101 results on '"Balagué, N"'
Search Results
2. Embodied transfer of knowledge using dynamic systems concepts in high school: A preliminary study
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Almarcha, M.C., Martínez, P., Balagué, N., and Hristovski, R.
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- 2022
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3. Unipolar ulnar head replacement for treatment of post-Darrach procedure instability
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Poujade, T., Balagué, N., and Beaulieu, J.-Y.
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- 2018
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4. Cardiorespiratory coordination reveals training-specific physiological adaptations
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Garcia-Retortillo, S., Gacto, M., O’Leary, T. J., Noon, M., Hristovski, R., Balagué, N., and Morris, M. G.
- Published
- 2019
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5. A case of Masson tumor within an arteriovenous malformation of the thumb. Positive and differential diagnoses and treatment
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Louie, D., primary, Elahi, L., additional, Balagué, N., additional, and Bouvet, C., additional
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- 2021
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6. Plastic Surgery After Gastric Bypass Improves Long-Term Quality of Life
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Modarressi, A., Balagué, N., Huber, O., Chilcott, M., and Pittet-Cuénod, B.
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- 2013
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
7. A case of Masson tumor within an arteriovenous malformation of the thumb. Positive and differential diagnoses and treatment
- Author
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Louie, D., Elahi, L., Balagué, N., and Bouvet, C.
- Published
- 2023
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
8. Utilidad de los registros de farmacia en la consulta de vacunas
- Author
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Borras Bermejo, B., primary, Boixareu Balagué, N., additional, Pericas Bosch, L., additional, Cossio Gil, Y., additional, Campins Martí, M., additional, and Martínez Gómez, X., additional
- Published
- 2019
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
9. Plastic Surgery After Gastric Bypass Improves Long-Term Quality of Life
- Author
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Modarressi, A., Balagué, N., Huber, O., Chilcott, M., Pittet-Cuénod, B., Modarressi, A., Balagué, N., Huber, O., Chilcott, M., and Pittet-Cuénod, B.
- Abstract
Background: Excess skin after massive weight loss impairs patient's health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Therefore, body-contouring surgeries can be proposed. However, few data exist concerning the effect of body contouring after bariatric surgery on HRQoL, including control group with a long-term follow-up. Methods: In a prospective study, 98 consecutive patients who had body contouring after gastric bypass for obesity (BMI > 40) were included (group A). A matched control-group containing 102 patients who had only gastric bypass was selected (group B). HRQoL was measured by Moorehead-Ardelt questionnaire before (group A1) and after (A2) body contouring, and at different time points for group B until 8years post-gastric bypass. To evaluate the effect of body contouring by two parallel methods, HRQoL was compared between groups A1 and A2, and between A2 and B. Results: We found that body contouring procedures improved significantly patients' HRQoL, in comparison to those who had only gastric bypass. Of the patients who had body contouring (group A2), 57% evaluated their HRQoL "much better” in comparison to only 22% of patients before body contouring (group A1) or those who never had body contouring (group B) (p < 0.001). The improvement was significant in all sub-domains of HRQoL: self-esteem, social life, work ability, sexual activity and physical activity (p < 0.001), and remained stable over time. Conclusions: Our study confirms the important role of plastic surgery in treatment of patients after massive weight loss. We demonstrated that body contouring, despite important scars, significantly improves satisfaction and HRQoL of patients after gastric bypass. Therefore, the treatment of morbid obesity should not be deemed achieved unless plastic surgery has been considered
- Published
- 2018
10. Sport science integration: An evolutionary synthesis
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Balagué, N., primary, Torrents, C., additional, Hristovski, R., additional, and Kelso, J. A. S., additional
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- 2016
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11. Non-tuberculous mycobacterial infections of the hand
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Balagué, N., primary, Uçkay, I., additional, Vostrel, P., additional, Hinrikson, H., additional, Van Aaken, I., additional, and Beaulieu, J.-Y., additional
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- 2015
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12. Assessment of dynamics of inter-parameter concatenation during exercise tests
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Venskaitytė, E., Poderys, J., Balagué, N., Bikulciene, L., and Kauno technologijos universitetas
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electrocardiography ,physiology ,exercise test ,sports - Abstract
The dynamic system components’ interactions are essential in determining how system functions as a whole. Research based on complex model, which integrates the main functional systems, enables to reveal inter-parameter concatenation and allows indicating new features of body’s fatigability obtained during provocative exercise tests. The analytical method was applied for the assessment of physiological system interactions in different fractal levels by electrocardiogram parameters monitoring and its data sequences analysis. The dynamics of inter-parametric concatenation provide new approach of electrocardiogram data sequences analysis and propose usefulness of the analytical methods in the field of complex systems., Dinaminės sistemos komponentų tarpusavio sąsajos yra itin svarbios, nustatant kaip sistema funkcionuoja, kai ji yra vertinama kaip visuma. Tyrimas pagrįstas kompleksiniu modeliu, kuriame integruojamos pagrindinės organizmo funkcinės sistemos, suteikiančios galimybę analizuoti žmogaus organizmo tarparametrines sąsajas ir nustatyti naujas nuovargio pasireiškimo ypatybes, atliekant provokacinį fizinio krūvio mėginį. Analitiniai metodai buvo taikomi vertinant fiziologinių sistemų tarpusavio sąsajas skirtinguose fraktaliniuose lygmenyse, atliekant elektrokardiogramos rodiklių analizę. Šis tarpparametrinių sąsajų kaitos vertinimas atveria galimybes kurti naujus elektrokardiogramos rodiklių laiko eilučių analizės metodus ir rodo, kad analitinius metodus tikslinga taikyti tiriant kompleksines sistemas.
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- 2009
13. Sport science integration: An evolutionary synthesis.
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Balagué, N., Torrents, C., Hristovski, R., and Kelso, J. A. S.
