The Influence of Body Fat Distribution on Postural Balance and Muscle Quality in Women Aged 60 Years and Over.

The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of body fat distribution on postural balance and lower-limb muscle quality in women aged 60 years and over. Two hundred and twenty-two volunteers took part in this cross-sectional analysis. Participants underwent body fat distribution assessment using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry and were classified as nonobese, gynoid obese, or android obese. Postural balance was assessed during quiet standing, with and without vision restriction, using a force platform. Specific torque was defined as the ratio of knee extensors peak torque (evaluated by an isokinetic dynamometer) to the lean mass of the same limb (evaluated by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry). Compared with nonobese participants, both obese groups exhibited higher range of postural sway along the anteroposterior and mediolateral axes (P < .05). However, there were no differences between participants with gynoid and android obesity. The android obese group exhibited greater speed of postural sway in the condition without vision restriction than both nonobese (P = .040) and gynoid obese (P = .004) groups. Regarding muscle quality, only participants with gynoid obesity (P = .004) presented lower specific torque than their nonobese peers. These results may be clinically useful when designing falls prevention exercises targeting the obese population.

E a educação física? narrativas de professores-pesquisadores sobre as aulas remotas em institutos federais / ¿y la educación física? narrativas de profesores-investigadores sobre clases remotas en institutos federales / What about physical education? narratives of teacher-researchers about remote classes in federal institutes

Resumo A implementação do ensino remoto em decorrência da pandemia da covid-19 se configurou como uma nova e complexa realidade para as comunidades escolares. Neste contexto, o objetivo deste trabalho foi analisar as experiências de professores-pesquisadores de Educação Física com o ensino remoto em Institutos Federais. Embasada na perspectiva freireana e na teoria social da aprendizagem, a pesquisa foi desenvolvida com abordagem qualitativa e colaborativa através do método da narrativa autobiográfica. Oito professores-pesquisadores participaram do estudo. Os dados foram gerados a partir de narrativas produzidas pelos professores-pesquisadores e foram analisados através de comparações constantes. Como resultados, quatro temas foram identificados: novos cenários e desafios; aproximação e colaboração entre pares; conectando com os estudantes; e repensando as aulas de Educação Física. Em conclusão, as experiências docentes envolveram respostas transformadoras frente aos limites encontrados no ensino remoto, incluindo a escuta dos estudantes e a formação de um grupo de estudos e aprendizagem colaborativa.

Resumen La implementación de la enseñanza remota como resultado de la pandemia COVID-19 se ha convertido en una realidad nueva y compleja para las comunidades escolares. En este contexto, el objetivo de este trabajo ha sido analizar las experiencias de profesores-investigadores de Educación Física con la enseñanza remota en Institutos Federales. Con base en la perspectiva freireana y en la teoría social del aprendizaje, la investigación se desarrolló con enfoque cualitativo y colaborativo, a través del método de la narrativa autobiográfica. Ocho profesores-investigadores participaron del estudio. Los datos se generaron a partir de narrativas elaboradas por los profesores-investigadores y se analizaron mediante comparaciones constantes. Como resultados, se identificaron cuatro temas: nuevos escenarios y desafíos; aproximación y colaboración entre pares; conectando con los estudiantes; y repensando las clases de Educación Física. En conclusión, las experiencias docentes implicaron respuestas transformadoras frente a los límites encontrados en la enseñanza remota, incluyendo escuchar a los estudiantes y formar un grupo de estudios y aprendizaje colaborativo.

Abstract The implementation of remote learning as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic has become a new and complex reality for school communities. In this context, the aim of this study was to analyse the experiences of Physical Education teacher-researchers with remote learning in federal institutes. Based on the Freirean perspective and social learning theory, the study was developed with a qualitative and collaborative approach, through autobiographical narrative method. Eight teacher-researchers participated in the study. Data were generated from narratives produced by teacher-researchers and were analysed through constant comparisons. As findings, four themes were identified: new scenarios and challenges; collaboration among peers; connecting with students; and rethinking Physical Education classes. In conclusion, teachers' experiences involved transformative responses to the limits faced in remote learning, including listening to students' voice, and forming a study group for collaborative learning.

A reference equation for normal standards for knee extensor isokinetic strength in Brazilian older women.

