Design and Validation of a Test to Evaluate the Execution Time and Decision-Making in Technical-Tactical Football Actions (Passing and Driving).

Reaction time and decision-making (DMA) in football have usually been evaluated using edited images or videos of game situations. The purpose of this research is to design and validate a test that simultaneously evaluates execution time (ET) and decision-making (DMA) in the subcategories of type of action (TA) and direction of movement (DM). METHODOLOGY: A quantitative, cross-sectional, and descriptive study of 30 young players. A total of 32 stimuli were programmed, corresponding to 64 responses, from which the total index (TI) was obtained from the division between DMA and ET. RESULTS: The content validity index (CVI = 0.78) showed a high degree of consensus among experts. In the validation process, the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was used to assess intraclass and interobserver reliability, and a moderate level of agreement was found between subjects for the TA (ICC = 0.593) and ET (ICC = 0.602) and a moderate high level of concordance for DM (ICC = 0.804) and TI (ICC = 0.855). Regarding interobserver reliability, an excellent level of agreement was found for all variables: TA (ICC = 0.998), DM (ICC = 0.998), ET (ICC = 1.000), and TI (ICC = 1.000). For the relationship between intraobserver and interobserver variables, statistical significance was established as p < 0.01. Finally, the intraobserver ETM (5.40%) and interobserver ETM (0.42%) was low compared with the reference value (5.9%). CONCLUSION: The designed test meets the validity criteria since the variables show sufficient intraclass reliability (test-retest) and reliability among observers.

Analysis of Sports Supplement Consumption in 1688 Federated Road Cyclists.

The widespread use of sports supplements (SS) to enhance athletic performance extends to cyclists, although little research has been conducted on this subject within this sport. This descriptive and cross-sectional study involved 1688 federated road cyclists, aiming to analyse the pattern of SS consumption concerning the degree of scientific evidence and different categories. This study categorised SS based on the groups and subgroups established by the Australian Sport Institute (AIS, 2023) based on the level of evidence. Our results showed that 62.5% of the sample cyclists used SS, with an average of 12.2 ± 8.6 supplements consumed per participant. Health status (78.2%), pharmacies (62.5%), and medical doctors (45.7%) were the main reasons, purchase sites, and sources of information for SS consumption, respectively. The most prevalent SS consumed were Sports Gels (94%), Sports Bars (89.3%), and Sports Drinks (73.8%). Notably, 80% of the top ten most consumed SS belonged to the group with the highest level of evidence according to the AIS, with an average of 6.9 ± 3.2 supplements per participant. However, 23.3% of the total SS consumers used prohibited substances. In conclusion, while the prevalence of SS consumption among road cyclists is considerable and the primary sources for purchasing SS and obtaining advice are reliable, there is a notable prevalence of prohibited substance use within the sample.

Can the Supido Radar Be Used for Measuring Ball Speed during Soccer Kicking? A Reliability and Concurrent Validity Study of a New Low-Cost Device.

The aim was to analyze the reliability and validity of a low-cost instrument, based on a radar system, to quantify the kicking ball speed in soccer. A group of 153 male soccer players (under-13, n = 53; under-15, n = 54; under-18, n = 46) participated in this study. Each player performed three kicks on the goal in a standardized condition while the ball speed was measured with three different devices: one Radar Stalker ATS II® (reference criterion) and two Supido Radar® (Supido-front of the goal and Supido-back of the goal). The standard error of measurement (SEM) expressed as a coefficient of variation (CV) and the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) were employed for assessing the reliability of each instrument. Stalker and Supido-back showed very high absolute (CV = 4.0-5.4%) and relative (ICC = 0.945-0.958) reliability, whereas Supido-front resulted in moderate to low reliability scores (CV = 7.4-15%, ICC = 0.134-0.693). In addition, Lin's concordance correlation coefficient (CCC) values revealed an 'almost perfect' agreement between Stalker and Supido-back for the average (r = 0.99) and maximal (r = 0.98) ball speed, regardless of the ball speed range analyzed. However, Supido-front resulted in a poor degree of concordance (CCC = 0.688) and a high magnitude of error (17.0-37.5 km·h-1) with the reference Stalker radar gun. The Supido Radar® placed behind the goal could be considered a reliable and valid device for measuring ball speed in soccer.

