Mediation effects of basic psychological needs and motivation among coach leadership style on the subjective well-being of adapted sports athletes' members of the special olympics.

INTRODUCTION: Subjective well-being has numerous indicators of global well-being, however, the most important are life satisfaction and attachments, which can be both positive and negative. The leadership of the coach is an integral part of the process that cares for the relationship of the athlete and coach, where the coach has a fundamental role on the athlete, and consequently on his subjective well-being. OBJECTIVE: The study has the purpose to analyse if and in what way the Basic Psychological Needs-relationship, autonomy and social relationship (mediator 1, M1) and the autonomous motivation (mediator 2, M2) mediate the relationship of the variables of democratic style (independent variable, X) with subjective well-being-life satisfaction and positive attachment (dependent variable, Y). METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, participated 94 athletes with Intellectual and Developmental Difficulty (IDD), aged between 11 and 63 years (x = 32.6 ± SD = 13.8 years) of both genders. Statistical analysis was performed using multiple serial mediation models, using the macro PROCESS for SPSS, version 3 (model 6), using the bootstrap method with 10000 samples. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: There is a mediation effect between those of basic psychological needs and autonomous motivation, exercised between the democratic leadership profile of the coach and the subjective welfare of the athlete. On the other hand, autocratic style has a significant direct effect on the increase in basic psychological needs and controlled motivation. However, the democratic style is more consistent in this type of analysis. Our results reinforce the importance of promoting a democratic leadership style on the part of the coach in their athletes, enhancing a direct effect on life satisfaction and positive attachment in athletes adapted with IDD members of the Special Olympics.

Descriptive analysis of injury types and incidence during futsal preseason across different competitive levels.

Introduction: This study aimed to verify the typology and incidence of injury by comparing the different competitive levels of futsal during the preseason. Methods: The sample consisted of 68 senior male futsal players (24.26 ± 4.63 years). Data were collected using an injury recording grid that examined the affected body part, anatomical region, type of injury, mechanism, and severity. Results: It was found that the elite group has the lowest incidence rate of injury (4.8 injuries per 1,000 h of exposure) compared to the sub-elite (11.8 injuries per 1,000 h of exposure) and amateur groups (13.9 injuries per 1,000 h of exposure). However, at this level, there is the highest percentage of injury occurrence (38.5%), the lower limb was the most affected part of the body (30.8%), and ligament (23.1%) and muscle (15.4%) injuries are the most prevalent. The most frequent mechanism of injury was non-traumatic (30.8%), and the majority were moderate injuries in the elite (23.1%) and sub-elite (17.9%) groups and severe injuries in the amateur group (12.5%). Discussion: The amateur futsal players had the highest incidence of injury during the preseason period compared to the other competitive levels. Still, it was at the elite level where the highest percentage of injuries occurred, most of them non-traumatic and of ligament origin, primarily affecting the ankle region. The results highlight the importance of adopting specific injury prevention programs for ligament and muscle injuries during the preseason phase, regardless of the competitive level.

Crossing the digital frontier: are older adults ready for virtual reality workouts?

In the dynamic web of our digital age, virtual reality (VR) is crystallizing as a promising medium for promoting physical activity in older adults, overcoming age-old barriers. This perspective article explores the intricate synergy between VR and physical activity in older adults and highlights the many challenges of aging within a virtual environment. While VR heralds the potential for multisensory interaction and cognitive enhancement, a thorough assessment of its impact is paramount. The reach of VR goes beyond immediate applications and permeates the emotional and psychological realms of the human journey. Such an exploration requires a comprehensive perspective that goes beyond a purely technical assessment. The aim of this article is not to present clear-cut solutions, but to encourage reflection on the diverse impact of VR on our aging population. We argue for a future in which technology complements, rather than eclipses, the depth of human experience.

Analysis of anthropometric and physical performance variables in U-17 soccer players.

Introduction: Soccer is considered a multifaceted collective sport, and to reach an elevated level, players must have moderate to high power, good agility, joint flexibility and muscle development. Also, players must be able to generate high torques during fast movements, which implies the development of different capacities, understood as multifactorial preparation. The objective was to analyse the effects of training (aerobic and continuous) on the leg power, fatigue levels, speed, agility, body fat, muscle mass and bone mass of these players. Methods: Seventy-two soccer players, male and under 17, from 4 teams participated. The teams performed 3 times a week training sessions of about 60-90 min each. Informed consent requests were given to their parents for authorisation to participate in this investigation. Data was collected in two different time points, about ten months apart. Specific tests were performed for each variable: the vertical jump with Bosco System for leg power, the T-Test for agility, the linear sprint test for speed and the RAST test for fatigue levels. A precision Tanita scale was used for the anthropometric tests such as body fat, muscle mass and bone mass. Statistical procedures were applied through the Wilcoxon test to compare the two time points of evaluation. Results: Improvements were found between evaluations regarding the level of anthropometric and physical fitness variables. Conclusions: The implemented training improved all the analysed variables with significant statistical values for leg power, speed, bone mass, muscle mass and fat mass.

