What Are the Physical Demands of Sexual Intercourse? A Systematic Review of the Literature.

The aim of this study was to systematically review the literature investigating the physical demands of sexual intercourse and to synthesize the evidence related to this research topic. Original studies published on PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science up until April 2020 were examined. The Effective Public Health Practice Project scale was used to assess the methodological quality of each study. Eighteen studies analyzed physical demands during sexual intercourse through the physiological demands (n = 14) and kinematics (n = 4) of sexual intercourse. Sexual intercourse can elicit an energy expenditure of ~ 100 kcal (or ~ 6 metabolic equivalent units, METs) during the activity, mean heart rates between ~ 90 and ~ 130 beats per minute (bpm), and peak heart rates up to ~ 170 bpm. However, these physical demands may vary depending on health status, intercourse position, activity duration, intercourse phase, and sex differences. The movement pattern was cyclic in all positions and the greatest demands in lumbar spine flexion were found in the missionary positions for women. Missionary and side-lying positions elicited the greatest lumbar flexion movement in men. Regarding the movement of the hip joint during sexual intercourse, flexion, abduction, and external rotation mainly characterized the woman's movement while external rotation did so in the man. In conclusion, sexual intercourse may elicit moderate intensity physical demands, but these demands vary depending on contextual variables. In addition, not only studies combining physiological and kinematic analyses are necessary but also more high-quality studies need to be published in order to have a better understanding of the physical demands of sexual intercourse.

Morphological and Physical Fitness Profile of Young Female Sprint Kayakers.

López-Plaza, D, Alacid, F, Rubio, JÁ, López-Miñarro, PÁ, Muyor, JM, and Manonelles, P. Morphological and physical fitness profile of young female sprint kayakers. J Strength Cond Res 33(7): 1963-1970, 2019-Traditionally, physical and anthropometrical profiles of the most successful kayak athletes have been identified in male kayakers. This study attempted to identify the differences in morphology and fitness level of 2 performance-based groups of young elite female paddlers. Eighty-six female kayakers, aged 13.62 ± 0.57 years (mean ± SD), were allocated in 2 groups (Top-10 and Rest) depending on their ranking in the 3 Olympic distances (200, 500, and 1,000 m). All subjects underwent a battery of anthropometrical (heights, mass, girths, and sum of skinfolds), physical fitness (overhead medicine ball throw, countermovement jump, sit-and-reach test, and 20-m multistage shuttle run test), and specific performance assessments (200, 500, and 1,000 m). Best paddlers presented significantly greater anthropometrical values in muscle mass percentage, maturity status, and chronological age (p ≤ 0.05), whereas physical fitness comparison only revealed significant differences in countermovement jump (p ≤ 0.05). Furthermore, aerobic power and muscle mass percentage seem to be crucial in achieving optimal performances at long (1,000 m) and short duration races (200 and 500 m). These findings confirm the importance of a larger and compact morphology, as well as superior fitness level, for success in female kayakers. The current results not only identify the weak areas on body composition and physical fitness depending on the maturity status but also the development of specific training programs for females.

The effects of a reformer Pilates program on body composition and morphological characteristics in active women after a detraining period.

The aim of this quasi-experimental pilot study was to explore the effects of a reformer Pilates program on the anthropometry, body composition, and somatotype of active adult women after a short non-exercise period. Twenty-eight women (mean age: 40.21 ± standard deviation of 8.12 years old) with one to three years of reformer Pilates experience participated in the study. The women participated in a reformer Pilates program for 16 weeks (one hour, twice per week) after 4 weeks of detraining (summer holidays) in 2012. The International Society for the Advancement of Kinanthropometry full profile was assessed before and after the intervention program. Significant decreases (p ≤ 0.05) from pre- to post-program were observed for triceps, iliac crest, supraspinale, abdominal, front thigh and medial calf skinfold thicknesses, six and eight skinfold thickness sums, forearm and ankle girths, waist/hip ratio, endomorphy, and fat mass. Significant increases (p ≤ .05) were observed for corrected arm, corrected calf girths, and muscle mass. Generally, women showed a mesomorphic endomorph (endomorphy predominant) and mesomorph-endomorph (endomorphy and mesomorphy predominant) in the pre- and posttests, respectively. In conclusion, the practice of reformer Pilates was associated with healthy changes in anthropometric parameters, body composition, and somatotype in Pilates-experienced women after 4 weeks of no physical exercise.

Criterion-related validity of sit-and-reach and toe-touch tests as a measure of hamstring extensibility in athletes.

