Correlations Between Medicine Ball Throw With Wheelchair Mobility and Isokinetic Tests in Basketball Para-Athletes.

CONTEXT: A detailed analysis of wheelchair basketball skills in beginner wheelchair basketball players (WBP) can provide practitioners with important indications regarding the selection and prospective development of potential sports talents. A comprehensive WBP evaluation can be very time consuming, mainly during the initial phases of the training processes, which could be a barrier in clinical and practical settings. Moreover, the large number and the turnover of beginner WBP attending rehabilitation centers make the applicability of field and strength tests unfeasible. OBJECTIVE: To verify the relationships between the medicine ball throw (MBT) and wheelchair basketball mobility performance field tests and the shoulder and trunk peak torque in male and female beginner WBP. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING: Rehabilitation Hospital Network, Paralympic Program. PARTICIPANTS: Thirty-seven female and male beginner WBP. MAIN OUTCOMES MEASURES: Participants performed wheelchair basketball field tests (speed, agility, strength, and power tests) and the maximum strength test in the isokinetic dynamometer. The outcomes were correlated with the MBT results. RESULTS: The MBT presented significantly very high and perfect correlations with all wheelchair basketball field tests assessed (5-m sprint, 20-m sprint, and zig-zag agility test with and without a ball), and peak torque (R2 ranging from .810 to .995; P ≤ .05) for male and female athletes. CONCLUSIONS: The MBT, a simple and feasible test, can be used for estimating and determining the wheelchair mobility performance of female and male beginner WBP. It is suggested to measure the distance of a 5-kg medicine ball thrown by athletes during training and testing routines to follow the players' progression.

Medicine Ball Throw Responsiveness to Measure Wheelchair Basketball Mobility in Male Players.

CONTEXT: Monitoring training loads and consequent fatigue responses are usually a result of personal trainers' experiences and an adaptation of methods used in sports for people without disabilities. Currently, there is little scientific evidence on the relationship between training load and fatigue resulting from training sessions in wheelchair sports. Analogous to the vertical jump, which has been associated with competitive performance and used to assess fatigue in Olympic sports, the medicine ball throw (MBT) is a fast, feasible, and accessible test that might be used to measure performance outcomes in Paralympic athletes. OBJECTIVE: To test the MBT responsiveness to detect meaningful changes after training sessions in beginner wheelchair basketball players (WBP). DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING: Rehabilitation Hospital Network, Paralympic Program. PARTICIPANTS: Twelve male WBP. MAIN OUTCOMES MEASURES: The participants performed 3 consecutive days of training sessions involving exercises of wheelchair basketball skills, strength, and power. The MBT test was performed pre and post training sessions. RESULTS: The smallest worthwhile change for MBT was 0.10 cm, and the lower and upper limits were 3.54 and 3.75 m, respectively. On the first day, the MBT started below the smallest worthwhile change lower limit and increased above the upper limit (3.53 and 3.78 m, respectively). On the second day, the MBT pretraining and posttraining session results were near the sample mean (3.62 and 3.59 m, respectively). On the third day, the WBP started the MBT test training higher than the upper limit (3.78 m) and decreased to near the mean (3.58 m). CONCLUSIONS: During 3 consecutive days of training sessions, the magnitude-based inference model presented meaningful changes in MBT test performance. The accurate association of the magnitude-based inference model with the MBT allows coaches and sports team staff to interpret the correct magnitude of change in WBP performance.

Impact of Regular Physical Activity on Adipocytokines and Cardiovascular Characteristics in Spinal Cord-Injured Subjects.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship of carotid artery intima-media thickness (IMT) and cardiac structure and function with adipocytokines in sedentary (S-SCI) and physically active (PA-SCI) subjects with spinal cord injury (SCI). DESIGN: Cross-sectional observational study. SETTING: Academic medical center. PARTICIPANTS: Men with chronic (>1y) SCI (N=41; 16 S-SCI, 25 PA-SCI) were evaluated. S-SCI subjects did not perform labor that required physical effort, recreational physical activity, or sports, while PA-SCI subjects included competing athletes who were regularly performing adapted sports. INTERVENTIONS: Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Clinical, laboratory, carotid ultrasonography, and echocardiography analysis. Plasma leptin, adiponectin, and plasminogen activating inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) levels were determined. RESULTS: PA-SCI subjects had similar levels of adipocytokines, but lower carotid IMT and carotid IMT/diameter, and better left ventricular diastolic function than S-SCI participants. Bivariate analysis showed that adiponectin was inversely correlated with triglycerides (r=-.85, P<.001), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (r=-.57, P<.05), and carotid IMT/diameter (r=-.56, P<.05) in S-SCI but not in PA-SCI participants. Additionally, the leptin-adiponectin ratio showed a direct correlation with triglycerides (r=.84, P<.001) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (r=.53, P<.05) in S-SCI but not in PA-SCI individuals. By contrast, the studied adipocytokines did not correlate with cardiac structure and function in PA-SCI and S-SCI participants. CONCLUSIONS: Lower adiponectin levels and higher leptin-adiponectin ratio are related to adverse vascular and/or metabolic characteristics in individuals with SCI. This relationship, however, appears to be mitigated by regular physical activity.