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SPORTS sciences , *SYSTEMS theory - Abstract
The aim of the paper is to point out one way of integrating the supposedly incommensurate disciplines investigated in sports science. General, common principles can be found among apparently unrelated disciplines when the focus is put on the dynamics of sports-related phenomena. Dynamical systems approaches that have recently changed research in biological and social sciences among others, offer key concepts to create a common pluricontextual language in sport science. This common language, far from being homogenising, offers key synthesis between diverse fields, respecting and enabling the theoretical and experimental pluralism. It forms a softly integrated sports science characterised by a basic dynamic explanatory backbone as well as context-dependent theoretical flexibility. After defining the dynamic integration in living systems, unable to be captured by structural static approaches, we show the commonalities between the diversity of processes existing on different levels and time scales in biological and social entities. We justify our interpretation by drawing on some recent scientific contributions that use the same general principles and concepts, and diverse methods and techniques of data analysis, to study different types of phenomena in diverse disciplines. We show how the introduction of the dynamic framework in sport science has started to blur the boundaries between physiology, biomechanics, psychology, phenomenology and sociology. The advantages and difficulties of sport science integration and its consequences in research are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]
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- 2017
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14. TRACING THE PERSONOLOGICAL PROFILE OF INJURY-PRONE SOCCER PLAYERS
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Balagué, N., Torrents, C., Vilanova, A., Cadefau, J., Tarragó, R., Tsolakidis, E., Vago, Paola, Casolo, Francesco, Cereda, Ferdinando, Colombo, Lucia, Gatti, Monica, Vago P. (ORCID:0000-0002-0451-8144), Casolo F. (ORCID:0000-0002-8316-3862), Cereda F. (ORCID:0000-0002-3120-0684), Colombo L., Gatti M., Balagué, N., Torrents, C., Vilanova, A., Cadefau, J., Tarragó, R., Tsolakidis, E., Vago, Paola, Casolo, Francesco, Cereda, Ferdinando, Colombo, Lucia, Gatti, Monica, Vago P. (ORCID:0000-0002-0451-8144), Casolo F. (ORCID:0000-0002-8316-3862), Cereda F. (ORCID:0000-0002-3120-0684), Colombo L., and Gatti M.
- Abstract
INTRODUCTION In recent years a new line of research studies confirmed the relationship between the main personality traits and the injury risk, especially among soccer players (Johnson and Ivarsson, 2013). In addict, findings from other studies, including soccer playersas participant, suggest that psychological factors such as competitive stress, anxiety and daily hassles are associate with increase injury risk (Adie, Duda et al., 2010). The aim of this study was to trace an early personological profile of the male soccer players who are prone to injuries. METHOD: The participants of the study were 100 soccer male players (aged 18 to 45 years), 37 defenders, 39 midfielders, 24 strikers. Each player filled in a qualitative questionnaire about his personal characteristics and sport practice (trainings, matches, etc.) and any previous injury. The participants also completed the Big Five Questionnaire (Caprara et al, 1993), that studies the big personality traits (open-mindedness, conscientiousness, energy, agreeableness, neuroticism/emotional stability). RESULTS: The data were tested for correlations between personality traits and number of injuries (divided in specific types). Meniscal injuries were positively correlated with conscientiousness (rho = 0,209, p <0,05); tendinopathies were negative correlated with agreeableness (rho = - 0,223, p <0.05), emotional stability (rho = - 0,280, p <0,05) and open-mindedness (rho = - 0,200, p <0,05). Fractures were also negatively related with agreeableness (rho = - 0,255, p <0,05) and emotional stability (rho = - 0,376, p <0,01). Personality differences between subjects who reported injuries and those that did not were also explored. Players with past meniscal injuries were found to be also more conscientious (Mann- Whitney’s Test, p <0,05); players with past tendinopathies had lower values of agreeableness (T test, p <0.05), emotional stability and open-mindedness (T test, p <0.05); finally players with past microfractures (ti
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- 2013
15. INFLUENCE OF PSYCHOLOGICAL FACTORS ON FOOTBALL INJURIES
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Balagué, N., Torrents, C., Vilanova, A., Cadefau, J., Tarragó, R., Tsolakidis, E., Vago, Paola, Senesi, A., Frattini, Gabriella, Casolo, Francesco, Gatti, Monica, Vago P. (ORCID:0000-0002-0451-8144), Frattini G., Casolo F. (ORCID:0000-0002-8316-3862), Balagué, N., Torrents, C., Vilanova, A., Cadefau, J., Tarragó, R., Tsolakidis, E., Vago, Paola, Senesi, A., Frattini, Gabriella, Casolo, Francesco, Gatti, Monica, Vago P. (ORCID:0000-0002-0451-8144), Frattini G., and Casolo F. (ORCID:0000-0002-8316-3862)
- Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Current literature demonstrates that injury may have important psychological implications for competitive athletes including disruptions in mood state, a loss of positive social identity and uncertainties regarding the prospects of a return to pre-injury competitive levels. However, there is limited knowledge on the influence of psychological factors on football injuries. The aim of this study was to examine how much an injury-prone personality profile and symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder can influence the risk of injury in adult football players. A self-administered questionnaire inquired about the anxiety disorders as well as personality traits. METHOD: A population of 100 football players was divided into 3 groups: 52 players aged 18-25 yrs, 32 players aged 26-35 yrs, 16 players aged 36- 45 yrs. Data gathering was based on an epidemiological questionnaire, the Big Five Questionnaire (Caprara, et al, 1993) and the Stai -Trait Anxiety Inventory with subscales Y-1 and Y-2 (Spielberger, et al, 1968). The participants were asked to rate questions using testspecific scales. Factor analysis of the data was performed and the matrixes of correlation were tested with Principal Components (Oblimin Rotation) using SPSS software (Statistical Package for Social Sciences). Factor analysis simplified the variables, and the most significant ones were interpreted. The Big Five broad factors (dimensions) of personality traits are: Extraversion -Agreeableness - Conscientiousness – Neuroticism-Openness to Experience The STAI Form Y measures anxiety and clearly differentiates between the temporary condition of “state anxiety” and the more general and long-standing quality of “trait anxiety”. RESULTS: Our football players were mainly midfielders (39) and defenders (31), with most active for > 10 yrs. Clinical examination revealed that most prevalent injuries were muscle and ankle strains (68%) and most injuried anatomical structures were ligaments followed by tend
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- 2013
16. Plastic Surgery After Gastric Bypass Improves Long-Term Quality of Life
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Modarressi, A., primary, Balagué, N., additional, Huber, O., additional, Chilcott, M., additional, and Pittet-Cuénod, B., additional
- Published
- 2012
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17. Valoración Telemétrica de un Test Progresivo y Máximo en Pista en Jugadores de Hockey Sobre Patines.