The aims of this study were (a) to determine and compare the concurrent hamstring criterion-related validity of the sit-and-reach (SR) and toe-touch (TT) tests in different athletes (tennis players, kayakers, canoeists, and cyclists); (b) to determine the criterion-related validity of the pelvic tilt assessed by the Spinal Mouse system as a measure of hamstring flexibility in athletes; and (c) to evaluate the influence of spinal posture, pelvic tilt, and hamstring muscle flexibility in the SR and TT scores. Twenty-four tennis players, 30 canoeists, 43 kayakers, and 44 cyclists were recruited. Passive straight leg raise (PSLR), SR, and TT tests were randomly performed. Spinal curvatures and pelvic tilt were evaluated with a Spinal Mouse system when the maximal trunk flexion was achieved in the SR and TT tests. Tennis players and cyclists showed moderate correlations between PSLR with respect to SR (ß = 0.78 and ß = 0.76, respectively) and TT (ß = 0.77 and ß = 0.74, respectively). Correlations were slightly lower in canoeists (SR, ß = 0.64; TT, ß = 0.75). Kayakers showed the lowest correlation values (SR, ß = 0.53; TT, ß = 0.57). Correlation values between PSLR and pelvic tilt angle in both the SR and TT tests were ß < 0.70 in all the groups of athletes. Stepwise multiple regression analysis showed a high variance explained from pelvic tilt and lumbar spine in the SR score. In conclusion, the SR and TT tests can be appropriate measures to determine spine flexibility and pelvic tilt range of motion but not to evaluate the hamstring muscle flexibility in tennis players, canoeists, kayakers, and cyclists.

The relationship between hamstring muscle extensibility and spinal postures varies with the degree of knee extension.

The aim was to determine the relationship between hamstring muscle extensibility and sagittal spinal curvatures and pelvic tilt in cyclists while adopting several postures. A total of 75 male cyclists were recruited for this study (34.79 ± 9.46 years). Thoracic and lumbar spine and pelvic tilt were randomly measured using a Spinal Mouse. Hamstring muscle extensibility was determined in both legs by a passive knee extension test. Low relationships were found between hamstring muscle extensibility and spinal parameters (thoracic and lumbar curvature, and pelvic tilt) in standing, slumped sitting, and on the bicycle (r = .19; P > .05). Significant but low relationships were found in maximal trunk flexion with knees flexed (r = .29; P < .05). In addition, in the sit-and-reach test, low and statistically significant relationships were found between hamstring muscle extensibility for thoracic spine (r = -.23; P = .01) and (r = .37; P = .001) for pelvic tilt. In conclusion, hamstring muscle extensibility has a significant relationship in maximal trunk flexion postures with knees flexed and extended, but there are no relationships while standing or on the bicycle postures.

Sagittal spinal morphology in highly trained adolescent tennis players.

Sports with a predominance of forward-bending and extension postures have been associated with alterations in the sagittal spinal curvatures and greater risk of spinal injury. Because, the tennis players adopt these postures, the aims of this study were: 1) to describe spinal curvatures and pelvic tilt in male and female highly trained adolescent tennis players during relaxed standing posture and with thoracic spine corrected (in prone lying on the floor); and 2) to determine the frequency of thoracic hyperkyphosis and lumbar hypo/hyper lordosis in these postures. Forty adolescent tennis players (24 male and 16 female) aged 13-18 years, participated voluntarily in this study. The Spinal Mouse system was used to measure sagittal spinal curvatures and pelvic tilt. The mean values in the relaxed standing posture were 43.83° ± 7.87° (thoracic kyphosis), - 27.58° ± 7.01° (lumbar lordosis), and 13.38° ± 5.57° (pelvic tilt) for male tennis players, respectively; and 36.13° ± 6.69° (thoracic kyphosis), - 32.69° ± 5.06° (lumbar lordosis), 20.94° ± 5.36° (pelvic tilt) for female tennis players (p < 0.05 between genders in all spinal parameters). The male and female tennis players showed a frequency of 62.5% and 93.8% (p = 0.032) for neutral thoracic kyphosis, and 83.3% and 93.8% (p = 0.062) in neutral lumbar lordosis, respectively. In conclusion, due to the high percentage of neutral spinal curvatures in both male and female tennis players, to practice tennis in these levels does not alter sagittal spinal morphology in the relaxed standing posture in adolescent highly trained tennis players. Key PointsThis study evaluated thoracic and lumbar spinal curvatures and pelvic tilt during several postures in young highly trained tennis players.Female tennis players showed statistically significant greater anterior pelvic tilt, lumbar lordosis and lower thoracic kyphosis than male tennis players.The high percentage of neutral thoracic kyphosis and lumbar lordosis posture in both groups of young tennis players in relaxed standing might affirm that tennis does not negatively affect sagittal spinal posture at these ages.A specific postural program could be recommended to improve the slumped sitting and maximal trunk flexion in knees extended postures.