Impact of Wheelchair Rugby on Body Composition of Subjects With Tetraplegia: A Pilot Study.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the longitudinal effects of wheelchair rugby (WR) training on body composition of subjects with tetraplegia. DESIGN: Subjects were evaluated at baseline and after WR training. SETTING: Faculty of physical education settings. PARTICIPANTS: Individuals with tetraplegia (N=13; age, 26.6±6.0y). INTERVENTIONS: Four sessions per week of WR training composed by aerobic and anaerobic activities and technical and tactical aspects of WR. The average time of intervention was 8.1±2.5 months. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Body composition assessed by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. RESULTS: After training, fat mass was significantly reduced in the whole body (15,191±4603 vs 13,212±3318 g, P=.016), trunk (7058±2639 vs 5693±1498 g, P=.012), and legs (2847±817 vs 2534±742 g, P=.003). Conversely, increased bone mineral content (183±35 vs 195±32 g, P=.01) and fat-free mass (2991±549 vs 3332±602 g, P=.016) in the arms and reduced bone mineral content in the trunk (553±82 vs 521±86 g, P=.034) were observed after training. Furthermore, no significant correlation between the duration of training and changes in body composition was detected. CONCLUSIONS: Regular WR training increased lean mass and bone mineral content in the arms and decreased total body fat mass. Conversely, WR training was associated with decreased bone mineral content in the trunk. These results suggest that regular WR training improves body composition in subjects with tetraplegia.

Impact of Adapted Sports Activities on the Progression of Carotid Atherosclerosis in Subjects With Spinal Cord Injury.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether regular performance of adapted sports is associated with long-term changes in carotid atherosclerosis in subjects with spinal cord injury (SCI). DESIGN: Prospective observational study. SETTING: Academic medical center. PARTICIPANTS: Men with chronic (>1y) SCI and no preserved motor function below the injury level were evaluated in 2007 and 2012 (N=17). Nine subjects did not perform physical activity between the studied time points (control group), whereas 8 subjects entered competitive upper-body sports programs (rugby: n=5, basketball: n=1, jiu-jitsu: n=1, and tennis: n=1) after baseline and were regularly training at the time of the second evaluation (sports group). INTERVENTIONS: Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Clinical, laboratory, hemodynamic, and carotid ultrasonography analysis. RESULTS: The studied groups showed no differences in all studied variables at baseline. After 5 years of follow-up, the control group showed increases in heart rate (87.0±3.1 vs 74.7±3.8 beats per minute; P=.004), but the participants had no significant changes in carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) (.65±.05 vs .67±.03mm; P=.73) or IMT/diameter (.118±.007 vs .136±.013; P=.24). In contrast, the sports group showed long-term decreases in carotid IMT (.56±.05 vs .74±.05mm; P=.001) and IMT/diameter (.097±.006 vs .141±.009; P<.001), but the participants did not show any variation in the other studied variables at follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Regular upper-body sports activities are associated with long-term reductions in carotid atherosclerosis in subjects with SCI and might be a potential prevention strategy aiming to reduce cardiovascular risk in this population.

Injuries in Wheelchair Basketball Players: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Sports injuries have physical and psychological effects that negatively affect sports performance. Although there are data available on sports injuries in wheelchair basketball, some aspects need to be clarified, such as the location, mechanisms and risk factors for injury, which are not well described due to variations and/or a lack of definition of injury. The aim of this study was to determine epidemiological information, primary injury characteristics and affected body regions in wheelchair basketball players; Methods: The PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus, Web of Science and Google Scholar databases were used; Results: eight articles were included in this review. The shoulder was the body region most affected (N = 60; 22.1%). When divided by body segments, the upper limbs were the most affected (N = 128; 47.2%), followed by the head and/or face (N = 53; 19.5%), trunk (included spine and ribs) (N = 48; 17.8%) and lower limbs (N = 42; 15.5%); Conclusions: wheelchair basketball players suffer a large number of injuries with different characteristics that are mainly linked to biomechanics and sport. These results can be used to guide coaches in structuring training to minimize recurring injuries, in addition to assisting in the organization of medical teams in competitions.

Wheelchair skill tests in wheelchair Basketball: A systematic review.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to identify, describe and synthesize the skill tests used in wheelchair basketball. METHOD: A systematic review was carried out in the databases: PubMed/Medline, ScienceDirect, Scopus, Web of science and Google Scholar from inception to January 2021 with up to date in January 2022. the eligibility criteria used were Inclusion: (i) evaluation of wheelchair basketball athletes; (ii) using skill tests (defined as agility, speed, ball maneuverability, slalom, etc.) and (iii) papers needed to be written in English and published in peer-reviewed journals. Exclusion: (i) papers with poor description of the test methodology, (ii) participants not classified as wheelchair basketball athletes (less than one year of practice) and (iii) Participants were not people without disabilities. RESULTS: Our main findings were: a) the most explored skills were pass and speed, and the most frequent test was the pass tests and sprint tests, b) Strong associations were found between sports classes and performance in field tests, c) The most used tests for each skill were: pass = pass accuracy and maximum pass; speed = 20m sprint test with and without the ball; agility = slalom test; dribbling = obstacle dribbling tests and throw = free throw and spot shot. CONCLUSION: The most explored skills were passing and speed, and to evaluate these skills we highlight the two-handed chest pass test, 20m sprint test with ball and the WMP test. The use of specific tests can facilitate the creation of reference standards and possible comparison of athletes and, thus, enable better training conditions, aiming to meet the specific demands of each athlete and team.