Determinantes do comportamento sedentário de idosos que residem em Portugal: análise temática qualitativa a partir da SOS-framework / Determinantes del comportamiento sedentario entre las personas mayores que viven en Portugal: un análisis temático cualitativo basado en el marco SOS / Determinants of sedentary behavior in elderly people living in Portugal: qualitative thematic analysis from the SOS-framework

O processo de envelhecimento resulta num declínio geral das capacidades do indivíduo. Associado ao comportamento sedentário (CS), que traz inúmeras consequências para a saúde, torna-se importante perceber e criar estratégias que modifiquem este comportamento, no sentido depromover uma melhor qualidade de vida. Assim, o objetivo deste estudo foi identificar e compreender quais os determinantes do CS de idosos que residem em Portugal. Participaram no estudo 12 idosos, com idades entre os 71 e os 86 anos (M = 78,92 anos; DP =6,52), que responderam a uma entrevista semiestruturada. Os dados recolhidos foram analisados tendo como base uma perspetiva interpretativa, assumindo uma ontologia relativista e uma epistemologia subjetivista. Os resultados revelaram determinantes que foram reunidos em seis grupos: Saúde e Bem-Estar, Contexto Social e Cultural, Comportamento e Psicologia, Ambiente Construído e Natural, Configurações institucionais/domiciliares e, Política e Economia. Os determinantes mais mencionados pelos participantes para se manterem em CS foram as limitações físicas, as atividades organizadas em grupo (sentados), a solidão, a falta de motivação e de instalações para saírem de casa, as políticas institucionais, o conforto do quarto e, por último, as autoridades locais que não realizam atividades, por vezes, por falta de recursos financeiros. Desta forma, percebemos que o CS é determinado por diversos fatores e todos eles estão relacionados entre si, contudo, não podemos generalizar, sendo necessária uma análise individual e contextual específica, para se ajustarem as estratégias ao indivíduo/grupo. (AU)

El proceso de envejecimiento provoca una disminución general de las capacidades del individuo. Asociado al comportamiento sedentario, que tiene numerosas consecuencias para la salud, es importante entender y crear estrategias para modificar este comportamiento, con el fin de promover una mejor calidad de vida. Por lo tanto, el objetivo de este estudio fue identificar y comprender los determinantes del comportamiento sedentario entre las personas mayores que viven en Portugal. Participaron en el estudio 12 personas mayores de entre 71 y 86 años (M = 78,92 años; DT = 6,52), que completaron una entrevista semiestructurada. Los datos recogidos se analizaron desde una perspectiva interpretativa, asumiendo una ontología relativista y una epistemología subjetivista. Los resultados revelaron determinantes que se agruparon en seis grupos: Salud y bienestar, Contexto social y cultural, Comportamiento y psicología, Entorno construido y natural, Entorno institucional/doméstico y, Política y economía. Los determinantes más mencionados por los participantes para permanecer en el CS fueron las limitaciones físicas, las actividades organizadas en grupo (sentarse), la soledad, la falta de motivación y de facilidades para salir de casa, las políticas institucionales, la comodidad de la habitación y, por último, las autoridades locales que no realizan actividades, a veces por falta de recursos económicos. Así, nos damos cuenta de que el comportamiento sedentario está determinado por varios factores y todos ellos están relacionados entre sí; sin embargo, no podemos generalizar, y se requiere un análisis contextual individual y específico para ajustar las estrategias al individuo/grupo. (AU)

The aging process results in a general decline in the individual's abilities. Associated with sedentary behavior, which has numerous health consequences, it is important to understand and create strategies to modify this behavior in order to promote a better quality of life. Thus, the aim of this study was to identify and understand the determinants of sedentary behavior among the elderly living in Portugal. Twelve elderly aged between 71 and 86 years (M = 78.92 years; SD = 6.52) participated in the study and answered a semi-structured interview. The data collected were analyzed based on an interpretive perspective, assuming a relativistic ontology and a subjectivist epistemology. The results revealed determinants that were gathered into six groups: Health and Well-Being, Social and Cultural Context, Behavior and Psychology, Built and NaturalEnvironment, Institutional/Household Settings, and, Politics and Economy. The determinants most mentioned by participants for staying in sedentary behavior were physical limitations, organized group activities (sitting), loneliness, lack of motivation andfacilities to leave home, institutional policies, room comfort, and lastly, local authorities that do not carry out activities sometimes due to lack of financial resources. Thus, we realize that sedentary behavior is determined by several factors andtheyare all related to each other; however, we cannot generalize, and an individual and specific contextual analysis is necessary to adjust strategies to the individual/group. (AU)

The Quiet Epidemic: An Overview of Emerging Qualitative Research Trends on Sedentary Behavior in Aging Populations.

Sedentary behavior poses a significant health risk to older adults. The purpose of this scoping review is to summarize key findings from qualitative research (since 2012), with a focus on explaining prevailing research trends and patterns within the field. This review included 25 studies that met the strict inclusion criteria. Five key research themes have emerged: (1) defining and shaping perspectives of sedentary behavior, (2) understanding the dynamics of daily routines and contexts, (3) raising awareness of older adults' perceived advantages and disadvantages of sedentary behavior, (4) identifying its determinants and discouraging factors, and (5) exploring interventions to promote active behaviors and reduce sedentary behavior. These themes highlight the multifaceted nature of SB and underscore the importance of tailoring interventions to address individual, social, and environmental issues. A comprehensive understanding of SB is critical to developing effective strategies to promote active lifestyles and reduce SB in older adults. Further qualitative research is needed to deepen our understanding and develop targeted interventions and strategies.

