Methodology and Experimental Protocol for Studying Learning and Motor Control in Neuromuscular Structures in Pilates.

The benefits of Pilates have been extensively researched for their impact on muscular, psychological, and cardiac health, as well as body composition, among other aspects. This study aims to investigate the influence of the Pilates method on the learning process, motor control, and neuromuscular trunk stabilization, specifically in both experienced and inexperienced practitioners. This semi-randomized controlled trial compares the level of experience among 36 Pilates practitioners in terms of motor control and learning of two Pilates-based skills: standing plank and side crisscross. Data will be collected using various assessment methods, including abdominal wall muscle ultrasound (AWMUS), shear wave elastography (SWE), gaze behavior (GA) assessment, electroencephalography (EEG), and video motion. Significant intra- and inter-individual variations are expected, due to the diverse morphological and psychomotor profiles in the sample. The adoption of both linear and non-linear analyses will provide a comprehensive evaluation of how neuromuscular structures evolve over time and space, offering both quantitative and qualitative insights. Non-linear analysis is expected to reveal higher entropy in the expert group compared to non-experts, signifying greater complexity in their motor control. In terms of stability, experts are likely to exhibit higher Lyapunov exponent values, indicating enhanced stability and coordination, along with lower Hurst exponent values. In elastography, experienced practitioners are expected to display higher transversus abdominis (TrA) muscle elasticity, due to their proficiency. Concerning GA, non-experts are expected to demonstrate more saccades, focus on more Areas of Interest (AOIs), and shorter fixation times, as experts are presumed to have more efficient gaze control. In EEG, we anticipate higher theta wave values in the non-expert group compared to the expert group. These expectations draw from similar studies in elastography and correlated research in eye tracking and EEG. They are consistent with the principles of the Pilates Method and other scientific knowledge in related techniques.

Ventricular mass in relation to body size, composition, and skeletal age in adolescent athletes.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the contribution of chronological age (CA), skeletal age (SA), stature, sitting stature, fat-free mass (FFM), and fat mass (FM) to interindividual variability in left ventricular mass (LVM) in male adolescent roller hockey players using allometric models. DESIGN: Cross sectional. SETTING: Training and competitive sport during adolescence. PARTICIPANTS: Seventy-three Portuguese male roller hockey players aged 14.5 to 16.5 years. INDEPENDENT VARIABLES: Stature, sitting stature, body mass, estimated FM and FFM, and SA assessed by the Fels method. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Allometric modeling of LVM assessed in accordance with recommendations of the American Society of Echocardiography. RESULTS: Hockey players (CA: 15.4 ± 0.6 years; SA: 16.4 ± 1.5 years) showed an eccentric remodeling of LV structure within the reference range (ie, 0.24-0.42), a dilated LV chamber, but no LVM increase. Exponents for body size descriptors were 2.69 for stature (R(2) = 27%; P < 0.001), 2.49 for sitting stature (R(2) = 37%; P < 0.001), 0.76 for FFM (R(2) = 31%; P < 0.001), and 0.22 for FM (R(2) = 26%; P < 0.001). The combination of size descriptors with CA and SA increased the explained variance in LVM slightly (26%-45%). CONCLUSIONS: When stature and FM are used for indexing LVM in a sample of adolescent athletes, biological maturity status should also be considered.

Movement variability in Pilates: a scoping review.

Objective: This scoping review aimed to identify studies that analyzed movement variability in Pilates. Following a systematic approach to mapping evidence on this topic would highlight concepts, theories, sources, and knowledge gaps in this area. Methods: This review used the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) criteria for the selection, reading, and analysis of studies in this area. We searched five literature databases (Web of Science, SCOPUS, library catalog of the Faculty of Sport and Physical Education of the University of Coimbra-EBSCO Discovery Services, MEDLINE, and Google Scholar). Eligible articles contained the word "Pilates," and the human movement variability was analyzed. Any type of study (except reviews) could be eligible and must have been published between 1 January 2002 and 30 November 2022, in Portuguese, Spanish, French, or English. Results: Our search identified five eligible entries. Only one study used the Pilates method in its intervention, pointing to a more significant variability of hip-knee coordination, suggesting more diversified coordination patterns, and maintaining the variability of the angular position of the joint. Conclusion: Very few studies have examined movement variability in Pilates, and only one applied an ecological framework.