Validity and Reliability of a Test Battery to Assess Change of Directions with Ball Dribbling in Para-footballers with Cerebral Palsy.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the content and construct validity and between-sessions reliability of four agility tests requiring ball dribbling in football players with cerebral palsy (CP) with implications for classification and training. A sample of 35 football players with CP from three different countries took part in the study. They performed four tests in two sessions 72 h apart: i) 20 m in a straight line, ii) forward slalom with short changes of direction, iii) forward slalom with wide changes of direction and iv) square course. The Kappa coefficient was used to test content validity, obtaining moderate to almost perfect agreement results. Construct validity was also demonstrated with very large to almost perfect correlations between tests and sessions. Good reliability was found using intra-class coefficients (>0.86), standard error of measurement (<10.8%) and Cronbach´s alpha (>0.86). The comparisons between CP profiles (i.e. sport classes) demonstrated that those with mild impairment performed faster, and those with impairment of ataxia and dyskinesia performed worse. The four tests could have applications in classification, but may also be applied by the CP football coaches to improve athlete agility and football skills.

Bioinformatics analysis of circulating miRNAs related to cancer following spinal cord injury.

Patients with spinal cord injury (SCI) have an increased risk of developing esophageal, bladder and hematologic malignancies compared with the normal population. In the present study, we aimed to identify, through in silico analysis, miRNAs and their target genes related to the three most frequent types of cancer in individuals with SCI. In a previous study, we reported a pattern of expression of miRNAs in 17 sedentary SCI males compared with 22 healthy able-bodied males by TaqMan OpenArray. This list of miRNAs deregulated in SCI patients was uploaded to miRWALK2.0 to predict the target genes and pathways of selected miRNAs. We used Cytoscape software to construct the network displaying the miRNAs and their gene targets. Among the down-regulated miRNAs in SCI, 21, 19 and 20 miRNAs were potentially associated with hematological, bladder and esophageal cancer, respectively, and three target genes (TP53, CCND1 and KRAS) were common to all three types of cancer. The three up-regulated miRNAs were potentially targeted by 18, 15 and 10 genes associated with all three types of cancer. Our current bioinformatics analysis suggests the potential influence of several miRNAs on the development of cancer in SCI. In general, these data may provide novel information regarding potential molecular mechanisms involved in the development of cancer among individuals with SCI. Further studies aiming at understanding how miRNAs contribute to the development of the major cancers that affect patients after SCI may help elucidate the role of these molecules in the pathophysiology of the disease.

Circulating microRNAs, Vascular Risk, and Physical Activity in Spinal Cord-Injured Subjects.

The aim of this study was to compare the expression of serum microRNAs (miRNAs) in individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) (athletes [SCI-A] and sedentary [SCI-S]) and able-bodied (AB) individuals, and investigate the relationship of miRNAs with carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) and serum oxidized LDL-cholesterol (oxLDL) among SCI subjects. Seventeen SCI-S, 23 SCI-A, and 22 AB males were evaluated by clinical and laboratory analysis, and had oxLDL and cIMT measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and ultrasonography, respectively. A total of 754 miRNAs were measured using a TaqMan OpenArray® Human MicroRNA system. SCI-S subjects had higher cIMT and oxLDL than SCI-A and AB. Compared with AB, only one miRNA was differently expressed in both SCI-A and SCI-S individuals, whereas 25 miRNAs were differently expressed in SCI-S, but not in SCI-A. Of these 25 miRNAs, 22 showed different expression between SCI-S and SCI-A. Several miRNAs correlated with oxLDL and cIMT among all SCI individuals. Notably, miR-125b-5p, miR-146a-5p, miR-328-3p, miR-191-5p, miR-103a-3p, and miR-30b-5p correlated with both oxLDL and cIMT, and showed distinct expression between the SCI-A and SCI-S groups. Gene set enrichment analysis demonstrated that miRNAs related to cIMT and oxLDL may be involved in molecular pathways regulating vascular function and remodeling. In conclusion, this exploratory analysis suggests that variations in circulating miRNA expression in individuals with SCI compared with AB subjects are markedly attenuated by regular physical activity. Several miRNAs may be involved in physical activity-related improvements in vascular risk and remodeling among SCI individuals.

Assessing the Validity of the MyJump2 App for Measuring Different Jumps in Professional Cerebral Palsy Football Players: An Experimental Study.