Knowledge in Motion: A Comprehensive Review of Evidence-Based Human Kinetics.

This comprehensive review examines critical aspects of evidence-based human kinetics, focusing on bridging the gap between scientific evidence and practical implementation. To bridge this gap, the development of tailored education and training programs is essential, providing practitioners with the expertise and skills to effectively apply evidence-based programs and interventions. The effectiveness of these programs in improving physical fitness across all age groups has been widely demonstrated. In addition, integrating artificial intelligence and the principles of slow science into evidence-based practice promises to identify gaps in knowledge and stimulate further research in human kinetics. The purpose of this review is to provide researchers and practitioners with comprehensive information on the application of scientific principles in human kinetics. By highlighting the importance of evidence-based practice, this review is intended to promote the adoption of effective interventions to optimize physical health and enhance performance.

The importance of oriented physical activity in the first 48 months: differences in motor skills.

BACKGROUND: The importance of physical activity in the first months of age is well known, however, with the evolution of the urban environment, the excessive workload of parents and the excessive time in growing up in kindergartens has limited this same free practice and little has been studied about this issue. In Portugal, there are institutions that provide oriented physical activity for their children, however, this is optional, which may create disadvantages in children's motor skills in these ages. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study isto verify if there are differences in the development of motor skills (global and fine) comparing children between 12 and 48 months who practice oriented physical activity (OPA) and children who do not. METHODS: Participated in this study, 400 children of both genders (28.14 ± 7.23 months). Two groups were created (the group that had oriented physical activity (30 min long and 2 times a week) and the group that didn't have oriented physical activity). For a better understanding they were divided into 3 age groups (12-23, 24-35 and 36-48 months). Motor skills were assessed using the PDMS-2 scales, for 6 months, following the instrument's application standards. RESULTS: In a first analysis, we found that the majority of children only start to practice oriented physical activity in institutions from 36 months of age, however, it is in the first months (from 12 to 35) that the greatest differences between the two groups can occur. The OPA group presented better results according to the mean values, in all motor skills. Differences between groups were most noticeable in Postural, locomotion and fine manipulation Skills (showing effect size: moderate and low). CONCLUSIONS: We can conclude that a practice of oriented physical activity in the first 48 months is fundamental to the development of motor skills. It is in the first months (up to 36) that there are greater differences, but it is also where there are less children carrying out guided physical activity. This is an important factor, and is determinant to make institutions aware of this importance of this variable in child development.

Profile of self-concept and self-esteem on the academic performance among practitioners of physical education and extracurricular activities in middle-school students.

BACKGROUD: The deprivation of components that exercise the body and mind by children and adolescents can lead to numerous long-term consequences in terms of physical health (cardiovascular diseases, bone problems, high cholesterol, obesity) and mental health (depression, low self-esteem and social isolation). METHODS: This investigation intended to identify a profile of self-concept and self-esteem, on the academic performance of middle-school children between practitioners of curricular physical education and extracurricular sport activities. The participants consisted of a total of 107 students, 55 (51.4%) were males and 52 (48.6%) were female, aged between 10 and 12 years. A total of 41 children (38.3%) attending the fifth grade and 66 children (61.7%) the sixth grade were randomly selected. The data collection instrument, Self-concept of Susan Harter validated for the Portuguese population was used and it was proceeded to a descriptive and inferential statistics data analysis to confront the mean levels of self-concept, global self-esteem and academic performance. RESULTS: As an influence of hours of weekly practice, we found statistically significant differences in terms of academic performance, that is, as the student practices more hours of physical exercise, there is a tendency for the student to obtain better academic results. CONCLUSIONS: Apparently, the practice of extracurricular sport activities by students promotes a significant evolution in the formation of self-concept and academic performance, as well as suggesting a positive evolutionary trend in the formation of self-esteem of students who practice the several extracurricular sports.

The influence of extra-curricular physical activities in the development of coordination in preschool children.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to provide information in relation to the coordination ability of preschool children. The study aimed to investigate the influence of preschool physical activity, as part of the enrichment curriculum, on the coordination of the pupils. METHODS: A sample of 120 preschool children (M=63; F=58) aged 4 and 5 years old (M=4.47, SD=0.5), with differing levels of physical activity carried out by the Children Body Coordination Test instrument (TCCI). Proceeded to descriptive statistical analysis of coordinative benefits students, depending on the variables gender, age group, practical activities, years of practice, number of workouts and total weekly sessions of physical activity. We conducted an inferential analysis of data for comparison of means in the variables under study. RESULTS: Practicing enrichment activities has been demonstrated to assist in the development of children's motor skills with those having engaged in such activities achieving a higher level of performance. CONCLUSIONS: The practice of extracurricular physical activities significantly enhances the general coordinative abilities in children aged 4 and 5 years of age, but it was found that 5-year-old children had a significantly higher performance compared to 4-year-old children.