Reliability of the Coimbra Reactive Agility Soccer Test (CRAST).

Agility is a fitness-skill-related component that should be a part of the standard physiological testing for soccer players and one of the key performance indicators in soccer. The present study aimed to assess the reliability of the CRAST as a research tool in the study of soccer skills. Twenty-one university soccer players (chronological age: 19.3 ± 1.4 years; body mass: 69.6 ± 8.2 kg; stature: 173.5 ± 6.5 cm; federated training experience: 9.7 ± 3.6 years) volunteered for the testing protocol. The CRAST requires players to complete random courses six times as quickly as possible. In addition, the CRAST requires players to control and dribble the markers (four different colors: green, yellow, blue, and red). The soccer players completed three trials, each separated by one week. The first trial accounted for familiarization; the second and third were considered for analysis. The correlation for overall performance was very strong. The reliability of the CRAST was slightly better for total time than that for the penalty score (0.95 vs. 0.93). The TEM and the associated CV range of 7.04%-7.54% were for the penalty score and the total time, respectively. For both measurements, the ICC values also represent excellent reliability, as both values were over 0.900. The CRAST is a reliable protocol for assessing agility in soccer players.

One more rep! The case for resistance training in young cancer survivors.

Resistance training is now seen as a powerful tool to improve the health and functionality of cancer survivors. Literature shows that it can be implemented both during and after cancer treatment, with the intent of preserving muscle mass in the former and increasing muscle mass in the latter case. However, currently available data on this matter are predominantly derived from adult cancer survivors (ACS), and it is questionable whether the exact same raining regimen should be implemented in young cancer survivors (YCS) given the unique challenges they experience throughout their disease trajectory. Therefore, the goal of this work is to distill the existing evidence on resistance training (RT) interventions in ACS and facilitate discussion on whether the same patterns of RT can be applied in YCS.

Sport selection in under-17 male roller hockey.

Characteristics of 32 international and 41 local under-17 (U-17) (14.5-16.5 years) roller hockey players were considered in the context of discrimination by competitive level using training history, anthropometry, skeletal maturation, and several laboratory and field performance tests. More international (42%) than local (22%) players were advanced in maturity status. International players had slightly less hockey experience (years), but had more practice sessions and match time (minutes) during the season. Local players were shorter and attained better performance in the 25-m dash, while international players performed better in sit-ups, ball throw and 20-m shuttle run. The fatigue index derived from the Wingate anaerobic test was higher among local players, while peak torques of knee extension and flexion were greater in international players. Stepwise discriminant function correctly classified 85% of players by competitive level based on grip strength, ratio of eccentric and concentric knee extension, number of training sessions, playing time and fatigue index. The results suggested an interaction among strength, anaerobic fitness and training plus game time as factors in discriminating international from local level players and by inference in the selection and development of youth roller hockey players.

Influence of Tactical and Situational Variables on Offensive Sequences During Elite European Handball Matches.

The main objective of this study was to analyze the influence of tactical and situational variables on offensive sequences during elite European handball matches. A sample of 55 games and 5.857 offensive sequences from the European Handball Federation Champions League, the selected teams were classified as the top eight teams in the league, were analyzed using X 2 and logistic regression analyses. Results indicated that positional attacks [odds ratio (OR) = 0.34; 95% CI: 0.28-0.42; p < 0.001] and fast attacks (OR = 0.46; 95% CI: 0.36-0.57; p < 0.001) decreased the probability of success for an offensive sequence by 66% and 54% when compared with counterattacks. Offensive sequences that start in the attacking zone seem to be less effective (~78%) than those that start from a situation of "ball in center." Additionally, offensive sequences that finished in the defensive zone of the observed team were 3.19 times more effective than those that ended before the 9 m zone. We concluded that compared with offensive sequences where the shot is performed from the 9 m zone, the chances of an offensive sequence ending successfully are 3.65, 3.60, and 2.21 times higher, for offensive sequences where the shot is performed from 9 m, 6 m, and the defensive zone, respectively. On the other hand, many variables seem to impact the performance of handball teams. Nevertheless, a significant challenge remains, and more research needs to be conducted to analyze the obstacles that teams need to overcome while attacking in the most effective way possible.