BACKGROUND: Knee extensor strength assessment has been especially emphasized in older people, but lack of reference values limits its usefulness in geriatric evaluation. AIMS: The aim of this study was to develop a reference equation for knee extensor isokinetic strength standards in older women. METHODS: Knee extensor isokinetic tests at 60°/s were performed in 390 Brazilian older women aged 60-84 years (67.38 ± 5.56 years) and in a separate validation sample of 110 women (67.94 ± 6.13 years). A regression equation for peak torque (PT) was derived and compared to commonly used formulas: the equations of Neder and Gross. Age, weight and height were the only significant predictors (multiple R = 0.55; R2 = 0.30; p < 0.001). The proposed equation was examined in the independent sample. Percent from predicted values was calculated and Bland-Altman plots were constructed. RESULTS: Both the Neder and Gross equations significantly underestimated predicted PT values (both p < 0.001); mean bias were 6.79 and 6.75, respectively. The proposed equation [PT = 39.72 - (1.24 × age) + (0.44 × weight) + (69.70 × height)] was matched with the independent sample, with a percent predicted isokinetic strength of approximately 95%, a mean bias approximately 40% lower 4.23 than the other equations, and stable across all age groups. CONCLUSIONS: Available equations for knee extensor isokinetic strength are not adequate for older women. The equation developed in the present study provided considerably lower average error and thus with more suitable reference values.

Normative Values of Knee Extensor Isokinetic Strength for Older Women and Implications for Physical Function.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Lower-limb strength is required for everyday activities and thus its evaluation has been especially emphasized in older adults. Isokinetic testing is a criterion standard method to assess muscle strength; however, lack of reference values limits its usefulness in geriatric evaluation and rehabilitation. The aim of this study was to develop reference values of knee extensor isokinetic strength for older women. As a secondary aim, functional tests were performed for clinical significance validation. METHODS: A total of 453 older women aged 60 to 84 years participated in this study. Knee extensor isokinetic strength was measured using the Biodex System dynamometer at 60° per second. The Timed Up and Go test and the 5 times Sit-to-Stand test were used for functional performance evaluation. Participants were categorized into age groups of 5 years range. The 20th, 40th, 60th, and 80th percentiles were used for stratification purposes. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: As expected, mean strength values significantly decreased with advancing age groups. Isokinetic percentile groups are presented according to age. Individuals in the lower percentile strata showed significantly reduced performance in both the Timed Up and Go and 5 times Sit-to-Stand tests (P < .05). CONCLUSION: This study provides normative values of isokinetic knee extensor strength in older women. The association between lower isokinetic knee extensor strength strata and reduced functional capacity supports the potential application of these reference values in clinical and research settings. Future studies should ascertain these findings in different female populations.

Association between obesity, risk of falls and fear of falling in older women / Associação entre obesidade, risco de quedas e medo de cair em mulheres idosas

Abstract The aim of this cross-sectional study was to investigate the association between obesity, risk of falls and fear of falling in older women. Two hundred and twenty-six volunteers (68.05 ± 6.22 years, 68.06 ± 11.79 kg, 1.56 ± 0.06 m) were classified as normal weight, overweight or obese, according to the body mass index. Risk of falls and fear of falling were evaluated using QuickScreen Clinical Falls Risk Assessment and Falls Efficiency Scale - International (FES-I), respectively. Comparisons between groups were conducted using Chi-square and ANOVA One-way tests. The significance level was set at p< 0.05. Obesity was associated with greater probability of falls (p< 0.001), which may be partly explained by decreased muscle strength (p< 0.001) and reaction time (p< 0.001). In addition, significant differences between groups was observed in FES-I score (p< 0.01), with obese women showing more pronounced fear of falling (30.10 ± 8.4) than normal weigh (25. 33 ± 7.11, p< 0.01) and overweight subjects (26.97 ± 7.05, p< 0.05). These findings corroborate previous evidence pointing obesity as a major risk factor for falls. Therefore, health professionals dealing with fall prevention should consider the effects of overweight.