Spinal posture of thoracic and lumbar spine and pelvic tilt in highly trained cyclists.

The aim of this study was to evaluate sagittal thoracic and lumbar spinal curvatures and pelvic tilt in elite and master cyclists when standing on the floor, and sitting on a bicycle at three different handlebar-hand positions. A total of 60 elite male cyclists (mean age: 22.95 ± 3.38 years) and 60 master male cyclists (mean age: 34.27 ± 3.05 years) were evaluated. The Spinal Mouse system was used to measure sagittal thoracic and lumbar curvature in standing on the floor and sitting positions on the bicycle at three different handlebar-hand positions (high, medium, and low). The mean values for thoracic and lumbar curvatures and pelvic tilt in the standing position on the floor were 48.17 ± 8.05°, -27.32 ± 7.23°, and 13.65 ± 5.54°, respectively, for elite cyclists and 47.02 ± 9.24°, -25.30 ± 6.29°, and 11.25 ± 5.17° for master cyclists. A high frequency of thoracic hyperkyphosis in the standing position was observed (58.3% in elite cyclists and 53.3% in master cyclists), whereas predominately neutral values were found in the lumbar spine (88.3% and 76.7% in elite and master cyclists, respectively). When sitting on the bicycle, the thoracic curve was at a lower angle in the three handlebar-hand positions with respect to the standing position on the floor in both groups (p < 0.01). The lumbar curve adopted a kyphotic posture. In conclusion, cyclists present a high percentage of thoracic hyperkyphotic postures in standing positions on the floor. However, thoracic hyperkyphosis is not directly related to positions adopted on the bicycle. Key pointsThis study evaluated thoracic and lumbar spinal curvatures and pelvic tilt in elite and master cyclists while standing and sitting on the bicycle.Elite and master cyclists showed a high frequency of thoracic hyperkyphosis and neutral lumbar lordosis in standing.Cyclists adopted a significantly lower thoracic kyphosis on the bicycle at the three handlebar positions analysed (upper, middle and lower handlebars) than in standing posture. The lumbar spine showed a kyphotic posture.The high percentage of standing thoracic hyperkyphosis in both groups of cyclists may be related to factors other than the specific posture adopted while cycling. Lumbar kyphosis on the bicycle may not affect the sagittal configuration of the lumbar spine in standing.

Hamstring muscle extensibility influences the criterion-related validity of sit-and-reach and toe-touch tests.

The aim of this study was to analyze the influence of hamstring muscle extensibility on the hamstring criterion-related validity of the sit-and-reach (SR) and toe-touch (TT) tests. Two hundred forty young adults (mean age: 22.9 +/- 3.6 years) participated in this study. Three trials of straight leg raise (SLR) (left and right), SR, and TT tests were performed in a random order. The subjects were dichotomized into group A (subjects with an SLR angle < 75 degrees ) or group B (subjects with an SLR angle >/= 75 degrees ). The correlation values between SLR angle and SR and TT scores were calculated and compared between both groups. Group B elicited higher mean SR and TT scores than group A (p < 0.001). Group A showed low associations between SLR with respect to the SR (r = 0.31-0.41) and TT (r = 0.28-0.40) tests. Group B showed moderate values for both SR (r = 0.55) and TT (r = 0.60-0.61) tests. The hamstring criterion-related validity of the SR and TT tests is influenced by hamstring muscle extensibility. From the results of this investigation, we find that the SR and TT tests are not valid measures of hamstring extensibility for subjects with reduced hamstring muscle extensibility.

Hamstring extensibility differences among elite adolescent and young dancers of different dance styles and non-dancers.

BACKGROUND: Hamstrings have been analyzed extensively due to their tendency to shorten and their effect in the lumbo-pelvic dynamics and the sagittal position of the spine in trunk flexion with extended knees positions. It has been demonstrated that practicing a certain sport results in long-term changes in hamstring extensibility. Despite this, adequate extensibility of the hamstring musculature is essential for the dancer's performance. Several studies have found differences in the extensibility of the hamstrings depending on the dance style, but none have compared ballet, Spanish dance and modern dance. The purpose of the present research was to analyze the differences in hamstring extensibility among professional dance students based on dance style practiced and non-dancers. METHODS: The sample was comprised of 210 students from the Professional Dance Conservatory (70 for ballet, 70 for Spanish dance and 70 for modern dance) and 70 non-dancers. For the assessment of hamstring extensibility, the angle in the passive and active straight leg raise (PSLR and ASLR, respectively) test, and the scores of the pelvic tilt in sit-and-reach (SR) test and the toe-touch (TT) test were randomly conducted. RESULTS: The results showed significant differences for all the tests according to group (p < 0.001). In the PSLR and ASLR test, for both legs, and in the pelvic tilt in the SR test, the ballet dancers showed greater ranges of hamstring extensibility than the modern dancers and Spanish dancers (p ≤ 0.001). In the distance in the SR test and in the pelvic tilt in the TT test, the ballet dancers obtained higher values than the Spanish dancers (p = 0.004 and p = 0.003, respectively). The modern dancers showed higher ranges of hip flexion than the Spanish dancers in the ASLR test for both legs and in the pelvic tilt in the SR test (p from 0.007 to <0.001). Dancers showed significantly higher hamstring extensibility than non-dancers in all the tests (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The systematic practice of dance, regardless of the style, seems to lead to high ranges of hamstring extensibility. Ballet dancers have the greatest hamstring extensibility.