Knee and hip agonist-antagonist relationship in male under-19 soccer players.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the strength of the knee flexors and extensors and hip abductor and adductor muscles in young soccer players. Twenty-three male under-19 soccer players participated in this study (age: 17.7 ± 0.2 years; height: 173.0 ± 1.1 cm; body mass: 66.1 ± 1.3 kg). Body composition was measured using a bioelectrical impedance (InBody770), and the dynamometry was performed by an isokinetic dynamometer (Biodex System 3) for knee flexion and extension, and by an isometric dynamometer (Smart Groin Trainer), for hip adduction and abduction. Comparisons were made between dominant members (D) vs. non-dominant members (ND) and adductors vs. abductors (ADD:ABD) using the Wilcoxon test. There were statistically significant differences in the peak torques between the dominant and non-dominant members in the flexion function (Z = -4.198, p < 0.01) and in the extension function (Z = -4.197, p < 0.01) of the knee in concentric muscular action, and the flexion (Z = -4.198, p < 0.01) and in the extension (Z = -4.198, p < 0.01) of the knee in eccentric muscular action. No statistically significant differences were obtained in the conventional ratio (Z = -0.456, p = 0.648) nor the functional ratio (Z = -0.335, p = 0.738) between D and ND members. There were no statistically significant differences between adductors and abductors at the moment of strength for absolute values (N). The reference absolute and normalized to the weight values and the ADD:ABD can be used as a guideline for classifying players in screening and comparison in return tests to sports practice after an injury.

Understanding dual career views of European university athletes: The more than gold project focus groups.

Previous studies have found that student-athletes (S-As) have difficulties in achieving dual career (DC) success. However, no studies have analysed the opinion of the S-As on the functioning of DC with a qualitative methodology. The aim of the present work was to collect the opinions of elite university S-As in relation to DC policy adopted by their academic institutions in different European countries. In total, 77 athletes (F = 35, M = 42; age range: 20-25 years) participated in 15 national face-to-face focus groups in five different countries, to discuss aspects that higher education institutes should implement in relation to: 1) the athletes' needs; 2) assistance/tutorship: 2) curricula requirements; 3) financial support; 4) logistic support; 5) social support; and 6) dual career policies. Fifty of the athletes competed in individual sports and twenty-seven team sports. Of them, 57 was enrolled at undergraduate, 17 was enrolled in a master and 3 in a PhD. The athletes were presented with 13 open-ended questions one by one, and were ensured freedom to interact. All the discussions were recorded. After this, a general discussion took place in which the participants identified and agreed on a final list of statements from their focus group deemed to be relevant to DC athletes as university students. Then, at a consensus meeting, the findings were combined, repetitions were eliminated, and fragmented statements were condensed into broader ones. A final list of 31 statements, organized in six related content units, were identified in relation to the athletes' needs (n = 5), assistance/tutorship (n = 5), curricula requirements (n = 4), financial support (n = 4), logistic support (n = 4), social support (n = 6), and DC policies (n = 3), respectively. In conclusion, this cross-national qualitative research study synthesized the S-As views about their needs and the most relevant DC policies and provisions that higher education institutes should provide to ensure them with positive academic experiences towards the achievement of a degree.

Exploring dual career quality implementation at European higher education institutions: Insights from university experts.