BACKGROUND: Vertical jumps can be used to assess neuromuscular status in sports performance. This is particularly important in Cerebral Palsy Football (CP Football) because players are exposed to high injury risk, but it may be complicated because the gold standard for assessing jump performance is scarce in field evaluation. Thus, field techniques, such as mobile apps, have been proposed as an alternative method for solving this problem. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to evaluate the reliability of the measures of the MyJump2 app to assess vertical jump performance in professional CP Football. METHODS: We assessed 40 male CP Football athletes (age 28.1 [SD 1.4] years, weight 72.5 [SD 6.2] kg, and height 176 [SD 4.2] cm) through the countermovement jump (CMJ) and squat jump (SJ) using a contact mat. At the same time, we assessed the athletes using the MyJump2 app. RESULTS: There were no significant differences between the instruments in SJ height (P=.12) and flight time (P=.15). Additionally, there were no significant differences between the instruments for CMJ in jump height (P=.16) and flight time (P=.13). In addition, it was observed that there were significant and strong intraclass correlations in all SJ variables varying from 0.86 to 0.89 (both P<.001), which was classified as "almost perfect." Similar results were observed in all variables from the CMJ, varying from 0.92 to 0.96 (both P ≤.001). CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that the MyJump2 app presents high validity and reliability for measuring jump height and flight time of the SJ and CMJ in CP Football athletes.

High-intensity interval training in people with spinal cord injury: a systematic review / Entrenamiento por intervalos de alta intensidad en personas con lesiones medulares: una revisión sistemática / Treinamento intervalado de alta intensidade em pessoas com lesão da medula espinhal: revisão sistemática

ABSTRACT Objective: Analyze the effects of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on cardiometabolic parameters, and cardiorespiratory fitness to compile the most used HIIT training types in adults with spinal cord injury (SCI). Methods: This is a systematic review of searches performed in the electronic databases PubMed / Medline, Science Direct, and Google Scholar. Studies included I) needed to apply HIIT training II) adults with SCI to analyze III) cardiometabolic aspects and cardiorespiratory fitness. Two independent reviewers selected the articles for inclusion, extracted their data, and assessed their methodological quality. Results: 654 studies were found. Thus, 12 studies, 11 pre- and post-intervention, and one control group (CG) with 106 participants were analyzed. Pre- and post-HIITT intervention results revealed significant improvement in cardiorespiratory fitness and cardiometabolic aspects (VO2peak, LDH, HDL, insulin resistance). In addition, GC results revealed significant improvement in cardiorespiratory fitness observed in the intervention group (HIIT) compared to the moderate-low intensity (GC) group. Seven studies used the arm ergometer as the primary exercise modality. Two studies described functional electrical stimulation (FES) performed with the arm ergometer plus electrical stimulation in the lower limbs. None reported heart rate dynamics during the study period. Conclusion: High-intensity interval training improves physical fitness and cardiometabolic health in adults with SCI. Evidence level II; Systematic Review of level II studies.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Analizar los efectos del entrenamiento interválico de alta intensidad (HIIT) sobre los parámetros cardiometabólicos, fitness cardiorrespiratorio y recopilar los tipos de HIIT más utilizados en el entrenamiento en adultos con lesión medular (LME). Métodos: Se trata de una revisión sistemática, para lo cual se realizaron búsquedas en bases de datos electrónicas PubMed/Medline, Science Direct y Google Scholar. Se incluyeron estudios que I) necesitaban aplicar entrenamiento HIIT en II) adultos con SCI y analizar III) aspectos cardiometabólicos y aptitud cardiorrespiratoria. Dos revisores independientes seleccionaron los artículos para su inclusión, extrajeron sus datos y evaluaron su calidad metodológica. Resultados: De los 654 estudios encontrados, se analizaron 12 estudios, 11 pre y post intervención y 1 grupo control (GC) con un total de 106 participantes. Los resultados previos y posteriores a la intervención HIIT revelaron una mejora significativa en la aptitud cardiorrespiratoria y los aspectos cardiometabólicos (VO2pico, LDH, HDL, resistencia a la insulina). Los resultados de GC revelaron una mejora significativa en la aptitud cardiorrespiratoria observada del grupo de intervención (HIIT) en comparación con el grupo de intensidad moderada-baja (GC). Siete estudios utilizaron el ergómetro de brazo como la modalidad principal de ejercicio. Dos estudios describieron la estimulación eléctrica funcional (EEF) realizada con el ergómetro de brazo más la estimulación eléctrica en los miembros inferiores. Ninguno informó la dinámica de la frecuencia cardíaca durante el período de estudio. Conclusiones: El entrenamiento intervalos de alta intensidad mejora la condición física y la salud cardiometabólica en adultos con LME. Evidencia de nivel II; Revisión sistemática de estudios de nivel II.