A comparison of the sit-and-reach test and the back-saver sit-and-reach test in university students.

This study compares the forward reach score, spine and pelvis postures, and hamstring criterion-related validity (concurrent validity) between the sit-and-reach test (SR) and the back-saver sit-and-reach test (BS). Seventy-six men (mean age ± SD: 23.45 ± 3.96 years) and 67 women (mean age ± SD: 23.85 ± 5.36 years) were asked to perform three trials of SR, BS left (BSl), right (BSr), and passive straight leg raise (PSLR) right and left (hamstring criterion measure) in a randomized order. The thoracic, lumbar, and pelvis angles (measured with a Uni-level inclinometer) and forward reach scores were recorded once the subjects reached forward as far as possible without flexing the knees. A repeated measure ANOVA was performed followed by Bonferroni's post hoc test. Pearson correlation coefficients were used to define the relationships between SR and BS scores with respect to PSLR. In both men and women, the thoracic angle in BS was significantly greater than in SR (p<0.016). However, no significant differences were found between the tests in lumbar angle, pelvic angle, and forward reach scores. The concurrent validity of the forward reach score as a measure of hamstring extensibility was moderate in women (0.66 0. 76) and weak to moderate in men (0.51 0.59). The concurrent validity was slightly higher in SR than in BS, although no significant differences between the correlation values were observed. There were significant differences in the thoracic angle between the SR and BS, but not in the forward reach score. There was no difference in concurrent validity between the two tests. However, the traditional SR was preferred because it reached better concurrent validity than the BS. Key pointsPrevious studies have analyzed the validity of sit-and-reach and back-saver sit-and-reach tests as criterion measures of hamstring muscle extensibility. The differences in the position of lower limbs between both the tests could influence the spinal and pelvic angles and forward reach score.Forward reach scores, lumbar and pelvic angles showed no significant differences between the tests, while lower thoracic angle was found in the sit-and-reach. However relatively large changes in thoracic angle were required to be confident true difference had occurred.The sit-and-reach test is the preferred test over the back-saver sit-and-reach as measure of hamstring muscle extensibility. The concurrent validity of sit-and-reach and back-saver sit-and-reach in men is compromised, and hence, other tests should be considered to evaluate the hamstring extensibility.

[Not Available]. / Características cineantropométricas de los jugadores de béisbol de élite.

Introducción: a pesar de que las características antropométricas es uno de los métodos utilizados dentro de la selección de talentos deportivos, son pocos los estudios que han analizado el perfil morfológico del jugador de béisbol de élite.Objetivo: analizar el perfil antropométrico de los jugadores de béisbol de élite nacional de forma global y según el puesto ocupado.Material y métodos: Doscientos diecisiete jugadores de béisbol masculino (edad: 23,87 ± 5,32 años) de la División de Honor española participaron en el presente estudio. A todos ellos se les clasificó según su posición de juego y se les realizó una valoración antropométrica. Posteriormente se calculó su somatotipo, composición corporal, índice de masa corporal (IMC) y sumatorio de seis pliegues.Resultados: los jugadores no mostraron diferencias significativas en función de su posición en el campo en la talla, el peso, los pliegues tríceps, subescapular, bíceps, supraespinal, abdominal y pierna, ni en el sumatorio de seis pliegues o el diámetro biestiloideo. Sí que se encontrarondiferencias significativas en el pliegue del muslo, perímetros del brazo contraído y pierna y diámetros biepicondíleo del húmero y fémur. Tampoco se hallaron diferencias significativas en el IMC, la composición corporal o el somatotipo. Los valores de endomorfia fueron altos, los de mesomorfia altos o medio-altos y los de ectomorfia bajos, siendo la clasificación del somatotipo mesoendomorfo o endomorfo-mesomorfo según la posición de juego.Conclusión: existe una gran homogeneidad en el perfil antropométrico de los jugadores de béisbol según su posición de juego, diferenciándose únicamente en algunas variables antropométricas como perímetros y diámetros.

