Prenatal Amphetamine-Induced Dopaminergic Alteration in a Gender- and Estrogen-Dependent Manner.

Prenatal exposure to amphetamine induces changes in dopamine receptors in mesolimbic areas and alters locomotor response to amphetamine during adulthood. Sex differences have been reported in amphetamine-induced brain activity and stress sensitivity. We evaluated the effects of prenatal amphetamine exposure on locomotor activity, dopamine receptors and tyrosine hydroxylase mRNA expression in nucleus accumbens and caudate-putamen in response to amphetamine challenge in adult female and male rats. The role of estrogen in the response to restraint stress was analyzed in ovariectomized, prenatally amphetamine-exposed rats. Pregnant rats were treated with D-amphetamine during days 15-21 of gestation. Nucleus accumbens and caudate-putamen were processed for mRNA determination by real-time PCR. In nucleus accumbens, higher mRNA dopamine (D3) receptor expression was found in basal and D-amphetamine-challenge conditions in female than male, and prenatal amphetamine increased the difference. No sex differences were observed in caudate-putamen. Basal saline-treated females showed higher locomotor activity than males. Amphetamine challenge in prenatally amphetamine-exposed rats increased locomotor activity in males and reduced it in females. In nucleus accumbens, estrogen diminished mRNA D1, D2 and D3 receptor expression in basal, and D1 and D3 in ovariectomized stressed rats. Estrogen prevented the increase in tyrosine hydroxylase expression induced by stress in ovariectomized prenatally exposed rats. In conclusion, estrogen modulates mRNA levels of D1, D2 and D3 receptors and tyrosine hydroxylase expression in nucleus accumbens; prenatal amphetamine-exposure effects on D3 receptors and behavioral responses were gender dependent.

Absolute reliability of hamstring to quadriceps strength imbalance ratios calculated using peak torque, joint angle-specific torque and joint ROM-specific torque values.

The main purpose of this study was to determine the absolute reliability of conventional (H/Q(CONV)) and functional (H/Q(FUNC)) hamstring to quadriceps strength imbalance ratios calculated using peak torque values, 3 different joint angle-specific torque values (10°, 20° and 30° of knee flexion) and 4 different joint ROM-specific average torque values (0-10°, 11-20°, 21-30° and 0-30° of knee flexion) adopting a prone position in recreational athletes. A total of 50 recreational athletes completed the study. H/Q(CONV) and H/Q(FUNC) ratios were recorded at 3 different angular velocities (60, 180 and 240°/s) on 3 different occasions with a 72-96 h rest interval between consecutive testing sessions. Absolute reliability was examined through typical percentage error (CVTE), percentage change in the mean (CM) and intraclass correlations (ICC) as well as their respective confidence limits. H/Q(CONV) and H/Q(FUNC) ratios calculated using peak torque values showed moderate reliability values, with CM scores lower than 2.5%, CV(TE) values ranging from 16 to 20% and ICC values ranging from 0.3 to 0.7. However, poor absolute reliability scores were shown for H/Q(CONV) and H/Q(FUNC) ratios calculated using joint angle-specific torque values and joint ROM-specific average torque values, especially for H/Q(FUNC) ratios (CM: 1-23%; CV(TE): 22-94%; ICC: 0.1-0.7). Therefore, the present study suggests that the CV(TE) values reported for H/Q(CONV) and H/Q(FUNC) (≈18%) calculated using peak torque values may be sensitive enough to detect large changes usually observed after rehabilitation programmes but not acceptable to examine the effect of preventitive training programmes in healthy individuals. The clinical reliability of hamstring to quadriceps strength ratios calculated using joint angle-specific torque values and joint ROM-specific average torque values are questioned and should be re-evaluated in future research studies.

Hypothyroidism in patients treated with radiotherapy for head and neck carcinoma: standardised long-term follow-up study.