INTRODUCTION: This paper examines the convergence of the opinions of European higher education institution (HEI) experts on possible implementation of dual career policies and provision areas at university level. METHODS: An online 32-item questionnaire encompassing 26 dual career aspects collected the opinion of European HEI experts as the last phase of a Delphi method preceded by i) focus groups with student-athletes who aimed to identify needs for dual careers and ii) a workshop with 21 dual career experts to generate the statements to be included in the survey. Seventy-one HEI experts from 12 EU member states participated in the survey, rating each dual career aspect identified in previous phases. RESULTS: The relative position of each aspect has been plotted based on relevance (x-axis) and feasibility (y-axis). The Quadrant IV of the resulting scatterplots identified the following nine aspects rated as highly relevant and highly feasible for implementation: tutorship/mentorship, psychological support, programmes based on integration of academic departments and sports services, and adaptable programmes to the needs of each student-athletes (assistance/tutorship area), individual study plans and distance learning (curricula requirements area), publicity for student-athletes and initiatives for increasing the awareness of student-athletes and knowledge of dual career issues (social support area), and access to educational facilities (logistic support area). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: The HEI experts' views represent a coherent and useful starting point to develop a deep understanding of the considered 26 aspects founded on a phenomenological lifeworld-led approach and emphasizes the need for a minimum standard for dual career policies and provisions.

Dual Careers of Athletes During COVID-19 Lockdown.

This study aimed to investigate the student-athletes' capability to face the academic, sport, and social challenges during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) lockdown and to disclose novel aspects of dual careers. A 32-item online survey encompassing demographic characteristics, sport and university engagement, support and dual-career benefits, physical activity, sitting time, and the time deemed necessary to recover the previous level of performance was developed. Four hundred sixty-seven student-athletes (males: 57%, females: 43%) from 11 countries, competing in 49 different sports (individual: 63.4%, team: 36.6%) at regional (17.5%), national (43.3%), and international (39.2%) levels, and enrolled at high school (21.9%) and university (78.1%) levels completed the survey. During the lockdown, the respondents decreased the time dedicated to sport and academics, although they maintained an active lifestyle. Student-athletes from countries under severe contagion were more likely to train at home, dedicate to academics, and receive support from the coach but less likely receive support from their teachers. With respect to their team sport counterparts, athletes competing in individual sports trained more and were more likely to receive support from their coaches. International athletes showed the highest training time and support from their coaches and as student-athletes. High school students received more support from their coaches and teachers, whereas university students were more likely considering dual careers useful to cope with the COVID-19 pandemic. This study substantiates the relevant role of competitive sports participation in the maintenance of active lifestyles, with student-athletes considering home training and e-learning valuable resources during the lockdown. Furthermore, their sport and academic commitments helped student-athletes cope with the emergency of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Comparative Analysis of the Offensive Effectiveness in Winner and Losing Handball Teams.

The purpose of this study was to determine differences related to the offensive process between winning and losing teams among teams participating in the European Handball Federation Champions League (EHFCL) in 55 matches across five seasons. The key indicators used in this study are the offensive actions, team possession type and the zones of the field, goals, and shooting effectiveness. A total of 34 indicators were analyzed and compared using Mann-Whitney U tests. Sixteen key indicators are identified to confirm differences both from the aspect of the collective game in terms of assists (9.10 ± 2.75 vs. 7.29 ± 2.65), goals of positional attack (21.38 ± 4.60 vs. 18.20 ± 3.62) and from the aspect of individual goals from 6 m (16.67 ± 3.98 vs. 13.64 ± 3.70), and the effectiveness of shots (68.19 ± 6.83 vs. 59.41 ± 6.33). Winning teams performed better regarding the variables that defined the effectiveness of offensive shots, especially successful positioned attacks and fast attacks. They also had a greater number of assists. The profiles of the most successful teams can help coaches and practitioners to achieve better performances adjusting the training process according the performance indicators that seem to lead more often to success.

Reproducibility of estimated optimal peak output using a force-velocity test on a cycle ergometer.