Evolución de la percepción y distorsión de la imagen corporal con la práctica de Pilates en suelo y con aparatos en mujeres adultas / Evolution of body image perception and distorsion with mat and apparatus Pilates practice in adult women

INTRODUCCIÓN: la práctica sistemática de ejercicio físico podría influir en la percepción y distorsión de la imagen corporal de mujeres adultas. OBJETIVO: analizar la evolución de la percepción y la distorsión de la imagen corporal en mujeres adultas que realizan una práctica sistemática de Pilates en suelo (PS) o Pilates con aparatos (PA). METODOLOGÍA: un total de 35 mujeres adultas participaron en un programa de PS (n = 19) o PA (n = 26) durante 16 semanas, dos días por semana. La imagen corporal se valoró antes y después de las intervenciones con el cuestionario "Inventario de la conducta alimentaria 3" (EDI-3), la escala de evaluación de la imagen corporal de Gardner y la escala de siluetas de Thompson y Gray. RESULTADOS: el grupo de PS mostró una reducción significativa de la insatisfacción con los glúteos, la insatisfacción con la imagen corporal, la imagen percibida, el índice de distorsión, el índice de insatisfacción, la imagen mental percibida, la imagen afectiva percibida, el índice de insatisfacción cognitiva y el índice de insatisfacción afectiva (p < 0,05; TE: 0,26-0,80). En relación con el grupo de PA se encontró una disminución significativa de la insatisfacción con los muslos, la insatisfacción con las caderas, la insatisfacción con la imagen corporal, el índice de insatisfacción, el índice de insatisfacción cognitiva y el índice de insatisfacción afectiva (p < 0,05; 0,22-0,79). CONCLUSIONES: la práctica sistemática de PS o PA mejora la imagen corporal en mujeres adultas, reduciéndose el grado de insatisfacción corporal de las mismas

INTRODUCTION: the systematic practice of physical exercise may influence the perception and distortion of body image in adult women. OBJECTIVE: to analyze the evolution of body image perception and distortion in adult women who performed a systematic practice of mat Pilates (PM) or Pilates with apparatus (PA). METHODS: a total of 35 adult women participated in a PM (n = 19) or PA (n = 26) program for 16 weeks, two days a week. Body image was assessed before and after the interventions using the Eating Behavior Inventory 3 (EBI-3), Gardner's body image assessment scale, and Thompson and Gray's silhouette scale questionnaires. RESULTS: the PM group showed a significant reduction in dissatisfaction with buttocks, dissatisfaction with body image, perceived image, distortion index, dissatisfaction index, perceived mental image, perceived affective image, cognitive dissatisfaction index, and affective dissatisfaction index (p < 0.05; ES: 0.26-0.80). As compared to the PA group, a significant reduction was shown in dissatisfaction with thighs, dissatisfaction with hips, dissatisfaction with body image, dissatisfaction index, cognitive dissatisfaction index, and affective dissatisfaction index (p < 0.05; 0.22-0.79). CONCLUSION: the systematic practice of PM or PA improves body image in adult women, reducing their body dissatisfaction

[THE EFFECTS OF THE PILATES METHOD ON HAMSTRING EXTENSIBILITY, PELVIC TILT AND TRUNK FLEXION]. / EFECTOS DEL MÉTODO PILATES SOBRE LA EXTENSIBILIDAD ISQUIOSURAL, LA INCLINACIÓN PÉLVICA Y LA FLEXIÓN DEL TRONCO.

INTRODUCTION: Pilates includes a high volume of hamstring stretching and maximal trunk flexion with knees extended exercises. OBJECTIVE: to perform a systematic review about Pilates practice effects and a detraining period on hamstring extensibility, pelvic tilt and trunk flexion in maximal trunk flexion with knees extended. METHOD: it was analysed all the experimental or quasi-experimental designs written in English, Spanish or Portuguese and included in the following databases: Pubmed, Sports Discus, ISI Web of Knowledge, Dialnet and Research Gate. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: twenty-one papers were analysed. Most of them used a pre-test-post-test design with control group. The intervention programs applied were heterogeneous. Samples were composed mainly of women, both young and old. It was found that the Pilates practice, with different volume, significantly increased hamstring muscle extensibility and pelvic tilt in maximal trunk flexion. At least three training sessions peer week during six weeks were necessary in order to obtain a high trunk inclination. Studies which involved athletes showed contradictory results. By inducing a detraining period it was noticed a decrease in hamstring extensibility and trunk flexion from the second week. CONCLUSIONS: there is a moderate evidence that Pilates is an effective method to increase hamstring extensibility, pelvic tilt and the degree of trunk flexion in maximal flexion positions in sedentary and recreational active people and also to increase hamstring extensibility in athletes.

