Impactos da pandemia na formação universitária / Impact of the pandemic on university education / Impacto de la pandemia en la formación universitária

Com o advento da Pandemia COVID-19 temos vivenciado as problemáticas econômicas, sociais e sanitárias de modo acentuado, e nesse sentido, emerge o desafio de enfrentamento e superação de tais questões. No campo social, destacamos a educação e a importância de compreender o impacto da irrupção causada pelo distanciamento social, pausa no ensino e em muitas aprendizagens nos processos formativos dos estudantes, envolvendo diferentes níveis e modalidades da educação. Diante da complexidade destes níveis e modalidades, este texto pretende abordar um dos eixos educacionais: o eixo da formação universitária e, em especial, aquele que diz respeito ao campo da Educação Física e os impactos da pandemia. A condução textual seguirá a lógica de uma breve reflexão sobre o impacto da pandemia na formação universitária em geral; em seguida abordaremos tal impacto no campo da Educação Física, com a inclusão de uma pesquisa e seus desdobramentos; e, por fim; as conclusões provisórias.

With the advent of the COVID-19 Pandemic, we have experienced economic, social and health problems in a marked way, and in this sense, the challenge of facing and overcoming such issues emerges. In the social field, we highlight education and the importance of understanding the impact of the outbreak caused by social distancing, pauses in teaching and in many learning processes in the formative processes of students, involving different levels and modalities of education. Given the complexity of these levels and modalities, this text intends to address one of the educational axes: the axis of university education and, in particular, the one that concerns the field of Physical Education and the impacts of the pandemic. The textual conduction will follow the logic of a brief reflection on the impact of the pandemic on university education in general; then we will approach such impact in the field of Physical Education, with the inclusion of a research and its consequences; and finally; the provisional conclusions.

Con el advenimiento de la Pandemia del COVID-19, hemos vivido problemas económicos, sociales y de salud, y en ese sentido surge el desafío de enfrentar y superar tales problemas. En el ámbito social, destacamos la educación y la importancia de comprender el impacto del brote provocado por el distanciamiento social, las pausas en la enseñanza y en muchos procesos de aprendizaje en los procesos formativos de los estudiantes, involucrando diferentes niveles y modalidades de educación. Dada la complejidad de estos niveles y modalidades, este texto pretende abordar uno de los ejes educativos: el eje de la formación universitaria y, en particular, lo que concierne al campo de la Educación Física y los impactos de la pandemia. La conducción textual seguirá la lógica de una breve reflexión sobre el impacto de la pandemia en la educación universitaria en general; luego abordaremos tal impacto en el campo de la Educación Física, con la inclusión de una investigación y sus consecuencias; y por fin; las conclusiones provisionales.

Reference Values for Isometric, Dynamic, and Asymmetry Leg Extension Strength in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis.

Having recognized the value of resistance training in patients with multiple sclerosis (PwMS), there are a lack of lower limb normative reference values for one repetition maximum (1RM) and maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) in this population. Hence, the purposes of this study were to provide reference values for 1RM and MVIC of knee extensors in PwMS across the disability spectrum and to examine knee extension strength asymmetry. Three hundred and ninety PwMS participated in the study, performing MVIC and 1RM tests of bilateral (both legs together at once) and unilateral (each leg singly) knee extensors. There was no difference in 1RM according to the disease course of MS, but there was according to the degree of neurological disability, being more preserved in those with a lower degree of disability. MVIC tends to be higher in patients with relapsing-remitting MS respect those with progressive MS, and in patients with lower levels of neurological disability. Asymmetry above the values considered normal in 1RM was present in 20-60% of patients and 56-79% in the MVIC test, depending on the type of MS and tended to be lower in those with less disability. Reference values are given by quartiles for 1RM, MVIC, and asymmetry.

Net contribution and predictive ability of the CUN-BAE body fatness index in relation to cardiometabolic conditions.