OBJECTIVE: Hypothyroidism is a common complication when radiotherapy is part of the treatment for head and neck tumours. This study aimed to show the incidence of hypothyroidism and possible risk factors in these patients. METHODS: Factors related to the population, tumour, treatment and occurrence of hypothyroidism were analysed in 241 patients diagnosed with head and neck carcinoma. RESULTS: Approximately 53 per cent of patients were diagnosed with radiation-induced hypothyroidism. Its occurrence was related to: tumour location, laryngeal surgery type, neck dissection type, post-operative complications, cervical radiotherapy and radiotherapy unit type (linear particle accelerator or telecobalt therapy technology). CONCLUSION: Control of thyroid function should be standardised for several years after treatment, particularly in patients with risk factors, such as those treated with telecobalt therapy, those with post-operative complications and for whom the thyroid parenchyma is included in the irradiated area (laryngeal or pharyngeal location and bilateral cervical radiation).

Comparison of active stretching technique in males with normal and limited hamstring flexibility.

OBJECTIVE: (1) to analyse the accumulative effects of a 12-week active stretching program on hip flexion passive range of motion (HF-PROM), and (2) to compare whether participants with different PROM baseline scores (normal and limited hamstring flexibility) respond in the same way to stretching. DESIGN: Repeated measures design. SETTING: Controlled laboratory environment. PARTICIPANTS: 138 males were categorized according to hamstring flexibility in the unilateral passive straight-leg raise test (PSLR) and assigned to one of two groups: normal hamstring flexibility (≥80°) or limited hamstring flexibility (<80°). In each group, participants were randomly distributed into one of two treatment subgroups: (a) control or (b) active stretching. The active stretching subgroups performed 12 weeks of flexibility training, the control subgroups did not stretch. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: HF-PROM was determined through the PSLR test. RESULTS: Both stretching subgroups significantly improved (p < 0.01) their HF-PROM from baseline. The control subgroups did not. CONCLUSIONS: 12 weeks of an active stretching program performed 3 days per week with a daily stretch dose of 180 s improved HF-PROM in both populations (normal and limited hamstring flexibility). The stretching program was equally effective in terms of absolute improvement values for males with normal and limited hamstring flexibility.

Absolute reliability of isokinetic knee flexion and extension measurements adopting a prone position.

The main purpose of this study was to determine the absolute and relative reliability of isokinetic peak torque (PT), angle of peak torque (APT), average power (PW) and total work (TW) for knee flexion and extension during concentric and eccentric actions measured in a prone position at 60, 180 and 240° s(-1). A total of 50 recreational athletes completed the study. PT, APT, PW and TW for concentric and eccentric knee extension and flexion were recorded at three different angular velocities (60, 180 and 240° s(-1)) on three different occasions with a 72- to 96-h rest interval between consecutive testing sessions. Absolute reliability was examined through typical percentage error (CV(TE)), percentage change in the mean (ChM) and relative reliability with intraclass correlations (ICC(3,1)). For both the knee extensor and flexor muscle groups, all strength data (except APT during knee flexion movements) demonstrated moderate absolute reliability (ChM < 3%; ICCs > 0·70; and CV(TE) < 20%) independent of the knee movement (flexion and extension), type of muscle action (concentric and eccentric) and angular velocity (60, 180 and 240° s(-1)). Therefore, the current study suggests that the CV(TE) values reported for PT (8-20%), APT (8-18%) (only during knee extension movements), PW (14-20%) and TW (12-28%) may be acceptable to detect the large changes usually observed after rehabilitation programmes, but not acceptable to examine the effect of preventative training programmes in healthy individuals.

Uncertainty quantification in simulations of epidemics using polynomial chaos.

Mathematical models based on ordinary differential equations are a useful tool to study the processes involved in epidemiology. Many models consider that the parameters are deterministic variables. But in practice, the transmission parameters present large variability and it is not possible to determine them exactly, and it is necessary to introduce randomness. In this paper, we present an application of the polynomial chaos approach to epidemiological mathematical models based on ordinary differential equations with random coefficients. Taking into account the variability of the transmission parameters of the model, this approach allows us to obtain an auxiliary system of differential equations, which is then integrated numerically to obtain the first-and the second-order moments of the output stochastic processes. A sensitivity analysis based on the polynomial chaos approach is also performed to determine which parameters have the greatest influence on the results. As an example, we will apply the approach to an obesity epidemic model.