Emerging Qualitative Research Trends (2010-2021) on Sedentary Behaviour among Older Adults: A Systematic Literature Review Protocol.

In recent years, research on sedentary behaviour has increased. In this regard, there is a need for theoretical reviews that allow us to determine the past, analyse the present, and prepare the future of research in this field. The purpose of this review paper was to analyse and organise the emerging qualitative research trends (2010-2021) on the sedentary behaviour of older adults. A systematic literature search strategy was developed in various electronic scientific databases (e.g., PubMed, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, Scielo, and Scopus). The included studies were required to have different qualitative methodological approaches in terms of data collection and methods of data analysis. Studies conducted in any country and published in a peer-reviewed journal in English, Spanish, and Portuguese were considered. A thematic analysis approach was used for data extraction and synthesis, and confidence in the results was assessed using the GRADE-CERQual approach. This study may enable accurate guidelines to be established for future primary qualitative research related to sedentary behaviour.

Bem-estar subjetivo em atletas veteranos: um teste prospectivo baseado na teoria da autodeterminação / Bienestar subjetivo en atletas veteranos: una prueba prospectiva basada en la teoría de la auto determinación / Subjective well-being in veteran athletes: a prospective test based on the theory of self-determination

A prática desportiva por atletas veteranos é uma realidade evidente e com perspetivas de expansão. Objetivou-se determinar variáveis preditivas de bem-estar subjetivo em atletas veteranos, atendendo à teoria da autodeterminação. Elaborou-se um modelo de equação estrutural e um modelo de mediação. Participaram 840 atletas veteranos portugueses, entre os 30 e os 76 anos (M=42.54 DT=7.28). Utilizou-se o Basic Psychological Needs Exercise Scale (Moutão, Cid, Alves, Leitão e Vlachopoulos, 2012), o Behavioral Regulation in Sport Questionnaire (Monteiro, Moutão e Cid, 2018), a Escala de Afetos Positivos e Negativos (Galinha e Pais-Ribeiro, 2005) e a Escala de Satisfação com a Vida (Neto, 1993). O modelo mostrou os seguintes índices de ajuste: χ2 = 674.554, p < 0.001, χ2/fd = 4.08, CFI = 0.94; IFI = 0.94; TLI = 0.92; GFI = 0.92; RMSEA = 0.062; SRMR = 0.061. Nos aletas veteranos, a perceção de satisfação da necessidade psicológica básica de autonomia leva a comportamentos motivados autonomamente, promovendo estes, níveis mais elevados de bem-estar subjetivo. A motivação autónoma revelou-se uma variável mediadora significativa entre a necessidade psicológica básica de autonomia e a produção de afetos positivos. Registaram-se ainda efeitos indiretos da variável mediadorasobre as variáveis de satisfação com a vida e afetos negativos, assim como, efeitos diretos e totais da variável independente e as variáveis de consequência em análise. (AU)

La práctica deportiva por deportistas veteranos es una realidad evidente y con perspectivas de expansión. El objetivo fue determinar variables predictivas de bienestar subjetivo en deportistas veteranos, teniendo en cuenta la teoría de la autodeterminación. Se elaboró un modelo de ecuación estructural y un modelo de mediación. Participaron 840 deportistas veteranos portugueses, de entre 30 y 76 años (M = 42.54 DT = 7.28). Se utilizó la Escala de Necesidades Psicológicas Básicas enel Ejercicio (Moutão, Cid, Alves, Leitão y Vlachopoulos, 2012), el Cuestionario de Regulación Conductual en el Deporte (Monteiro, Moutão y Cid, 2018), la Escala de Afectos Positivos y Negativos (Galinha y Pais -Ribeiro, 2005) y la Escala de Satisfacción con la Vida (Neto, 1993). El modelo mostró los siguientes índices de ajuste: χ2 = 674,554, p <0.001, χ2 / fd = 4.08, CFI = .94; IFI = 0.94; TLI = 0.92; GFI = 0.92; RMSEA = 0.062; SRMR = 0.061. En los deportistas veteranos, la percepción de satisfacción de la necesidad psicológica básica de autonomía conduce a conductas de motivación autónoma, promoviendo estas, mayores niveles de bienestar subjetivo. La motivación autónoma resultó ser una variable mediadora significativa entre la necesidad psicológica básicade autonomía y la producción de afectos positivos. También hubo efectos indirectos de la variable mediadora sobre las variables de satisfacción con la vida y afectos negativos, así como efectos directos y totales de la variable independiente y las variables de consecuencia bajo análisis. (AU)

