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We analyzed the influence of exercise order using the bench press and squat as the first or second exercise of the session on velocity performance. Ten male trained individuals (20.9 ± 0.7 years) randomly performed two protocols of three sets of six repetitions at 80% of their one-repetition maximum with different exercise sequences: the bench press followed by the squat (BP + S) and the squat followed by the bench press (S + BP). A linear velocity transducer attached to the Smith machine barbell measured the mean propulsive velocity (MPV), peak velocity (PV), and time to peak velocity. Additionally, blood lactate and heart rate were measured. Regarding the bench press, differences were found in the MPV in the first (BP + S: 0.50 ± 0.07 m·s−1 vs. S + BP: 0.42 ± 0.08 m·s−1; p = 0.03, g = 0.72) and second sets (0.50 ± 0.06 m·s−1 vs. 0.42 ± 0.07 m·s−1; p = 0.03, g = 0.73), and in the PV in the second set (0.74 ± 0.09 m·s−1 vs. 0.63 ± 0.09 m·s−1; p = 0.02, g = 0.86). Regarding the squat, although the S + BP sequence tended to show higher velocities, no significant differences were found between protocols. These results showed that squatting first decreased subsequent bench press velocity performance. On the other hand, squat velocity performance was not impaired when preceded by the bench press.

Applying data-reduction techniques to extract meaningful information from electronic performance and tracking systems (EPTS) has become a hot topic in football training load (TL) monitoring. The aim of this study was to reduce the dimensionality of the internal and external load measures, by a principal component approach, to describe and explain the resultant equations for TL monitoring during a standard in-season microcycle in sub-elite youth football. Additionally, it is intended to identify the most representative measure for each principal component. A principal component analysis (PCA) was conducted with a Monte Carlo parallel analysis and VariMax rotation to extract baseline characteristics, external TL, heart rate (HR)-based measures and perceived exertion. Training data were collected from sixty sub-elite young football players during a 6-week training period using 18 Hz global positioning system (GPS) with inertial sensors, 1 Hz short-range telemetry system, total quality recovery (TQR) and rating of perceived exertion (RPE). Five principal components accounted for 68.7% of the total variance explained in the training data. Resultant equations from PCA was subdivided into: (1) explosiveness, accelerations and impacts (27.4%); (2) high-speed running (16.2%); (3) HR-based measures (10.0%); (4) baseline characteristics (8.3%); and (5) average running velocity (6.7%). Considering the highest factor in each principal component, decelerations (PCA 1), sprint distance (PCA 2), average HR (PCA 3), chronological age (PCA 4) and maximal speed (PCA 5) are the conditional dimension to be considered in TL monitoring during a standard microcycle in sub-elite youth football players. Current research provides the first composite equations to extract the most representative components during a standard in-season microcycle in sub-elite youth football players. Futures research should expand the resultant equations within training days, by considering other well-being measures, technical-tactical skills and match-related contextual factors.

Background Positional data have been used to capture physical and tactical factors in football, however current research is now looking to apply spatiotemporal parameters from an integrative perspective. Thus, the aim of this article was to systematically review the published articles that integrate physical and tactical variables in football using positional data. Methods and Materials Following the Preferred Reporting Item for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA), a systematic search of relevant English-language articles was performed from earliest record to August 2021. The methodological quality of the studies was evaluated using the modified Downs and Black Quality Index (observational and cross-sectional studies) and the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scale (intervention studies). Results The literature search returned 982 articles (WoS = 495; PubMed = 232 and SportDiscus = 255). After screening, 26 full-text articles met the inclusion criteria and data extraction was conducted. All studies considered the integration of physical and tactical variables in football using positional data (n = 26). Other dimensions were also reported, such as psychophysiological and technical factors, however the results of these approaches were not the focus of the analysis (n = 5). Quasi-experimental approaches considered training sets (n = 20) and match contexts (n = 6). One study analysed both training and play insights. Small sided-games (SSG) were the most common training task formats in the reviewed studies, with only three articles addressing medium-sided (MSG) (n = 1) and large-sided games (LSG) (n = 2), respectively. Conclusions Among the current systematic review, the physical data can be integrated by player’s movement speed. Positional datasets can be computed by spatial movement, complex indexes, playing areas, intra-team and inter-team dyads. Futures researches should consider applying positional data in women’s football environments and explore the representativeness of the MSG and LSG.