Analysing the effect of public health campaigns on reducing excess weight: a modelling approach for the Spanish Autonomous Region of the Community of Valencia.

Excess weight is fast becoming a serious health concern in the developed and developing world. The concern of the public health sector has lead to the development of public health campaigns, focusing on two-fold goals: to inform the public as to the health risks inherent in being overweight, and the benefits of a change in nutritional behaviour. Recent studies indicate that the effects of the average public health campaign on the target community is around 5%. In this study we aim to quantify the effect of different public health campaigns on lifestyle behaviour in the target populations in order to bring about weightloss in a significant number of people over the next few years. This study is based on recent works that consider excess weight as a consequence of the transmission of unhealthy lifestyles from one individual to another. Following this point of view, first a mathematical model is presented. Then, policies based on public health campaigns addressed to stop people gaining weight (prevention; this type of policy acts on individuals in order to maintain their weight and to stop an increase in weight) and, policies addressed to overweight individuals to reduce their weight (treatment; these campaigns act on overweight and/or obese individuals in order to reduce their weight) are simulated in order to evaluate their effectiveness. The study concludes that combination of preventive plus treatment campaigns are more effective than considering them separately.

Reproducibility and criterion-related validity of the sit and reach test and toe touch test for estimating hamstring flexibility in recreationally active young adults.

OBJECTIVE: 1) to examine the test-retest reproducibility and criterion-related validity of the sit and reach test (SRT) and the toe touch test (TT) for estimating hamstring flexibility measured through the passive straight leg raise test (PSLR); and 2) to determine whether the SRT cut-off scores may be used for the TT test to identify participants in this sample of young healthy adults as having short hamstring flexibility. DESIGN: Test-retest design. SETTING: Controlled laboratory environment. PARTICIPANTS: 243 active recreationally young adults. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Participants performed the SRT, the TT test and PSLR twice in a randomized order with a 4-week interval between trials. Reproducibility was examined using typical percentage error (coefficient of variation [CV]) and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) as well as their respective confidence limits. Regression and Kappa correlation statistical analyses were performed to study the association of the SRT and TT test with the PSLR test and the 95% limits of agreement (LoA) between SRT and TT test were calculated to explore differences in the mean differences between these measurements. RESULTS: The finding showed acceptable reproducibility measures for SRT (8.74% CV; 0.92 ICC), TT test (9.86% CV; 0.89 ICC) and PSLR (5.46% CV; 0.85 ICC). The SRT (R² = 0.63) and TT test (R² = 0.49) were significantly associated with PSLR. The 95% LoA between SRT and TT test reported systematic bias (2.84 cm) and wide 95% random error (±9.72 cm). CONCLUSIONS: Reproducibility of SRT, TT test and PSLR is acceptable and the criterion-related validity of SRT and TT test is moderate. Furthermore, the SRT cut-off scores should not be used for TT test for the detection of short hamstring muscles.

Criterion-related validity of four clinical tests used to measure hamstring flexibility in professional futsal players.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the criterion related validity of the sit-and-reach test (SR), toe touch test (TT), modified sit-and-reach test (MSR) and back-saver sit-and-reach test (BSSR) for estimating hamstring flexibility measured through the passive straight leg raise test (PSLR) in professional futsal players. DESIGN: Correlation laboratory study. SETTING: Controlled laboratory environment. PARTICIPANTS: One hundred and three futsal players (55 males age 26 ± 4 years, 48 females age 23 ± 5 years). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Two trials of SR, TT, MSR, BSSR (left and right) and PSLR right and left (hamstring criterion measure) in a randomized order. RESULTS: Regression analysis was performed to examine the association of SR, TT, MSR and BSSR with PSLR in both males and females separately. In males, only MSR test had moderate association criterion with PSLR (R(2) = 0.57). In females, SR (R(2) = 0.86), TT (R(2) = 0.85), MSR (R(2) = 0.53) and average BSSR (R(2) = 0.82) were associated with PSLR. CONCLUSIONS: SR, TT, MSR and BSSR had moderate criterion related validity for estimating hamstring flexibility in female but not male professional futsal players. The authors recommend that researchers, clinicians, and physical therapists adopt one angular test as a measure of hamstring muscle length in futsal players.