Autonomic function and its relationship with central obesity and hemodynamic variables in obese and overweight adults.

Introduction: Introduction: central obesity is associated with an autonomic dysfunction characterized by an increase in sympathetic activity and a reduction in vagal tone, leading to a decrease in heart rate variability. Objective: we aimed to analyze the relationship between the time and frequency domains of heart rate variability with central obesity, and its hemodynamic variables in normal-weight, overweight and obese adults. Methods: a total of 65 adults were evaluated (25.4 ± 3.2 years old) and distributed in 3 groups: normal weight group (NW group), overweight group (OW group) and obese group (OB group). Heart rate variability parameters at rest and both anthropometric and hemodynamic variables were recorded. Results: the results showed a positive correlation between waist circunference and LF/HF ratio in the OW (p = 0.0008; r = 0.6607; r2 = 0.4365) and OB (p = 0.0001; r = 0.8286; r2 = 0.6866) groups. The waist-to-height ratio showed significant differences with HF in the NW, OW, and OB groups. The variables related to the parasympathetic system (SDNN, RMSSD, pNN50, HF) in the OB and OW groups showed a decrease in values when compared to the NW group. Likewise, the variable related to the sympathetic system (LF) in the OB and OW groups increased its values when compared with the NW group. The LF/HF ratio increased from the NW group to the OW and OB groups (1.6 ± 0.7; 2.5 ± 1.8 and 3.3 ± 0.7). Conclusion: overweight and obese adults present a modulation of sympathetic activity predominance at rest. This increased activity is represented by the time and frequency domains of heart rate variability, having an important correlation with waist circumference and waist-to-height ratio.

Introducción: Introducción: la obesidad central se asocia con una disfunción autonómica caracterizada por una mayor actividad simpática y reducción del tono vagal, conduciendo a una disminución de la variabilidad de la frecuencia cardíaca (VFC). Objetivo: analizar la relación entre los dominios de tiempo y frecuencia de la VFC con la obesidad central y sus variables hemodinámicas en adultos con peso normal, sobrepeso y obesidad. Metodología: participaron 65 adultos (25,4 ± 3,2 años) distribuidos en 3 grupos: peso normal (grupo NW), sobrepeso (grupo OW) y obesidad (grupo OB). Se registraron los parámetros de la VFC y las variables antropométricas y hemodinámicas. Resultados: se observó una correlación positiva entre la circunferencia de la cintura y la relación LF/HF en el grupo OW (p = 0,0008; r = 0,6607; r2 = 0,4365) y OB (p = 0,0001; r = 0,8286; r2 = 0,6866). La relacion cintura/altura mostró una diferencia significativa con la HF en los grupos NW, OW y OB. La actividad parasimpática (SDNN, RMSSD, pNN50, HF) de los grupos OB y OW evidenció una disminución de los valores en comparación con el grupo NW. La actividad simpática (LF) en el grupo OB y OW presentó mayores valores que en el grupo NW. La relación LF/HF aumentó del grupo NW hacia el OW y el OB (1,6 ± 0,7; 2,5 ± 1,8 y 3,3 ± 0,7). Conclusiones: el sobrepeso y la obesidad presentan una predominancia de la actividad simpática en reposo. Este aumento de la actividad está representado en el dominio de tiempo y frecuencia de la VFC y, además, presenta una correlación importante con la circunferencia de la cintura y la relación cintura/altura.

Perceptions of Football Analysts Goal-Scoring Opportunity Predictions: A Qualitative Case Study.

This study aimed to understand the way tactical football analysts perceive the general match analysis issues and to analyze their tactical interpretation of the predictive models of conceded goal-scoring opportunities. Nine tactical analysts responded to the semi-structured interviews that included a general section on the match analysis and a specific one on the results of a study on goal-scoring opportunities conceded by a Spanish La Liga team. Following their transcription, the interviews were codified into categories by the two researchers using Atlas Ti® software. Subsequently, frequency count and co-occurrence analysis were performed based on the encodings. The content analysis reflected that analysts play a crucial role in the analysis of their own team and that of the opponent, the essential skills to exercise as a tactical analyst being "understanding of the game" and "clear observation methodology." Based on the case study of the conceded goal-scoring opportunities, the major causes and/or solutions attributed by analysts in some of the predictive models were the adaptability of the "style of play" itself according to the "opponent" and "pressure after losing."