Resumo O objetivo deste estudo transversal foi verificar a associação entre obesidade, risco de quedas e medo de cair em mulheres idosas. Duzentas e vinte e seis voluntárias (68,05 ± 6,22 anos; 68,06 ± 11,79 kg; 1,56 ± 0,06 m) foram classificadas em eutróficas, sobrepesadas ou obesas, de acordo com o índice de massa corporal. O risco de quedas e o medo de cair foram mensurados por meio do QuickScreen Clinical Falls Risk Assessment e da Escala de Eficácia de Quedas - Internacional (FES-I), respectivamente. Para comparação entre grupos, empregaram-se os testes Qui-quadrado e ANOVA One-way. O nível de significância adotado foi de p< 0,05. A obesidade foi associada a uma probabilidade de quedas aumentada (p< 0,001), o que pode ser parcialmente explicado pela diminuição da força muscular (p< 0,001) e do tempo de reação (p< 0,001). Adicionalmente, observou-se diferença significativa entre os grupos no escore da FES-I (p< 0,01), sendo que as idosas obesas exibiram um medo de cair mais acentuado (30,10 ± 8,4) que as eutróficas (25,33 ± 7,11; p< 0,01) e as sobrepesadas (26,97 ± 7,05; p< 0,05). Esses achados se agregam a evidências prévias que apontam a obesidade como um importante fator de risco para quedas em idosos. Portanto, profissionais da saúde devem considerar os efeitos do excesso de peso ao lidar com prevenção de quedas.

Obesity is Associated With Altered Plantar Pressure Distribution in Older Women.

Increased plantar pressure has been found to be related with greater risk of falling. Although there is evidence suggesting that obesity is linked to foot disorders, the association between obesity and plantar pressure of older adults has been poorly investigated. The purpose of this study was to examine the association between obesity and plantar pressure distribution and to explore its relationship with body fat distribution. Two hundred and eleven older women took part in this cross-sectional study. Body mass index was taken for obesity classification. Whole body, android, and gynoid fat percentage was assessed using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. Peak plantar pressure was evaluated during gait using an Emed AT-4 pressure platform. Obese volunteers generated greater peak pressure at midfoot (187.26 kPa) compared to both normal weight (128.52 kPa, p < .001) and overweight (165.74 kPa, p < .001). Peak plantar pressure at midfoot was also greater in overweight compared to normal weight (p < .001). At forefoot, peak pressure was higher in the obese (498.15 kPa) compared to normal weight volunteers (420.41 kPa, p = .007). Additionally, whole body, android, and gynoid fat percentage were significantly associated with peak pressure at midfoot and forefoot. Therefore, clinicians dealing with falls should consider the effect of increased body weight on plantar pressure.

Variáveis psicofisiológicas durante exercício físico frente a diferentes condutas de alimentação e hidratação / Psychophysiological variables during exercise against different eating and drinking behaviors / Variables psicofisiológicas durante el ejercicio físico frente a diferentes conductas de alimentación e hidratación

Resumo O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar algumas variáveis psicofisiológicas durante atividade em cicloergômetro decorrente de diferentes condutas de alimentação pré-exercício e de hidratação durante o exercício. Doze homens adultos, com média de 21 ± 2 anos, fizeram quatro sessões experimentais pré-exercício. Foram avaliadas as seguintes variáveis subjetivas: índice de percepção do esforço (IPE), sensação térmica, sensação de conforto, sede, náusea e plenitude gástrica. Na análise intragrupo houve diferença significativa no IPE e sensação de conforto que refletiu o desgaste por tempo de exercício. Conclui-se que diferentes condutas de alimentação pré-exercício e de hidratação adotados nesse estudo não influenciaram as variáveis psicofisiológicas quando comparadas.

Abstract The purpose of this study was to assess psychophysiological variables during cycle ergometer activity resulting from the supply of different conducts of nutrition and hydration pre and during exercise. Twelve adult males, mean age 21 ± 2 years, who underwent four experimental sessions pre-exercise. We evaluated the following subjective variables: rate of perceived exertion (RPE), thermal sensation, comfort sensation, thirst, nausea and fullness. In the intragroup analysis was significative difference in IPE and feeling of comfort reflecting the wear for exercise time. It was conclude if that different conducts of pre-exercise meal and hydration adopted in this study did not influence the psychophysiological variables when compared with each other.

Resumen El objetivo del estudio fue evaluar una serie de variables psicofisiológicas durante una actividad en cicloergómetro frente a diferentes conductas de alimentación previas al ejercicio e hidratación durante su realización. Doce hombres adultos, con una media de edad de 21 ± 2 años, realizaron cuatro sesiones experimentales de ejercicio previo. Se evaluaron las variables subjetivas: índice de percepción de esfuerzo (IPE), sensación térmica, sensación de confortabilidad, sed, náuseas y plenitud gástrica. En un análisis intragrupo hubo diferencias significativas en el IPE y la sensación de confortabilidad, lo que reflejó el desgaste debido al tiempo de ejercicio. Puede concluirse que las sesiones experimentales no influyeron en las variables psicofisiológicas cuando fueron comparadas entre sí.