Acute effects of two different stretching techniques on isokinetic strength and power / / Efecto agudo de 2 técnicas de estiramiento diferentes sobre la fuerza y potencia isocinética / / Efeito agudo de 2 diferentes técnicas de alongamento sobre a força e potência isocinética

Objetivos. Examinar y comparar los efectos agudos de una rutina de estiramientos estáticos o dinámicos de corta duración sobre el pico de fuerza máximo y potencia media de la flexión y extensión concéntrica y excéntrica de la rodilla. Método. Cuarenta y nueve adultos activos completaron los siguientes protocolos de intervención en días separados: no-estiramiento, estiramiento estático y estiramiento dinámico. Después de la intervención de control o estiramiento, el pico de fuerza máximo y la potencia media de la flexión y extensión concéntrica y excéntrica de la rodilla fueron medidos en posición prono. Las medidas fueron comparadas a través de un análisis factorial ANOVA intergrupo. Resultados. Ni el protocolo de estiramientos estático ni el dinámico tuvieron influencia sobre el pico de fuerza máximo y potencia media isocinética cuando fueron comparados con la condición de control. Las comparaciones por pares también mostraron que los resultados de fuerza y potencia isocinética durante la sesión de estiramientos dinámicos fueron ligeramente mayores que los encontrados durante la sesión de estiramientos estáticos. Conclusiones. Una rutina de corta duración de estiramientos estáticos o dinámicos del tren inferior no produjo alteraciones en la fuerza isocinética concéntrica y excéntrica de la flexión y extensión de rodilla. Además, los hallazgos del presente estudio apoyan la idea de que el estiramiento dinámico podría ser preferible antes que el estiramiento estático como parte del calentamiento previo a una actuación física (AU)

Objectives. To examine and compare the acute effects of short duration static and dynamic lower-limb stretching routines on the knee flexor and extensor peak torque and mean power during maximal concentric and eccentric muscle actions. Method. Forty-nine active adults completed the following intervention protocols on separate days: non-stretching, static stretching and dynamic stretching. After the stretching or control intervention, concentric and eccentric isokinetic peak torque and mean power of the leg extensors and flexors were measured in prone position. Measures were compared via a fully-within-groups factorial ANOVA. Results. Neither static nor dynamic stretching has influence on isokinetic peak torque and mean power when they were compared with the control condition. Paired comparison also showed that the isokinetic strength and power results reported by dynamic stretching session were slightly higher than those found during the static stretching session. Conclusions. Short pre-exercise static and dynamic lower-limb stretching routines did not elicit stretching-induce reductions or improvements in knee flexor and knee extensor isokinetic concentric and eccentric strength. In addition, the findings of the current study support the claim that dynamic stretching may be preferable to static stretching as part of a warm-up designed to prepare for physical activity (AU)

Objetivos: Examinar e comparar os efeitos agudos de uma rotina de alongamentos estáticos e dinâmicos de curta duração sobre o pico de força máxima e potência média da flexão e extensão concêntrica e excêntrica do joelho. Método: Quarenta e nove adultos ativos completaram os seguintes protocolos de intervenção em dias distintos: sem alongamento, alongamento estático e alongamento dinâmico. Depois da intervenção de alongamento ou controle, o pico de força máxima e a potência média da flexão, extensão concêntrica e excêntrica do joelho foram medidos em posição pronada. As medidas foram comparadas através de uma análise fatorial ANOVA intergrupo. Resultados: Tanto o protocolo de alongamento estático quanto o protocolo de alongamento dinâmico tiveram influência sobre o pico de força máxima e potência média isocinética quando comparados com a condição controle. As comparações por pares também mostraram que os resultados de força e potência isocinética durante a sessão de alongamento dinâmico foram ligeiramente maiores que os encontrados durante a sessão de alongamento estático. Conclusão: Uma rotina de curta duração de alongamentos estáticos ou dinâmicos de membros inferiores não produziram alterações na força isocinética concêntrica e excêntrica da flexão e extensão do joelho. Além disso, os achados do presente estudo corroboram com a ideia de que alongamento dinâmico poderia ser preferível ao invés do alongamento estático, como parte do aquecimento antes da atividade física

