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The aim of this study was to evaluate the normalized response speed (Vrn) of the knee musculature (flexor and extensor) in high competitive level volleyball players using tensiomyography (TMG) and to analyze the muscular response of the vastus medialis (VM), rectus femoris (RF), vastus lateralis (VL), and biceps femoris (BF) in accordance with the specific position they play in their teams. One hundred and sixty-six players (83 women and 83 men) were evaluated. They belonged to eight teams in the Spanish women's superleague and eight in the Spanish men's superleague. The use of Vrn allows avoiding possible sample imbalances due to anatomical and functional differences and demands. We found differences between Vrn in each of the muscles responsible for extension (VM, RF, and VL) and flexion (BF) regardless of the sex. Normalized response speed differences seem to be larger in setters, liberos and outside players compared to middle blockers and larger in males when compared to females. These results of Vrn might respond to the differences in the physical and technical demands of each specific position, showing an improved balance response of the knee extensor and flexor musculature in male professional volleyball players. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: While there is agreement on the positive link between psychological resilience and athletic performance, conclusive findings regarding the association between psychological resilience and other variables of interest (for example, age, gender, type of sport, or competitive level) remain elusive., Objective: The study aimed to assess psychological resilience levels among judokas and explore potential associations with demographic factors, judo experience and competitive level., Methods: A total of 702 judokas (469 men and 233 women) participated in the study, of whom 194 (27.6%) were classified as TOP by their competitive level. Psychological resilience was evaluated using the Spanish version of the 10 item Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC 10), with a score range from 0 to 40. Independent T -test and Pearson's coefficient were used for bivariate analysis. A two-way non-parametric ANCOVA was carried out to analyse the impact of gender and competitive level on psychological resilience., Results: The judokas showed total mean scores in the CD-RISC 10 of 33.08 points (SD = 4.79), considered high. Levels of psychological resilience were significantly higher among men (33.36 ± 4.76) than women (32.53 ± 4.80) and were positively correlated with age and number of years practicing and competing in Judo ( p  = 0.019). Judokas with a higher competitive level (TOP judokas) showed significantly higher levels of resilience than the others (non-TOP judokas) ( p  < 0.001). These differences in resilience according to competitive level persisted, among both men and women, when adjusting the model of analysis (two-way ANCOVA) for all variables considered in the study, although with a small effect size., Conclusion: The results suggest that the practice of Judo, especially over long periods of time, is associated with high scores in psychological resilience. Furthermore, psychological resilience appears to be a differentiating variable among judokas at a high-competitive level, and its evaluation and development using different strategies based on age and gender should be considered by trainers and psychologists., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2024 Garrido-Muñoz, Blanco-García, Diez-Vega, García-Merino, Acebes-Sánchez and Rodríguez-Romo.)

Background: Patients with severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) often require hospital admission and experience sequelae such as chronic fatigue or low muscle mass., Objective: To analyze the functional capacity of a cohort of patients with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 who required hospitalization., Design and Setting: An observational descriptive study was conducted on post-COVID-19 patients referred to the Rehabilitation Department of Gregorio Marañón Hospital (Madrid, SPAIN)., Methods: Cardiorespiratory fitness, muscle strength, body composition, and perception of fatigue and dyspnea were analyzed. Furthermore, the existing correlations between clinical variables and physical conditions were analyzed., Results: Forty-two patients who required hospital admission (80 ± 22.45 days) or intensive care unit (ICU) admission (58 ± 10.52 days) were analyzed. They presented with decreased strength, respiratory capacity, and moderate-to-severe perceived fatigue. Additionally, an inverse correlation was found between right-handgrip strength and days in the ICU, as well as the 6-minute walk test for women. Similarly, strength and fitness were negatively associated with perceived fatigue., Conclusions: Post-COVID-19 patients showed low muscle function and low levels of physical fitness associated with high perceived fatigue.