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Blanco, A., primary, Enseñat, A., additional, and Balagué, N., additional
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- 1995
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18. Efectos de la hidratación sobre la limpieza metabòlica de lactato.
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Aguiñaga, S., primary, Balagué, N., additional, Batlle, L., additional, Montal, M., additional, Riera, J., additional, and Zamora, A., additional
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- 1995
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19. LAS INSTRUCCIONES TÉCNICAS Y EL FEEDBACK PUEDEN REDUCIR LA EFECTIVIDAD DEL LANZAMIENTO A CANASTA EN JÓVENES NO ENTRENADOS.
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Claramunt, C. and Balagué, N.
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BASKETBALL shooting ,PHYSICAL education ,BASKETBALL players ,BALL games ,PERFORMANCE - Abstract
Copyright of Motricidad: European Journal of Human Movement is the property of Asociacion Espanola de Ciencias del Deporte and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)
- Published
- 2011
20. Introduction.
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ARAÚJO, D., BALAGUÉ, N., BOOTSMA, R. J., MATEUS, J., and CORREIA, V.
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The article discusses the Second International Congress of Complex Systems in Sport and the 10th European Workshop on Ecological Psychology, which were held jointly in the city of Funchal in Madeira Island, Portugal from November 4 to November 8, 2008. Within these meetings, scientists spoke on topics such as research in human behavior, with specific emphases in the realm of sports science.
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- 2010
21. Fatigue-induced spontaneous termination point--nonequilibrium phase transitions and critical behavior in quasi-isometric exertion.
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Hristovski R and Balagué N
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- 2010
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22. Task failure can be explained by a general underlying mechanism.
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HRISTPVSKI, R., BALAGUÉ, N., and VALLEJO, L.
- Abstract
The article conducts research intended to elucidate a general underlying mechanism that can be used to explain the failure of athletes to complete certain athletic tasks. While previous studies on the causes of fatigue have questioned the ability to explain task failure in different types of exercise through a general physiological mechanism, this study sought to identify such a mechanism by having volunteers engage in an isometric arm curling exercise.
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- 2010
23. International Journal of Sport Psychology: Introduction
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Duarte Araújo, Balagué, N., Bootsma, R. J., Mateus, J., and Correia, V.
24. Relationship of force metrics with swimming performance in age-group swimmers
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Balagué, N., Torrents, C., Vilanova, A., Cadefau, J., Tarragó, R., and Tsolakidis, E.
25. Plastic Surgery After Gastric Bypass Improves Long-Term Quality of Life
- Author
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Modarressi, A., Balagué, N., Huber, O., Chilcott, M., Pittet-Cuénod, B., Modarressi, A., Balagué, N., Huber, O., Chilcott, M., and Pittet-Cuénod, B.
- Abstract
Background: Excess skin after massive weight loss impairs patient's health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Therefore, body-contouring surgeries can be proposed. However, few data exist concerning the effect of body contouring after bariatric surgery on HRQoL, including control group with a long-term follow-up. Methods: In a prospective study, 98 consecutive patients who had body contouring after gastric bypass for obesity (BMI > 40) were included (group A). A matched control-group containing 102 patients who had only gastric bypass was selected (group B). HRQoL was measured by Moorehead-Ardelt questionnaire before (group A1) and after (A2) body contouring, and at different time points for group B until 8years post-gastric bypass. To evaluate the effect of body contouring by two parallel methods, HRQoL was compared between groups A1 and A2, and between A2 and B. Results: We found that body contouring procedures improved significantly patients' HRQoL, in comparison to those who had only gastric bypass. Of the patients who had body contouring (group A2), 57% evaluated their HRQoL "much better” in comparison to only 22% of patients before body contouring (group A1) or those who never had body contouring (group B) (p < 0.001). The improvement was significant in all sub-domains of HRQoL: self-esteem, social life, work ability, sexual activity and physical activity (p < 0.001), and remained stable over time. Conclusions: Our study confirms the important role of plastic surgery in treatment of patients after massive weight loss. We demonstrated that body contouring, despite important scars, significantly improves satisfaction and HRQoL of patients after gastric bypass. Therefore, the treatment of morbid obesity should not be deemed achieved unless plastic surgery has been considered
26. Evaluation of cardiovascular complexity in cycling until failure.
- Author
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VAINORAS, A., BALAGUÉ, N., COMPANY, G., BERSKIENE, K., and PODERYS, J.
- Abstract
An abstract of the article "Evaluation of Cardiovascular Complexity in Cycling Until Failure," by A. Vainoras, N. Balagué, G. Company, K Berskiene and J. Poderys is presented.
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- 2010
27. Dynamics of volition states during exercise until failure.
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BALAGUÉ, N., HRISTOVSKI, R., and COMPANY, G.
- Abstract
An abstract of the article "Dynamics of volition states during exercise until failure," by N. Balagué, R. Hristovski and G. Company is presented.
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- 2010
28. Gaze behavior of assistant referees during the judging of offside in football
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Koedijker, Johannes, Schnyder, Urs, Kredel, Ralf, Hossner, Ernst-Joachim, Balagué, N., Torrents, C., Vilanova, A., Cadefau, J., Tarrago, R., and Tsolakidis, E.
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790 Sports, games & entertainment ,610 Medicine & health - Published
- 2013
29. The effects of aerobic and combined aerobic and resistance exercise training on physical fitness in young women
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Batalha, Nuno, Marmeleira, José, Dias, João, Balagué, N., Torrents, C., Vilanova, A., Cadefau, J., Tarragó, R., and Tsolakidis, E.