RESUMO Objetivo: Analisar os efeitos do treinamento intervalado de alta intensidade (HIIT) nos parâmetros cardiometabólicos, aptidão cardiorrespiratória e compilar os tipos de HIIT mais utilizados no treinamento em adultos com lesão da medula espinhal (LME). Métodos: Trata-se de revisão sistemática, para a qual foram realizadas pesquisas nas bases de dados eletrônicas PubMed / Medline, Science Direct e Google Scholar. Foram incluídos estudos em que I) o treinamento HIIT era aplicado em II) adultos com LME e analisaram III) os aspectos cardiometabólicos e aptidão cardiorrespiratória. Dois revisores independentes selecionaram os artigos para a inclusão, extraindo seus dados e avaliarando a sua qualidade metodológica. Resultados: 654 estudos foram encontrados. Desses, 12 estudos, 11 pré e pós intervenção e 1 grupo controle (GC) com um total de 106 participantes foram analisados. Resultados pré e pós intervenção de HIIT revelaram significante melhora na aptidão cardiorrespiratória e aspectos cardiometabólicos (VO2pico, LDH, HDL, resistência à insulina). Resultados do GC revelaram uma significativa melhoria na aptidão cardiorrespiratória observada no grupo de intervenção (HIIT) em relação ao grupo de intensidade moderada-baixa (GC). Sete estudos usaram o ergômetro de braço como modalidade de exercício primária. Dois estudos descreveram a estimulação elétrica funcional (EEF) realizada com o ergômetro de braço adicionando estimulação elétrica nos membros inferiores. Nenhum relatou a dinâmica da frequência cardíaca durante o período do estudo. Conclusão: O treinamento intervalado de alta intensidade melhora a aptidão física e a saúde cardiometabólica em adultos com LME. Nível de evidência II; Revisão sistemática de Estudos de Nível II.

Reduced Sympathetic Stimulus and Angiotensin 1-7 Are Related to Diastolic Dysfunction in Spinal Cord-Injured Subjects.

Chronic spinal cord injury (SCI) is often associated with reductions in left ventricular (LV) diastolic function. Impairments in sympathetic activity and activation of the renin-angiotensin system are reported in SCI individuals and may hypothetically be implicated in this association. Hence, the present study verified the relationship between these two neuro-hormonal and cardiac functional and structural characteristics in SCI individuals. Twenty-two men with SCI (injury level above T6 and no voluntary motion below the injury) and 11 able-bodied men were evaluated by clinical, hemodynamic, laboratory, and echocardiographic analysis and had plasmatic renin, angiotensin I (ANGI), angiotensin II (ANGII), angiotensin 1-7 (ANG1-7), and noradrenaline levels measured. SCI subjects had lower noradrenaline (p = 0.003) and higher ANG1-7 (p = 0.009), but similar renin, ANGI, and ANGII levels when compared with able-bodied individuals. In SCI individuals, results of multi-variable analysis showed that higher Em, a marker of better LV diastolic function, was directly associated with ANG1-7 (p = 0.05) or ANG1-7/ANGII ratio (p = 0.007), whereas lower noradrenaline levels were independently associated with worse LV diastolic function, as assessed by E/Em ratio (p = 0.028). In conclusion, these results suggest that reduced sympathetic activity and expression of ANG1-7 may be involved in SCI-related diastolic dysfunction.

Impact of intrinsic motivation on competitive anxiety among wheelchair handball athletes / Impacto da motivação intrínseca sobre a ansiedade competitiva em atletas de handebol em cadeira de rodas

ABSTRACT Motivation and anxiety have been a recurrent theme in debates around sports, and understanding their relevance for competitive practice and their effects on athletes becomes imperative. This study aimed to investigate the impact of intrinsic motivation on the anxiety of Wheelchair Handball (WCH) athletes. The Intrinsic Motivation Inventory (IMI) and the Sport Anxiety Scale (SAS) were applied to 37 male athletes (34.18 ± 9.32 years old) with physical disabilities and participating in the Brazilian WCH championship. Data analysis was conducted by means of the Shapiro-Wilk, Pearson's Correlation and Multiple Linear Regression tests (p < 0.05). As a result, the intrinsic motivation subscales presented high scores both on the subscales that contribute positively (Pleasure/Interest, Competence, and Perceived exertion) and on the subscale that contributes negatively (Pressure/Tension). As for the impact of motivation on competitive anxiety, the athlete feeling competent inversely explained 15% of the variance of somatic anxiety. Competence presented a negative impact, and Pressure/Tension, a positive impact on the Concern subscale. Additionally, the Pleasure/Interest, Pressure/Tension and Perceived exertion subscales explained 31% of the variance of anxiety related to Disturbance of concentration, indicating that the greater the perception of pleasure with the practice and the greater the effort towards tasks, the less disturbance in concentration, and that the higher the pressure/tension score (lower perception of pressure), the greater the disturbance in the athlete's concentration. It was concluded that intrinsic motivation is a determining factor for controlling competitive anxiety in WCH athletes.

RESUMO A motivação e a ansiedade tem sido tema recorrente de debates no esporte e enteder sua relavância para a prática competitiva e os efeitos nos atletas se tornam imprescindível. Este estudo objetivou investigar o impacto da motivação intrínseca sobre a ansiedade de atletas de Handebol em Cadeira de Rodas (HCR). Foram aplicados o Inventário de Motivação Intrínseca (IMI) e a Escala de Ansiedade no Desporto (SAS) em 37 atletas (34.18 ± 9.32 anos), do sexo masculino, com deficiência fisica, participantes do campeonato Brasileiro de HCR. A análise dos dados foi conduzida por meio dos testes de Shapiro Wilk, a Correlação de Pearson e a Regressão Linear Múltipla (p < 0,05). Como resultado, as subescalas da motivação intrínseca apresentaram escores elevados tanto nas subescalas que contribuem de forma positiva (Prazer/Interesse, Competência e Percepção do esforço), quanto na subescala que contribui de forma negativa (Pressão/Tensão). Em relação ao impacto da motivação sobre a ansiedade competitiva, o atleta se sentir competente explicou inversamente 15% da variância da ansiedade somática. A competência apresentou impacto negativo e a Pressão/Tensão impacto positivo sobre a subescala de Preocupação. Ademais, as subescalas de Prazer/Interesse, Pressão/Tensão e Percepção do esforço explicaram 31% da variância da ansiedade relacionada à Perturbação da Concentração, indicando que que quanto maior a percepção de prazer pela prática e esforço perante as tarefas, menos perturbações na concentração, e quanto maior o escore de pressão/tensão (menor percepção de pressão), maior a perturbação da concentração do atleta. Concluiu-se que a motivação intrínseca é um fator determinante para o controle da ansiedade competitiva dos atletas de HCR.