Relationship between Physical Fitness and Match Performance Parameters of Chile Women's National Football Team.

The aim of this study was to analyze the relationships between the level of physical fitness and the physical performance parameters recorded by GPS in official FIFA matches of the Chilean women's senior national football team in the period 2018-2020. Twenty-six female field players (age (mean ± SD) 26.8 ± 3.3 years, height 157.8 ± 21.5 cm, weight 58.9 ± 4.9 kg) participated in the study. Physical fitness variables were assessed: muscular strength, countermovement jump (CMJ), speed, agility and aerobic fitness. Physical performance variables were recorded by GPS in 26 official FIFA matches. The most notable associations with significant statistical significance (p < 0.001) were those observed between neuromuscular variables such as time to run 10 m (T10; r = -0.629) and jump (CMJ; r = 0.502) and the number of accelerations; aerobic fitness showed a highly significant relationship with meters run per minute (M/M; r = 0.589). The findings of this study provide evidence of how the level of physical fitness (neuromuscular and aerobic) relates to physical performance parameters recorded in official competitions.

Acute Effects on Physical Performance Measures after 45 Min of Official Competition in Youth Soccer Players.

(1) Background: An improved understanding of soccer players' match-related physical performance and recovery may help conditioning programs and re-warm up strategies to increase team performance during official competitions. Therefore, the aim of this study was to analyze the acute effects of 45 min of official competition (first half in matches) on physical performance variables in U-16 youth soccer players. (2) Methods: 20 male soccer players (age: 14.4 ± 0.5 years; height: 1.70 ± 0.05 cm; body mass: 65.1 ± 11.6 kg) were recruited to participate in this study. Data was collected from five official matches. Participants performed the assessments in two stages of each match: after the pre-match warm-up and after the first half. Tests included rate of perceived exertion (RPE), 30-m sprint and countermovement (CMJ). (3) Results: Statistically significant differences were found (p < 0.001) when the measurements prior to the game were compared with those recorded after half time across all variables. Effect sizes (ES) were very large for RPE (ES = 1.82), moderate for 30-m sprint times (ES = 0.64) and small for CMJ (ES = -0.25). (4) Conclusions: After 45 min of official competition, our results suggest that U-16 soccer players demonstrated a reduction in sprint and jump performance, in addition to a higher RPE. Hence, this information could be useful when designing re-warming strategies that can be performed before the second half.

[Effects of physical exercise on aerobic fitness and cognition in older women with type 2 diabetes mellitus]. / Efectos de un programa de entrenamiento de marcha sobre las capacidad aeróbica y la función cognitiva en mujeres diabéticas de edad avanzada.

BACKGROUND: Among older people, physical exercise improves cognitive function, aerobic fitness, and thus functional independence. AIM: To determine the effects of a walking training program on aerobic fitness and cognitive function in older women with type 2 diabetes mellitus. MATERIAL AND METHODS: An experimental study was carried out in 76 women with type 2 diabetes mellitus aged between 64 and 78 years. Thirty-eight women in the exercise group (EG) participated in a controlled walking program 3 times a week for 48 sessions (60min /day) and 38 women in the control group (CG) were not trained. Weight, height, body mass index (BMI), estimated maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max), and cognitive function using the Minimental test were evaluated at baseline and the end of the intervention. RESULTS: The Minimental test improved significantly in the exercise group and did not change in the control group. Estimated VO-2max improved in women aged between 69 and 78 years. The distance walked in 6 minutes increased in all women of the experimental group. No changes in these parameters were observed in the control group. CONCLUSIONS: A structured walking program improved cognitive function, estimated aerobic capacity, and walking distance in these diabetic women.