The current study aimed to examine the reproducibility of estimated peak power and estimated pedal velocity in a multi-trial 10-s all-out cycling test among adult athletes (n = 22; aged 23.50±4.73 years). Stature, sitting height and body mass were measured. Leg length was estimated as stature minus sitting height. Body volume was obtained from air displacement plethysmography and was subsequently used to calculate body density. Fat mass and fat-free mass were derived. The short-term power outputs were assessed from the force-velocity test (FVT), using a friction-braked ergometer on two separated occasions. Differences between repeated measurements were examined with paired t-test and effect sizes calculated. No significant differences were found between session 1 (898 W, 142 rpm) and session 2 (906 W, 142 rpm). Test-retest procedure showed acceptable reliability for estimated peak power output [technical error of measurement (TEM) = 31.9 W; % coefficient of variation (CV) = 3.5; intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) = 0.986] and pedal velocity (TEM = 5.4 rpm, %CV = 3.8, ICC = 0.924). The current study demonstrated a reasonable reproducibility of estimated peak power and pedal velocity outputs in non-elite male athletes and supports that a familiarization session including a complete FVT protocol is not required.

Anthropometric characteristics of male rink hockey goalkeeper’s according to their competitive level / Características antropométricas de los porteros masculinos de hockey sobre patines / Características antropométricas dos guarda-redes masculinos de hóquei em patins de acordo com o seunível competitivo

Objective: Evaluate the anthropometric characteristics of male rink hockey goalkeepers, and to compare the variation according to their competitive level (international vs. non-international). Methods: Body mass, stature, sitting height, arm span, waist and hip circumferences and four skinfold measurements (triceps, medial calf, subscapular and supraspinale) of international (n = 12) and non-international (n = 23) goalkeepers were taken. Body mass index (BMI, weight/height 2), the sum of four skinfolds, the sitting height/stature ratio, waist/hip ratio and the relative arm span were also calculated. Results: International rink hockey goalkeepers have lower values of subcutaneous adiposity for the sum of the four skinfolds (P = 0.042; d= 0.76) particularly in the triceps (P = 0.016; d = 0.87) and are taller than non-international goalkeepers (+3.8 cm [2.2%]; 180.5 ± 7.0 vs. 176.6 ± 4.8 cm; t =1.920; P = 0.064; d = 0.65). Conclusion: The findings could indicate that stature and body fat may have important implications for scouts regarding the selection process and coaches that work with players on developing performance. Future research should investigate the extent to which different anthropometric measures influence performance in rink hockey goalkeepers.(AU)

Objetivo: Evaluar las características antropométricas de los porteros masculinos de hockey sobre patines y comparar las diferencias según su nivel competitivo (internacional vs. no internacional). Métodos: Se midieron la masa corporal, altura, altura sentada, envergadura, circunferencia de cintura y cadera y cuatro pliegues cutáneos (tríceps, pantorrilla medial, subescapular y suprailíaco) de porteros internacionales (n = 12) y no internacionales (n = 23). También se calculó el índice de masa corporal (IMC, peso/altura 2), la suma de los cuatro pliegues de grasa subcutánea, la relación altura/sentado, la relación cintura/cadera y la envergadurarelativa. Resultados: Los porteros de hockey sobre patines internacionales presentan valores más bajos de adiposidad subcutánea para la suma de los cuatropliegues de grasa subcutánea (P = 0.042; d = 0.76) principalmente en el pliegue del tríceps (P = 0.016; d = 0.87) y son más altos do que los porteros no internacionales (+3.8 cm [2.2%]; 180.5 ± 7.0 vs. 176.6 ± 4.8 cm; t = 1.920; P = 0.064; d = 0.65).Conclusión: Los resultados de este estudio pueden indicar que la altura y la grasa corporal pueden tener implicaciones importantes con respecto al proceso de selección tanto para los scouts como para los entrenadores que trabajan con los jugadores en el desarrollo del rendimiento. Estudios futuros deberían centrarse en investigar hasta qué punto las diferentes medidas antropométricas influyen en el rendimiento de los porteros de hockey sobre patines.(AU)