Metabolic response to different glycemic indexes of pre-exercise meal / Resposta metabólica a diferentes índices glicêmicos da refeição pré-exercício / Respuesta metabólica a diferentes índices glucémicos de la ingestión de alimentos antes de los ejercicios

INTRODUCTION: To ensure performance and health, the type of food and the time of pre-exercise ingestion should be considered by practitioners of morning physical activity. Objective: This study assessed the metabolic response after pre-exercise meals with different glycemic indexes (GI) and in the fasting state adopting different types of hydration.METHODS: Twelve men performed four experimental tests; two with pre-exercise meals of high GI (HGI) and low GI (LGI), and two were performed in the fasting state with hydration: water (H2O) and carbohydrate drink (CHO). Each test consisted of a pre-exercise rest period of 30 minutes followed by 60 minutes of cycle ergometer with continuous load equivalent to 60% of the extrapolated maximal oxygen consumption (VO2MaxExt). During the exercise, participants were hydrated every 15 minutes with 3mL per kg body weight. During each experimental test, venous blood samples were obtained for fasting and at 15-minute intervals during rest, and every 20 minutes during exercise. The gas analysis was carried out in periods of 5 minutes every 20 minutes of exercise.RESULTS: There was no difference in substrate oxidation. After 20 minutes of exercise, pre-exercise food intake procedures showed similar behavior, having only reduced blood glucose levels compared to fasting procedures (p<0.01). There was maintenance of blood glucose at stable and higher levels during exercise in relation to the other tests in the fast procedure with CHO.CONCLUSION: The data suggest that despite the similar metabolic behavior between LGI and HGI meals, the adoption of a LGI meal before the morning exercise seems to be a more suitable feeding practice due to higher tendency of rebound hypoglycemia after HGI meal and when morning exercise is performed on fasting, hydration with CHO seems to minimize the hypoglycemic risk arising from that state.

INTRODUÇÃO: Para garantir o desempenho e a saúde, o tipo de alimento e o tempo de ingestão pré-exercício devem ser considerados pelos praticantes de atividade física matutina. Objetivo: Este estudo avaliou a resposta metabólica após as refeições pré-exercício com diferentes índices glicêmicos (IG) e no estado de jejum, adotando diferentes tipos de hidratação.MÉTODOS: Doze homens realizaram quatro testes; dois com refeições pré-exercício de alto IG (AIG) e baixo IG (BIG), e dois foram conduzidos em jejum com hidratação: água (H2O) e bebida carboidratada (CHO). Cada teste consistiu em 30 minutos de repouso antes do exercício, seguidos por 60 minutos de bicicleta ergométrica com carga contínua equivalente a 60% do consumo máximo de oxigênio extrapolado (VO2MaxExt). Durante o exercício, os participantes foram hidratados a cada 15 minutos com 3 ml por kg de peso corporal. Durante cada teste, foram obtidas amostras de sangue venoso em jejum e em intervalos de 15 minutos durante o repouso, e a cada 20 minutos durante o exercício. A análise de gases foi realizada em períodos de 5 minutos a cada 20 minutos de exercício.RESULTADOS: Não houve diferença na oxidação de substrato. Depois de 20 minutos de exercício, os procedimentos de ingestão de alimentos pré-exercício apresentaram comportamento semelhante, mostrando somente redução dos níveis de glicemia em comparação com os procedimentos em jejum (p < 0,01). Houve manutenção da glicemia em níveis estáveis e mais altos durante o exercício com relação aos outros testes no procedimento de jejum com CHO.CONCLUSÃO: Os dados sugerem que, apesar do comportamento metabólico semelhante entre refeições de BIG e AIG, a adoção de uma refeição de BIG antes do exercício matinal parece ser uma prática de alimentação mais adequada devido à maior propensão de hipoglicemia de rebote após a refeição AIG e, quando o exercício matinal é realizado em jejum, a hidratação com CHO parece minimizar o risco hipoglicêmico decorrente desse estado.