The practice of sports by veteran athletes is an evident reality and with prospects for expansion. The objective was to determine predictive variables of subjective well-being in veteran athletes, taking into account the theory of self-determination. A structural equation model and a mediation model were developed. In this study participated 840 Portuguese veteran athletes, between the ages of 30 and 76 (M = 42.54 DT = 7.28). The Basic Psychological Needs Exercise Scale (Moutão, Cid, Alves, Leitão e Vlachopoulos, 2012), the Behavioral Regulation in Sport Questionnaire (Monteiro, Moutão e Cid, 2018), the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (Galinha e Pais-Ribeiro, 2005) and the Life Satisfaction Scale (Neto, 1993) were used. The model showed the following adjustment indices: χ2 = 674,554, p <0.001, χ2 / fd = 4.08, CFI = 0.94; IFI = 0.94; TLI =0.92; GFI = 0.92; RMSEA = 0.062; SRMR = 0.061. In the veteran athletes, the perception of satisfaction of the basic psychological need for autonomy leads to autonomously motivated behaviors, promoting these, higher levels of subjective well-being. Autonomous motivation proved to be a significant mediating variable between the basic psychological need for autonomy and the production of positive affects. There were also indirect effects of the mediating variable on the variables of satisfaction with life andnegative affects, as well as direct and total effects of the independent variable and the consequence variables under analysis. (AU)

Assessment of Body Composition, Lower Limbs Power, and Anaerobic Power of Senior Soccer Players in Portugal: Differences According to the Competitive Level.

BACKGROUND: During a soccer game, the most diversified stimuli occur all the time, the physical condition level plays a determinant role, and there may be variations according to the competitive level. In this sense, the present study aimed to verify differences in body composition, lower limbs power, and anaerobic power, comparing senior soccer players of different competitive levels. METHODS: Participants were 81 players belonging to six soccer teams, aged between 18 and 35 years, with a mean age of 23.14 ± 4.23 years, who were divided into three distinct competitive levels: Elite, Sub-Elite and Non-Elite. The players performed bioimpedance evaluations on a tetrapolarInbody270 scale (body composition), the Countermovement Jump (CMJ) through the ChronoJump (lower limbs power), and Running Anaerobic Sprint Test (RAST) (anaerobic power). RESULTS: Based on the competitive level analysis, we verified that the players present body composition values similar to each other regardless of the competitive level in which they play. Concerning the performance evaluations, we verified that the elite players present higher values of highest jump (p = 0.012; d = 0.76, moderate; and p = 0.022; d = 0.71, moderate) and maximum force produced (p = 0.05; d = 0.64, moderate; and p = 0.002; d = 1.00, moderate), together with higher values of anaerobic power (p < 0.001; d = 2.43, very large; and p < 0.001; d = 2.22, very large), compared to the others. CONCLUSIONS: We can thus conclude that there is a homogeneity regarding the body composition of soccer players, regardless of their competitive level; in turn, elite players show better performance indicators in all variables.

Physical fitness in children in Cabo Verde: differences between gender, eutrophic vs overweight subjects, and practitioners vs nonpractitioners of sports.

PURPOSE: There are few or even rare studies conducted in Cabo Verde that address the issue of physical fitness and body composition in the juvenile population. This investigation aims to study the Physical Fitness in children in Cabo Verde: differences between gender, eutrophic and overweight subjects, between practitioners and non-practitioners of sports. METHODS: The sample consisted of 93 individuals aged between 10 and 15 years, from the 2nd and 3rd cycles and secondary school of the Portuguese College based in Cabo Verde. The instruments used for data collection were the FITescola® test battery, and the questionnaire (QAPACE) (Quantification de l'activite physique en altitude chez les enfants) for assessment of physical activity level. Regarding the statistical analysis using the SPSS 23.0 Software, the first analysis was performed to verify the distribution of the sample (Kolmogorov-Smirnov and Shapiro-wilk). Then, for variables with normal distribution we used the t-test and for the remaining variables with nonnormal distribution we used the Mann-Whitney test, with a significance level of 5%. RESULTS: Gender differences were found, in which the male gender obtained more favorable mean values in the "sit-ups", "push-ups", "horizontal impulsion", "shuttle" and "agility" variables, while the females showed superiority in the variables "sit and reach"; differences between the eutrophic and overweight group where, as expected, more favorable mean values for eutrophics than the overweight group in all PF tests. Finally, differences between practitioners and nonpractitioners of sports, with the best results being attributed to practitioners of sports. CONCLUSIONS: We concluded that male subjects have greater proficiency in strength and aerobic fitness tests while female subjects have greater flexibility. High BMI values in overweight children have been found to be associated with increased abdominal fat as well as a reduction in overall PF. As expected, sports practitioners show better results in motor performance on PF tests.

The Sedentary Time and Physical Activity Levels on Physical Fitness in the Elderly: A Comparative Cross Sectional Study.