Postural control is a skill associated with most motor activities and is essential for the performance of activities of daily living. People with intellectual disabilities (ID) present postural control deficits that can be attributed to several causes. The aim of this study was to determine whether postural control and physical fitness could explain the cognitive impairment and support needs in this population. A cross-sectional pilot study was conducted with 18 people with ID. Data collection was based on assessments for postural control (Mini BESTest and Berg Balance Scale) and physical fitness (Senior Fitness Test). The data were analyzed using linear regression models. Anticipatory postural adjustments were associated with support needs, explaining up to 45% of these. Consecutive postural adjustments and upper limb strength were less significantly associated with support needs. However, none of the variables used explained cognitive impairment in ID. Knowledge of the relationships and behavior of the different measurement tools is essential for the development of appropriate interventions in this population.

Low back pain (LBP) is known to affect cyclists. This study aimed to describe perceived lumbar dysfunction and compare the pain sensation in recreational cyclists who practice road and mountain biking. Forty males were randomly assigned to carry out a 3-h road cycling (RC) and mountain biking (MTB) time trial (TT) at submaximal intensity. LBP and pain pressure threshold (PPT) were measured before and after the TT. A significant increment at the LBP was found after RC TT ( p < 0.001; d = 2.61), similar to MTB TT ( p < 0.001; d = 2.65). However, PPT decreased after completing the RC TT ( p < 0.001; d = 1.73) and after MTB TT ( p = 0.024; d = 0.77). There were no differences in the LBP evolution between both interventions ( p > 0.01). Low back pain perception increases with cycling in recreational cyclists. Nevertheless, this increase appears to be more related to the traits of the cyclist than the modality practiced.

Most research support positive relationships between physical activity and mental health. However, possible moderating variables of these relationships have also been identified, such as age, gender, level of physical activity, and the scope of physical activity. This study aimed to analyze the relationships between physical activity and mental health levels in undergraduate students, assessing whether these associations can change depending on the level of physical activity (low, medium, or high) and the setting (occupational, commuting, or leisure time physical activity) in which it was performed. A descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted. The sample comprised 847 undergraduate students. Physical activity and mental health were measured by the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQv2) and the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12). We found relationships between students' physical activity level and their mental health status. The higher the total physical activity, the better their mental health scores. High levels of commuting and leisure time physical activity is also associated with better mental health, while only moderate levels of occupational physical activity are associated with better mental health status. Regarding the possible associations between physical activity and vulnerability to mental health problems, with the fully adjusted regression model, leisure time and occupational physical activity remain protective of a poor state of mental health. Leisure time physical activity, performed at a high level, and moderate occupational physical activity seems to be the best combination of physical activity to reduce students' vulnerability to potential mental health problems.

Hospitalization in older population leads to a decline in physical function, physical condition, and independency. However, a scarce number of studies has addressed the effect of being in good physical condition on the risk of hospitalization and polypharmacy in older people. Therefore, this study aims to examine the relationship between physical condition and other health factors, and the incidence of hospitalization and polypharmacy in Spanish older persons. For this cross-sectional study we recruited 102 institutionalized persons aged 80 years or older, who were being treated at three primary care centers. The data collected were number of hospitalizations and medications, dietary habits, nutrition status, quality of life, independence in activities of daily life, physical performance, and associated genotype data. Scoring higher in the tests Chair stand and 8-Foot Up-and-go was found associated with reduced risks of hospitalization (odds ratio [OR] = 0.45 [95% CI = 0.2-0.99]; OR 0.32 [95% CI = 0.12-0.86]) and polypharmacy (OR = 0.36 [95% CI = 0.16-0.8]; OR = 0.28 [95% CI = 0.1-0.78]). The number of medications was also lower in individuals with a greater aerobic capacity and activities of daily life independence (OR = 0.28 [95% CI = 0.1-0.78]; OR = 0.37 [95% CI = 0.16-0.82]). No associations were found with the remaining physical performance tests or other factors assessed. Our findings point to benefits of greater strength, balance, and aerobic capacity in terms of reducing the risk of hospitalization and polypharmacy.