Frecuencia del polimorfismo genético ACTN3 R577X y ECA I/D en atletas ciegos de fútbol 5 / Frequency of genetic polymorphism ACTN3 R577X and ACE I/D in blind athletes of 5-a-side football

RESUMEN: El objetivo de este estudio fue describir la frecuencia genotípica y alélica del ACTN3 R577X y ECA I/D en atletas ciegos de fútbol 5. Se incluyó una metodología descriptiva con una muestra de 63 deportistas ciegos (28,0±5,8 años), todos varones, de equipos de fútbol 5 de alto rendimiento. El polimorfismo se determinó mediante la reacción en cadena de la polimerasa en tiempo real (RT-PCR). La estadística fue descriptiva realizada a partir de las medidas de frecuencia de genotipos y alelos. La frecuencia genotípica de la ACTN3 en los deportistas presentó la siguiente distribución: el 28,6 % con genotipo RR, el 54 % con RX y el 17,4 % con XX y frecuencia alélica del 55,6 % para el alelo R y del 44,4 % para el alelo X. En cuanto a la ECA I/D, la frecuencia genotípica fue del 63,5 % para el genotipo ID, del 22,2 % para el DD y del 14,3 % para el II. La frecuencia alélica presentó prevalencia del alelo D con el 53,9 %. El estudio constató una predominancia de los genotipos y alelos representativos de las modalidades de fuerza y velocidad para ACTN3 R577X y ECA I/D de atletas de fútbol 5.

SUMMARY: The aim of this study was to describe the genotypic and allele frequency of ACTN3 R577X and ACE I/D in blind athletes of 5-a-side football performance. A descriptive methodology was included with a sample of 63 blind male athletes (28.0 ±5.8 years) of football teams with a 5-a-side performance rating. The polymorphism was determined by means by of real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction (rt-PCR). Statistics were descriptive based on the measures of frequency of genotypes and alleles. The genotypic frequency of ACTN3 by the athletes presented the following distribution: 28.6 % with RR genotype, 54 % with RX and 17.4 % XX and allele frequency of 55.6 % for the R allele and 44.4 % for the X allele. As for ACE I/D, the genotype frequency was 63.5 % for genotype ID, 22.2 % for DD and 14.3 % for II. The allele frequency showed a predominance of the D allele with 53.9 %. The study found for ACTN3 R577X and ACE I/ D of blind athletes of 5-a-side football, a predominance of genotypes and alleles representative of strength and speed modalities.

Perfil da força muscular isométrica em atletas de rugby em cadeira de rodas / Profile of isometric muscle strength in athletes of wheelchair rugby

Objetivo: Analisar os níveis de força muscular em atletas de rugby em cadeira de rodas (RCR). Método: A amostra foi composta por 10 atletas (homens) com lesão da medula espinhal em nível cervical (tetraplegia) com média de idade de 31,1±5,06 anos. Os atletas foram recrutados na equipe de RCR do Projeto de Atividade Motora e Esporte Adaptado da Universidade Estadual de Campinas (ADEACAMP/UNICAMP). Resultados: Para analisar os níveis de força muscular isométrica (flexão e extensão dos ombros e cotovelos) foi utilizado dinamômetro isométrico, enquanto ultrassom foi usado para avaliação da espessura muscular (flexores e extensores do cotovelo, ambos os lados), utilizando 7,3 MHz da sonda linear-matriz. Correlação ponto-bisserial foi utilizada para verificar a associação entre os níveis de força de acordo com a posição de jogo; enquanto a correlação de Spearman verificou a associação entre os níveis de força entre membros dominantes e não dominantes, além da relação músculo agonista versus antagonista. Ainda, o teste Mann Whitney U foi utilizado para comparar os jogadores titulares e reservas quanto à força e espessura muscular. Conclusão: Podemos concluir que quanto maior a classificação funcional, maiores são os valores de força voluntária isométrica máxima; e que a força isométrica tem correlação com o desempenho de atletas de RCR

Objective: The aim of this study was to analyze muscle strength levels in wheelchair rugby athletes. Methods: The sample was 10 athletes (men) with spinal cord injury at cervical level (tetraplegia) with mean age of 31.1 ± 5.06 years. The athletes were recruited in the rugby team in wheelchair of the Motor Activity and Adapted Sport Project of the University of Campinas (ADEACAMP/UNICAMP). Results: In order to analyze the isometric muscular strength levels (flexion/extension of the shoulders and elbows), dynamometer was used, while muscle thickness was verified by ultrasound (flexors and extensors of the elbow, both sides), using 7.3 MHz of the linear-array probe. Point bi-serial correlation was applied to verify associations of game position and strength; while Spearman's correlation verified associations of strength and dominant and nondominant sides, and the relationship of agonist versus antagonist muscles. Moreover, the Mann Whitney U test was used to compare first to second-string players regarding strength and muscle thickness. Conclusion: We concluded that the higher the functional classification, higher the values of maximum isometric voluntary strength; and that the isometric strength correlates with their rugby performances