Cabe às organizações desportivas, ODs, serem fatores da plena garantia de isenção, integridade e inclusão, com especial atenção à proteção dos mais vulneráveis, propiciando as condições indispensáveis para que beneficiem de um ambiente seguro no desporto e aí possam dar expressão às suas competências. O desporto, não devendo assumir posições de ativismo político, tem a obrigação, enquanto sistema, de identificar os anátemas de exclusão, potenciais fatores de ameaça à integridade, em determinados contextos sociais, corrigi-los e funcionar como potencial agente catalisador de mudanças sociais globais. O desporto deve pressupor a existência de igualdade de oportunidades na participação de pessoas sem discriminação, por motivos: étnicos, religiosos, deficiência, género, orientação sexual, classe social; não devendo ser ele próprio promotor de ameaças à integridade pela assunção de irracionalidades de critério com consequências no próprio desporto e a eventuais retroversões sociais. Algumas destas ameaças já se encontram sublimadas pela ação diligente e vanguardista do desporto e das ODs nas mudanças positivas no sentido de valorizar o mérito acima de tudo. Outras, como no caso da garantia de equidade de género em funções desportivas relevantes - os que dirigem equipas ou federações nacionais e internacionais - pressupõem ainda um longo caminho a percorrer, quer de enquadramento legislativo, no âmbito do regime jurídico das federações desportivas, quer de repercussão social. Uma das maiores ameaças atuais à integridade desportiva é a questão de género. A participação de transgéneros no desporto tornou-se um tópico atual e sensível. Se, por um lado, há o desejo de inclusão e de assumir a diversidade como algo positivo, incentivando a participação, por outro, corremos o risco de prejudicar, mesmo destruir, a competitividade das mulheres no desporto de alto nível, algo que deve ser protegido. No caso particular existe muita confusão, diria mesmo desconhecimento, misturando conceitos, implicações e decisões. Intersexualidade, transgéneros e identidade não binária são conceitos diferentes, com implicações desportivas diferentes. A variação intersexual nas características físicas, internas e externas, e/ou traços hormonais em desconformidade com o entendimento tradicional das características de um ou dos dois sexos (masculino e feminino), podendo levar a condições de hiperandroginismo (níveis superiores de testosterona), é diferente, quanto à natureza e às implicações dos transgéneros, de alguém que se identifica com um género que é diferente do sexo que lhe foi atribuído à nascença, de uma forma permanente, e diferente, ainda, de alguém que abarca várias identidades de género diferentes dentro de si, que não são estritamente masculinas ou femininas (não binário). Muito já foi discutido sobre esta temática, não existindo ainda conclusões definitivas, que urgem, pela integridade do desporto, nomeadamente: • A obrigatoriedade dos transgéneros, para competirem, serem submetidos a intervenções cirúrgicas (2003); • As investigações públicas sobre hiperandroginismo sobre o caso de Caster Semenya’s (2009); • A decisão do tribunal arbitral do desporto internacional, TAD, (2015), acerca da validade das regras de elegibilidade da federação Internacional de Atletismo para atletas com diferenças de desenvolvimento sexual, contestada pela bicampeã olímpica Caster Semenya, e o acordo de consenso sobre a não obrigatoriedade da intervenção cirúrgica, desde que os níveis de testosterona para atletas transgéneras femininos não ultrapassem os 10 nanomole por litro de sangue (nmol/L) (2015); • A decisão da organização mundial da saúde de remover as perturbações de identidade de género do manual global de doenças (2019); • A resolução dos tribunais Suíços sobe a decisão do TAD no caso “Caster Semenya’s” (2020), e o relatório da organização mundial dos direitos humanos, acerca da descriminação no desporto nos casos de identidade de género (2020); • A participação, nos jogos Olímpicos de Tóquio, de atletas transgéneros pela primeira vez (2021). Neste âmbito, há que diferenciar a participação dos transgéneros no desporto da sua inclusão no desporto de elite. Os fundamentos desta subdivisão são claros. O rendimento é sempre o resultado de uma estrutura multifatorial que engloba variáveis que o determinam: psicológicas, fisiológicas, genéticas (potencial), sociais, contextuais, etc. A inclusão de atletas, pela presença identificada de características específicas nos casos acima citados, fora do quadro normativo regular, de acordo com a estrutura do rendimento que a assiste, com vantagens competitivas evidentes, pode conduzir o desporto a um fator de segregacionismo, à imagem da exclusão social que se reclama e que se pretende combater. Não é muito diferente classificar algumas formas de melhoria de desempenho como antiéticas, como o doping, porque negam a característica essencial inerente do desporto que lhe confere valor, a naturalidade,e concordar com outras que, apesar da naturalidade aparente, intersexuais, ou assumida, transgéneros, continuam a ser antiéticas. Ao fazê-lo, estamos a incorrer no erro de ao incluir, excluir os que por norma deveriam ter condições para disputar o sucesso. É claro que a inclusão deve ser uma prioridade. Todos devem ter a oportunidade de participar no desporto de uma forma segura e sem descriminação. A participação desportiva deve ser um direito para todos. Todavia, a participação no desporto de alto rendimento deve ser restrita a quem tem as condições necessárias e suficientes para tal, pugnando pela não descriminação, mas prevenindo vantagens desleais que excluem, de forma sistemática, atletas do sucesso desportivo pelo benefício que decorre do uso das regras de inclusão. A discussão deve ser ponderada, por forma a não redundar em posições extremadas, que optem ou pelo descontrolo, irrestrito, das categorias de competição, existindo tantas quantas as perceções individuais; ou pela dissolução de todas as categorias de competição permitindo que todos compitam da forma que consideram, formato Open. O foco deve estar na performance, de tal forma que todos os atletas possam ter uma oportunidade justa de competir e disputar os lugares de pódio, de acordo com a estrutura específica e multifatorial de rendimento de cada desporto, valorizando nesta análise as vantagens e desvantagens que decorrem da participação. Em suma, o enquadramento legal e consequente normativa desportiva deve surgir como resultado da ponderação de dois planos de análise: a questão fisiológica, sobre se há ou não vantagens competitivas inerentes à participação dos transgéneros, intersexuais, e não binários, mais concretamente homens de identidade sexual, mas mulheres em identidade de género, em categorias femininas e se, apesar destas vantagens, a questão da inclusão/exclusão na ótica dos direitos humanos deve prevalecer. Biologicamente, os atletas do sexo feminino, conceito tradicional, possuem o mesmo tipo de cromossomas sexuais (XX), e por isso chamado de sexo homogâmico. Os atletas do sexo masculino, conceito tradicional, são o sexo heterogâmico, contendo dois tipos distintos de cromossomas sexuais, um X e outro Y. Na ótica da performance os estudos fisiológicos são claros. Uma das discussões reside no limite superior, recomendado, dos níveis de testosterona dos atletas do sexo feminino em competições de elite. As determinações atuais do comité Olímpico Internacional determinam que as mulheres transgénero, devem ter um nível de testosterona inferior a 10 nmol/L, aproximadamente o limite inferior dos valores masculinos típicos. Estas recomendações esquecem, no entanto, de referir que aproximadamente 99% das mulheres têm níveis de testosterona que variam de 0,12 a 1,79 nmol/L. Esta recomendação valida, por isso, uma competição feminina com “alguns” atletas com níveis hormonais de homens. Outros estudos, de meta-análise, sobre atletas transgéneros concluíram que mulheres transgénero mantêm uma vantagem de 12% em testes de corrida, mesmo depois de tomarem hormonas supressoras de testosterona por dois anos. É inequívoco que, na generalidade dos desportos, as evidências científicas concluam que as diretrizes atuais do Comité Olímpico Internacional confere às mulheres transgénero e intersexuais uma “vantagem competitiva injusta” sobre as mulheres biológicas. Na ótica dos direitos humanos, encarar as desconformidades hormonais, no caso dos intersexuais, e as opções de identidade de género, no caso dos transgéneros, ou da falta dela, no caso dos não binários, adequando o quadro normativo para prover a exceção em detrimento da regra (masculino e ou feminino) incluindo, é a assunção da exclusão dos que por opção não se enquadram na exceção. Em suma, é tornar o desporto a antítese da naturalidade que decorre das condições de inclusão iniciais. O desporto não pode ser ele próprio indutor de regras que possam favorecer as discriminações. A não ser assim, poderemos estar a assistir à criação de classes desportivas que sejam identitárias de uma natureza específica e mutuamente exclusiva: competições rácicas, competições religiosas, competições de género, competições naturais, competições artificiais, etc. As regras do desporto devem integrar, de uma forma não arbitrária, a oportunidade de manifestação de competência e de virtude de um atleta face a outros. Só assim, e rejeitando os artificialismos que alteram a naturalidade e harmonizam a variabilidade humana característica, se pode preservar os valores intrínsecos do desporto! É óbvio que a assunção da inclusão nestes casos provocará uma nova etapa no quadro ético de valorização axiológica no desporto. Para que a pureza e a integridade das competições passem pela valorização da participação, é necessário a existência de categorias com classes cujos critérios estejam dependentes dos valores normativos necessários para permitir que a aleatoriedade esteja subordinada, não às características escolhidas potencialmente do atleta, mas à naturalidade do seu processo de desenvolvimento, isto é, ao treino. Posto isto, e para evitar paradoxos cujo absurdo pode levar a fundamentalismos que vão inquinar o desporto e o seu quadro axiológico de referência, só há uma solução que integre várias condições: 1) os critérios devem ser baseados em evidências científicas; (2) o primado da saúde deve ser protegido, tornando desnecessários procedimentos de tratamento específicos; (3) os critérios não devem envolver o exame invasivo dos corpos (direitos humanos); (4) os critérios devem ser justos, neutros e imparciais, privilegiando a privacidade dos atletas. Nesta ótica só vejo uma de duas soluções: • A mais absurda, que roça o limite do direito à privacidade, mas passível, seria a criação de mais uma categoria para além da participação dos homens e mulheres, a dos intersexuais, transgéneros e não binários, como categoria de competição oficial, ou; • A utilização do critério biológico para além das naturalidades, intersexuais, e artificialidades biológicas, transgéneros e não binários, para definição, em caso de dúvida da categoria. O factor Y: em caso de dúvidas, quem tiver o cromossoma Y, só pode competir em competições da categoria masculina. Todos os restantes (XX) podem competir em competições da categoria feminina. As categorias de classificação desportiva em qualquer desporto devem responder sempre ao primado da justiça, com base na análise das vantagens e não a outros critérios de potencialidade que excecionam os atletas.