Introduction: Elevated plasma α-klotho (αKl) protects against several ageing phenotypes and has been proposed as a biomarker of a good prognosis for different diseases. The beneficial health effects of elevated plasma levels of soluble αKl (SαKl) have been likened to the positive effects of exercise on ageing and chronic disease progression. It has also been established that molecular responses and adaptations differ according to exercise dose. The aim of this study is to compare the acute SαKl response to different exercise interventions, cardiorespiratory, and strength exercise in healthy, physically active men and to examine the behavior of SαKl 72h after acute strength exercise. Methods: In this quasi-experimental study, plasma SαKl was measured before and after a cardiorespiratory exercise session (CR) in 43 men, and strength exercise session (ST) in 39 men. The behavior of SαKl was also examined 24, 48, and 72h after ST. Results: Significant differences (time×group) were detected in SαKl levels ( p =0.001; d =0.86) between CR and ST. After the ST intervention, SαKl behavior varied significantly ( p =0.009; d =0.663) in that levels dropped between pre- and post-exercises ( p =0.025; d =0.756) and were also significantly higher compared to pre ST values at 24h ( p =0.033; d =0.717) and at 48h ( p =0.015; d =0.827). Conclusions: SαKl levels increased in response to a single bout of cardiorespiratory exercise; while they decreased immediately after strength exercise, levels were elevated after 24h indicating different klotho protein responses to different forms of exercise., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2021 Iturriaga, Yvert, Sanchez-Lorente, Diez-Vega, Fernandez-Elias, Sanchez-Barroso, Dominguez-Balmaseda, Larrosa, Perez-Ruiz and Santiago.)

Emotional intelligence (EI) has been studied in relation to health and physical activity (PA) or in a sport-specific approach. EI is related to sports performance; however, combat sports seem to show characteristics of their own that involve better control of emotions than other sports. This study aimed to analyse whether there are differences in EI dimensions between those who do not achieve World Health Organization (WHO) PA recommendations, those who meet WHO PA recommendations, those who meet WHO PA recommendations practising sports, and judokas of different levels. A descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted. The sample comprised 2938 undergraduate students from Madrid and 487 active Spanish judokas. PA was measured by the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ). EI was assessed by the Trait Meta-Mood Scale (TMMS-24). Three different one-way ANOVA and ANCOVA (controlling for gender and age) were conducted to compare the effect of type of group studied on the EI dimensions. Significant differences in EI dimensions were found between those who do not meet PA recommendations, those who meet PA recommendations, those who meet PA recommendations practising sports, and judo athletes of different levels. However, when controlling for gender and age, these differences remained specifically in emotional attention and in emotional repair. Judo athletes and high-performance judo athletes showed better EI than the rest of the studied groups.

Objective: Asthma is a chronic disease that may affect physical fitness, although its primary effects on exercise capacity, muscle strength, functionality and lifestyle, in children and adolescents, are still poorly understood. This study aimed to evaluate the differences in cardiorespiratory fitness, muscle strength, lifestyle, lung function, and functionality between asthmatics with exercise symptoms and healthy children. In addition, we have analyzed the association between clinical history and the presence of asthma., Study Design: Cross-sectional study including 71 patients with a diagnosis of asthma and 71 healthy children and adolescents (7-17 years of age). Anthropometric data, clinical history, disease control, lifestyle (KIDMED and physical activity questionnaires), lung function (spirometry), exercise-induced bronchoconstriction test, aerobic fitness (cardiopulmonary exercise test), muscle strength and functionality (timed up and go; timed up and down stairs) were evaluated., Results: Seventy-one patients with asthma (mean age 11.5 ± 2.7) and 71 healthy subjects (mean age 10.7 ± 2.5) were included. All asthmatic children had mild to moderate and stable asthma. EIB occurred in 56.3% of asthmatic children. Lung function was significantly (p < .05) lower in the asthmatic group when compared to healthy peers, as well as the cardiorespiratory fitness, muscle strength, lifestyle and functionality. Moreover, asthmatic children were more likely to have atopic dermatitis, allergic reactions, food allergies, and a family history of asthma when compared to healthy children., Conclusions: Children with mild-to-moderate asthma presenting exercise symptoms show a reduction in cardiorespiratory fitness, muscle strength, lung function, functionality, and lifestyle when compared to healthy peers. The study provides data for pediatricians to support exercise practice aiming to improve prognosis and quality of life in asthmatic children., (© 2021 The Authors. Pediatric Pulmonology published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