Introducción: el Pilates engloba un gran volumen de ejercicios de estiramiento de la musculatura isquiosural y de flexión máxima del tronco con rodillas extendidas. Objetivo: realizar una revisión sistemática sobre los efectos de la práctica de Pilates y de un período de desentrenamiento sobre la flexibilidad isquiosural, la inclinación pélvica y la flexión del tronco en flexión máxima del tronco con rodillas extendidas. Metodología: se analizaron todos los diseños experimentales o cuasi-experimentales redactados en inglés, español o portugués incluidos en las siguientes bases de datos: Pubmed, Sports Discus, ISI Web of Knowledge, Dialnet y Research Gate. Resultados y discusión: fueron analizados veintiún artículos. La mayoría utilizaron un diseño de pre-testpost- test con grupo control, siendo heterogéneos los programas de intervención aplicados. La muestra estaba compuesta principalmente por mujeres, jóvenes y mayores. Se encontró que la práctica de Pilates, con diferente volumen, incrementaba significativamente la extensibilidad isquiosural y la inclinación pélvica en flexión máxima del tronco. Para obtener una mayor inclinación del tronco fueron necesarios, al menos, tres días de entrenamiento semanal durante seis semanas. En los estudios que incluyen poblaciones de deportistas los resultados son contradictorios. Con el desentrenamiento se produce una disminución de la extensibilidad isquiosural y la flexión del tronco a partir de la segunda semana. Conclusiones: existen moderadas evidencias de que el Pilates es efectivo para aumentar la extensibilidad isquiosural, la inclinación pélvica y el grado de flexión del ronco en posiciones de flexión máxima en poblaciones sedentarias y activas recreacionales, así como para incrementar la flexibilidad isquiosural en deportistas.

Kinematic Variables Evolution During a 200-m Maximum Test in Young Paddlers.

The objective of this research was to determine the kinematic variables evolution in a sprint canoeing maximal test over 200 m, comparing women and men kayak paddlers and men canoeists. Speed evolution, cycle frequency, cycle length and cycle index were analysed each 50 m section in fifty-two young paddlers (20 male kayakers, 17 female kayakers and 15 male canoeists; 13-14 years-old). Recordings were taken from a boat which followed each paddler trial in order to measure the variables cited above. Kinematic evolution was similar in the three categories, the speed and cycle index decreased through the test after the first 50 m. Significant differences were observed among most of the sections in speed and the cycle index (p<0.05 and <0.01, respectively). Cycle length remained stable showing the lowest values in the first section when compared with the others (p<0.01). Cycle frequency progressively decreased along the distance. Significant differences were identified in the majority of the sections (p<0.01). Men kayakers attained higher values in all the variables than women kayakers and men canoeists, but only such variables as speed, cycle length and cycle index were observed to be significantly higher (p<0.01). Moreover, lower kinematic values were obtained from men canoeists. The study of the evolution of kinematic variables can provide valuable information for athletes and coaches while planning training sessions and competitions.

Relación entre los parámetros antropométricos y la adhesión a la dieta mediterránea en jóvenes piragüistas hombres de élite

El objetivo del presente estudio fue analizar la adhesión a la dieta mediterránea y su relación con las variables antropométricas en piragüistas cadetes de élite. Para ello, 110 piragüistas varones de categoría cadete (media de edad: 15,51 ±0,66 años y IMC medio: 22,66 ± 2,03 kg·m-2) fueron valorados antropométricamente siguiendo las indicaciones de la International Society for the Advancement of Kinanthropometry. También se analizó su adherencia a la dieta mediterránea mediante la autocomplementación del cuestionario KIDMED. Se encontró que seis piragüistas tuvieron una baja adhesión a la dieta mediterránea; 31, una mediana, y 73, una excelente. Al dividir a los piragüistas en función de su adhesión a la dieta mediterránea, se hallaron valores similares en las variables antropométricas, el índice de masa corporal, el somatotipo y los porcentajes de composición corporal. En general, los piragüistas mostraron un consumo adecuado de cereales, aceite de oliva, productos lácteos en el desayuno, bollería industrial, dulces, golosinas y comida rápida. No obstante, ingerían menos fruta, verdura, pescado, legumbres, yogures, queso y frutos secos de lo recomendado. En conclusión, no se encontró una relación clara entre los parámetros antropométricos y el grado de adhesión del deportista a la dieta mediterránea en piragüistas varones cadetes de élite. Además, la mayoría de los participantes mostraron una adhesión media o excelente a la dieta mediterránea.