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musculoskeletal diseases ,resistance exercise ,physical fitness ,Aerobic exercise - Abstract
Introduction The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of aerobic training alone or combined with strength training on the physical fitness of young women. Methods Sixty-five women (18–28 years old), who were not engaged in any exercise program for at least one year, were randomly assigned to an aerobic training group, a combined training group, or a control group. The aerobic training consisted of indoor cycling sessions and the combined training consisted of indoor cycling and resistance exercise in the first and second half of each session, respectively. Both aerobic and combined exercise programs lasted 8 weeks with a periodicity of 3 sessions of 45 min per week. Assessments were conducted before and after the 8-week intervention period on muscular strength, body composition, bone mineral density and cardiorespiratory fitness. Total fat and bone mineral density (lumbar spine and femoral neck) were determined by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (Hologic QDR 1000). Knee and elbow extensor and flexor concentric strength were measured with an isokinetic dynamometer (Biodex System 3) using protocols with angular velocities of 60o/s (3 reps) and 180o/s (20 reps). The YMCA cycle ergometer test was used to estimate VO2max. Data were analysed using repeated measures ANOVA with Bonferroni post-hoc analysis (level of significance was set at p
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- 2013
30. Relationship of force metrics with swimming performance in age-group swimmers
- Author
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Amaro, Nuno, Marinho, D., Batalha, N., Morouço, Pedro, Balagué, N., Torrents, C., Vilanova, A., Cadefau, J., Tarragó, R., and Tsolakidis, E.
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force metrics ,swimming - Abstract
Introduction In competitive swimming, performance relies in the good combination of force and technique. The relative contribution of each of these components is still a controversial issue. Therefore, the aim of this study was to verify if force metrics obtained through tethered swimming can be explanatory of free swimming performance. Methods 22 age-group swimmers (male n=14, age: 14.6±1.2years of age, body mass: 53.1±9.0kg, height: 1.66±0.1m; female n=8, age: 13.9±2.1years of age, body mass: 46.3±9.2kg, height: 1.57±0.1m) took part in the study. Each participant performed a 30 s maximal front crawl tethered swimming test (described in detail by Morouço et. al, 2011). After normality assumption checked, force metrics (average force – Favg; maximum force – Fmax; and impulse of force – Fimp) were correlated with 50m in-water maximal bout performance (t50). Results Both in male and female swimmers Favg presented strong negative correlations with t50 (r=-0.81 and r=-0.95; p
- Published
- 2013
31. Differences in swimming force metrics induced by gender
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Amaro, Nuno, Marinho, D., Batalha, N., Morouço, Pedro, Balagué, N., Torrents, C., Vilanova, A., Cadefau, E., Tarragó, R., and Tsolakidis, E.
- Subjects
Force metrics ,tethered swimming - Abstract
Swimming performance differences are notorious among male and female post-puberty swimmers. Previous studies point that, in adolescence, boys are taller and heavier than girls; taking advantage in swimming performance with that anthropometric difference (Morouço et al., 2012). Therefore, the aim of this study was to identify possible differences between performance (personal best at 50m freestyle) and parameters obtained in tethered swimming tests (force and impulse), between genders. Methods One group of 14 male adolescent swimmers (age: 14.6±1.2years of age, body mass: 53.1±9.0kg, height: 1.66±0.1m, arm span: 1.69±0.1m) and other of 8 female adolescent swimmers (age: 13.9±2.1years of age, body mass: 46.3±9.2kg, height: 1.57±0.1m, arm span: 1.59±0.1m) took part in the study. Each participant performed a 30 s maximal front crawl tethered swimming test (described in detail by Morouço et. al, 2011) and a 50m in-water maximal bout. After normality assumption checked, speed in 50m in-water maximal bout (s50) and force metrics (average force – Favg; maximum force – Fmax; and impulse of force – Fimp) were assessed for each group. Results 50m swimming speed was significantly higher for the males group comparing with females cohort (1.69±0.11 vs. 1.52±0.13 m/s, p=0.004; respectively). The same superiority was observed in tethered swimming metrics (Favg: 78.1±17.1 vs. 56.0±14.5 N, p=0.006; Fmax: 200.8±51.4 vs. 141.4±35.48 N, p=0.009; Fimp: 74.7±15.6 vs. 52.8±16.3 N.s, p=0.006; respectively). No differences were found in body mass, height and arm span (p>0.05). Discussion It is assumed that body mass and height differences among males and females intensively increase after puberty (Kraemer et al., 1989). Thus, it is pointed that at these ages males are capable to produce more strength (Schneider & Meyer, 2005). However, in the present study no anthropometrical differences were noticed, and still performance and force exertion in-water were higher for the males group. These results suggest that other variables, rather than body constitution, should be considered when evaluating adolescent swimmers. The higher values in tethered swimming metrics may imply that male swimmers had higher muscle strength levels and/or a greater capacity to apply propulsive force to water. References Bencke J, Damsgaard R, Saekmose A, Jorgensen P, Jorgensen K, & Klausen K, (2002).Scand J Med Sci Sport. ; 12:171-178. Kraemer WJ, Fry AC, Frykman PN, Conroy B, Hoffman J, (1989) Pediatric Exercise Science, v.1, p.336-350. Morouço P, Vilas-Boas JP, Fernandes R, (2012).Pediatric Exercise Science,v 24, 312-321 Schneider P, Meyer F,(2005).Revista Brasileira de Medicina do Esporte,v.11, p.209-13.
- Published
- 2013
32. COMPARISON OF THE SPIKE VELOCITY BETWEEN DIFFERENT GROUPS OF VOLLEYBALL PLAYERS
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Đurković, Tomislav, Marelić, Nenad, Rešetar Tomica, and Balagué, N., Torrents, C., Vilanova, A., Cadefau, J., Tarragó, R., Tsolakidis, E.