BACKGROUND: The CUN-BAE (Clínica Universidad de Navarra-Body adiposity estimator) index is an anthropometric index based on age, sex and body mass index (BMI) for a refined prediction of body fatness in adults. CUN-BAE may help detect metabolically unhealthy individuals with otherwise normal weight according to BMI or waist circumference (WC). The aim of this study was to evaluate whether CUN-BAE, independent of its components (BMI, age and sex), was associated with cardiometabolic conditions including arterial hypertension, diabetes mellitus and metabolic syndrome (MetS). METHODS: The ENRICA study was based on a cross-sectional sample of non-institutionalized men and women representative of the adult Spanish population. Body weight, height, and WC were measured in all participants. The residual of CUN-BAE (rCUN-BAE), i.e. the part of the index not explained by its components, was calculated. The associations of CUN-BAE, rCUN-BAE, BMI and WC with hypertension, diabetes and MetS were analysed by multivariate logistic regression, and the Akaike information criterion (AIC) was calculated. RESULTS: The sample included 12,122 individuals. rCUN-BAE was associated with hypertension (OR 1.14, 95% CI 1.07-1.21) and MetS (OR 1.48, 1.37-1.60), but not with diabetes (OR 1.05, 0.94-1.16). In subjects with a BMI < 25 kg/m2, CUN-BAE was significantly associated with all three outcome variables. CUN-BAE was more strongly associated with the cardiometabolic conditions than BMI and WC and fit similar AICs. CONCLUSIONS: The CUN-BAE index for body fatness was positively associated with hypertension, diabetes and MetS in adults independent of BMI or WC. CUN-BAE may help to identify individuals with cardiometabolic conditions beyond BMI, but this needs to be confirmed in prospective settings.

PGC-1α as a Biomarker of Physical Activity-Protective Effect on Colorectal Cancer.

Colorectal cancer is a significant public health concern. As a multistage and multifactorial disease, environmental and genetic factors interact at each stage of the process, and an individual's lifestyle also plays a relevant role. We set out to review the scientific evidence to study the need to investigate the role of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1 alpha (PGC-1α) gene as a biomarker of the physical activity's (PA) effect on colorectal cancer. PA is a protective factor against colorectal cancer and usually increases the expression of PGC-1α This gene has pleiotropic roles and is the main regulator of mitochondrial functions. The development of colorectal cancer has been associated with mitochondrial dysfunction; in addition, alterations in this organelle are associated with colorectal cancer risk factors, such as obesity, decreased muscle mass, and the aging process. These are affected by PA acting, among other aspects, on insulin sensitivity and oxygen reactive species/redox balance. Therefore, this gene demands special attention in the understanding of its operation in the consensual protective effect of PA in colorectal cancer. A significant amount of indirect evidence points to PGC-1α as a potential biomarker in the PA-protective effect on colorectal cancer. The article focuses on the possible involvement of PGC-1α in the protective role that physical activity has on colorectal cancer. This is an important topic both in relation to advances in prevention of the development of this widespread disease and in its therapeutic treatment. We hope to generate an initial hypothesis for future studies associated with physical activity-related mechanisms that may be involved in the development or prevention of colorectal cancer. PGC-1α is highlighted because it is the main regulator of mitochondrial functions. This organelle, on one hand, is positively stimulated by physical activity; on the other hand, its dysfunction or reduction increases the probability of developing colorectal cancer. Therefore, we consider the compilation of existing information about the possible ways to understand the mechanisms of this gene to be highly relevant. This study is based on evidence of PGC-1α and physical activity, on PGC-1α and colorectal cancer, on colorectal cancer and physical activity/inactivity, and the absence of studies that have sought to relate all of these variables. Cancer Prev Res; 11(9); 523-34. ©2018 AACR.