Objetivo: Avaliar as características antropométricas dos guarda-redes masculinos de hóquei em patins e comparar as diferenças de acordo com seu nível competitivo (internacional vs. não internacional). Métodos: Foi medida a Massa corporal, estatura, altura sentada, envergadura, circunferências da cintura e quadril e quatro pregas de gordura subcutânea (trícipital, geminal média, subescapular e suprailíaca) de guarda-redes internacionais (n = 12) e não internacionais (n = 23). O índice de massa corporal (IMC, peso/altura 2 ), a soma das quatro pregas de gordura subcutânea, a relação altura/estatura sentada, relação cintura/quadril e a envergadura relativa também foram calculadas. Resultados: Os guarda-redes internacionais apresentam menores valores de adiposidade subcutânea para a soma das quatro pregas de gordura subcutânea (P = 0,042; d = 0,76) principalmente na prega tricípital (P = 0.016; d= 0.87) e são mais altos do que os guarda-redes não internacionais (+3.8 cm [2.2%]; 180.5 ± 7.0 vs. 176.6 ± 4.8 cm; t = 1.920; P = 0.064; d = 0. 65). Conclusão: Os resultados deste estudo podem indicar que estatura e a gordura corporal podem ter implicações importantes no que diz respeito ao processo de seleção tanto para olheiros e treinadores que trabalham com jogadores no desenvolvimento de desempenho. Futuros estudos devem centrar-se em investigar até que ponto diferentes medidas antropométricas influenciam o desempenho dos guarda-redes de hóquei em patins.(AU)

Cardiac remodeling indicators in adolescent athletes.

OBJECTIVE:: The idea that different sports and physical training type results in different cardiac adaptations has been widely accepted. However, this remodelling process among different sport modalities is still not fully understood. Thus, the current study aims to investigate the heart morphology variation associated with a set of different modalities characterized by distinct models of preparation and different methods and demands of training and completion. METHOD:: The sample comprises 42 basketball players, 73 roller hockey players, 28 judo athletes and 21 swimmers. Anthropometry was assessed by a single and experienced anthropometrist and the same technician performed the echocardiographic exams. Analysis of variance was used to study age, body size and echocardiograph parameters as well as different sport athlete's comparison. RESULTS:: Basketball players are taller (F=23.448; p<0.001; ES-r=0.553), heavier (F=6.702; p<0.001; ES-r=0.334) and have a greater body surface area (F=11.896; p<0.001; ES-r=0.427). Basketball and hockey players have larger left auricle diameters compared with judo athletes (F=3.865; p=0.011; ES-r=0.316). Interventricular end-diastolic septal thickness (F=7.287; p<0.001; ES-r=0.347) and left ventricular posterior wall thickness (F=8.038; p<0.001; ES-r=0.362) of the judokas are smaller compared to the mean values of other sports participants. In addition, relative left parietal ventricular wall thickness is lower among swimmers compared with judokas (F=4.127; p=0.008; ES-r=0.268). CONCLUSION:: The major contributors to changes in heart morphology are for the most part associated with sport-specific training and competition and the specific dynamics and adaptive mechanisms imposed by each sport.

Repeated Dribbling Ability in Young Soccer Players: Reproducibility and Variation by the Competitive Level.

The intermittent nature of match performance in youth soccer supports relevance of ability to repeatedly produce high-intensity actions with short recovery periods. This study was aimed to examine the reproducibility of a repeated dribbling ability protocol and, additionally, to estimate the contribution of concurrent tests to explain inter-individual variability in repeated dribbling output. The total sample comprised 98 players who were assessed as two independent samples: 31 players were assessed twice to examine reliability of the protocol; and 67 juveniles aged 16.1 ± 0.6 years were compared by the competitive level (local, n = 34; national, n = 33) to examine construct validity. All single measurements appeared to be reasonably reliable: total (ICC = 0.924; 95%CI: 0.841 to 0.963); ideal (ICC = 0.913; 95%CI: 0.820 to 0.958); worst (ICC = 0.813; 95%CI: 0.611 to 0.910). In addition, the percentage of the coefficient of variation was below the critical value of 5% for total (%CV = 3.84; TEM = 2.51 s); ideal (%CV = 3.90, TEM = 2.48 s). Comparisons between local and national players suggested magnitude effects as follows: moderate (d-value ranged from 0.63 to 0.89) for all repeated sprint ability scores; large for total (d = 1.87), ideal (d = 1.72), worst (d = 1.28) and moderate for composite scores: the fatigue index (d = 0.69) and the decrement score (d = 0.67). In summary, the dribbling protocol presented reasonable reproducibility properties and output extracted from the protocol seemed to be independent from biological maturation.