Obesity represents a public health challenge and dietary interventions to prevent or treat obesity rely on the ability to accurately determine daily energy requirements - which are based on measures of total energy expenditure. Several prediction equations to estimate resting metabolic rate (RMR) have been developed, however the validity of these equations is uncertain. The present study aims to determine the accuracy of four commonly used RMR prediction equations in normal weight, overweight and obese Portuguese women aged 18 to 64 years. RMR was measured in 156 women (age: 40.3 ± 10.2 years; Body Mass Index (BMI): 20.6 ± 6.8 kg/m2) using indirect calorimetry. The resulting values were compared with the predictive values from the Harris-Benedict, FAO/WHO/UNU, Schofield and Mifflin-St. Jeor equations across BMI categories. At an individual level, the equations with the highest percentage of accurate predictions were the Mifflin-St. Jeor equation in normal weight women (41.9%) and the Harris-Benedict equation in overweight (55.4%) and obese (50.9%) women. The accuracy of the RMR prediction equations studied varied by weight status and due to the low levels of accuracy reported, the present equations might have limited applicability for Portuguese women at an individual level.

Saber nadar não é uma aptidão natural (Langerdorfer, 2014). Trata-se inequivocamente de uma competência adquirida que permite ao sujeito realizar atos motores intencionais para se propulsionar através da água. Por essa razão a aplicação do termo “competência aquática” não é inócua, dado que conceptualmente reflete um estado de prontidão, que se revela pela autonomia, confiança e satisfação do sujeito no meio aquático. É, portanto, um pressuposto biocomportamental que serve de base para a posterior aprendizagem de outras habilidades aquáticas mais complexas e especializadas, entre as quais o nado clássico das quatro técnicas se resume apenas a uma parcela. Deste modo, a competência aquática deve ser considerada enquanto sistema dinâmico, complexo e dependente das relações que o sujeito estabelece com o contexto aquático envolvente. Isto terá importantes implicações no domínio da capacidade de percecionar riscos e perigos, na prevenção do afogamento – nadar no mar, no rio, numa piscina ou com roupa atribuem condicionalismos diferentes, e por inerência requerem níveis de proficiência motora aquática distintos. Esta nota deflecte essa necessidade – reconhecer a importância da competência aquática em particular na população infantil Portuguesa. A justificativa inicia-se pelo reconhecimento da importância da experimentação de vivências, ação dos estímulos psico-motores durante a infância, salientando-se a importância da prática da natação, evocando: o seu “valor educativo”, enquanto exercício físico harmonioso, que conduz a benefícios significativos no desenvolvimento social, mental, emocional e motor da criança; o seu “valor no bem-estar e na saúde” pela importância em formar crianças fisicamente ativas, o que atribui uma menor probabilidade de ser tornarem cidadãos sedentários na vida adulta; o seu “valor social”, dado que a massificação da competência aquática constitui-se como uma medida direta para a diminuição do risco de afogamento, em particular junto das crianças, enquanto grupo etário de maior risco.