Alterations in PGC1α expression levels are involved in colorectal cancer risk: a qualitative systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a major global public health problem and the second leading cause of cancer-related death. Mitochondrial dysfunction has long been suspected to be involved in this type of tumorigenesis, as supported by an accumulating body of research evidence. However, little is known about how mitochondrial alterations contribute to tumorigenesis. Mitochondrial biogenesis is a fundamental cellular process required to maintain functional mitochondria and as an adaptive mechanism in response to changing energy requirements. Mitochondrial biogenesis is regulated by peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-α (PPARGC1A or PGC1α). In this paper, we report a systematic review to summarize current evidence on the role of PGC1α in the initiation and progression of CRC. The aim is to provide a basis for more comprehensive research. METHODS: The literature search, data extraction and quality assessment were performed according to the document Guidance on the Conduct of Narrative Synthesis in Systematic Reviews and the PRISMA declaration. RESULTS: The studies included in this review aimed to evaluate whether increased or decreased PGC1α expression affects the development of CRC. Each article proposes a possible molecular mechanism of action and we create two concept maps. CONCLUSION: Our systematic review indicates that altered expression of PGC1α modifies CRC risk. Most studies showed that overexpression of this gene increases CRC risk, while some studies indicated that lower than normal expression levels could increase CRC risk. Thus, various authors propose PGC1α as a good candidate molecular target for cancer therapy. Reducing expression of this gene could help to reduce risk or progression of CRC.

Test-retest reliability of static postural control in people with multiple sclerosis.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to analyse the intraday test-retest reliability of stabilometric measurements on the Centre of Pressure (CoP) in persons with Multiple Sclerosis. [Subjects and Methods] The measurements were taken with the subject standing on the force platform with both feet together, in four different conditions: eyes open and closed whilst standing on both a rigid surface and then on foam. The measurements were taken on three occasions with intervals of 20 minutes between them. 18 persons with confirmed Multiple Sclerosis (MS), (aged 44.4 ± 13.3 years and 3.5 ± 1.5 EDSS) participated in the study. Relative reliability was measured using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and the 95% confidence interval (95% CI); and the absolute reliability using the coefficient of variation (CV) and standard error of measurement (SEM). [Results] The measurements of the CoP in all of the variables in each of the four conditions, showed a reliability of good to excellent (ICC=0.69-0.92) in the intraday test-retest. The variables which showed greatest consistency with repetition were X Speed, Y Speed and Side Length. [Conclusion] Given the results it would seem that the best variables for monitoring postural control in persons with MS are Speed on X and Y along with Side Length.

Effects of high-speed power training on muscle strength and power in patients with multiple sclerosis.

This study examined the effects of a high-speed power training program in peak muscle power and maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) of knee extensors in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (MS). Forty patients, 20 women (age 42.8 +/- 10.3 yr) and 20 men (age 44.0 +/- 8.7 yr) diagnosed with relapsing-remitting MS were randomly assigned, with respect to sex, to either an exercise group or a control group. Participants from the exercise group performed 12 wk of supervised muscle power training of knee extensors. All subjects were tested for MVIC and peak muscle power at baseline and after the training intervention. A strain gauge was used to measure the MVIC, and peak muscle power was assessed with a linear encoder at five relative loads. The training-related effects were assessed using a t-test. The results showed no significant changes in the control group from baseline to postintervention evaluation. In contrast, the exercise group significantly increased MVIC (10.8%; p < 0.05) and muscle power at 40, 50, 60, 70, and 80% of the MVIC by 21.8, 14.5, 17.3, 19.4, and 22.3%, respectively (p < 0.01), after the training. These findings suggest that 12 wk of high-speed power training improve both MVIC and muscle power at five different loads in patients with relapsing-remitting MS.

Effects of a resistance training program and subsequent detraining on muscle strength and muscle power in multiple sclerosis patients.