Allometric scaling of peak oxygen uptake in male roller hockey players under 17 years old.

Peak oxygen uptake (V̇O2peak) is routinely expressed in litres per minute and by unit of body mass (mL·kg(-1)·min(-1)) despite the theoretical and statistical limitations of using ratios. Allometric modeling is an effective approach for partitioning body-size effects in a performance variable. The current study examined the relationships among chronological age (CA), skeletal age (SA), total body and appendicular size descriptors, and V̇O2peak in male adolescent roller hockey players. Seventy-three Portuguese, highly trained male athletes (CA, 15.4 ± 0.6 years; SA, 16.4 ± 1.5 years; stature, 169.9 ± 6.9 cm; body mass, 63.7 ± 10.7 kg; thigh volume, 4.8 ± 1.0 L) performed an incremental maximal test on a motorized treadmill. Exponents for body size descriptors were 2.15 for stature (R(2) = 0.30, p < 0.01) and 0.55 for thigh volume (R(2) = 0.46, p < 0.01). The combination of stature or thigh volume and CA or SA, and CA(2) or SA(2), increased the explained variance in V̇O2peak (R(2) ranged from 0.30 to 0.55). The findings of the allometric model combining more than 1 body size descriptor (i.e., stature and thigh volume) in addition to SA and CA(2) were not significant. Results suggest that thigh volume and SA are the main contributors to interindividual variability in aerobic fitness.

Cardiac remodeling indicators in adolescent athletes / Indicadores de remodelagem cardíaca em atletas adolescentes

Summary Objective: The idea that different sports and physical training type results in different cardiac adaptations has been widely accepted. However, this remodelling process among different sport modalities is still not fully understood. Thus, the current study aims to investigate the heart morphology variation associated with a set of different modalities characterized by distinct models of preparation and different methods and demands of training and completion. Method: The sample comprises 42 basketball players, 73 roller hockey players, 28 judo athletes and 21 swimmers. Anthropometry was assessed by a single and experienced anthropometrist and the same technician performed the echocardiographic exams. Analysis of variance was used to study age, body size and echocardiograph parameters as well as different sport athlete's comparison. Results: Basketball players are taller (F=23.448; p<0.001; ES-r=0.553), heavier (F=6.702; p<0.001; ES-r=0.334) and have a greater body surface area (F=11.896; p<0.001; ES-r=0.427). Basketball and hockey players have larger left auricle diameters compared with judo athletes (F=3.865; p=0.011; ES-r=0.316). Interventricular end-diastolic septal thickness (F=7.287; p<0.001; ES-r=0.347) and left ventricular posterior wall thickness (F=8.038; p<0.001; ES-r=0.362) of the judokas are smaller compared to the mean values of other sports participants. In addition, relative left parietal ventricular wall thickness is lower among swimmers compared with judokas (F=4.127; p=0.008; ES-r=0.268). Conclusion: The major contributors to changes in heart morphology are for the most part associated with sport-specific training and competition and the specific dynamics and adaptive mechanisms imposed by each sport.