Background: Cystic fibrosis (CF) affects the autonomic nervous system (ANS) and exercise in healthy children modulates the interaction between sympathetic and parasympathetic activity. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a short-term resistance exercise program on heart rate variability (HRV) in children and adolescents with CF. Methods: A randomized controlled trial was carried out in children diagnosed with CF aged 6-18 years. Individuals were divided into two groups: control (CON) and resistance-training (EX). Individuals in the EX group completed an individualized guided resistance program (5-RM-60-80%) for 8 weeks (3 sessions of 60 min/week). Upper and lower limbs exercises (seated bench press, seated lateral row, and leg press) were used. HRV was measured using a Suunto watch with subjects in lying position. Results: Nineteen subjects (13 boys) were included (CON = 11; and EX = 8). Mean age was 12.2 ± 3.3, FEV 1 (forced expiratory volume in the first second) z-score was 1.72 ± 1.54 and peak oxygen consumption (VO 2 peak) 42.7 ± 7.4 mL.Kg -1 .min -1 . Exercise induced significant changes in the frequency-domain variables, including a decrease in LF power ( p = 0.001, d = 0.98) and LF/HF ratio ( p = 0.020, d = 0.92), and an increase in HF power ( p = 0.001, d = -0.97), compared to the CON group. No significant changes were found for time-domain variables, although increases with a moderate effect size were seen for SDNN ( p = 0.152, d = -0.41) and RMSSD ( p = 0.059, d = -0.49) compared to the CON group. Conclusion: A short-term resistance exercise-training program was able to modulate HRV in children and adolescents with CF presenting mild to moderate lung function impairment and good physical condition. Clinical Trial Registration: www.ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier NCT04293926., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2021 Estévez-González, Donadio, Cobo-Vicente, Fernández-Luna, Sanz-Santiago, Villa Asensi, Iturriaga Ramirez, Fernández-del-Valle, Diez-Vega, Larumbe-Zabala and Pérez-Ruiz.)

Sport is an emotional experience. Studies have shown that high emotional intelligence (EI) is associated with better sports performance, though different aspects of sports experience and their relationship with EI are still unclear. This study examined the possible relationships between sports experience and EI dimensions of undergraduate athletes. Likewise, according to the differences described in the literature between men and women, the secondary aim was to identify the possible relationship between EI and sports experience in both subgroups. A total of 1784 [712 men (39.9%), 1072 women (60.1%); mean age = 21.3 years, SD = 4.2)] undergraduate athletes completed the Trait Meta Mood Scale and a sports experience questionnaire. Comparisons between groups were performed using Mann-Whitney- U and H-Kruskal-Wallis tests and correlations between variables were analyzed using Spearman correlation. We found that the number of different sports practiced and the number of years practicing sports were positively associated with emotional repair (ER). However, the number of years practicing sports was negatively associated with emotional attention (EA). Male athletes who trained more and had a higher competitive level were more likely to show higher ER. In any case, it is necessary to take into account that all the associations were weak. Our study suggested that athletes tend to attend to and value their feelings and use positive thinking to repair their negative moods., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2021 Rodriguez-Romo, Blanco-Garcia, Diez-Vega and Acebes-Sánchez.)