BACKGROUND: Ageing is a life-long process characterized by a progressive loss of physical fitness compromising strength, flexibility, and agility. The purpose of this study was to use accelerometry to examine the relationship between sedentary time, light physical activity (LPA), and moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) with the elderly's physical fitness. Additionally, we aimed to examine the association between the aforementioned variables on older adults who fulfilled global recommendations on physical activity for health and on those who did not fulfil these recommendations. METHODS: Eighty-three elderly (mean ± SD: 72.14 ± 5.61 years old) of both genders volunteered to participate in this cross-sectional study, being divided into an active group (n = 53; 71.02 ± 5.27 years old) and an inactive group (n = 30; 74.13 ± 5.72 years old) according to the established guidelines. Sedentary and physical activity times were assessed using an ActiGraph® GT1M accelerometer, whereas physical fitness was evaluated with the Senior Fitness Test. RESULTS: MVPA time was correlated with lower body mass index (BMI) ((rs = -0.218; p = 0.048; -0.3 < r ≤ -0.1 (small)) and shorter time to complete the agility test ((rs = -0.367; p = 0.001; -0.5 < r ≤ -0.3 (low)). Moreover, MVPA time was positively correlated with aerobic endurance ((rs = 0.397; p = 0.000; 0.5 < r ≤ 0.3 (low)) and strength ((rs = 0.243; p = 0.027; 0.3 < r ≤ 0.1 (small)). In the inactive group, MVPA time was positively correlated with upper limb flexibility ((rs = 0.400; p = 0.028; 0.5 < r ≤ 0.3 (low)); moreover, sedentary time was negatively correlated with upper limb flexibility ((r = -0.443; p = 0.014; -0.5 < r ≤ -0.3 (low)), and LPA time was negatively correlated with BMI ((r = -0.423; p = 0.020; -0.5 < r ≤ -0.3 (low)). In the active group, MVPA time was correlated with lower BMI ((rs = -0.320; p = 0.020; -0.5 < r ≤ -0.3 (low)), and shorter time to complete agility test ((rs = -0.296; p = 0.031; -0.3 < r ≤ -0.1 (small)). CONCLUSIONS: Our results reinforce the importance of promoting MVPA practice among the elderly, thereby allowing physical fitness maintenance or improvement.

The comparison of Imagery ability in elite, sub-elite and non-elite swimmers / Comparación de la habilidad de Visualización Mental de los atletas de Elite, Sub - Elite y No - Elite en la Natación / Comparação entre praticantes de Elite, Sub - Elite e Não - Elite na habilidade de Imagery em praticantes de Natação

The ability to generate and control mental images is present in all of us, but it differs from person to person. Therefore, it is important to understand that imagery ability can be changed through training and experimentation, it is not a fixed ability (Cumming & Williams, 2012). The aim of this study is to compare imagery ability in elite, sub-elite and non-elite athletes in a sport which involves closed and continuous motor skills, such as swimming. 79 swimmers (male N = 37; female N = 42) at an average age of 17 took part in this study. In order to assess imagery ability, the Movement Imagery Questionnaire 3 was used, Portuguese version (Mendes et al., 2016). After analysis of the results, these show that in each and every imagery modality, the scores in the three groups differ significantly. In kinesthetic and external visual imagery the elite and sub-elite groups' scores, although not statistically different from each other, are significantly higher than those of the non-elite group. In internal visual imagery, the differences between all the compared pairs of groups are statistically significant. The elite group got the highest scores, followed by the sub-elite group average scores and finally the non-elite group average scores. According to these results, the conclusion is that athletes with better performance show greater imagery ability and that apparently the external visual imagery proved to be the best intervention method among swimming athletes

La capacidad de controlar y generar imágenes mentales está presente en todos los individuos, pero varía de sujeto a sujeto, por lo tanto, es importante entender que la habilidad de visualización mental es una capacidad que se puede modificar con el entrenamiento y la experimentación, y no una habilidad fija (Cumming & Williams, 2012; Hall, 2001). El objetivo de nuestro estudio fue el de comparar la habilidad de visualización mental en practicantes de Elite, Sub-Elite y No-Elite, en una modalidad deportiva con habilidades motoras cerradas y continuas, la natación. En este estudio participaron 79 sujetos practicantes de Natación (N = 76) (género masculino N = 37, género femenino N = 42) con una edad media de 17 años (DE = 3,1). Se definieron tres niveles de práctica, el grupo de Elite (N = 29), el grupo Sub-Elite (N = 27) y No-Elite (N = 23). Para evaluar la habilidad de visualización mental se utilizó el Movement Imagery Questionnaire - 3, versión portuguesa (Mendes et al., 2015). Después de analizar los resultados verificamos que en todas y cada una de las modalidades de visualización mental, las medias obtenidas en los tres grupos (Elite, Sub-Elite y No-Elite) muestran diferencias significativas. De acuerdo con estos resultados podemos concluir que los atletas con mejor rendimiento deportivo muestran una mejor capacidad de visualización mental y que, aparentemente, la modalidad visual externa resultó como el mejor método de intervención para practicantes de Natación