Companion animals living in urban areas are exposed to environmental contaminants, which may include microplastics. A preliminary study was conducted by collecting postmortem samples from the internal tissue (lungs, ileum, liver, kidney, and blood clots) of 25 dogs (Canis familiaris) and 24 cats (Felis catus) living in an urban environment in Porto metropolitan area, Portugal. Suspected microplastics were found in 80 samples from 35 animals (18 cats and 17 dogs), often occurring in more than one tissue of the same animal (71.4%), primarily under small sizes (50.3% as 1–10 µm). Micro-Raman spectroscopy confirmed a fraction of particles as common polymer types (e.g., polyethylene terephthalate). However, the number of particles was very low. This study highlights the possibilities of the internalization and distribution of microplastics in the internal tissues of terrestrial vertebrates.

No ano em que Portugal assume a sua quarta presidência do Conselho da União Europeia (UE), para além da prioridade do orçamento da UE para 2021-2027, o Fundo de Recuperação pós-pandemia e o ‘Brexit’, existem temas sensíveis como o ambiente, a transição digital, a dimensão social, a resiliência e a europa global, no qual o desporto deve estar alinhado.

Obesity prevalence through childhood and adolescence has been classified as a serious public health problem noting a worldwide increase in the prevalence of overweight/obesity and therefore different etiologically related diseases. In developed countries, current prevalence levels reach 23.8% in boys and 22.6% in girls, with Portugal showing high prevalence values like other southern European and the Mediterranean countries (WHO, 2017). Not only for the health of the present generation of young adolescents but also for future adult’s populations, the need to find better multi-sectoral strategies for current public policies appears to be fundamental. Although it is not the main scope of this text, it will be important, in due course, to analyse the effectiveness of the current inter-sectoral health policies applied in some countries, although it is clear that no country until now has been able to definitively reverse this phenomenon. Our main purpose of this research note is to present the preliminary results of the Causes4adolescentObsesity (C4AO) project, which included a sample of 603 students from the northern and central interior region of Portugal.

The aim of this study was to analyze the inter-temporal neuromuscular and motor patterns in breaststroke technique. Five national level male swimmers performed 200 m breaststroke at maximal effort. Electromyography data onbiceps brachii, deltoid anterior, pectoralis major and triceps brachiiwere analysed. The relative duration of active and non-active phase and the average rectified value for the neuromuscular patterns were recorded. The swim bouts were videotaped in sagittal plane with a pair of cameras and the Theme software 5.0 was used toanalyse the detected patterns in each swimmer. The neuromuscular pattern revealed that by the average rectified value the biceps brachiiand triceps brachiiwere increased at the end of the test for swimmers 1 and 5, while biceps brachii, deltoid anteriorand pectoralis majorwere increased for swimmers 2 and 4. Different motor patterns between cycles, and between swimmers were observed.We found similarities between the swimmers, adjusting their style to the technical model. The absence of a neuromuscular pattern for all swimmers could be related to different technical models used by each swimmer, as presented in the motor patterns. These findings suggested that each swimmers adapted their own motor and neuromuscular pattern in a unique and distinct way.

Introduction/objectiveAdolescence is a critical period for the development of obesity. Obesity arises from a complex interaction between several factors, which are not yet fully understood. Therefore, the purpose of this review was to identify and assess the peer-reviewed scientific literature on the behavioral, contextual and biological factors associated with obesity in adolescents.MethodsPubMed and Scopus were systematically searched to identify prospective cohort studies concerning the relation between behavioral, contextual and biological factors and obesity in adolescents aged 10 to 18 years.Results40 studies published between the year 2000 and 2018 were included. A positive consistent association between genetic factors and obesity during adolescence was found. Also, there is evidence to support the association between socioeconomic status and obesity. There was conflicting evidence for the contribution of dietary intake, physical activity, sedentary behavior, sleep, food store environment, school food environment. For the remaining factors no associations were found, or no conclusions could be drawn due to the limited number of studies identified.ConclusionsFurther prospective studies that assess multiple obesity determinants simultaneously and use state-of-art measures are warranted to aid in the development of effective strategies and interventions to prevent obesity during adolescence.

It may seem redundant to address Sport as a development trigger but, sometimes, redundancy is necessary for someone to be heard. The commanding voices of Philosophy in the XXth century take sciences as trivial, by expressing the notion that Science has nothing to do with the ontological and metaphysical statutes of men. What is at stake is too much important, as the attack is not aimed at Sciences, organizations and institutions, nor at the people, but rather against Reason itself. We found ourselves immersed in irrationalities and superstitions in the most primitive form of belief. Worldwide there are three times more astrologists than there are physics. In Portugal, also in Sport, there are numberless stand-coaches and pseudo-writers, which all speak and write about exercise and appear as public opinion makers, stating banalities that discredit Sport and its professionals. In western science, what is axiomatic is not merely the concept of progress, but rather the concept of constant and unlimited progress. And we take for granted this lack of limits… Indeed, it seems …… In fact, it is a deeply enigmatic assumption, taking into account the metaphysical meaning of the term. And it is from these assumptions that we must analyse the role of Sport and Exercise. Biological life may be increased in duration, but death will come: and the challenge is therefore the quality of an extended life. In Sport and exercise, progress has more than a technical relevance, it has an ontological relevance: the enhancement of a life cycle. Sport is, therefore, an immeasurable asset and holds opportunity to induce peace and be a promoter of several social causes. Sport is one of the possible, perhaps the main, cultural objectification and historical form of movement. This is only possible by valuing the fundamental character of the body in motion, because it is upon it that the sports body is installed and merges. Even giving it a fundamental meaning, it has not yet found its value due to the failure in the evaluation of its return, whether educational, social, health, economic or structural. The importance of Sport and its institutions cannot be measured, as much as some state so, by performance indicators in an international setting (this leads to unfair, unproportioned comparisons among sports with different density and international coverage). A message that, unfortunately, has passed to general society, involving risks to lower even more the national sport involvement is: resources must be mainly focused in the few sports with international merit. With time, this will end up in an overall failure of national Sport, and subsequently a progressive underfinancing of the Sport will appear. Every organization that deal with Sport cannot deviate from what is its main mission, to organize, promote and spread the Sport for a permanent and constant demonstration that what is done and how it’s done fully respect the high public interest and, ultimately, serves the people. This role is also that of Science.