INTRODUCCIÓN: Para garantizar el desempeño y la salud, deben ser considerados por los practicantes de actividad física matutina el tipo de alimento y el tiempo de ingestión antes de los ejercicios. Objetivo: Este estudio evaluó la respuesta metabólica después de la ingestión de alimentos antes de los ejercicios con diferentes índices glucémicos (IG) y en estado de ayuno, adoptando diferentes tipos de hidratación.MÉTODOS: Doce hombres realizaron cuatro tests; dos con alimentación antes de los ejercicios de alto IG (AIG) y bajo IG (BIG), y dos fueron conducidos en ayunas con hidratación: agua (H2O) y bebida carbohidratada (CHO). Cada test consistió en 30 minutos de reposo antes de los ejercicios, seguidos por 60 minutos de bicicleta ergométrica con carga continua equivalente a 60% del consumo máximo de oxígeno extrapolado (VO2MaxExt). Durante los ejercicios, los participantes fueron hidratados a cada 15 minutos con 3 ml por kg de peso corporal. Durante cada test, fueron obtenidas muestras de sangre venosa en ayunas y en intervalos de 15 minutos durante el reposo, y a cada 20 minutos durante los ejercicios. El análisis de gases fue realizado en períodos de 5 minutos a cada 20 minutos de ejercicio.RESULTADOS: No hubo diferencia en la oxidación de sustrato. Después de 20 minutos de ejercicios, los procedimientos de ingestión de alimentos antes de los ejercicios presentaron comportamiento semejante, mostrando solamente reducción de los niveles de glucemia en comparación con los procedimientos en ayunas (p < 0,01). Hubo mantenimiento de la glucemia en niveles estables y más altos durante los ejercicios con relación a los otros tests en el procedimiento de ayunas con CHO.CONCLUSIÓN: Los datos sugieren que, a pesar del comportamiento metabólico semejante entre comidas de BIG y AIG, la adopción de una comida de BIG antes de los ejercicios matinales parece ser una práctica de alimentación más adecuada debido a la mayor propensión de hipoglucemia de rebote después de la comida AIG y, cuando los ejercicios matinales son realizados en ayunas, la hidratación con CHO parece minimizar el riesgo hipoglucémico proveniente de ese estado.

Exergames como alternativa para o aumento do dispêndio energético: uma revisão sistemática / Exergames as an alternative to increased energy expenditure: a systematic review

Objetivou-se, com esta revisão sistemática, analisar o gasto energético (GE), a frequência cardíaca (FC) e o nível de atividade física durante a prática de exergames, comparando-os ao repouso, as atividades sedentárias e às atividades físicas, além de verificar se a parte do corpo envolvida nos exergames interferia nestes parâmetros. Objetivou-se, ainda analisar o nível de atividade física e a composição corporal, após um período de prática regular de exergames. Foi realizada uma pesquisa bibliográfica, no PubMed e Science Direct, limitada a artigos publicados na língua inglesa (2006 a 2011), utilizando-se combinação dos seguintes termos e descritores: vídeo game, exergames, computer game, physical activity, exercise, energy expenditure, exertainment. Os artigos selecionados para análise envolveram: amostra com idade entre 6 e 18 anos; mensuração do GE, FC e nível de atividade física durante a prática de exergames; e,ou, análise da composição corporal ou aptidão cardiorrespiratória, após um período de prática regular de exergames. Os estudos selecionados foram divididos em dois grupos: a) estudos transversais das respostas de GE, FC e nível de atividade física; e b) estudos de intervenção. A qualidade dos estudos de intervenção foi avaliadas pela escala de PEDro e incluídos os artigos com pontuação superior a 6. Em comparação às atividade físicas sedentárias, a maioria dos estudos demonstrou aumento do GE, FC, nível de atividade física e melhora na composição corporal. Conclui-se que os exergames podem ser uma boa opção para o aumento do GE e nível de atividade física de crianças e adolescentes, desde que sejam associados a outros tipos de atividade física.

This systematic review was performed aiming to analyze the energy expenditure (EE), the heart rate (HR) and the level of physical activity during exergames practice compared to rest, the sedentary activities and the physical activities, and verify whether the body region involved in exergames interfered or not in these parameters. Moreover, it aimed to evaluate the level of physical activity and body composition after a period of regular practice of exergames. For this, we sought for the English-language articles in PubMed and Science Direct databases, published between 2006 and 2011, having the following keywords combination: video game, exergames, computer game, physical activity, exercise, energy expenditure, exertainment. The selected articles had: samples with ages between 6 and 18 years; energy expenditure, heart rate and physical activity level measures during exergames; and/or body composition analyses or cardiorespiratory fitness after a period of regular practice of exergames. The selected studies were divided into two groups: a) cross-sectional studies of the EE, HR and level of physical activity responses, and b) intervention studies. The quality of the selected articles were evaluated by the PEDro scale being included articles with at least 6 points. Most studies showed an increased EE, HR, level of physical activity and improvement in body composition compared to the sedentary activities. It can be concluded that exergames can be an option to increase the daily levels of EE and physical activity level, however, it should be associated with other physical activities.