Perfil óptimo de flexibilidad del miembro inferior en jugadoras de fútbol sala / Optimal data of lower-limb muscle flexibility in female futsal players

El objetivo fue definir cuantitativamente los valores del perfil óptimo de flexibilidad en 20 jugadoras de fútbol sala. Para ello, se valoró la flexibilidad de los principales grupos musculares del miembro inferior a través de 7 pruebas de rango de movimiento pasivo máximo (ROM). Los resultados del presente estudio definen como ROM óptimo los siguientes rangos para las jugadoras de campo: 43º-52º para gemelo, 48º-54º para sóleo, 148º-154º para glúteo mayor, 99º-118º para musculatura isquiosural, 46º-56º para aductores, 12º-20º para psoas iliaco y 116º-129º para cuádriceps. Para las porteras se han obtenido los siguientes rangos: 40º-46º para gemelo, 40º-47º para sóleo, 150º-155º para el glúteo mayor, 94º-118º para musculatura isquiosural, 45º-54º para aductores, 8º-12º para psoas iliaco y 115º-133º para cuádriceps. Teniendo en cuenta que se ha definido el percentil >80 como el ROM óptimo, sólo 4 jugadoras de campo y 2 porteras presentaban este ROM en cada movimiento evaluado (AU)

The purpose of this study was to define the optimal lower-limb flexibility data for 20 female futsal players. Therefore, the flexibility of the major lower-limb muscles was evaluated throughout 7 different passive range of motion (ROM) assessment tests. The results of this study define the optimal ROM ranges for field players as: 43º-52º for the gastrocnemius, 48º-54º for the soleus, 148º- 154º for the gluteus maximus, 99º-118º for the hamstrings, 46º-56º for the adductors, 12º-20º for the iliopsoas, and 116º-129º for the quadriceps. For goalkeepers have obtained the following ranges: 40º-46º for the gastrocnemius, 40º-47º for the soleus, 150º-155º for the gluteus, 94º-118º for the hamstrings, 45º-54º for the adductors, 8º-12º for the iliopsoas, and 115º-133º for the quadriceps. Keeping in mind that optimal ROM values were defined as >80th percentile, only 4 field players and 2 goalkeepers presented this ROM values in each movement assessed (AU)

Pruebas angulares de estimación de la flexibilidad isquiosural: descripción de los procedimientos exploratorios y valores de referencia / Angular tests for estimating hamstring flexibility: description of their measurement method and reference values

Las pruebas de valoración basadas en medidas angulares son empleadas frecuentemente en el ámbito clínico y científico para estimar y monitorizar la flexibilidad de la musculatura isquiosural. Son varias las pruebas angulares descritas en la literatura científica, entre las que se destacan: a) la prueba de elevación de la pierna recta; b) la prueba del ángulo poplíteo; y c) las pruebas que estudian la disposición de la pelvis y la porción caudal del raquis lumbar en posición de máxima flexión de tronco, diferenciando entre "pruebas lumbo-vertical en flexión" y "pruebas lumbo-horizontal en flexión". Se han descrito limitaciones e inconvenientes para todos los protocolos, fundamentalmente en cuanto a la posible participación de pelvis y raquis, posición de la articulación del tobillo (en flexión dorsal o posición neutra), diferentes límites de normalidad en las exploraciones, aplicación de distinta velocidad y fuerza en la realización de los tests, existencia o no de calentamiento previo y variabilidad de los instrumentos empleados. Esta especificidad metodológica puede repercutir en la decisión final de elección de una u otra prueba por parte de científicos, clínicos y demás profesionales del ámbito de las Ciencias del Deporte. Por ello, los objetivos principales de esta revisión bibliográfica son: describir la metodología de valoración de las pruebas angulares más empleadas en el ámbito clínico y científico; así como aportar valores de referencia que puedan ser utilizados por los profesionales para categorizar la flexibilidad isquiosural como normal o acortamiento(AU)