The aim of this study was to compare the influence of acute static stretching on maximal muscle strength (1RM). The non-probabilistic sample consisted of 30 subjects split into two groups: static stretching (SS= 15) and without stretching group (WS= 15). Muscle strength evaluation (1RM) was conducted with a Dynamometer model 32527pp400 Pound push / pull devices coupled in knee extension (KE) and bench press (BP). The Wilcoxon test for intragroup comparisons and the Kruskal-Wallis test for comparisons between groups (p< 0.05) were selected. There were no significant differences (p> 0.05) between the SS and WS in exercise KE and BP. Therefore, it can be concluded that there was no reduction in the performance of 1RM performing the exercises KE and BP when preceded by static stretching.

Apesar da realização de algumas pesquisas desta natureza no polo aquático, não foram encontrados estudos que mostrem a possível associação entre a ocorrência do gol com a origem da realização do arremesso. Este estudo objetivou relacionar a origem do arremesso e a ocorrência do gol em uma competição oficial de polo aquático masculino. Foram avaliadas nove equipes que disputaram os sete jogos da fase final da III Liga Na-cional de Polo Aquático Masculino. Os jogos foram gravados, utilizando-se uma filmadora localizada no sentido do comprimento do campo de jogo. Utilizou-se o Teste Qui-quadrado de Pearson com o objetivo de correlacionar as variáveis categóricas observadas. O tamanho do efeito foi calculado por meio da razão entre a chance do gol ocorrer pela região central, pela chance do gol ocorrer pelas laterais. Em todos os casos, considerou-se α < 0,05. Houve uma associação significativa entre a origem do arremesso e a ocorrência do gol, com X2(2) = 14,89, (p = 0,001). Ou seja, a proporção de gols realizados pela região central da área de jogo foi maior do que aquela realizada pelas laterais. Um arremesso realizado pela região central teve 2,70 mais chances de ser convertido em gol a favor do atacante. Conclui-se que o arremesso realizado pela região central teve maior chance de ser convertido em gol. Isso pode dever-se a uma incapacidade técnico-tática da defesa se organizar e permitir maior proximidade dos atacantes. Este mesmo cenário parece não se repetir em jogos de maior qualidade técnico-tática.

The aim of this study was to evaluate performance progression in Brazilian middle-distance runners based on the progression of their sports results from early training to peak performance. The sample consisted of the 10 best performance times (800 m and 1500 m) achieved by male runners aged 15 to 19 years in national rankings between 2001 and 2010. The 800-m performance times estimated with the models were 119.14±1.79 s at 15 years of age; 114.36±1.07 s at 16 years; 113.25±1.81 s at 17 years; 110.71±1.60 s at 18 years, and 109.73±1.17 s at 19 years. The prediction of 1500-m performance was 253.89±4.84 s at 15 years of age; 243.40±1.67 s at 16 years; 238.53±1.55 s at 17 years; 232.49±1.59 s at 18 years, and 230.48±2.28 s at 19 years. It is concluded that Brazilian male middle-distance runners achieve their best performance at 22.69±0.42 years of age in the 800-m event and at 22.29±0.34 years in the 1500-m event. These values are within the lower limit described in the literature as optimal age.

The purpose of this study was to analyse the effect of wearing a swimsuit on swimmer's passive drag. A computational fluid dynamics analysis was carried out to determine the hydrodynamic drag of a female swimmer's model (i) wearing a standard swimsuit; (ii) wearing a last generation swimsuit and; (iii) with no swimsuit, wearing light underwear. The three-dimensional surface geometry of a female swimmer's model with different swimsuit/underwear was acquired through standard commercial laser scanner. Passive drag force and drag coefficient were computed with the swimmer in a prone position. Higher hydrodynamic drag values were determined when the swimmer was with no swimsuit in comparison with the situation when the swimmer was wearing a swimsuit. The last generation swimsuit presented lower hydrodynamic drag values, although very similar to standard swimsuit. In conclusion, wearing a swimsuit could positively influence the swimmer's hydrodynamics, especially reducing the pressure drag component.

Considering that some studies suggest that shoulder rotators muscle imbal­ances are related to joint pain and injury, and that there are no normative data for young swimmers, the aim of this study was: i) to describe the muscle balance, fatigue and isokinetic strength profile of the shoulder rotators in young swimmers; ii) to compare the results between swimmers and a group of young non-practitioners; iii) to contribute to the acquisition of normative data of unilateral ratios of shoulder rotators. We evaluated the shoulder rotators concentric strength and unilateral ratios (ratio between torque of external and internal rotators) of 60 swimmers (age: 14.55 ± 0.5 years old; body mass: 61.16 ± 7.08 kg) and 60 non-practitioners (age: 14.62 ± 0.49 years old; body mass: 60.22 ± 10.01 kg). The evaluation was performed in the sitting position (90° abduction and elbow flexion) at 60º.s-1 and 180º.s-1 angular speeds using an isokinetic dynamometer (Biodex System 3). The results of the fatigue ratios revealed no differences between the groups. Swimmers showed unilateral ratios of 73.39 ± 17.26% in the dominant limb (DL) and 77.89 ± 15,23% in the non-dominant limb (NDL) for assessments at 60º.s-1. At 180º.s-1, ratios were 74.77± 13.99% for DL and 70.11 ± 14.57% for NDL. Swimmers presented greater muscle imbalance, and differed from non-practitioners in the ability to produce power with the internal rotators, which was significantly higher in the former group.