Effects of COVID-19 confinement measures on training loads and the level of well-being in players from Chile women's national soccer team / Efectos de las medidas de confinamiento por COVID-19 en el grado de bienestar y la carga de entrenamiento de las jugadoras de la selección nacional de fútbol de Chile

Abstract Introduction: Due to the current COVID-19 pandemic, many countries have implemented control and prevention measures, such as compulsory lockdowns, affecting all spheres of life. Since the field of professional soccer is no exception, such measures may have a negative impact on the player's well-being and their perceived training loads. Objective: To determine the impact of COVID-19 lockdown measures on the training load and the well-being of female professional soccer players in Chile. Materials and methods: Exploratory, cross-sectional, descriptive study conducted on 32 players of the Chile women's national soccer team. The perception of training load and the level of well-being were assessed by means of the rating of perceived exertion (RPE) scale and a questionnaire developed in 2010, respectively. Both the administration of the questionnaire and the permanent monitoring of the RPE records were carried out in two periods of 12 weeks: regular preparatory phase (12/12/2019-10/03/2020) and lockdown (16/03/2020-07/06/2020). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and the Wilcoxon test was used to determine if there were significant differences between periods. Results: Significant differences (p<0.05) and threshold effect sizes (ES)=1.2, 2.0 and 4.0 (large, very large, and extremely large, respectively) were found between both periods in all variables evaluated by the well-being questionnaire (except for sleep quality): muscle soreness and stress level (ES=1.9), perceived fatigue (ES=2.5), general well-being (ES=2.4), and mood (ES=4.2). No differences were found regarding the perception of the training load (ES=0.1) between both periods. Conclusions: The level of well-being among the participants was negatively affected by the compulsory lock-down. Therefore, coaching staffs should continue to monitor the level of the well-being of professional soccer players during the lockdown, both individually and collectively. Even though the perception of training load was not affected, it is not possible to state that a more extended period of confinement will not reduce it, resulting in a drop in performance.

Resumen Introducción. Debido a la actual pandemia por COVID-19, muchos países tomaron medidas de control y prevención como el confinamiento obligatorio, afectando todas las esferas de la vida. Ya que los futbolistas profesionales no son una excepción, este tipo de medidas puede tener un impacto negativo en su bienestar y en su percepción sobre las cargas de entrenamiento. Objetivo. Determinar los efectos de las medidas de confinamiento por COVID-19 en la carga de entrenamiento y el grado de bienestar de jugadoras de fútbol profesional de Chile. Materiales y métodos. Estudio transversal, exploratorio-descriptivo realizado en 32 jugadoras de la Selección Nacional de Fútbol de Chile. El grado de bienestar y la carga de entrenamiento se evaluaron mediante un cuestionario desarrollado en 2010 y mediante la escala de percepción subjetiva del esfuerzo (PSE) y el volumen de entrenamiento expresado en minutos, respectivamente. Ambas evaluaciones se realizaron en 2 periodos de 12 semanas : periodo preparatorio regular (12/12/2019-10/03/2020) y periodo de confinamiento (16/03/2020-07/06/2020). Los datos se analizaron mediante estadística descriptiva y la prueba de Wilcoxon se utilizó para determinar si hubo diferencias significativas entre ambos periodos. Resultados. Se encontraron diferencias significativas (p<0.05) y umbrales de tamaño del efecto (TE) iguales a 1.2, 2.0 y 4.0 (grande, muy grande y extremadamente grande, respectivamente) entre ambos periodos en todas las variables evaluadas por el cuestionario de bienestar (a excepción de calidad de sueño): dolor muscular y nivel de estrés (TE=1.9), fatiga percibida (TE=2.5), bienestar general (TE=2.4) y estado de ánimo (TE=4.2). No se observaron diferencias en la PSE (TE=0.1) entre ambos periodos. Conclusiones. El confinamiento obligatorio afectó negativamente el grado de bienestar de las participantes, por lo que es necesario que los cuerpos técnicos monitoreen constantemente, de manera individual y colectiva, el grado de bienestar de los futbolistas profesionales durante estos periodos; si bien la percepción en la carga de entrenamiento no se vio afectada, no es posible asegurar que un periodo mayor de confinamiento no la disminuya y esto resulte en una baja del rendimiento.

Systematic Review of Self-Assessment in Physical Education.