The assessment tests based on angular measurements are widely used to estimate and monitor hamstring muscle flexibility in both clinic and scientific settings. Several angular assessment tests have been described in the scientific literature, among which stand out: a) the straight leg raise test; b) the knee extension test; and c) the assessment tests that study the hip position and the caudal portion of lumbar spine at maximal trunk flexion position, distinguishing between "vertical hip joint angle" and "horizontal hip joint angle". Several limitations have been reported regarding the precision of these tests to estimate hamstring flexibility, such as: the influence of pelvis and spine movements, the position of the ankle joint (neutral position vs. dorsi-flexion), the use of different cut off values, the magnitude of the strength and speed used to carry on the tests, the warm-up design and the variability of the measurement tools used. This variability in the assessment methodologies might affect the final decision of choosing one or another assessment test by scientists, clinicians, and sport practitioners. Therefore, the main purposes of the current literature review are: to describe the assessments methodology of the most common angular tests used in clinic and scientific settings, as well as to report the cut-off values, which could be used for practitioners in order to categorize the hamstring flexibility as normal or limited(AU)

Early diagnosis of stress fracture of the lumbar spine in athletes.

Thirty-three athletes complaining of back pain of more than 1 months' duration and with normal radiography of the lower spine were all studied by scintigraphy and in 24 of them with single photon emission computerized tomography. A stress fracture was considered present if localized increased uptake was seen at a vertebral level. Scintigraphy showed increased uptake in 17 of 33 patients and single photon emission computerized tomography in 16 of 24 patients.

Fiabilidad absoluta de 2 pruebas de valoración del rango de movimiento del tobillo en jugadores de balonmano / Absolute reliability of 2 clinical tests for assessing ankle range of motion in handball player

El objetivo de este estudio fue examinar la fiabilidad absoluta de las pruebas de estimación de la flexibilidad de la musculatura del tríceps sural ROM-soleo y ROM-gemelo a través de un diseño de medidas repetidas. 25 jugadores senior de balonmano completaron 3 sesiones de evaluación del ROM articular de la dorsi-flexión del tobillo con rodilla flexionada (ROM-soleo) y extendida (ROM-gemelo) con un intervalo de 2 semanas entre sesiones consecutivas. La fiabilidad absoluta fue examinada mediante el cálculo de los estadísticos cambio en la media (CM) entre sesiones de valoración, porcentaje del error (..) (AU)

The purpose of this study was to examine the absolute reliability of both ROM-soleus and ROM-gastrocnemic tests for estimating triceps surae flexibility throughout a repeated measures design. 25 senior handball players completed 3 measurement sessions of dorsi-flexion ankle ROM with knee flexed (ROM-soleus) and extended (ROM-gastrocnemic) with a 2-weeks rest interval between consecutive sessions. The absolute reliability was (..) (AU)

Efecto agudo del estiramiento activo sobre la fuerza y potencia de la flexión y extensión de rodilla / Acute effect of active stretching on knee flexion and extension strength and power output

Objetivo. Analizar el efecto agudo de un protocolo de estiramientos estáticos activos de corta duración sobre la potencia y máxima fuerza isocinética concéntrica y excéntrica de la flexión y extensión de rodilla en deportistas recreativos. Método. Un total de 27 hombres y 25 mujeres completaron tres sesiones de evaluación, una inicial de familiarización y dos experimentales (control y estiramientos en orden aleatorio), con un intervalo de 72-96 horas entre sesiones consecutivas. El protocolo de estiramientos estáticos activos consistió en cinco ejercicios unilaterales diseñados para estirar los principales grupos musculares de la extremidad inferior. Cada ejercicio de estiramiento fue realizado dos veces, manteniendo la posición de estiramiento durante 30 s (2 x 30 s), con un periodo de descanso entre serie, pierna contralateral y/o ejercicio de 20 s. En la sesión de control no se realizó el programa de estiramientos. Inmediatamente después de ambos tratamientos (control y estiramientos), se valoraron los índices isocinéticos pico de fuerza máximo (PFM) y potencia media (PM) durante los movimientos de flexión y extensión de rodilla concéntrica y excéntrica. Resultados. El análisis ANOVA llevado a cabo reveló la no existencia de un efecto de interacción significativo entre las sesiones de evaluación (control y estiramiento) para las variables PFM y PM (concéntrica y excéntrica) de la flexión y extensión de rodilla. Conclusiones. Un protocolo de estiramientos estáticos activos de corta duración (2 x 30 s por grupo muscular) del miembro inferior no causó una alteración negativa en la potencia y máxima fuerza isocinética concéntrica y excéntrica de la flexión y extensión de rodilla(AU)