- Subjects
spike velocity ,volleyball ,competitive level - Abstract
Spiking efficacy is one of the key factors for success of one volleyball team. The fact that one team wins most of the points in the set/match with the spike (Bellendier, 2003 ; Marelić et al., 2005) makes this element very interesting for analysis. Besides technical – tactical diversity the key factor on high competitive level is the spiking velocity. The aim of this study was to compare the spiking velocity among three different groups of volleyball players. Nineteen senior male volleyball players were divided into three different groups according to their quality: G1 (national team members), G2 (premiere league players) and G3 (second league players). Each volleyball player performed three spikes. Spiking velocity was measured using STALKER PRO radar in km/h. The means and SE were calculated for each tested group. Results between the groups were compared using ANOVA (Tukey HSD post – hoc test). Significant differences in spiking velocity were found (p
- Published
- 2013
33. Benefits of Exercise in Self Improvement in Elderly Patients With Cardiovascular Diseases
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Simeão, Ana, Armando Raimundo, Pereira, Catarina, Balagué, N, Torrents, C, Vilanova, A, Cadefau, J, Tarragó, R, and Tsolakidis, E
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Cardiovascular Diseases ,Exercise - Abstract
Introduction Physical Exercise (PE) seems positively influence the functional autonomy. The aim of this study was to investigate the benefits of a program to improve the EF functional autonomy in elderly patients with cardiovascular disorders. Methodology A total of 39 seniors, including 28 females and 11 males, with a mean age of 77 years, underwent a 90-day program EF. The program consisted of fine and gross motor control sessions, individual counseling, gait training and sensory stimulation. These sessions were held for 5 days per week with a duration of 55 minutes each. This study consisted of two phases: an initial, before the implementation of the program and the other end, after the application. In these moments, were taken several measures kinanthropometric (HR rest, maximal HR, systolic BP, diastolic BP, BMI, weight, Test March 6 mins Rikli & Jones) and performed a functional assessment of activities of daily living (AIV'S), with application Scale Lawton (1969). The comparison between the behavior of variables kinanthropometric and "score" total autonomy in IADL assessed'S (Scale Lawton, 1969) at baseline and the end was done by t test for related samples. And he made the comparison at the time of the initial and final behavior of the 9 items that constitute the scale of Lawton, through the sign test for Related Samples. Results When comparing the "score" of Autonomy at the beginning and end found a statistically significant increase of the values of autonomy, having seen an average increase of 7 (95% CI: 5.4 to 7.7). We also found statistically significant differences between the measures kinanthropometric the initial and final moments, when there was an average decrease in the following variables: 4.8 bpm in resting HR (95% CI: 1.2 - 8.3) and 1.1 HMG in systolic BP (95% CI: 1.5 - 2). It was also observed an average increase of 81.5 m in Test 6 Mins Walking (95% CI: 61.9 to 101.1). The results obtained by studying the behavior of each of the items of the Lawton Scale (1969) were also statistically significant differences in the ability to climb stairs (10.3% - 82.2%), ability to perform gear abroad (12.8% - 74.4%), ability to make purchases (2.6% - 41%), ability to wash, dry and put away clothes (0% - 48.7); ability to perform cleaning ( 0% - 48.7); cooking capacity (7.7% - 56.4%); ability of small arrangements (0% - 38.8%), ability to use the phone (76.9% - 89 7%) and ability to handle the money (48.7% - 64.1%). Discussion of Results The results of the study suggest that the comparison of the initial and final time kinanthropometric measures, an average decrease of 4.8 bpm (95% CI: 1.2 - 8.3) and resting HR in systolic BP of 1.1 HMG ( 95% CI: 1.5 - 2). Second, Michel (1) (2001) the EF has a positive impact on hypertension. It was also observed an average increase of 81.5 m in Test 6 Mins Walking (95% CI: 61.9 to 101.1). In the study by Sousa (2) et al. (2010) sought to compare the level of functional ability and practice of EF in adults and the elderly with chronic diseases were statistically significant differences in the re-test Test March 6 min, where there was an increase in the number of meters traveled. The results obtained in the "Score" of autonomy through the Lawton Scale (1969), we observed a statistically significant increase in the values of autonomy, having been an average increase of 7 (95% CI: 5.4 to 7.7). In the study by Correia (3) et al. (2010) found statistically significant improvement in functional capacity in elderly patients with diabetic disease practitioners EF.Os results for each of the items of the scale of Lawton, helped strengthen all results. In this context, it appears that this program EF was effective for the improvement of autonomy in IADL'S in locomotor capacity and cardiovascular endurance. However, it was not effective in reducing body weight.
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34. Estrogens (β-Estradiol) and testosterone hormones, as responsible factors for changes in lipid profile and body composition in male elite athletes
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Costa, Maria, Armando Raimundo, Maynar, Marcos, Balagué, N, Torrents, C, Vilanova, A, Cadefau, J, Tarragó, R, and Tsolakidis, E
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lipid profile ,body composition ,hormones ,elite athletes - Abstract
Introduction The practice of physical activity and a balanced diet have been identified as strategies to acquire cardiovascular benefits. This study attends to determinate the changes in hormones, testosterone (T) and estrogen (E2) levels, as a result of regular practice, vigorous physical activity and its influence on body composition and lipid profiles in male athletes, since this gender has a higher prevalence of cardiovascular disease. Methods In this study where recruited 42 male participants 20 of them professional soccer players (SG) (age 15-28 years) and as control group 22 students (CG) with sedentary lifestyle (aged 18-28 years). The SG workout two times a day, 4 times a week (duration between 60 and 90 minutes each), and competing in football match`s at the weekend. The SG is also subject to a medical diet control. Anthropometric evaluation body composition and clinical analysis where used to determinate the lipid profile and the hormone levels. IPAQ in CG Results There were significant differences between groups (SG minor than CG) mainly in abdominal, subscapular and thigh skinfolds; hips and waist circumference; in the lipid profile the total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL- C levels. On the levels of T and E2 CG values were minor than SG one’s. We noticed a strong correlation between physical activity level and the T concentration and significant increase among the E2 levels with exercise.There`s a strong correlation between the increase of T levels and the reduction of subscapular, abdominal skinfolds and waist circumference. Discussion The results of the present study suggest that vigorous physical activity have improved the body composition, particularly in the reduction of central fat mass, in the SG and there lipid profile by increasing the T levels. The findings support that individuals who practice vigorous physical activity in a relation of "dose-effect" acquire additional benefits which reduces the risk of mortality (Teramoto et al 2009; Tompson et al 2007).