A habilidade de controlar e gerar imagens mentais está presente em todos os indivíduos, mas varia de sujeito para sujeito. Consequentemente, é importante entender que a habilidade de imagery é uma capacidade que pode ser modificável com o treino e a experimentação, e não uma habilidade fixa (Cumming & Williams, 2012; Hall, 2001). O objetivo do nosso estudo foi comparar a habilidade de imagery em praticantes de Elite, Sub-Elite e Não-Elite, numa modalidade com habilidades motoras fechadas e contínuas, a Natação. Neste estudo, participaram 79 sujeitos praticantes de Natação (N = 76) (sexo masculino N = 37; sexo feminino N = 42), com uma média de idades de 17 anos (SD = 3.1). Foram definidos três níveis de prática, sendo o grupo de Elite (N = 29), o grupo Sub-Elite (N = 27) e Não-Elite (N = 23). Para avaliar a habilidade de imagery, foi utilizado o Movement Imagery Questionnaire - 3, versão portuguesa (Mendes et al., 2015). Após a análise dos resultados, verificámos que em todas e em cada uma das modalidades do imagery, as médias obtidas nos três grupos (Elite, Sub-Elite e Não-Elite) apresentam diferenças significativas. De acordo com estes resultados, podemos concluir que atletas com melhor performance desportiva revelam uma melhor capacidade de imagery e que aparentemente a modalidade visual externa se revelou como melhor método de intervenção em praticantes de Natação

Determinantes psicossociais do comportamento sedentário dos idosos: estudo qualitativo / Determinantes psicosociales del comportamiento sedentario de adultos mayores: estudio cualitativo / Psychosocial determinants of sedentary behavior among older adults: qualitative study

Nos últimos anos verificou-se um aumento progressivo acerca da investigação sobre o comportamento sedentário. No entanto, as evidências ainda são escassas relativamente aos determinantes psicossociais do tempo sentado dos idosos. Assim, o objetivo do estudo foi identificar os fatores psicossociais que determinavam os diferentes comportamentos sedentários dos idosos, realizados em diferentes contextos. Participaram no estudo 20 idosos (M = 68 anos; DP = 1.6 anos) selecionados intencionalmente. Os dados foram recolhidos através de um guião de entrevista semiestruturada constituído por um conjunto evolutivo de questões e a análise dos dados seguiu um processo indutivo. Os resultados indicaram os seguintes determinantes psicossociais do comportamento sedentário dos idosos: força do hábito, comportamentos compensatórios, representação positiva dos comportamentos sedentários e o suporte social. Parece que os comportamentos sedentários dos idosos podem ser determinados por processos automáticos e intencionais. Os idosos também podem utilizar estratégias cognitivas com a intenção de compensar o tempo sentado através de comportamentos ativos. O suporte social dos idosos pode contribuir para a promoção do tempo sedentário e para a interrupção do mesmo. O entendimento dos fatores psicossociais constitui-se numa importante contribuição para a explicação do tempo sedentário dos idosos

En los últimos años se ha producido un aumento progresivo en la investigación sobre el comportamiento sedentario. Sin embargo, las evidencias empíricas todavía son escasas respecto a los determinantes psicosociales del tiempo sentado de adultos mayores. Así, el objetivo del estudio fue identificar y comprender los factores psicosociales que determinaban los diferentes comportamientos sedentarios de los ancianos. Participaron en el estudio 20 ancianos (M = 68 años, SD = 1,6 años) seleccionados intencionalmente. Los datos fueron recogidos a través de un guión de entrevista semiestructurado constituido por un conjunto evolutivo de cuestiones y el análisis de los datos siguió un proceso inductivo. Los resultados indicaron los siguientes determinantes psicosociales del comportamiento sedentario de los ancianos: fuerza del hábito, comportamientos compensatorios, representación positiva de los comportamientos sedentarios y el soporte social. Parece que los comportamientos sedentarios de los adultos mayores pueden ser determinados por procesos automáticos e intencionales. Los adultos mayores también pueden utilizar estrategias cognitivas con la intención de compensar el tiempo sentado a través de comportamientos activos y el soporte social de los adultos mayores puede contribuir a la promoción del tiempo sedentario o para la interrupción del mismo. De esta forma, el entendimiento de los factores psicosociales se constituye en una importante contribución a la explicación del tiempo sedentario de los adultos mayores

In recent years there has been a progressive research about sedentary behavior. However, the empirical evidence is still scarce regarding the psychosocial determinants of the siting time in older adults. Thus, the main purpose of the study was to identify and understand the psychosocial factors that determined the different sedentary behaviors of older adults. A total of 20 elderly persons, aged between 65 and 75 years (M = 68 years; SD = 1.6 years) participated in this study. The participants were selected intentionally and data was collected through a semi-structured interview guide and data analysis followed an inductive process. Results indicated that following psychosocial determinants of the sedentary behavior in older adults: strength of habit, compensatory behaviors, positive representation of sedentary behaviors and social support. It seems that sedentary behaviors of elderly can be determined by automatic and intentional processes. The older adults may also use cognitive strategies with the intent to compensate for sitting time through active behaviors and social support of older adults can contribute to the promotion of sedentary time or the interruption of the same. In this way, the understanding of psychosocial factors constitutes an important contribution to the explanation of the sedentary time of older adults

Análise do Equilíbrio e da Amplitude Articular dos Segmentos Corporais em Gerontes / Analysis of the Balance and the Joint Amplitude of the Body Segments in Elderly / Análisis de Equilibrio y gama articulada de los segmentos corporales en gerontes

Verificar os efeitos de um programa de aulas de hidroginástica, em relação com o fator de equilíbrio avaliado pela escala de Berg, e com o da amplitude de movimentos na escala de Leighton. Foi utilizado um goniómetro e participaram 64 gerontes com idades entre 63 e 84. Realizou-se uma análise descritiva dos dados por meio da Escala de Berg e da Escala de Leighton. Os gerontes que praticam atividade física regularmente apresentaram maior nível de mobilidade, traduzido por valores mais favoráveis de equilíbrio, o que pode contribuir para melhoria de sua qualidade de vida.