Validação do Illinois Test Modificado para atletas de futebol de sete paralímpico / Validation Illinois Changed Test for paralympic athletes of football seven

O Futebol de sete Paralímpico é um dos principais esportes praticados por atletas com Paralisia Cerebral na atualidade. Seus benefícios variam da melhora da percepção pessoal à melhoria das condições físicas, sociais, psicológicas, motoras e as respostas fisiológicas. Entretanto, poucos são os testes que possam subsidiar a modalidade e a população no que se diz respeito a aptidão e capacidades físicas. O estudo teve por objetivo validar o teste de agilidade Illinois para atletas da modalidade de futebol de 7 paralímpico. A população foi composta por 16 atletas da seleção brasileira de futebol de 7 paralímpica, com idade entre 20 a 38 anos. A captação dos dados foi realizada por 3 avaliadores que utilizaram o Illinois Test modificado como principal ferramenta. Foram realizadas duas avaliações (testereteste) com 48 hs de intervalo com todos os atletas e avaliadores. Após as análises, foi possível observar que os atletas nos dois dias obtiveram resultados semelhantes, (média geral de todos os atletas incluindo teste-reteste) apresentando o tempo de 10,65 segundos. O melhor tempo foi de 9,62 e pior resultado foi de 14,30 segundos, demostrando assim o potencial de agilidade de toda a equipe. Não houve diferenças estatisticamente significativas entre os 3 avaliadores, o que demonstra alto nível de confiabilidade e replicabilidade do teste. O Illinois modificado para o futebol de 7 paralímpico pode ser usado como uma ferramenta de fácil aplicação, com objetivo de mensurar escores de agilidade de uma equipe, bem como ser usado para futuras comparações em modalidades semelhantes com outras pesquisas...(AU)

The Seven Paralympic Football is one of the main sports practiced by athletes with Cerebral Palsy nowadays. Its benefits range from improving personal perception to improving physical, social, psychological, motor and and physiological responses. However, few are the tests that can subsidize the modality and the population with respect to the aptitude and physical capacities. The study aimed to validate the Illinois Agility Test for athletes of the Football Seven a Side sport. The group of athletes was composed by 16 athletes of the Brazilian Football Seven a Side team, aged between 20 and 38 years. Three evaluators used the modified Illinois test as the main tool performed data collection. Two evaluations were performed (test-retest) with 48 hours intervals with all athletes and evaluators. After the analysis, it was possible to observe that the athletes, in two days obtained similar results, overall mean of all athletes including test-retest presenting the time of 10.65 seconds. The best time was 9.62 seconds and worst result was 14.30 seconds, thus demonstrating the agility potential of the whole team. There were no statistically significant differences among the 3 evaluators, which demonstrated a high level of reliability and use of the test. The modified Illinois test for Football Seven a Side can be used as an easy-to-apply tool with the goal of measuring a team's agility scores as well as being used for future comparisons in similar modalities with other surveys...(AU)

Correlação entre índice de massa corporal (IMC) e velocidade em saltos alternados em crianças / Correlation between body mass index (BMI) and speed in alternated jumps in children

A obesidade infantil vem em uma crescente pelo mundo inteiro e acredita-se que pode ser desecandeada pelo efeito negativo que os baixos níveis da coordenação motora podem causar sobre os níveis de atividade física e aptidão física durante a infância. Estudos analisaram a relação entre coordenação motora e composição corporal, e apontaram uma carência nas investigações sobre a influência do peso corporal em tarefas motoras específicas. Mediante ao exposto, o objetivo do presente estudo foi analisar a relação entre o Índice de Massa Corporal (IMC) e a velocidade em saltos alternados em crianças. Participaram do estudo 98 escolares com idade entre 6 e 10 anos. Para avaliação da velocidade de saltos alternados utilizou-se de uma das provas do teste Teste de Coordenação Corporal para Crianças (Köperkoordination Test für Kinder - KTK) que avalia saltos laterais por meio de teste específico. A análise estatística foi realizada por meio do programa R- Plus, o qual foi aplicado o teste de Mann-Whitney para verificar as diferenças do quociente motor (QM) entre meninos e meninas, Spearman para correlação entre o QM e IMC; e ANOVA para as diferenças entre a classificação do peso e o QM, sendo adotado nível de significância de 5% (p <0,05). Os resultados demonstraram não haver diferença estatística significativa entre os sexos para as variáveis analisadas. Entretanto, os meninos atingiram valores maiores para idade, IMC e QM. Na correlação entre o IMC e QM dos saltos laterais das crianças avaliadas, houve correlação negativa fraca, demonstrando que o IMC não teve grande influência no desempenho motor dos saltos quando analisado ambos os gêneros juntos. Tais resultados demonstram não haver correlação do IMC e a habilidade de saltos laterais em crianças com IMC elevado quando analisados de maneira geral. Porém, quando analisado por gênero, os meninos demonstram uma relação inversamente proporcional de IMC e saltos laterais o que não observou-se nas meninas.