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- 2013
35. Effects os a physical exercise program in the functional fitness and body composition of na elderly population
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Martins, Ana, Armando Raimundo, Pereira, Catarina, Balagué, N, Torrents, C, Vilanova, A, Cadefau, J, Tarragó, R, and Tsolakidis, E
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functional fitness ,body composition ,a physical exercise ,Elderly - Abstract
Introduction Exercise is a key mean for the maintenance of health, functional capacity, quality of life and independence in the elderly, being recommended the performance at least 3 sessions/week (ACSM, 2009). Although many elderly adhere to these recommendations, the absenteeism can be an impediment to exercise benefits. This study aimed to analyze the effects of a 3 months exercise program (3 sessions/week; 50-60’; 50-60%HRmax.), accounting for absenteeism, in elderly women. Methods Participants were 44 women ≥60 yrs clustered into 3 groups: Experimental 1 (E1: 20-59% sessions; n:13; age: 69,3±6,9 yrs); Experimental 2 (E2: =60% sessions; n:15; age: 70.9±5.6 yrs); Control (C: 0% sessions; n:16; age: 68.7±9.2 yrs). Anthropometry and DXA assessed body composition. Clinical analysis determined the lipid profile. Functional Fitness Test assessed physical fitness. POMS-SF questionnaire assessed the Mood States. The variation between pre post intervention were computed for all variables. Comparisons between groups were performed by ANOVA and Bonferroni post hoc test or by Kruskal-Wallis and Pair Wise Wilcoxon tests. The level of significance was set at pC) and lower strength (p=.009,E2>C=E1), lower flexibility (p=.020,E2>C), aerobic endurance (pC) and speed/agility/balance (pC) and confusion (p=.027,E2
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- 2013
36. Relations between legs-only and full stroke swimming in various swimming styles
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Leko, Goran, Šiljeg, Klara, and Balagué, N., Torrents, C., Vilanova, A., Cadefau, J., Tarragó, R., Tsolakidis, E.
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swimming ,legs-only ,stroke - Abstract
Some researchers consider that the role of legs in swimming is negligible, especially in front crawl. Most of the research has concentrated on front crawl or breaststroke styles. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between swimming speed achieved using full stroke, and swimming speed achieved using legs-only, in four different swimming styles. Methods Sixty-eight well conditioned male swimmers aged 16-18 participated in this study. The subject swam “all-out” 25 m and 100 m distances four times, using each of the four styles (crawl, backstroke, breaststroke and butterfly) starting from the water. Each of the swimming styles was performed on the same day (25 m + 100 m) with a 15 minutes rest period. Two days later, the procedure continued by legs-only swimming, all styles on the same day with 15 minute rest periods. Results The statistical analyses were performed using Statistica 10.0. The mean full stroke swimming times (in seconds) were: 100 m crawl = 59.13±3.46, 100 m backstroke = 69.13± 6.04, 100 m breastroke = 77.65±5.27 and 100 m butterfly = 69.68±6.71. Mean times for 25 meter swims were: 25 m crawl = 13.54±0.60, 25 m backstroke = 15.92±1.11, 25 m breaststroke = 18.49±1.23 and 25 m butterfly = 15.27±1.17. Times for legs-only swimming were: 25 m crawl = 19.50±1.88, 25 m backstroke = 9.99±2.66, 25 m breaststroke = 22.28±1.49 and 25 m butterfly = 20.27±2.47. The results indicated that correlation coefficients between legs-only swimming times and full stroke swimming times across various distances are similar. When comparing different styles it can be noticed that front crawl has the lowest correlation coefficients (0.40 and 0.38 for 100 meters and 25 meters, respectively). The highest correlation coefficient was observed for breaststroke (0.55 and 0.71 for 100 meters and 25 meters, respectively). For butterfly style, the correlation coefficients were 0.59 and 0.54 for 100 meters and 25 meters, respectively) and for backstroke 0.47 and 0.46 for 100 meters and 25 meters, respectively. The results showed that legs-only swimming may be a good indicator of full stroke swimming speed for butterfly and breaststroke styles. In front crawl and backstroke, this influence is less pronounced. Relationships in different swimming distances are similar
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- 2013
37. The 3D kinematic efficiency of Usain Bolt's sprinting stride
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Antekolović, Ljubomir, Baković, Marijo, Đurković, Tomislav, and Balagué, N., Torrents, C., Vilanova, A., Cadefau, J., Tarragó, R., Tsolakidis, E.
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kinematic parameters ,100 meters sprint ,Usain Bolt - Abstract
The efficiency of sprinting velocity depend on the optimal proportion of starting phase, acceleration phase, maximal velocity phase and deceleration phase. Maximal velocity is one of the most important factors of sprint (Coh and Dolenec, 2008) and in 100m race it is mostly maintained from 60 m to 90 m. Biomechanical parameters of sprinting performance made on elite sprinters are important for the scientist and coaches. This study is conducted to obtain 3D kinematic parameters of sprinting stride of the top level male sprinter during the 100 m race. The video acquisition was done in competition conditions during the 100 m race in Zagreb, Croatia (IAAF World Challenge Zagreb 2011). The subject of this study was Usain Bolt (height 196 cm ; weight 86 kg) a world record holder 100m and 200m (9.58 sec and 19.19 sec). Three miniDV digital cameras (Sony HDR-HC9E) operating at 50 frames per second filmed space on track between 65 m and 75 m. The space was defined by cube (180cmx180cmx90cm) placed on track and filmed after the competition. 3D kinematic data calculations were done with APAS (Ariel Dynamics Inc., San Diego, CA) using a 15- segment model of sprinter’s body (Dempster, 1955). Usain Bolt won this competition with 9.85 sec. His stride lengths of sprinting cycle left-right-left contact (from 63.42 m to 68.92 m of 100 m track) were 278.41 cm and 272.81 cm. The heights of the center of mass (CM) at touchdown (TD), amortization (AM) and takeoff (TO) during left foot support phase were 111.76 cm, 111.62 cm and 115.99 cm. The heights of CM during right foot support phase were 114.63 cm (TD), 113.31 cm (AM) and 115.04 cm (TO). The heights of CM during flight phases were 119.20 cm and 118.51 cm. The AM angles were 144.15˚ (left) and 131.71˚ (right). The horizontal projection of CM in braking phase was 21.42 cm on left foot and 14.56 cm on the right foot. In the propulsion phase the projection of CM was 65.36 cm and 65.68 cm. An average horizontal velocity of CM during observed strides was 12.36 m/sec which is 44.50 km/h.