Resumo Objetivo: Os efeitos decorrentes da prática de diferentes modalidades desportivas resultam em padrões divergentes de adaptação cardíaca. A presente pesquisa procura estudar a variação da morfologia do coração associada a um conjunto de modalidades desportivas distintas quanto à natureza do esforço e aos modelos de preparação, incluindo metodologias de treino e sistemas de competição. Método: Foram estudados 42 basquetebolistas, 73 hoquistas, 28 judocas e 21 nadadores. A antropometria foi avaliada por um único e experiente antropometrista e os exames ecocardiográficos foram realizados pelo mesmo operador. Recorreu-se à análise da variância para estudar a variação associada a idade, medidas de tamanho corporal e parâmetros ecocardiográficos, bem como para a comparação entre os atletas de diferentes modalidades desportivas. Resultados: Os basquetebolistas são os atletas mais altos (F=23,448; p<0,001; ES-r=0,553), mais pesados (F=6,702; p<0,001; ES-r=0,334), com maior superfície corporal (F=11,896; p<0,001; ES-r=0,427) e, com os hoquistas, apresentam um diâmetro da aurícula esquerda superior ao dos judocas (F=3,865; p=0,011; ES-r=0,316). A espessura telediastólica do septo interventricular (F=7,287; p<0,001; ES-r=0,347) e da parede posterior do ventrículo esquerdo (F=8,038; p<0,001; ES-r=0,362) dos judocas é inferior à dos outros atletas, mesmo quando controlado para o tamanho corporal. Os nadadores apresentam uma espessura parietal relativa do ventrículo esquerdo superior à dos judocas (F=4,127; p=0,008; ES-r=0,268). Conclusão: As diferentes fontes de variação da morfologia cardíaca prendem-se com as dinâmicas do processo de treino, competição e correspondentemente com os mecanismos adaptativos, sobrepondo-se ao processo de formação desportiva a longo prazo.

Nível de atividade física no lazer e deslocamento e fatores associados em alunos de Educação Física em Coimbra - Portugal / Level of physical activity on leisure time and commuting and associated factors among physical education students in Coimbra - Portugal

O objetivo do estudo foi descrever o nível de atividade física (NAF) no lazer e no deslocamento e seus fatores associados em estudantes de Educação Física da Universidade de Coimbra, Portugal. Foi realizado um estudo transversal com alunos matriculados nos três primeiros anos do curso. Foi aplicado um questionário contendo questões sociodemográficas, comportamentais e do estado nutricional. O nível de atividade física foi avaliado através das seções de lazer e deslocamento do International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) versão longa e foram considerados ativos todos os sujeitos que realizaram 150 minutos ou mais de atividade física na semana. O total de sujeitos entrevistados foi de 405, com média de idade de 21,7 anos (DP= ±4,5 anos), sendo, na maioria, do sexo masculino (67,7%), solteiros (97,5%) e de cor da pele branca (90,0%). A média do índice de massa corporal foi de 22,8 kg/m2 e 82,0% do total se enquadrava na categoria eutrófico. Cerca de 1/5 dos universitários apresentaram o hábito de fumar. Em relação ao NAF, 77,6% dos sujeitos foram classificados como ativos no lazer e a maioria (54,9%) relatou realizar caminhada nesse domínio. No deslocamento, 55,1% dos estudantes foram considerados ativos e apenas 9,6% não realizavam qualquer atividade no deslocamento. A caminhada foi a atividade mais relatada no deslocamento (90,4%), sendo que apenas 13,3% o fizeram via bicicleta. Conclui-se que os estudantes de Educação Física da Universidade de Coimbra apresentam comportamentos satisfatórios de atividade física no lazer e deslocamento para obtenção de benefícios à saúde.

The aim of the study was to identify leisure time and commuting physical activity level and associated factors among physical education students of Coimbra University, Portugal. A cross-sectional study was conducted with the students enrolled in the first three years of the course. A questionnaire containing sociodemographic, behavioral and nutritional issues was applied. The level of physical activity was assessed through leisure time and commuting sections of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) long version. It was considered active all subjects who reported performing 150 minutes or more of physical activity a week. The average age of students was 21.7 years (SD = ±4.5 years); most of subjects were male (67.7%), single (97.5%) and white color (90.0%). The average body mass index (BMI) was 22.8 kg / m2 and 82.0% of the total fell within the normal weight category. More than 1/5 of the students smoke actually. Almost 78.0% of subjects were classified as active during leisure time and mostly 54.9% reported walk in leisure time. 55.1% of students were considered active at commuting time and 9.6% did not perform any activity in this domain. Walking was the most reported commuting activity (90.4%) followed by cycling (13.3%). We conclude that students of the University of Coimbra present physical activity levels similar to the other students, especially the Brazilians physical education.