Self-assessment is among the most impactful processes in student learning. Since no review of this process was found in the field of physical education (PE), the objective of this work was to perform a systematic review of the literature published over the last five years on the self-assessment of PE students in formal education contexts. The review was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) standards. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were established to select the articles. A total of three researchers independently applied the above criteria and obtained a total of thirteen studies. After synthesising the results by category, we found that: a majority of the studies were conducted in Europe; all 13 studies covered the educational stages of either secondary or higher education; an even number of qualitative and quantitative approaches were distributed among the studies; some studies focused on specific sports or contents, while others were applicable to any subject; and, finally, depending on the research design adopted, the results described self-assessment strategy processes, improvements in learning, drew descriptive portraits of students regarding health, or reflected students' positive perceptions of self-assessment. It is necessary to conduct further studies on PE students' self-assessment, especially in primary education.

Efectos de un programa de entrenamiento de marcha sobre las capacidad aeróbica y la función cognitiva en mujeres diabéticas de edad avanzada

Background: Among older people, physical exercise improves cognitive function, aerobic fitness, and thus functional independence. Aim: To determine the effects of a walking training program on aerobic fitness and cognitive function in older women with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Material and Methods: An experimental study was carried out in 76 women with type 2 diabetes mellitus aged between 64 and 78 years. Thirty-eight women in the exercise group (EG) participated in a controlled walking program 3 times a week for 48 sessions (60min /day) and 38 women in the control group (CG) were not trained. Weight, height, body mass index (BMI), estimated maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max), and cognitive function using the Minimental test were evaluated at baseline and the end of the intervention. Results: The Minimental test improved significantly in the exercise group and did not change in the control group. Estimated VO-2max improved in women aged between 69 and 78 years. The distance walked in 6 minutes increased in all women of the experimental group. No changes in these parameters were observed in the control group. Conclusions: A structured walking program improved cognitive function, estimated aerobic capacity, and walking distance in these diabetic women.

Analysis of Sport Supplement Consumption and Body Composition in Spanish Elite Rowers.

The aim of this study was to analyze the anthropometric characteristics and sport supplement (SS) consumption patterns of heavyweight and lightweight international rowers. Methods: The 13 heavyweights (11 males) and seven lightweights (five males) of the Spanish National Rowing Team were recruited for the study. Body composition was measured by bio-impedance analysis, and the questionnaire used in this investigation was previously validated to assess SS consumption. According to anthropometrics parameters, it was reported that male heavyweight rowers were heavier (p < 0.001) and taller (p < 0.001), but no statistical differences were reported for % body fat (p = 0.104) or % lean body mass (p = 0.161). All rowers reported consumption of at least one SS. Based on the Australian Institute of Sport's classification, higher medical supplement consumption was observed when comparing heavyweight rowers to lightweight rowers (2.5 ± 1.1 vs. 1.7 ± 0.5, p = 0.040). There were no differences in the totals of group A (strong scientific evidence for sports scenarios, p = 0.069), group B (emerging scientific support, deserving of further research, p = 0.776), or group C (scientific evidence not supportive of benefit and/or security amongst athletes, p = 0.484). The six most consumed SSs were iron (85%), caffeine (85%), ß-alanine (85%), energy bars (85%), vitamin supplements (80%), and isotonic drinks (80%), with no statistical differences between heavyweight and lightweight rowers (p > 0.05). These results suggest that the absence of differences in body composition (expressed as a percentage) do not represent anthropometric disadvantages for heavyweight rowers. In addition, SS consumption was similar between rowers, reporting only higher medical supplement consumption in heavyweight rowers.

Efecto del entrenamiento de fuerza prensil de intensidad ascendente sobre la presión arterial y la cinética de oxigenación muscular en personas mayores hipertensas tipo 1 / Effect of hand grip strength training of ascending intensity on blood pressure and muscle oxygenation kinetics in elderly people with hypertension type 1