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- 2013
38. Estimation of VO2 kinetics from graded exercise tests in sprinters
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Šentija, Davor, Vučetić, Vlatko, and Balagué, N., Torrents, C., Vilanova, A., Cadefau, J., Tarragó, R., Tsolakidis, E.
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VO2 kinetics ,graded exercise test ,sprint - Abstract
24 sprintera proveli su 3 testa s različitim protokolima progresivnog opterećenja na pokretnom sagu. Utvrđeno je da je kinetiku primitka kisika moguće indirektno procjenjivati primijenjenim testovima za cijeli uzorak. Pojedinačna procjena ovom metodom nije pouzdana, zbog velike greške mjerenja i individualne varijabilnosti uslijed ponovljenih mjerenja.
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- 2013
39. 3D kinematic analysis of croatian women high jump record – 208 cm
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Baković, Marijo, Antekolović, Ljubomir, and Balagué, N., Torrents, C., Vilanova, A., Cadefau, J., Tarragó, R., Tsolakidis, E.
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kinematic parameters ,high jump - Abstract
Croatian record holder for the women’s high jump has been dominant female high jumper in the world for the past several years and she has repeatedly tried to break the world record (2, 09m). The aim of this study was to determine kinematic parameters of the her high jump record which is second best jump in the history of women's high jump (2, 08m). Acquisition of the video recordings necessary for the kinematic analysis was made during IAAF Grand Prix meeting in Zagreb, 31st August 2009. Three digital Sony HDR-HC9E cameras, each with frequency of 50Hz were used. The cameras were recording last two strides of approach, take- off and flight phase. Data analysis were performed according APAS (Ariel Performance Analyses System) protocol standards. Data for the parameters most frequently used in high jump technique studies were calculated. Lengths of the strides (penultimate and last) were 233, 99 and 208, 58cm. Toe to bar distance was 84, 00cm. Take off contact time was 0, 160sec. Horizontal center of mass (CM) velocities: third last stride (6, 89m/s), penultimate stride (7, 06m/s), touchdown (6, 47m/s) and take off (4, 30m/s). Vertical CM velocity at take off was 3, 63m/s. CM heights at: touchdown (99, 73cm), amortization (106, 51cm), take off (130, 05cm), maximum CM height (205, 54cm) and CM height relative to the bar height (-2, 46cm). Knee angle of amortization and angle of take off were 143, 31° and 40, 17°.
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- 2013
40. Retrospective study of results at summer olympic games from 1908 till 2012 in men swimming categories
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Vučetić, Vlatko, Zekić, Josip, Sukreški, Marko, and Balagué, N., Torrents, C., Vilanova, A., Cadefau, J., Tarragó, R., Tsolakidis, E.
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Olympic games, results, swimming, sport history ,human activities - Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Identify trends and factors of change sin results of swimmers, holders of gold, silver and bronze medals at the O lympic games since 1908 till 2012, and make an assessment of their future developments. METHODS: A retrospective study of the results at the Summer Olympic games in swimming for men since 1908 till year 2012 , and an analysis of available data on anthropometry of swim- mers, training methods, the technique of swimming, diet, swimming pool equipment and appearance. In this study we will also ana lyse the holders of gold, silver and bronze medals at the Olympic Ga mes since 1908 till today. RESULTS: Improving of results correla te with the length of the Olympic cycle, which we take into account during results analysis. We notice that the improvement of the results increases with the number of Olympic cycle on which some discipline mainta in and that the correlation between the improvement and the num ber of cycles between olympic disciplines is greater than 90%.. Results have shown a tendency of slowing down improvement of the re sults in few last olympic cycles, with the exception of the results achieved in the Olympic Games in Beijing 2008, when the use of hi gh-tech suits significantly improved results and 66 Olympic records were beaten. This trend suggests that we are approaching the biolog ical plateau in terms of improving performance in swimming, and we expect on the basis of this research all the minor improvements o f results in each subsequent cycle, with the exception of the use of high-tech suits. In the period of 110 years, since the first Olympic games in Athens to present, the results have improved by a whopping 40% of the initial results, which is a man nearing his maximum sp eed of movement through the water without technological aids. Many factor s have contributed to the improvement of the results, and non e of this factors cannot be ignored in the research of the developmen t of swimming and improving results. The importance of each of these factors remains a challenge for future researchers. CONCLUSION: Ad vance in swimming since the first Olympic Games in Athens in 1896 until today is made by great number of changes. We can divide th em into changing the way and technique of training, changes in eating habits and dietary supplementation, changes in swim suits and ch anging conditions and ambient of swimming.