Aim. To analyze the acute effect of a short duration active-static stretching protocol on maximal isokinetic strength and power output during concentric and eccentric flexion and extension knee movements in recreational athletes. Method. A total of 27 males and 25 females completed three measurement sessions, an initial session of familiarization and two experimental session (control and active stretching in randomized order) with 72-96 hours interval among consecutive sessions. The active stretching protocol consisted in 5 different unilateral exercises designed to stretch the major lower limb muscle groups. Each stretching exercise was performed twice, holding the position during 30s (2 x 30s), with a rest-interval among series, contra-lateral leg and /or exercises of 20s. In the control session no stretching exercises were performed. Immediately after performed both treatments (control and stretching), the isokinetic indexes of peak torque (PT) and average power (AP) were tested during concentric and eccentric flexion and extension knee movements. Results. The ANOVA analysis carried out revealed no significant interaction effect between testing sessions (control and stretching) for knee flexion and knee extension peak torque and mean power in both concentric and eccentric muscle contractions. Conclusions. Short (2 x 30s per muscle group) pre-exercise active-static lower-limb stretching routine did not elicit stretching-induce reductions in knee flexor and knee extensor isokinetic concentric and eccentric strength(AU)

Fiabilidad y validez de las pruebas sit-and-reach: revisión sistemática / Reliability and validity of sit-and-reach tests: systematic review

Las pruebas de valoración "dedos planta" o sit-and-reach, son las que con mayor frecuencia, clínicos, entrenadores y preparadores físico-deportivos emplean para estimar la flexibilidad de la musculatura isquiosural, Son varias las pruebas sit-and-reach descritas en la literatura científica, entre las que se destacan: a) el clásico sit-and-reach test, b) el V "sit-and-reach" test, c) el back-saver sit-and-reach test, d) el "modificado sit-and-reach test" y e) el toe-touch test. Existen ciertas diferencias entre ellas con respecto a la posición del sujeto (unilateral o bilateral, sedentación o bipedestación, posición de la pelvis) y el equipamiento necesario (evaluado con o sin cajón de medición, ejecutado en una camilla, banco o suelo). La elección de uno u otro test va a estar en función de: a) la funcionalidad de su metodología de evaluación; b) de su fiabilidad absoluta y relativa (intra- e interexaminador) así como c) de su validez para la estimación de la flexibilidad isquiosural. Todo este conocimiento permitirá a clínicos, entrenadores y profesionales del mundo de la actividad física disponer de información suficiente para adoptar un juicio de valor científicamente justificado sobre qué prueba de valoración sit-and-reach utilizar para categorizar a sus deportistas-pacientes (estudio de la validez) y/o monitorizar la eficacia de los tratamientos aplicados (estudio de la fiabilidad absoluta y relativa) para el mantenimiento o mejora de la flexibilidad de la musculatura isquiosural. Los objetivos de esta revisión bibliográfica son analizar y comparar la fiabilidad y validez de las pruebas sit-and-reach para la estimación de la flexibilidad de la musculatura isquiosural y lumbar(AU)