Background: There is an increasing interest in the use of eccentric muscle exercise to improve physical condition, especially with regards to its health-related benefits. However, it is known that unaccustomed eccentric exercise causes muscle damage and delayed pain, commonly defined as "delayed onset muscle soreness" (DOMS). The efficacy of herbal preparations in subjects suffering from DOMS has been reported in a few previous studies with small or moderate outcome measures related to muscle recovery. The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of a polyherbal mixture containing whole Zingiber officinale Roscoe and Bixa orellana L., powders called ReWin(d), in young male athletes suffering from DOMS induced by a 1 h session of plyometric exercises., Methods: Thirty-three young male athletes participated in this randomized, Triple-blind, placebo-controlled trial: 17 of them assigned to the ReWin(d) group and 16 of them to the placebo group. Creatine kinase (CK) was measured as a muscle damage marker, pain was assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), muscle performance was measured through half-squat exercise (HS) monitored with an accelerometer (Encoder), and heart rate variability (HRV) was monitored for 5 min with the subjects in the supine position. All determinations were performed before and after the eccentric session and 24, 48, and 72 h after the session., Results: The eccentric exercise session caused an increase in CK at 24 and 48 h after exercise intervention in both groups ( p < 0.001). There was no interaction between groups regarding muscle damage. The pain increased after the training session in both groups ( p < 0.001), and a significant interaction was observed between groups at 48 h after exercise ( p = 0.004). Lower limb muscular power showed a significant interaction between groups 24 h after exercise ( p = 0.049); the placebo group showed a reduction in muscle power compared to the ReWin(d) group. The LF/HF ratio decreased significantly at 72 h after exercise in the herbal group but not in the placebo group., Conclusion: The herbal supplement maintained the maximum power of the lower limbs and attenuated muscle pain., Clinical Trial Registration: www.ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier NCT03961022., (Copyright © 2020 Dominguez-Balmaseda, Diez-Vega, Larrosa, San Juan, Issaly, Moreno-Pérez, Burgos, Sillero-Quintana, Gonzalez, Bas, Roller and Pérez-Ruiz.)

Background: Asthmatic patients may benefit from exercise training, although the effects of a combined aerobic and resistance training program are still poorly investigated in children and adolescents., Objective: To analyze the effects of a combined exercise training (resistance and aerobic) program on aerobic fitness, lung function, asthma control and quality of life in a group of mild-moderate asthmatic children with exercise symptoms., Methods: This was a 12-week randomized controlled trial including children and adolescents diagnosed with mild-moderate asthma and presenting exercise-induced symptoms. The intervention group (IG) performed the exercise training (resistance and aerobic) 3 days/week, for 60 minutes. The control group (CG) followed routine clinical orientations. The main outcomes were cardiorespiratory fitness, muscle strength, lung function, quality of life, asthma control, and functional tests after 3 months of the intervention., Results: Fifty-three patients (IG = 25 and CG = 28) with a mean age of 11.5 ± 2.6 years were included. No significant differences were found between groups regarding lung function, asthma control, quality of life, and functional tests. Ventilatory equivalent for oxygen consumption at ventilatory threshold (P = .025; η p 2  = 0.083), peak oxygen consumption (P = .008; η p 2  = 0.116) and test duration (P = .014; η p 2  = 0.1) presented greater improvements in the IG. In addition, improvements were observed in leg press (P < .001; η p 2  = 0.36), hamstring curl (P = .001; η p 2  = 0.217), high row (P = .003; η p 2  = .167), low row (P = .009; η p 2  = 0.128) and quadriceps leg extension (P = .015; η p 2  = 0.108) in the IG., Conclusion: Combined exercise training (resistance and aerobic) improved cardiorespiratory fitness and muscle strength in children and adolescents with controlled asthma and exercise symptoms., (© 2020 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

Physical inactivity and poor diet cause alterations in body composition, which in turn increases risk factors for cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. Sixty-three women from different work environments were randomly assigned to an intervention ( n  = 34) or control ( n  = 29) group. The intervention was a short-term aerobic exercise program (12 weeks) at their workplace. Participants assigned to the control group did not perform any form of physical exercise. Body composition was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Diet was assessed using the Mediterranean Diet Quality Questionnaire (KIDMED) and nutrient balance by the Food Frequency Questionnaire. Researchers suggest that a short-term aerobic exercise program produces beneficial effects on body composition.