Considerando que alguns estudos sugerem que desequilíbrios musculares dos rotadores dos ombros estão relacionados com dores e lesões na articulação e que não existem dados normativos para jovens nadadores, o objetivo deste estudo foi: i) caracterizar o equilíbrio e fadiga musculares bem como o perfil de força isocinética dos rotadores dos ombros em nadadores jovens; ii) comparar os resultados entre nadadores com jovens não praticantes; iii) contribuir para a criação de dados normativos de rácios unilaterais dos rotadores do ombro. Foi avaliada a força isocinética com ações concên­tricas dos rotadores e respectivos rácios unilaterais (quociente entre torque dos rotadores externos e internos) em 60 nadadores (idade: 14,55 ± 0,5 anos; massa corporal: 61,16 ± 7,08 kg) e 60 não praticantes (idade: 14,62 ± 0,49 anos; massa corporal: 60,22 ± 10,01 kg). Com um dinamômetro isocinético (Biodex System 3), avaliou-se na posição de sentado (90º de abdução e de flexão do cotovelo), às velocidades angulares de 60º.s-1 e 180º.s-1. Os resultados dos índices de fadiga não revelaram diferenças entre grupos. Os nadadores apresentaram rácios unilaterais entre os 73,39±17,26% no membro dominante (MD) e 77,89±15,23% no membro não dominante (MND), para avaliações efetuadas a 60º.s-1; a 180º.s-1, obtivemos resultados entre 74,77±13,99% para MD e 70,11±14,57% para MND. Os nadadores apresentaram um maior desequilíbrio muscular, sendo a capacidade de produção de força dos rotadores internos (significativamente superior nos nadadores) o que os distingue do grupo de não praticantes.

Os objetivos deste estudo foram: i) caracterizar o nado submáximo e máximo do ponto de vista cinemático; ii) verificar a influência das variáveis cinemáticas na prova máxima de 200 metros crawl. Nove nadadores de elite nacionais realizaram dois testes: um submáximo, descontínuo de intensidade progressiva; outro máximo, que consistiu em uma simulação de uma prova de 200 m crawl. Foram estudados os parâmetros cinemáticos gerais da mecânica da braçada, a duração de cada fase do ciclo gestual, a velocidade do centro de massa e a variação intracíclica da velocidade horizontal. Verificaram-se diferenças cinemáticas significativas da frequência gestual, velocidade de deslocamento do centro de massa, duração total do ciclo gestual, duração da ação subaquática propulsora e da velocidade do centro de massa na fase de recuperação entre os testes. Identificou-se associações significativas entre o teste máximo e algumas variáveis cinemáticas como a velocidade do centro de massa e índice de nado.The main aims of this study were i) to perform a kinematic characterization of sub and maximal swimming speed; ii) to investigate the associations between the kinematic profiles and the 200 m front crawl style. Nine national level male swimmers performed two speed tests: a submaximal discontinuous speed trial of progressive speed intensity, and a maximal one, simulating a 200 m front crawl style. The stroke general kinematic parameters, the phases duration of the stroke cycle, the velocity of the centre of mass and the intra cyclic variation of the horizontal velocity were herein studied. Significant kinematic differences in relation to stroke rate, horizontal velocity of the centre of mass, total cycle duration, absolute and relative duration of the propulsive sub aquatic action and the velocity of the centre of mass during the arms recovery were compared between the speed tests. Significant correlations between the performance in the maximal speed and some kinematic variables were observed.

The objective of this study was to develop and validate predictive equations of the cross-sectional area of the human trunk. The models were developed for males according to their level of expertise. The sample comprised 152 male subjects, all of them with a background in competitive or recreational swimming. Their ages ranged between 10 and 32 years. Two different groups of subjects were used to estimate and validate the equation. The following anthropometric characteristics were assessed: (i) body weight, (ii) height, (iii) biacromial diameter, (iv) sagittal thoracic diameter, (v) chest circumference, and (vi) cross-sectional area of the trunk. Predictive models were developed using stepwise multiple linear regression analysis. One of the models used level of expertise as a dummy variable. All models included sagittal thoracic diameter and chest circumference as independent variables (0.32 ≤ R2 ≤ 0.48; P < 0.01). The validation process of the measured and estimated cross-sectional area of the trunk did not reveal any significant differences between the mean values (P > 0.05). The simple linear regressions were moderate (0.23 ≤ R2 ≤ 0.55; 0.01 ≤ P ≤ 0.001), and the Bland-Altman criterion was met in all cases. Therefore, our findings suggest that the models developed for male swimmers according to their level of expertise are able to provide a valid prediction of the cross-sectional area of the trunk.

The purpose of this study was to develop a three-dimensional digital model of a human hand and forearm to apply Computational Fluid Dynamics to propulsion analysis in swimming. Computer tomography scans of the hand and forearm of an Olympic swimmer were applied. The data were converted, using image processing techniques, into relevant coordinate input, which could be used in Computational Fluid Dynamics software. From that analysis, it was possible to verify an almost perfect agreement between the true human segment and the digital model. This technique could be used as a means to overcome the difficulties in developing a true three-dimensional model of a specific segment of the human body. Additionally, it could be used to improve the use of Computational Fluid Dynamics generally in sports and specifically in swimming studies, decreasing the gap between the experimental and the computational data.O objetivo do presente estudo foi desenvolver um modelo digital tridimensional de uma mão e um antebraço humano para aplicar a Dinâmica Computacional de Fluidos ao estudo da propulsão em natação. Foram aplicados procedimentos computorizados de tomografia axial na mão e antebraço de um nadador Olímpico. Através de técnicas de processamento de imagem, os dados foram convertidos em coordenadas tridimensionais, que podem ser utilizadas em programas de simulação computacional. Através dos resultados encontrados, foi possível verificar uma semelhança quase perfeita entre o segmento humano e o modelo digital. Esta técnica pode ser utilizada como uma forma de ultrapassar as dificuldades em desenvolver um modelo digital tridimensional de um segmento específico do corpo humano. Complementarmente, pode ser bastante útil na melhoria da utilização da Dinâmica Computacional de Fluidos no Desporto, de uma forma geral, e, mais especificamente, nos estudos em natação, diminuindo a diferença entre a investigação experimental e a investigação computacional.