The sit-and-reach tests are widely used for clinicians, coaches and sport scientist to estimate hamstring flexibility. Several sit-and-reach tests have been reported in the scientific literature, such as: a) classic sit-and-reach test, b) V sit-and-reach test, c) back-saver sit-and-reach test, d) modified sit-and-reach test and e) toe-touch test. There are some differences regarding the subject position (uni- or bilateral, sitting or standing, hip position) and the equipment used (measuring with or without a box, executed on the table or floor) among sit-and-reach tests. The choice of either test will be based on: a) the functionality of assessing methodology; b) the relative and absolute reliability (intra and inter tester); as well as c) the validity for estimating hamstring flexibility. This knowledge will allow clinicians, coaches and physical conditioning trainer to select an appropriate sit-and-reach test to categorize their athletes-patients (validity study) and to monitor the efficacy of the treatment performed (relative and absolute reliability study) for maintenance or improvement hamstring muscle flexibility. The main purposes of this systematic review are to analyze and compare the reliability and validity of sit and reach tests for estimating hamstring and low back flexibility(AU)

Pruebas angulares de estimación de la flexibilidad isquiosural: análisis de la fiabilidad y validez / Angular tests for estimating hamstring flexibility: reliability and validity analysis

Las pruebas de valoración basadas en medidas angulares son empleadas frecuentemente en el ámbito clínico y científico para estimar y monitorizar la flexibilidad de la musculatura isquiosural. Son varias las pruebas angulares descritas en la literatura científica, entre las que destacan: a) la prueba de elevación de la pierna recta; b) la prueba del ángulo poplíteo y c) las pruebas que estudian la disposición de la pelvis y la porción caudal del raquis lumbar en posición de máxima flexión de tronco, diferenciando entre "pruebas lumbo-vertical en flexión" y "pruebas lumbo-horizontal en flexión". Se han descrito limitaciones e inconvenientes en todos los protocolos, fundamentalmente en cuanto a la posible participación de pelvis y raquis, la posición de la articulación del tobillo (en flexión dorsal o flexión plantar), diferentes límites de normalidad en las exploraciones, aplicación de distinta velocidad y fuerza en la realización de los test, existencia o no de calentamiento previo y variabilidad de los instrumentos empleados. La elección de uno u otro test debe estar basada en: a) la funcionalidad de su metodología de evaluación; b) su fiabilidad absoluta y relativa (intra- e interexaminador) y c) su validez para la estimación de la flexibilidad isquiosural. Todo este conocimiento permitirá disponer de información suficiente para adoptar un juicio de valor científicamente justificado sobre qué prueba de exploración angular utilizar para categorizar a sus deportistas-pacientes (estudio de la validez) y/o monitorizar la eficacia de los tratamientos aplicados (estudio de la fiabilidad absoluta y relativa) para el mantenimiento o mejora de la flexibilidad de la musculatura isquiosural. Por ello, los objetivos de esta revisión bibliográfica son analizar y comparar la fiabilidad y validez de las pruebas angulares para la estimación de la flexibilidad de la musculatura isquiosural(AU)

The angular measurement tests are widely used to assess and monitor hamstring muscle flexibility in both clinic and scientific settings. Several angular measurement tests have been reported in the scientific literature, such as: a) straight leg raise test; b) knee extension test; and c) hip joint angle or sacrum angle test. Several limitations have been reported regarding the precision of these tests to asses hamstring flexibility, such as: the influence of pelvis and spine movements, the position of the ankle joint (plantarflexion vs. dorsi-flexion), the use of different cut off values, the magnitude of the strength and speed used to perform the tests, the warm-up design and the variability of the measurement tools used. The choice of either test will be based on: a) the functionality of assessing methodology; b) the relative and absolute reliability (intra and inter tester) and c) the validity for estimating hamstring flexibility. This knowledge will allow to select an appropriate angular test to categorize their athletes-patients (validity study) and to monitor the efficacy of the treatment performed (relative and absolute reliability study) for maintenance or improvement hamstring muscle flexibility. Therefore, the main purposes of this systematic review are to analyze and compare the reliability and validity of angular tests for estimating hamstring(AU)

Papel del profesor de educación física ante las desalineaciones de la columna vertebral / Role of physical education teachers with regard to spinal misalignments

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