Child obesity has been rising worldwide and is believed to be triggered by the negative effect that low levels of motor coordination can cause on the levels of physical activity and physical fitness during childhood. Studies analyzed the relationship between motor coordination and body composition, and pointed to a lack of research on the influence of body weight on specific motor tasks. The purpose of this study was to analyze the relationship between Body Mass Index (BMI) and the speed in alternate jumps in children. A total of 98 students aged 6 to 10 years took part in the study. In order to evaluate the speed in alternate jumps, one of the Köperkoordination Test für Kinder (KTK) tests that evaluates side jumps by means of a specific test was used. Statistical analysis was performed using the R-Plus program, which applied the Mann-Whitney test to verify the motor quotient (QM) differences between boys and girls, the Spearman test for correlation between QM and BMI; and ANOVA for the differences between weight classification and QM; as well as adopting a 5% (p <0.05) significance level. The results showed that there were no significant statistical differences between the sexes for the analyzed variables; however, boys scored higher values for age, BMI and QM. A weak negative correlation was observed between BMI and QM for the lateral jumps of the assessed children, demonstrating that the BMI did not have a great influence on the motor performance of the jumps when both genders were analyzed together. These results show that there is no correlation between BMI and lateral jumping skills in children with high BMI when analyzed in general, but when analyzed by gender, boys demonstrate an inversely proportional relation of BMI and lateral jumps, which was not observed in girls.

Matrix metalloproteinases and left ventricular function and structure in spinal cord injured subjects.

Subjects with spinal cord injury (SCI) exhibit impaired left ventricular (LV) diastolic function, which has been reported to be attenuated by regular physical activity. This study investigated the relationship between circulating matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and tissue inhibitors of MMPs (TIMPs) and echocardiographic parameters in SCI subjects and the role of physical activity in this regard. Forty-two men with SCI [19 sedentary (S-SCI) and 23 physically-active (PA-SCI)] were evaluated by clinical, anthropometric, laboratory, and echocardiographic analysis. Plasmatic pro-MMP-2, MMP-2, MMP-8, pro-MMP-9, MMP-9, TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 levels were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and zymography. PA-SCI subjects presented lower pro-MMP-2 and pro-MMP-2/TIMP-2 levels and improved markers of LV diastolic function (lower E/Em and higher Em and E/A values) than S-SCI ones. Bivariate analysis showed that pro-MMP-2 correlated inversely with Em and directly with E/Em, while MMP-9 correlated directly with LV mass index and LV end-diastolic diameter in the whole sample. Following multiple regression analysis, pro-MMP-2, but not physical activity, remained associated with Em, while MMP-9 was associated with LV mass index in the whole sample. These findings suggest differing roles for MMPs in LV structure and function regulation and an interaction among pro-MMP-2, diastolic function and physical activity in SCI subjects.

Physical activity and improved diastolic function in spinal cord-injured subjects.

PURPOSE: Subjects with spinal cord injury (SCI) have been reported to present impaired left ventricular (LV) diastolic function in comparison with able-bodied (AB) ones. The present study investigated the effect of regular physical activity on the cardiac structure and function of SCI subjects. METHODS: Fifty-eight SCI men (29 sedentary [SCI-S] and 29 athletes [SCI-A]) and 29 AB men were cross-sectionally evaluated by clinical, laboratory, hemodynamic, and echocardiographic analysis. All enrolled subjects were normotensive, nondiabetic, nonsmoker, and normolipemic, and the studied groups presented similar age and body mass index. RESULTS: SCI-S presented similar LV structural and systolic parameters but higher E/Em (8.0 ± 0.5) and lower Em/Am (1.18 ± 0.09) ratios than SCI-A and AB (E/Em = 6.4 ± 0.3 and 5.9 ± 0.3, respectively; Em/Am = 1.57 ± 0.12 and 1.63 ± 0.08, respectively; all P < 0.05 compared with SCI-S). Analysis of SCI individuals according to injury level revealed that tetraplegic athletes had similar features compared with sedentary tetraplegic subjects, except for higher Em (10.9 ± 0.6 vs 8.6 ± 0.7 cm s, P < 0.05) and lower E/Em ratio (6.3 ± 0.4 vs 8.8 ± 0.8, P < 0.05), whereas paraplegic athletes had similar features compared with sedentary paraplegic individuals, except for higher LV end-diastolic diameter (49.4 ± 1.4 vs 45.0 ± 1.0 mm, P < 0.05) and Em/Am ratio (1.69 ± 0.20 vs 1.19 ± 0.08, P < 0.05) and lower LV relative wall thickness (0.330 ± 0.012 vs 0.369 ± 0.010, P < 0.05) and heart rate (67.1 ± 4.2 vs 81.9 ± 2.8 bpm, P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Regular physical activity is associated with improved LV diastolic function in SCI subjects and might exert distinct cardiac structural effects in tetraplegic and paraplegic subjects.