http://dx.doi.org/10.5007/1980-0037.2008v10n4p386 As a consequence of changes in apparatus structure and Code of Points, gymnasts are using the straight body position more and more in Uneven Bars routines. The purpose of the present study was to analyze the influence of “in bar” elements on body position during Uneven Bars routines. Observational methodology was used to construct and validate two observation categories comprising eleven variables considered as indicators of the external load in uneven bars. 83 uneven bars routines were analyzed from world championship and Olympic Games finals between 1989 and 2004. The principal results we observed were significant increases in the execution of “in bar” elements, with and without longitudinal rotations, as well as in respective difficulty. Straight body position elements increased from 6.45 to 9.71 up to 2001 and decreased to 7.88 by 2004.Close body position elements ranged from 8.15 to 8.21 until 2001 and then increased to 10.94 by 2004. We may conclude that compulsory use of “in bar” elements and their execution beyond Code requirements contradicted the trends towards increased use of straight body positions.

Sarcopenia é caracterizada por uma diminuição generalizada e progressiva da força, massa e função muscular com o envelhecimento. Recentemente, a determinação genética tem sido associada com a massa muscular e força muscular em idosos. Estes dois fenótipos de risco são os mais comumente reconhecidos e estudados em relação à sarcopenia, com hereditariedade variando de 30 a 85% para a força muscular e 45-90% para a massa muscular. É bem conhecido que o desenvolvimento e manutenção da massa muscular na idade adulta reduz o risco de desenvolver sarcopenia e conduz a um envelhecimento saudável. Por isso, é importante identificar quais os fatores genéticos que interagem com o envelhecimento e, em particular, com a resposta músculo-esquelética ao exercício. Esta revisão destina-se a resumir os estudos mais importantes e representativos sobre a possível associação entre determinados polimorfismos genéticos e fenótipos musculares nas populações mais velhas. Os aspetos nutricionais serão discutidos, incluindo o papel que o exercício pode ter sobre a redução dos efeitos negativos deste fenômeno. Alguns resultados são inconsistentes e desta forma é necessária uma maior replicação subjacente à sarcopenia, com amostras maiores e em diferentes ciclos da vida, especialmente no tipo e nível de atividade física. No futuro, acreditamos que mais progressos na compreensão da etiologia genética e as vias metabólicas vai fornecer informações valiosas sobre importantes mecanismos biológicos envolvidos na fisiologia muscular. Isto irá permitir um melhor reconhecimento dos indivíduos com maior risco e uma maior capacidade de enfrentar adequadamente essa condição debilitante.

The aim of this pilot study was to analyze the effect of a strength training program on indicators of trait and state anxiety in patients with ischemic stroke. The subjects were divided into two groups: experimental group (EG) consisting of 11 subjects aged years and a control group (CG) with 13 subjects aged years. EG underwent 12 weeks of strength training, with a frequency of three times a week. For data collection, a State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) was used. Significant differences were found between pre- and posttest in EG for trait anxiety ( pretest posttest) and state anxiety ( pretest posttest) with no differences in CG for trait anxiety ( pretest posttest) and state anxiety ( pretest posttest). In the evaluation between the groups, significant differences were found for all indicators of trait anxiety ( EG; CG) and state anxiety ( EG; CG). This pilot study indicates that strength training may provide an improvement in trait and state anxiety more than one year after stroke.

In Para-judo, the technical actions and tactical situations suitable for scoring in a combat have not been studied. The aim of this research was to determine the technical–tactical patterns of scoring actions in Para-judo, focusing on weight categories. An observational methodology was employed to conduct this study. The sample consisted of all male judokas with visual impairment (n = 172) in the senior category who participated in the World Championships held in Odivelas in 2018. A total of 232 combats and 313 scoring actions were analyzed. To obtain the results, we used different analytical techniques with SPSS: descriptive analysis, chi-square test, and T-pattern analysis. The significance level used was p < 0.05. Key findings show that the majority of scoring actions occurred in the first two minutes of combat, highlighting the importance of early initiative. Techniques such as ashi-waza, te-waza, and sutemi-waza demonstrated particular effectiveness across categories, with a focus on movements like sumi-otoshi, ouchi-gari, and ko-soto-gake. Moreover, the most common grip—lapel-sleeve—proved advantageous, aiding judokas in controlling the bout and achieving scores, especially when coupled with effective transition techniques. The study’s weight-specific analysis further revealed distinct patterns, emphasizing the importance of tailored training approaches. For instance, lighter judokas benefited from countering leg attacks with arm or sacrifice techniques to score waza-ari, while heavier judokas favored leg-to-leg counterattacks, often achieving ippon. The results suggest that judokas and coaches could benefit from a more systematic focus on grip stability, strategic positional work, and transition efficiency, particularly from standing to ground. This research contributes valuable insights into optimal techniques and strategies for visually impaired judokas, providing clear guidelines for training and competition.

Background: Men’s Olympic boxing follows a regulatory temporal structure, but previous studies have shown that this structure varies during competitions. However, these investigations have not thoroughly analyzed the differences in bout development according to weight category. Additionally, most studies have focused on a limited number of categories, leaving gaps in the temporal analysis of various categories. Aim: To determine the temporal structure in the featherweight, lightweight, welterweight, light heavyweight, and heavyweight categories of men’s Olympic boxing, in order to establish models that can help adjust training to meet competitive demands. Methods: An observational approach was used, analyzing 73 bouts involving 80 boxers who competed in the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games. Results: Most bouts ended after the completion of the full regulation time across all categories. The most common actions were short punching sequences (two to five punches), occurring mainly in the center of the ring. Differences between weight categories were minimal, with the welterweight category showing the most variability. Conclusion: This study presents temporal models that will help coaches and boxers adjust their training with greater precision, improving the efficiency of training sessions according to competitive objectives.