The present study aimed to analyze Mediterranean diet adherence and its relationship with anthropometric variables in young elite paddlers. One hundred and ten young male paddlers (mean age: 15.51 ±0.66 years old and mean BMI: 22.35 ± 1.66 kg·m-2) were measured according to International Society for the Advancement of Kinanthropometry guidelines. Mediterranean diet adherence was analyzed using the KIDMED questionnaire. Most of the paddlers presented an excellent adherence to the Mediterranean diet (n=73); meanwhile, 31 showed a medium and six a low adherence. Anthropometric variables, body mass index, somatotype and body composition percentages showed similar values when the paddlers were divided based on their adherence to the Mediterranean diet. Paddlers showed an adequate consumption of cereals, olive oil, dairy products for breakfast, processed baked goods, candy sweets, and fast food. The consumption of fruits, vegetables, fish, legumes, yogurt, cheese, and nuts was lower than recommended. In conclusion, the present study showed that there is not a clear relationship between anthropometric parameters and the Mediterranean diet adherence among young elite male paddlers. Furthermore, most paddlers showed an excellent or medium adherence to the Mediterranean diet.

O objetivo do presente estudo foi analisar a aderência à dieta mediterrânea e sua relação com as variáveis antropométricas em canoístas cadete de elite. Para isso, 110 canoístas categoria cadete do sexo masculino (idade média de 15,51 ± 0,66 anos e IMC médio: 22,66 ± 2,03 kg m-2) foram avaliados antropométricamente seguindo as indicações da International Society for the Advancement of Kinanthropometry. Também se analisou sua adherencia à dieta mediterránea mediante a autocomplementación do questionario KIDMED. Encontrou-se que seis canoístas tinham baixa adesão à dieta mediterrânea; 31, mediana e 73, excelente. Ao dividir canoístas com base em sua adesão à dieta mediterrânea, valores semelhantes foram encontrados em variáveis antropométricas, índice de massa corporal, somatotipo e percentuais da composição corporal. . Em general, os canoístas mostraram um consumo adequado de cereais, azeite de oliva, produtos lácteos no café da manhã, produtos de padaría, doces, balas e comida rápida. No entanto, eles comiam menos frutas, legumes, peixe, legumes, iogurte, queijo e frutos secos que eram recomendados. Em conclusão, não se encontrou uma relação clara entre os parâmetros antropométricos e o grau de adesão do desportista à dieta mediterránea entre os canoístas cadetes de elite do sexo masculino. Ademais, a maioria dos participantes mostraram uma adesão média ou excelente à dieta mediterránea.

Effect of stretching program in an industrial workplace on hamstring flexibility and sagittal spinal posture of adult women workers: a randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the effect of a stretching program performed in the workplace on the hamstring muscle extensibility and sagittal spinal posture of adult women. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Fifty-eight adult women volunteers (mean age of 44.23 ± 8.87 years) from a private fruit and vegetable company were randomly assigned to experimental (n=27) or control (n=31) groups. The experimental group performed three exercises of hamstrings stretching of 20 seconds per exercise, three sessions a week for a period of 12 weeks. The control group did not participate in any hamstring stretching program. Hamstring flexibility was evaluated through the passive straight leg raise test and toe-touch test, performed both before and after the stretching program. Thoracic and lumbar curvatures and pelvic inclination were measured in relaxed standing and toe-touch test with a Spinal Mouse. RESULTS: Significant increases (p < 0.01) in toe-touch score and straight leg raise angle (in both legs) were found in the experimental group during post-test, while the control group showed a non-significant decrease for both toe-touch score and straight leg raise test. A significant decrease in thoracic curve and significant increase in pelvic inclination were found in the toe-touch test for the experimental group (p <0.05). However, no significant changes were found in standing posture for any group. CONCLUSIONS: Hamstring stretching exercises performed in the working place are effective for increasing hamstring muscle extensibility. This increase generates a more aligned thoracic curve and more anterior pelvic inclination when maximal trunk flexion is performed.

Acute effects of hamstring stretching on sagittal spinal curvatures and pelvic tilt.

The aim of this study was to determine acute effects of hamstring stretching in thoracic and lumbar spinal curvatures and pelvic tilt. Fifty-five adults (29.24 ± 7.41 years) were recruited for this study. Subjects performed a hamstring stretching protocol consisting of four exercises. The session consisted of 3 sets of each exercise and subjects held the position for 20 seconds with a 30-second rest period between sets and exercises. Thoracic and lumbar spinal angles and pelvic tilt were measured with a SpinalMouse in relaxed standing, sit-and-reach test and Macrae & Wright position. Hamstring extensibility was determined by active straight leg raise test and sit-and-reach score. All measures were performed before and immediately after the hamstring stretching protocol. Active straight leg raise angle and sitand-reach score significantly improved immediately after the stretching protocol (p<0.001). Greater anterior pelvic tilt (p<0.001) and lumbar flexion (p<0.05) and a smaller thoracic kyphosis in the sit-and-reach (p<0.001) were found after the stretching protocol. However, stretching produced no significant change on spinal curvatures or pelvic tilt in standing and maximal trunk flexion with knees flexed. In conclusion, static stretching of the hamstring is associated to an immediate change in the sagittal spinal curvatures and pelvic position when performing trunk flexion with knees extended, so that allowing for greater lumbar flexion and anterior pelvic tilt and lower thoracic kyphosis. Hamstring stretching is recommended prior to sport activities involving trunk flexion with the knees straight.