Resumen Introducción: La hipertensión arterial presenta una alta prevalencia y es un factor de riesgo importante para el desarrollo de enfermedades cardiovasculares, las cuales afectan mayormente a personas mayores (PM). Como estrategia terapéutica el entrenamiento isométrico de fuerza prensil (EIFP) ha demostrado resultados efectivos en la respuesta hipotensora. Sin embargo, el comportamiento fisiológico de la oxigenación muscular durante y posterior al entrenamiento sigue siendo inespecífica. Objetivo: Analizar los efectos de un protocolo de entrenamiento isométrico de fuerza prensil de intensidad ascendente comparado con un protocolo de entrenamiento isométrico de fuerza prensil al 30% de la contracción máxima voluntaria (CMV) sobre la presión arterial y la cinética de oxigenación muscular en personas mayores hipertensas tipo1. Materiales y métodos: Estudio cuasi-experimental con grupo control en 50 personas mayores físicamente activas (hombres 20 y 30 mujeres) hipertensos tipo 1 farmacológicamente controlados, pertenecientes a la YMCA Santiago, edad promedio 69,6 (± 1,18) años. Muestreo intencional, no probabilístico y aleatorio, considerando criterios de inclusión y exclusión. Se realizó un entrenamiento isométrico de intensidad ascendente (10%, 20%, 30% CMV) de fuerza prensil durante 4 semanas, en un grupo experimental (GE; n: 25), contrastado con un entrenamiento isométrico de fuerza prensil (30 % CMV) grupo control (GC; n: 25). Se valoraron las siguientes variables hemodinámicas y antropométricas: frecuencia cardiaca (FC), presión arterial (PA), oxigenación muscular (OM %), e índice de masa corporal (IMC), analizando los cambios previos y posterior al entrenamiento. Resultados: El análisis estadístico se realizó mediante la prueba de U de Mann-Whitney. En ambos grupos posterior a la intervención disminuyó de manera significativa la presión arterial sistólica (PAS) (GC: 123,6 ± 2,42 a 114,6 ± 2,36 p = 0,01* y GE: 128,1 ± 1,56 a 111,4 ± 2,31 p < 0,00* mmHg) y FC (70,84 ± 1,92 a 64,08 ± 1,87 p = 0,01* y 69,72 ± 2,01 a 64 ± 1,98 p = 0,04* lpm) respectivamente. El mayor cambio de oxigenación muscular (OM) se observa sólo en el GE (57,68 ± 1,34 a 64,56 ± 1,05 p = 0,00* OM%). Conclusión: El entrenamiento isométrico de fuerza prensil de intensidad ascendente es un método valioso y mejor tolerado en personas mayores para disminuir de manera aguda la PA y mejorar el porcentaje de oxigenación muscular posterior al ejercicio. En cuanto al uso de los sensores de espectroscopía del infrarrojo cercano (NIRS) Moxy, podrían desempeñar un papel importante en la mejora del conocimiento científico respecto del metabolismo oxidativo del músculo. No obstante se requieren evaluaciones futuras para determinar los límites basales de oxigenacion muscular.

Abstract Introduction: High blood pressure has a high prevalence and is an important risk factor for the development of cardiovascular diseases, which mostly affect the elderly (PM). As a therapeutic strategy, the isometric hand grip strength training has demonstrated effective results in the hypotensive response. However, the physiological behavior of muscle oxygenation during and after exercise remains unspecified. Objective: Analyze the effects of an isometric training protocol for hand grip strength of ascending intensity compared to an isometric training protocol for hand grip strength at 30% of the maximum voluntary contraction on blood pressure and muscle oxygenation kinetics in hypertensive elderly people type1. Materials and methods: Quasi-experimental study with a control group in 50 physically active elderly people (men 20 and 30 women) pharmacologically controlled type 1 hypertensive, belonging to the YMCA Santiago, average age 69.6 (± 1.18). Intentional, non-probabilistic and random sampling, considering inclusion and exclusion criteria. An ascending intensity training (10%, 20%, 30% of the maximum voluntary contraction CMV) of hand grip strength was performed for 4 weeks, on an experimental group (GE; n: 25), contrasted with an isometric training (30% CMV) control group (GC; n: 25). The following hemodynamic and anthropometric variables were assessed: heart rate (HR), blood pressure (BP), muscle oxygenation (OM%), weight, height and body mass index (BMI), analyzing the changes before and after training. Results: Statistical analysis was performed using the Mann-Whitney U test. In both groups after the intervention, systolic blood pressure (SBP) decreased significantly (GC: 123.6 ± 2.42 to 114.6 ± 2.36 p = 0.01 and GE: 128.1 ± 1, 56 to 111.4 ± 2.31 p <0.000 mmHg) and FC (70.84 ± 1.92 to 64.08 ± 1.87 p = 0.01 and 69.72 ± 2.01 to 64 ± 1.98 p = 0.04 bpm) respectively. The greatest change in muscle oxygenation (OM) is observed only in the GE (57.68 ± 1.34 to 64.56 ± 1.05 p = 0.00 OM%). Conclusion: Isometric training protocol for hand grip strength of ascending intensity is a valuable and better tolerated method in older people to decrease BP and improve the percentage of post-exercise muscle oxygenation. Regarding the use of Moxy near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) sensors, they could play an important role in improving scientific knowledge regarding oxidative muscle metabolism. However, future evaluations are required to determine baseline muscle oxygenation limits.