Background: Pickleball is an exponentially growing sport with a lack of notation-based studies. Consequently, this research aimed to conduct a match analysis in men’s singles to enhance the understanding of the game and optimize training practices. Methods: Using observational methodology, a total of 1145 points were analyzed from the semifinal and final rounds of five Professional Pickleball Association Tour tournaments. Data were recorded with LINCE PLUS V.2.1.0 software using the OI-PICKLEBALL-S23 observational instrument. Descriptive statistical analyses were conducted with IBM-SPSS version 25.0, and gameplay patterns were detected using Theme 6.0 Edu. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: The data indicated that service faults at the start of the game were minimal (2.4%). The server won fewer points than the returner in the overall set of analyzed points (46.6%). Most points were concluded in short rallies (1–4 shots; 43%) or medium-length rallies (5–8 shots; 44%), with the final shot predominantly occurring from striking zone 2, the area closest to the non-volley line (50.7%). Ground strokes (55.1%) and volleys (38.4%) were the most common final shots. Conclusions: The insights gained from this study can benefit high-performance players and coaches and provide a foundation for future notation-based research in pickleball.

(1) Background: The analysis of women’s tennis performance has not been extensively explored by the scientific community, necessitating further research to understand the tactical actions occurring in matches. This research aimed to examine the chance of winning a point in professional women’s tennis based on the key variables that influence performance in the sport. (2) Methods: Data from 3239 points were examined across three distinct court surfaces, sourced from the final rounds (starting with the quarterfinals) of three Grand Slam tournaments in the 2021 season. An observational methodology was employed, using various analysis techniques: descriptive and chi-square analyses, with a significance level of p < 0.05. (3) Results: The probability of winning a point on the first serve was 61% on clay, 70% on grass, and 69% on hard courts. For second serves, the probability of winning the point varied between 55% and 57%, depending on the court surface. Additionally, the majority of points, ranging from 70% to 71%, concluded with short rallies, involving one to four shots. On clay courts, the server won up to 65% of points with a first serve and a short rally, while the success rate increased to 75% on both grass and hard courts. For medium-length rallies (5–8 shots), the probability of winning the point dropped to 55–57%. The point outcome (winner, forced error, and unforced error) varied according to court surface, serve type, and rally length. (4) Conclusions: Descriptive data from this research on the probability of winning a point could assist coaches and players in developing match strategies.

Background—The number of studies on padel has grown significantly in recent years, reflecting the growing importance of the sport. However, more research is still needed on a comprehensive analysis of performance indicators. This study had a double objective: on the one hand, to analyze the probability of winning a point as a function of several variables and, on the other hand, to develop a match analysis. Methods—A total of 980 points from the Menorca 2020 World Padel Tour Master Final Men’s category were examined using observational methodology. The participants were the eight pairs who competed in the final rounds of the tournament. To obtain the results, various analytical techniques were used, such as descriptive analysis and the chi-square test, with a significance level of p < 0.05. Results—The results indicated that most points were initiated on the first serve (88.5%) and were most often won by the serving pair (59.3%). Short rallies predominated (42.2%), with the serving pair most likely to win the point (71%). As the rally became longer, the probability of winning the point decreased, reaching 57% for medium rallies and 47% for long rallies. Almost half of the points were completed in less than 10 s, with an average point duration of 15 s. Most points were finished from the middle area and near the net (41.4% and 36%, respectively), mainly by smashes (25.9%) or volleys (28.9%), with the cross-court trajectory being the most effective. Conclusions—Short rallies (0–6 shots) were the most common, with an average point duration of approximately 15 s. Most points ended with a shot from the middle of the court, using a volley or a smash with a cross-court trajectory. There is a clear relationship between proximity to the net on the final shot and an increased probability of winning the point.

Objective: To describe the process of developing an application as a strategy to promote medication adherence in the elderly population. Methods: Methodological research of technological production. The steps of data survey, database assembly and software development were followed. A narrative review of the literature on the theme was performed. Results: In order to develop the technological tool, a prototype of the application was initially made. The central objective was to create an application program to remember the medication schedule through sound warnings and on-screen information, focusing on the autonomy of the health-disease process of the elderly population, using an accessible language, with large and legible fonts, with specific colors for the background screen and Ooblets suitable for the understanding of the target audience. Conclusion: The application contributes to medication adherence by the elderly patients, in addition to helping caregivers regarding the correct use, appropriate time, and correct dosage. The proposed technology provides the co-responsibility of the elderly citizens in their health-disease process and adherence to the prescribed therapy.

Quantifying the effort of a sport confrontation by determining its temporal structure is of concern to the scientific community. In breaking this has not yet been sufficiently studied. The objectives of the study were to longitudinally analyze the temporal and sequential parameters of male breaking battles to determine the evolution of these parameters and to establish a model of temporal structure. All Red Bull BC One dancers from 2011 to 2021 (n = 152 dancers) participated. By using observational methodology, all battles were analyzed (n = 142). To obtain the results, we employed different analysis techniques: descriptive, normality tests, Student's t-test or Mann-Whitney, one factor ANOVA or Kruskall-Wallis and effect size (Cohen's d or Hedges' g). The significance level established for the study was ρ ≤ 0.05. The results define the temporal and sequential structure of the battles. With these, breaking professionals will be able to develop precise and adequate training for these athletes. We conclude that approaches to dancing and battling have evolved. The effort that the athlete must exert is increasing and will therefore require better preparation to cope with the physical demands required for a sport that will be incorporated into the Olympics program in 2024.