The Influence of Different Hand Paddle Size on 100-m Front Crawl Kinematics.

The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of different sizes of hand paddles on kinematic parameters during a 100 m freestyle swimming performance in elite swimmers. Nine elite swimmers (19.1 ± 1.9 years) completed three tests of 100 m without paddles, with small paddles (271.27 cm(2)) and with large paddles (332.67 cm(2)), respectively. One video camera was used to record the performance during the three trials. The mean swimming velocity, stroke rate and stroke length were measured in the central 10 meters of each 50 m length. The results showed that stroke length tended to increase significantly when wearing hand paddles (p < 0.05) during both the first and second 50 m sections whereas the increase in swimming velocity occurred only in the second 50 m (p < 0.05). Conversely, the stroke rate showed a slight decreasing trend with increasing paddle size. During the 100 m freestyle trial the stroke kinematics were changed significantly as a result of the increase in propelling surface size when hand paddles were worn.

Influence of hamstring muscles extensibility on spinal curvatures and pelvic tilt in highly trained cyclists.

The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of hamstring muscles extensibility in standing, maximal trunk flexion with knees extended and on the bicycle in lower handlebar-hands position of highly trained cyclists. Ninety-six cyclists were recruited for the study (mean ± SD, age: 30.36 ± 5.98 years). Sagittal spinal curvatures and pelvic tilt were measured in the standing position, maximal trunk flexion with knees extended (sit-and-reach test) and while sitting on a bicycle in lower handlebar-hand position using a Spinal Mouse system. Hamstring muscles extensibility was determined in both legs by passive straight leg raise test (PSLR). The sample was divided into three groups according to PSLR angle: (1) reduced extensibility (PSLR < 80º; n = 30), (2) moderate hamstring extensibility group (PSLR = 80º - 90º; n = 35), and (3) high hamstring extensibility (PSLR = > 90º; n = 31). ANOVA analysis showed significant differences among groups for thoracic (p < 0.001) and pelvic tilt (p < 0.001) angles in the sit-and-reach test. No differences were found between groups for standing and on the bicycle position. Post hoc analysis showed significant differences in all pairwise comparisons for thoracic angle (p < 0.01) and pelvic angle (p < 0.001) in the sit-and-reach test. No differences were found in lumbar angle in any posture. In conclusion, the hamstring muscles extensibility influence the thoracic and pelvic postures when maximal trunk flexion with knees extended is performed, but not when cyclists are seated on their bicycles.

Sagittal spinal and pelvic postures of highly-trained young canoeists.

The objective of this study was to determine the sagittal spinal curvatures and pelvic position in standing and kneeling in the canoe in young canoeists. Forty-four young highly-trained canoeists (mean age: 15.11 ± 0.61 years) were recruited. Thoracic and lumbar curvatures and pelvic inclination were evaluated with a Spinal Mouse system in standing position and in the base position (kneeling on one knee in the canoe) and catch phase of the stroke. The mean thoracic kyphosis, lumbar lordosis and pelvic inclination in standing were 44.66 ± 8.80º, -30.34 ± 8.31º, and 14.20 ± 7.32º, respectively. In the canoe, the thoracic, lumbar and pelvic angles were 39.66 ± 9.52º, -24.32 ± 6.79º, and 15.18 ± 4.34º, respectively, for the base position (p<0.001 with respect to standing, except for pelvic inclination), and 28.93 ± 10.45º, -13.45 ± 10.60º, and 37.61 ± 6.27º, respectively, for the catch phase of the stroke (p<0.001 with respect to standing and base position). A higher percentage of hyperkyphotic postures in standing than in the canoe was found, while thoracic hypokyphosis increased in the catch phase of the stroke. In regards to the lumbar curve, the percentage of hypolordosis postures in the base position was higher than when standing. Lumbar kyphotic postures were detected in the catch phase of the stroke. In conclusion, the standing thoracic hyperkyphosis in young canoeists may be related to factors other than the posture and movement in the canoe. The canoeists adopted a lumbar flexed posture at the catch phase of the stroke, although this position may not affect the sagittal configuration of lumbar spine in standing. Postural training should be included in the training program of canoeists to improve the thoracic posture in the standing position.