Effects of Progressive Resistance Training on Cognition and IGF-1 Levels in Elder Women Who Live in Areas with High Air Pollution.

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of a muscular strength programme on the levels of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and cognitive status in elder women with mild cognitive impairment who lived in areas of high air pollution. A total of 157 women participated in the study, distributed in four groups: Active/Clean (AC n = 38) and Active/Pollution (AP n = 37), who carried out a progressive resistance training programme for 24 months, and Sedentary/Clean (SC n = 40) and Sedentary/Pollution (SP n = 42). Maximum strength in the upper and lower limbs (1RM), cognition (Mini-Mental Scale Examination (MMSE)) and blood IGF-1 were evaluated. At the beginning of the intervention, there were no differences between the groups in the assessed variables. The active groups which carried out the resistance training programme (AC and AP), registered better results in IGF-1 than the sedentary groups. These differences were statistically significant in AC vs. SC (p < 0.01) and AP vs. SC (p < 0.05). Regarding MMSE, group AC registered the highest score increases (+8.2%) (significantly better than the other groups), while group SP worsened (-7%) significantly compared to the other three groups. In conclusion, resistance training had a positive effect on IGF-1, while sedentary behaviour and air pollution had a negative effect on cognitive status.

Changes in Lipoinflammation Markers in People with Obesity after a Concurrent Training Program: A Comparison between Men and Women.

Obesity is related to low-grade systemic inflammation. This state of inflammation is characterized by the alteration in adipokine regulation, which may lead to a situation of cardiometabolic risk. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a concurrent training program on markers of lipoinflammation in adult people with obesity, comparing the response to the training between men and women. A quasi-experimental, quantitative, and longitudinal study with a pre-post intervention was conducted. An 8-week concurrent training program was carried out, in which 26 individuals with obesity participated (mean ± SD; age = 46.38 ± 4.66) (BMI = 36.05 ± 4.99) (12 men and 14 women). Before and after the intervention period, blood samples were taken by percutaneous puncture. The blood levels of adiponectin and leptin were evaluated. Significant differences were obtained in the adiponectin-leptin ratio (A/L ratio) of the entire sample (p = 0.009, ES = 0.53), which indicates a decrease in the risk of cardiovascular diseases and lipoinflammation. There were no significant differences in the improvements observed after the training in A/L ratio between women (A/L change = +63.5%) and men (A/L change= +59.2%). It can be concluded that the combination of aerobic exercise and resistance training induced an improvement in markers of lipoinflammation and cardiometabolic risk in the individuals with obesity evaluated in this study.

Nutrition-Related Adverse Outcomes in Endurance Sports Competitions: A Review of Incidence and Practical Recommendations.

During the last few years, the numbers of competitors in endurance and ultra-endurance sports modalities have increased significantly. This type of competition is an extreme challenge for athletes. Therefore, they have an increased the risk of developing medical and nutritional problems. The aim of the work is to estimate the incidence of nutrition-related adverse outcomes in endurance and ultra-endurance sports, considering the variables that influence them. A critical review was carried out based on the PubMed database, by means of a search strategy based on keywords separated by Boolean connectors. For all the results obtained in a period from 2008 to 2019, a series of inclusion/exclusion criteria was applied to select only the studies that fitted the objective of the present study. Results and discussion: Of the 871 publications identified, 33 met the inclusion criteria. The adverse outcomes found included exercise-associated hyponatremia (EAH), heat stroke by exertion (EHS), gastrointestinal (GI) problems, dehydration, and hypothermia; the provision of misinformation to athletes about nutrient intake and hydration during competition was identified as the main cause. Conclusions: The main adverse outcomes in endurance and ultra-endurance sports modalities are EAH, GI inconveniences, and EHS. These problems can affect the performance and health status of the athlete during and post-competition. Several nutritional guidelines have been suggested that can prevent these adverse outcomes, and it is essential to individualize and adjust the nutritional intake and hydration status according to the characteristics of each competition.