Background: Physical activity (PA) can be a mechanism that develops emotions. Emotional intelligence (EI) is related to significant public health and psychological benefits. However, there is little information about the relationships between PA and EI dimensions: emotional attention, clarity, and repair. This study examined the possible relationships between these variables in undergraduate students from Madrid. As a secondary aim, sex differences in PA domains and EI dimensions were examined., Methods: A total of 2960 (21.34 ± 4.34 years) undergraduate students from Madrid (Spain) fulfilled the Trait Meta-Mood Scale (TMMS-24) and Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ). We used a MANOVA to compare EI and PA levels according to sex. Different linear regressions were conducted to calculate the PA and age prediction power based on EI., Results: We found a significant association between EI dimensions and PA levels, although these relationships were small. Fully adjusted linear regression showed that sex and leisure-time PA (LTPA) were associated of emotional attention (r 2 c  = .025). Sex, age, and LTPA were associated of emotional repair (r 2 c  = .024). There were statistically significant differences in EI by sex (p ≤ .001; η 2 p = .039), with higher scores in emotional attention for women (p ≤ .001) and emotional clarity (p ≤ .001) and repair (p ≤ .001) for men. PA levels differed according to sex (p ≤ .001; η 2 p = .038). Men show higher scores in LTPA levels (p = .002) and occupational PA (p ≤ .001)., Conclusions: Undergraduate students with higher levels of LTPA showed a better score on EI, specifically in emotional attention and emotional repair. However, these associations and the predictive power of LTPA regarding emotional attention and emotional repair were weak. Men engaged in more LTPA and occupational PA and had higher emotional clarity and emotional repair than women. However, women had higher emotional attention.

Achieving the recommended levels of physical activity (PA) is associated with better health. Despite this, most undergraduate students report low levels of PA. This study aimed to assess the achievement of recommended PA levels in a wide sample of undergraduate students from Madrid ( N = 2960). Overall PA and leisure-time PA (LTPA) were measured with the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ). Descriptive analyses and logistic regression were performed. It was revealed that 22.4% and 55.6% of overall PA and LTPA, respectively, did not achieve World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations. When PA was measured as overall PA, the achievement of the recommended level was positively predicted by male sex; a Body Mass Index (BMI) indicative of normal weight or being overweight; spending less time sitting or reclining; work; and studying health science, social sciences, engineering, or architecture (all p < 0.001; r 2 = 0.075). Using LTPA, the positive predictors of achieving recommended PA levels were male sex, having a BMI indicative of normal weight or being overweight, work, studying at a public university, and studying health science ( r 2 = 0.048). These findings suggest that universities should implement strategies to promote PA., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

The secreted protein form of the α-klotho gene, S-klotho, is gaining popularity as a predictor of overall morbimortality, and its role in dialysis patients has been recently highlighted. However, physical performance -which can be assessed through practical field-tests- might be a more practical prognostic marker. The present study aimed to analyze the relationship between physical performance, plasma S-klotho and all-cause mortality in this population. 30 male hemodialysis patients (71 ± 9 years) participated in this prospective, cohort study. Their plasma S-klotho levels and physical performance (assessed by means of the 6-minute walk test [6MWT], handgrip strength, and the sit-to-stand test [STS]) were determined at baseline, and the incidence of mortality was assessed 18-month later. Lower S-klotho levels were associated with a worse performance in all physical tests (all p < 0.05). 12 participants died during the 18 months following baseline measurements. An increased mortality risk was observed in those patients with a worse performance in the STS (RR: 3.0 [95%CI: 1.01-8.95], p < 0.05), the handgrip test (RR: 3.0 [95%CI: 1.01-8.95], p < 0.05) and the 6MWT (RR: 5.0 [95%CI: 1.31-19.07], p < 0.01), being the latter the best predictor of mortality. By contrast, this relationship was not found for plasma S-klotho (RR: 1.6 [95%CI: 0.65-1.35], p > 0.05). In summary, low plasma S-klotho levels are related to impaired physical performance in male dialysis patients. However, physical performance appears as a better and more practical predictor of mortality in this patient population., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Society demands a university education grounded on ethical principles. Education in ethics values is responsibility of universities but will not be viable unless also adopted by directly responsible agents, the teachers who work with the students. For this reason, our primary research objective was to conduct an in-depth analysis of how Health Sciences students self-perceive the ethical dimension., Methods: A mixed research methodology with two phases, qualitative and quantitative, allowed us to address our research question from two complementary viewpoints. Conversational interviews were conducted in an intentional and purposive sample to identify a wide range of discursive representations. A questionnaire was designed based on previous studies and the topics of qualitative research. The response format for the questionnaire followed a Likert scale and modulators such as sex, age, degree and the score of a social desirability test were examined., Results: After 24 conversational interviews, three main thematic blocks (coinciding with the three subscales of the questionnaire) were identified: "attitudes for harmony in human relations", "construction of the self" and "rules and regulations". A total of 246 students completed a questionnaire with 39 items. The total scores ranged from 93 to 152 points, with an average score of 122.72 ± 10.64 points. Responsibility, the basic rules of education and respect were perceived as the two most important values, whereas solidarity and social participation as the least important. Results showed a significant positive linear correlation between total score on the questionnaire and age and social desirability. Age was also a significant predictor for the total score and the subscale score "rules and regulations". The students´ responses seemed to be conditioned by the degree of social desirability that they present., Conclusions: The ad-hoc questionnaire captured the maintenance of high ethical values in our college undergraduate students, which may be directly related to enhanced social desirability. The scores obtained on the questionnaire were correlated with the students' age, which may indicate that values might tend to acquire progressively more importance as students grow older. Further research is warranted to delve deeper on the determinants of professionalism and ethical decision-making in college students.

The myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) is considered the most common musculoskeletal condition. The lumbopelvic pain (LPP) is established as one of the most prevalent musculoskeletal disorders. Nevertheless, previous research has not yet studied the contractibility changes by tensiomyography between myofascial trigger point (MTrP) types and normal tissue. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the tensiomyography, sonoelastography, and pressure pain threshold (PPT) differences between the palpation area of active and latent MTrPs with regards to control points in the lumbar erector spinae muscles of subjects with LPP. A cross-sectional descriptive study was performed. A convenience sample of 60 points (20 active MTrPs, 20 latent MTrPs, and 20 control points) was registered bilaterally in the lumbar erector spinae muscles from subjects with nonspecific LPP. The palpation order of active MTrPs, latent MTrPs, or control points was randomized for each side. The outcome assessors were blinded to the order or point type. The outcome measurements order for each point was sonoelastography manual strain index, tensiomyography, and PPT, separated by 15 minutes. Five contractile objective parameters were: maximal radial displacement (Dm), contraction time (Tc), sustain time (Ts), delay time (Td), and half-relaxation time (Tr). Tensiomyography parameters did not show any statistically significant difference (P > 0.05) between active MTrPs, latent MTrPs, and control points. Nevertheless, PPT and sonoelastography showed statistically significant differences (P < 0.05) between all point types, except for active and latent MTrPs PPT comparison (P = 0.091). Regarding the active MTrPs, a moderate positive correlation was observed between PPT and Dm (P = 0.047; τB = 0.450). Considering the control points, a moderate positive correlation was shown between sonoelastography and Td (P = 0.044; τB = 0.328). The tensiomyography contractile properties did not seem to show differences, while the sonoelastography and mechanosensitivity presented a higher stiffness and a lower PPT, respectively, between the palpation area of active and latent MTrPs with regards to control points in the lumbar erector spinae muscles of subjects with LPP. Considering the correlations, further research is needed regarding the muscle contractile properties modifications under MPS treatments, especially Dm in active MTrPs and Td in normal sites.

Objective: Low-intensity exercise applied in anorexia nervosa patients has been shown to have a harmless effect on body composition and to effect short-term improvements in muscular strength and agility. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of a high-intensity resistance training program designed for adolescents to improve strength and agility in anorexia nervosa restricting-type patients (AN-R)., Methods: From a total of 36 female patients with AN-R, one group (intervention, n = 18) underwent a supervised high-intensity resistance training program lasting 8 weeks, and the other group with no exercise (control, n = 18). Body weight, body mass index, whole-body muscular strength, and agility were assessed before, after, and 4 weeks after training (detraining)., Results: Leg-press, bench-press, and lateral row tests improved significantly (p < 0.001) after 8 weeks of training compared with controls. Improvements were maintained after the detraining period. The training program also showed beneficial effects on agility., Discussion: A high-intensity resistance training program adapted to the recommendations for adolescents in AN-R patients was effective and safe, improving muscular strength in the whole body and the ability to perform daily tasks. However, long-term maintenance of gains seems to be linked to the continuance of training or the use of a maintenance program., (© 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)