The practice of Jump in gyms is being sought by the female audience. Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of Jump exercise on the balance and reaction time of women. Methods: Twelve women with a mean age of 22.9 ± 3.31 years participated in the study. They had sixteen-jump exercise sessions with a duration of 60 min. Movements used in all sessions varied changed in direction and steps with a single leg, and bipedal support was applied. Results: Statistically significant differences were observed only in the simple reaction time (t = 6.36, p = 0.000), indicating that Jump exercise can improve simple reaction time. As for the balance and choice reaction time, even though there was an improvement from pre to post tests, the results were not statistically significant. Conclusion: Although there were no statistical differences, choice reaction time and the balance proved to be important capabilities for a more physically active life.

Análise das oportunidades de estimulação motora em ambientes domiciliares na região central do Rio Grande do Sul / Analysis of the opportunities of motor stimulation in home environment in the central region of Rio Grande do Sul

Este estudo objetivou analisar a qualidade dos ambientes domiciliares na região central do Rio Grande do Sul para a ocorrência de oportunidades de estimulação motora. Fizeram parte do estudo 410 famílias de crianças com idades entre 18 e 42 meses. Para a avaliação foi utilizado o questionário "Affordances in the Home Enviroment for Motor Development Self-Report" - (AHEMD-SR) que aborda a qualidade e a quantidade de fatores no ambiente que são favoráveis à intensificação do desenvolvimento motor infantil. Foram utilizadas análises descritivas e os testes t para amostras independentes e ANOVA para comparação das médias. A análise dos dados evidenciou que as famílias com menor renda (p = 0,00) e cujos pais têm menor grau de instrução (p = 0,00) possuem lares que promovem menos oportunidades de estimulação motora às crianças. Os resultados menos satisfatórios foram em relação à provisão de materiais que estimulem o desenvolvimento da motricidade infantil no espaço externo das residências (entre 64,4% e 65,1% classificados como muito fraco). Conclui-se que, em grande parte das residências avaliadas, há uma carência na provisão de materiais que promovam a estimulação do desenvolvimento da motricidade infantil. O estudo dá fortes indícios que estas restrições podem ser decorrentes do baixo nível socioeconômico e grau de escolaridade das famílias pesquisadas

This study aimed to analyze the quality of home environments in the central region of Rio Grande do Sul to the occurrence of motor stimulation opportunities. Participants were 410 children aged between 18 and 42 months. For the assessment of home environments we used the Affordances in the Home Environment for Motor Development Self-Report - (AHEMD-SR). This instrument addresses the quality and quantity of factors of home environment that can enhance children's motor development. Descriptive analysis, t tests for independent samples and ANOVA were used to compare means. Data analysis showed that households with lower wages (p = 0.00) and whose parents have lower education (p = 0.00), have home environments that provide fewer opportunities for motor stimulation to children. The results were less satisfactory in relation to the provision of materials that encourage and stimulate children's motor development, on the external space of the residences (between 64,4% and 65,1% is classified as a very poor). It is concluded that there is a shortage in supply of materials that promote the stimulation of motor development in children, in most residences evaluated. The study provides strong evidence that these restrictions result from low socioeconomic and educational level of the families surveyed

Efeito do acompanhamento nutricional e treinamento físico em pessoas com síndrome metabólica / Effect of a nutritional program and exercise training in people with metabolic syndrome

Introdução: A síndrome metabólica é um transtorno que reúne um conjunto de fatores de risco cardiovasculares, acometendo boa parte da população acima de 40 anos. Alimentação inadequada e falta de exercícios físicos são consideradas precursores dessa síndrome. Objetivos: Avaliar os efeitos de duas intervenções distintas, programa de acompanhamento nutricional e programa de treinamento físico, em pessoas com síndrome metabólica. Métodos: Participaram do estudo 14 adultos, de ambos os sexos, com idade de 40 a 65 anos, divididos em dois grupos: grupo 1 – acompanhamento nutricional e grupo 2 – programa de exercícios físicos. Realizaram-se coletas no início da pesquisa e após 16 semanas de intervenção. Resultados: Houve redução significativa de massa corporal, IMC, circunferência da cintura, HDL e colesterol total, nos componentes do grupo 1. No grupo 2, não houve diminuições significantes. Conclusões: O acompanhamento nutricional gerou resultados positivos no perfil antropométrico, pressão arterial e perfil lipídico dos sujeitos após 16 semanas de intervenção.

Introduction: Metabolic syndrome is a disorder of a cluster of cardiovascular risk factors, affecting a considerable proportion of the population over 40 years. Objective: To evaluate the effects of two isolated interventions, a nutritional program and exercise training, in people with metabolic syndrome. Methods: The study included fourteen adults, both genders, aged between 40 and 65 years, who were divided into two groups: group 1 underwent a nutritional program, and group 2, a physical exercise program. Data were collected at baseline and after 16 weeks of intervention. Results: There was a significant reduction in body mass, BMI, waist circumference, HDL and total cholesterol, in the components of group 1. In group 2 there were no significant reductions. Conclusion: The nutritional program had positive effects in the anthropometric profile, blood pressure, and lipid profile after 16 weeks of intervention.