Determine the effects of a program of hydrogimnastics sessions, compared with the balance assessments by the Berg scale and range of movements in the scale of Leighton. It was used a goniometer and a sample of 64 elderly aged between 63 and 84 years. We performed a descriptive analysis of the data by Berg Scale and Leighton Scale. The elderly who practice regularly physical activity had a higher level of mobility, translated by more favorable values of balance and range of motion when compared with the sedentary group, which may contribute to the improvement of their quality of life.

Para evaluar los efectos de un programa de clases de ejercicios aeróbicos acuáticos en relación con el equilibrio evaluada por la escala de Berg y magnitud de los movimientos en la escala de Leighton. Se utilizó un goniómetro y una muestra de 64 sujetos, de entre 63 y 84 años de edad. Se realizó un análisis descriptivo de los datos utilizando la Escala de Berg y la Escala Leighton. Las personas mayores que practican una actividad física regular tuvieron un mayor nível de movilidad, traducido por valores más favorables de equilibrio y amplitud de movimiento en comparación con el grupo sedentario, lo que puede ayudar a mejorar su calidad de vida.

[Physical activity and respiratory function: corporal composition and spirometric values analysis]. / Atividade física e função respiratória: análise da composição corporal e dos valores espirométricos.

OBJECTIVE: The main aim of this research project was to measure the effects of physical activity on corporal composition (BMI and waist circumference) on spirometric values and relate these indicators to the respiratory/ventilator function. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The sample consisted of 86 individuals, higher education students, with an average age of 21.3 ± 2.4 years, who were divided into two groups: the control group consisted of 28 sedentary subjects (20.9 ± 1.3 years), and the experimental group consisting of 58 subjects (21.5 ± 2.8 years) who undertook supervised exercise. To characterize the sample of the type of physical activity, we used an adaptation of the questionnaire Telama et al.19 We assessed the value of spirometry (PEF, FVC and FEV1) with a Microquark Cosmed spirometer and the BMI and waist circumference. The figures obtained were processed with the S.P.S.S. 19.0, the t-test, the Levene test, the Mann-Whitney test and the Spearman correlation test, adopting a significance level of 5%. RESULTS: The experimental group achieved significantly better BMI and waist circumference results (p = 0.05) and in all of the values assessed by spirometry (PEF, FVC and FEV1) compared to the control group. We also found that there is a tendency for a negative correlation between the values of body composition and spirometric values, only observable in some variables (PEF, FEV1), i.e., the higher the values of body composition, the lower the spirometric values. CONCLUSION: The students that performed supervised exercise had higher levels of body composition and lung function. Poor BMI and waist circumference values may lead to respiratory dysfunction in terms of ventilation and the respective lung volumes, limiting the practice of physical activity and increasing the probability of respiratory pathologies.

Objetivo: A presente investigação tem como principal objetivo verificar os efeitos da atividade física na composição corporal (índice de massa corporal e perímetro da cintura), nos valores espirométricos e relacionar esses indicadores com a função respiratória.Material e Métodos: A amostra, constituída por 86 indivíduos, alunos do ensino superior, com média de idade de 21,3 ± 2,4 anos, foi dividida em dois grupos: grupo de controlo constituído por 28 sujeitos sedentários (20,9 ± 1,3 anos), e grupo experimental constituído por 58 sujeitos (21,5 ± 2,8 anos) praticantes de exercício supervisionado. Para caraterizar a amostra quanto ao tipo de atividade física,aplicámos uma adaptação do questionário de Telama et al. Avaliaram-se os valores de espirometria (DEMI, VEF1 e CVF) com o espirómetro Microquark da Cosmed e os valores de índice de massa corporal e perímetro da cintura. Os dados obtidos foram tratados no S.P.S.S. 19.0, através do t-test, do teste de Levene, do teste Mann-Whitney e do teste de correlação de Spearman, adotando-se um nível de significância de 5%.Resultados: O grupo experimental obteve resultados significativamente melhores (p ≤ 0,05) nos valores de índice de massa corporal, do perímetro da cintura e em todos os valores avaliados pela espirometria (DEMI, VEF1 e CVF), comparativamente ao grupo de controlo. Verificámos também que há uma tendência para correlação negativa entre os valores da composição corporal e os valores espirométricos, apenas observável em algumas variáveis (DEMI, VEF1), ou seja, quanto maiores os valores da composição corporal, menores os valores espirométricos.Conclusão: Os alunos com prática de exercício supervisionado, apresentaram melhores índices de composição corporal e de função respiratória. Valores de índice de massa corporal e de perímetro da cintura desajustados poderão provocar disfunção respiratória, aonível da ventilação e respetivos volumes pulmonares, limitando a prática de atividade física e aumentando a apetência para patologias respiratórias.