Effects of fatigue induced by repeated-sprint on kicking accuracy and velocity in female soccer players.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of fatigue induced by repeated sprint in the kicking accuracy and velocity in female soccer players. Eighteen Under-23 female soccer players from a Spanish professional club were subjected to a fatigue protocol based on a repeated-sprint ability (RSA) test. Measurements of the kicking velocity (maximal ball velocity) and accuracy (Loughborough Soccer Shooting Test) were taken before and after fatigue induction. Correlations between the change in the maximal ball velocity/accuracy and the heart rate (HR), the fatigue index (FI), the sprint decrement (Sdec) and the rating of perceived exertion (RPE) were made. There was a significant difference between maximal ball velocity under fatigue conditions with respect to non-fatigue conditions (p = 0.001; ES = 0.89). However, despite a lower kicking accuracy punctuation with fatigue, this was not statistically significant (p = 0.433; ES = 0.22). Significant correlations were found between the maximal kicking velocity and the FI (r = 0.632, p < 0.01) and the Sdec (r = -0.554, p < 0.05) and between the kicking accuracy and the RPE (r = -0.506, p < 0.05). In conclusion, there was a significant reduction in the maximal kicking velocity, but not in the kicking accuracy, under fatigued conditions. The RSA-related FI and Sdec were the best predictors of the maximal kicking velocity and the RPE for the kicking accuracy.

Effect of Autonomic Responses After Isometric Training at Different Intensities on Obese People.

BACKGROUND: Arterial hypertension is among the leading causes of mortality worldwide. The primary non-pharmacological management of arterial hypertension is isometric grip training, which has shown better results than pharmacological methods; however, it has not been thoroughly studied in large muscle groups. OBJECTIVE: This study compared the pressor response of isometric exercise training at different intensities, in large groups versus small muscle groups, in sedentary eutrophic and overweight people aged 20-29 years. METHODS: A sample of 93 people (57 people with excess weight and 36 people of normal weight) participated in isometric training for 5 days, subdivided into leg press vs. handgrip strength, with different intensities for each subgroup (30 and 50%, 1 RM). Before and after the 5 training days, Heart Rate Variability (HRV) and systolic and diastolic blood pressure, BSBP-BDBP and PSBP-PDBP, were measured to evaluate the state of sympathetic activation at rest and pressor response. RESULTS: Changes with significant differences (p <0.05) in terms of pre-post training measurements in the eutrophic group were the BSBP-PSBP variables at 30% and 50% 1 RM for manual isometric grip strength. In the excess weight group, the only significant change was the PSBP variable in handgrip strength at 30% 1 RM. It should be noted that in all cases, blood pressure values reduced. CONCLUSION: Isometric strength exercises in large and small muscle groups show a tendency to reduce blood pressure values; however, the isometric handgrip force at 30% 1 RM shows statistically significant reductions in blood pressure values.

Mediterranean Diet, Physical Fitness and Body Composition in Sevillian Adolescents: A Healthy Lifestyle.

Childhood and adolescent obesity has become one of the most vital challenges to overcome in the present age. Physical fitness, physical activity and the Mediterranean diet (MD) are valuable tools for its prevention and treatment. The main objective of this study is to analyze the associations between health-related physical fitness components, body composition and adherence to the MD in 917 adolescents aged from 13- to 16-years-old. The ALPHA-Fitness Test was used to measure physical fitness and body composition, and the Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet (KIDMED) questionnaire was employed to assess the adherence to the MD. The associations between variables were tested according to gender and age a generalized linear model (GLM) univariate analysis (two factors) and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA, with Bonferroni posthoc). As to the body composition and physical fitness variables, significant differences were obtained in both genders but not in relation to the adherence to the MD. The boys performed better in the physical fitness tests. Age was a determinant factor in adherence to the MD in the total sample, lowering as the age of the sample increases. Both the boys and girls who had a significantly higher performance in the endurance test were those who showed high/medium adherence to the MD. It is concluded that higher levels of cardiovascular endurance in boys and girls are associated with a medium and high adherence to the MD.