BACKGROUND: Although resistance training adaptations in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients have been described, the detraining response in this population is largely unknown. OBJECTIVE: [corrected] This study was designed to evaluate the effects of a 12-week detraining period on muscle strength (isometric and endurance) and muscle power of multiple sclerosis (MS) patients that had previously carried out a 12-week resistance training program (RTP). METHODS: Forty-two MS patients were randomly assigned into two groups: an exercise group (EG) that performed a 12-week RTP for the knee extensors muscles; and a control group (CG), that did not perform any specific training. Knee extension maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC), muscle power and muscle endurance were evaluated before and after the RTP, as well as 12 weeks after training completion. A strain gauge was used to measure the maximal voluntary isometric contraction and muscle power was assessed with a linear encoder. Muscle endurance was interpreted as the number of repetitions that a patient could perform in a single set of knee extension exercise. RESULTS: The EG increased MVIC and muscle power after the training period, although the training did not affect muscle endurance. After 12 weeks of detraining, MVIC returned to pre-training values but muscle power was still greater than pre-training values in the EG. The CG did not present any change in the variables measured during the intervention. CONCLUSIONS: A 12-week RTP improved MVIC and muscle power in MS patients. Additionally, 12 weeks of detraining blunted strength training adaptations in MS patients, although muscle power training adaptations were still evident after the detraining period.

Effects of a 4-week eccentric training program on the repeated bout effect in young active women.

The aim of this study was to analyze the responses of women to the repeated bout effect (RBE) and to a short eccentric training program. Twenty-four young females were randomly assigned to a training group (TG, n = 14) or a control group (CG, n = 10). They performed two identical acute eccentric bouts (120 repetitions at 70% of 1RM) in a leg-press device in an 8 weeks interval. TG followed a 4-week-eccentric-training program between the bouts. Maximal isometric contraction, range of motion, peak power and quadriceps muscle soreness were compared between and within groups before and after the two acute eccentric bouts. TG and CG presented significant losses of isometric strength and peak power, and an increment in soreness after the first bout. Isometric strength and peak power were recovered faster in CG after the second bout (p < 0.05) compared with TG, which showed a similar recovery of these parameters after the second bout compared with the first one. A decrease in soreness and a faster recovery of range of motion were found in TG (p < 0.05) following the second bout compared with the first one, but not in CG. Data indicate that a 4-week eccentric training program may prevent the RBE over those adaptations related with muscle damage (e.g. strength loss), but it may increase RBE impact on inflammatory processes (e.g. soreness). Key pointsAn acute bout of eccentric exercise induces losses of strength, peak power and range of motion, and increases muscle soreness in young active women.When the acute eccentric bout is repeated by young women, the losses of strength and power are smaller, indicating less muscle damage. However, muscle pain and range of motion do not present any difference with the results obtained after the first bout, which would indicate that the repeated bout effect does not affect inflammatory response after acute eccentric exercise.Four weeks of eccentric training is enough to increase maximal isometric strength, but not dynamic strength (1RM) or peak power. Furthermore, this training seems to prevent those adaptations provided by the repeated bout effect related with muscle damage. On the other hand, the eccentric training seems to be a positive tool to decrease muscle soreness, and thus the inflammatory response, associated to a repeated acute eccentric bout.

Comparison of technical and physiological characteristics of prepubescent soccer players of different ages.

Although soccer is one of the most widely played sports around the world, studies about young players and the success factors in soccer are still scarce. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to offer some insight into the factors contributing to success in this sport and to describe how physiological and technical performance evolves in young soccer players. Soccer technical skills during match play, maximum voluntary isometric contraction and power of lower limbs, jumping ability and endurance parameters were assessed in 30 prepubescent male soccer players with the same experience in soccer training. Subjects were divided into 2 groups of 15 children, a younger group (YG), aged 9.4 +/- 0.3 years, and an older group (OG), aged 11.8 +/- 0.2 years. Correlations between technical and physiological parameters were also described. Significant difference was set at p < 0.05. Differences between YG and OG appeared in physiological performance, mainly in VO(2)peak expressed in absolute values, VO(2) at different speeds, perceived exertion in treadmill test, jump performance, strength, and peak power of lower limbs. Among the technical skills measured, significant differences were found only in heading. The differences found between groups showed that most physical capacities that were measured here have an important increase during the first stages of puberty, pointing out that a specific training at these ages is necessary to get an appropriate basis for future performance. Besides, over 30% of the technical performance measured in this study can be explained with the physiological parameters. The data shown in this paper help to determine the most important capacities in youth soccer, which can facilitate the development of more appropriate selection models and trainings.