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- 2013
41. Ageing comparative study between diferent cities in Brazil and Portugal: A health analyses, ageing and quality of life
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Veran, Patricia, Armando Raimundo, Gusso, Gustavo, Balagué, N, Torrents, C, Vilanova, A, Cadefau, J, Tarragó, R, and Tsolakidis, E
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Quality of life ,Ageing - Abstract
Introduction The demographic epidemiologic transition is a worldwide phenomenon and it is present both in the developed countries and increasingly in the developing ones. The population estimates in the studied countries show that Portugal is nowadays in the list of the oldest countries in the world and in Brazil the “ageing of the top” will occur up to 2025 occupying the 6th elderly population of the world, in absolute terms. Methods The aim of this study was to analyze comparatively Life Quality between the senior citizens who participate in the Public Physical Activity Programs at Nisa, Portugal (Program Activ Sénior) and Florianópolis, Brazil (Programa Floripa Ativa). A transversal descriptive study was carried out including 258 senior citizens, both genders, from October to December 2011 using the Brazilian and Portuguese versions of the Short Form 36 questionnaire. The statistics tests performed were Student’s t-teste, ANOVA, Kruskal Wallis test and K-S test. Results The global Cronbach’s alpha was 0.72 for the Physical and 0.73 for the Mental Component. Descriptive analysis showed that the subjects' average age was 69,56 years old (PD:+/- 5,74 years) and that most of them were women (84,8%). The best scores for both cities/countries were obtained for the Mental Component: Social Function (83,8), Emotional Performance (75,5) and Mental Health (73,8). The worst scores appeared in Physical Pain (63,9), General Health (67,9) and Vitality (69,1). There were statistically significant differences for the following dimensions: Physical Pain, General Health and Vitality. It could be observed through the comparative analysis that there were significant differences between both genders. Discussion Therefore, it was possible to conclude that the most significant percentage belongs to the women (55,7% in Portugal and 44,3% in Brazil), from 60 to 69 years old. The feminization of ageing, estimates for average age and participation of women in studies related to ageing are always in greater numbers, similar results in other studies (Matsudo et al.,2011). That being in the oldest age category is not related with the worst Life Quality and that the dimensions that were related to the Mental Component show the best scores for life quality in both cities/countries. The results of this study suggest that the collective health strategies that have been adopted in Nisa/Portugal and Florianópolis/Brazil through their Programs were able to establish social bonds and provide health gains, bringing benefits for active ageing.
42. Young swimmers shoulder strength profile: internal and external rotation isokinetic evaluation. A contribution to normative data
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Batalha, Nuno, Armando Raimundo, Tomas-Carus, Pablo, Marmeleira, José, Silva, António, Balagué, N., Torrents, C., Vilanova, A., Cadefau, J., Tarragó, R., and Tsolakidis, E.
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Shoulder rotators ,swimming - Abstract
Introduction The high incidence of overuse shoulder injuries in competitive swimmers is often attributed to both the high repetitive stresses inherent in the sport, as well as muscular imbalances in the humeral rotators (O'Donnell et al., 2005). The purpose of this study was to measure concentric glenohumeral joint internal and external rotation strength, to develop a bilateral descriptive profile in young competitive swimmers, contributing to the creation of normative data. Methods This was a cross-sectional study in which 60 male swimmers (age: 14.55 ± 0.5 years old; body mass: 61.16 ± 7.08 kg) were assessed. The peak torque of the external rotator (ER), internal rotators (IR) and the ER/IR ratio were evaluated with concentric actions. A seated position was used (90° abduction and elbow flexion) at 60º.s-1 and 180º.s-1 angular speeds using an isokinetic dynamometer (Biodex System 3). Both dominant (DS) and non-dominant shoulder (NDS) were assessed. Descriptive statistics was performed for all variables using means and standard deviations. Calculations were performed using the SPSS software, version 19.0. Results The peak torque of IR ranged from 34.81 ± 9.33Nm to 31.15 ± 9.33Nm; the ER values were from 26.39 ± 5.66Nm to 22.07 ± 3.87Nm. Swimmers showed unilateral ratios of 77.89 ± 15.23% in the DS and 73.39 ± 17,26% in the NDS for assessments at 60º.s-1. At 180º.s-1, ratios were 74.77 ± 13.99% for DS and 70.11 ± 14.57% for NDS. Discussion Our results confirm that the IR ability to produce power is invariably superior to that of their antagonists. Regarding the shoulder rotators muscle balance, despite the fact that no normative data were available for young swimmers, some authors who evaluated older overhead athletes found values of ER/IR ratios between 66-75% (Ellenbecker & Roetert, 2003; Cingel et al., 2007). In our study, swimmers ER/IR ratios ranged from 70.11 ± 14.57% to 77.89 ± 15.23%, values that are close to, but slightly higher, than the normative values previously described. Since the unilateral ratios distinguish the quality of muscle balance (Ellenbecker & Roetert, 2003), these data can serve as a normative reference to shoulder rotators balance in young swimmers.
43. Analysis of the cardiovascular risk factors in military above 35 years old
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Lucas, Olga, Armando Raimundo, Balagué, N, Torrents, C, Vilanova, A, Cadefau, J, Tarragó, R, and Tsolakidis, E
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cardiovascular risk factors ,physical activity - Abstract
Introduction The increasing prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors is mainly due to habits acquired during one’s life. However, military training has physical aptitude as one of its main objectives. The objective of the data analysis was to analyze the practiced physical activity, which is the most active age group and if the intensity of the physical activity influences the various parameters being analyzed. Methodology This evaluation focuses on some cardiovascular parameters like the incidence of family history, medication, smoking habits and blood pressure/heart frequency measurements; data from blood tests to examine the biochemistry; body composition through weight, height, abdominal perimeter and, through DXA, body fat; and with accelerometry the physical activity level has been determined. Results Sedentary physical activity is significantly greater during weekends instead of moderate and intense levels, which occur mainly during work-days. People who are between 45 and 54 years old are the ones who takes more anticholesterolemic medicine and also the one who show the best HDL values. The sedentary level of physical activity is positively and directly related with weight, which presents an inverse correlation with moderate physical activity, and also body fat parameters and abdominal perimeter. The highest prothrombin time levels and sedimentation speed are associated with sedentary physical activity. However, even though HDL levels are significantly greater when intense physical activity is practiced, this also creates higher values of INR. Intense physical activity is also responsible for some ischemic heart disease, reflecting an increase in CK-MB values. Discussion The abdominal perimeter proved to be a better predictor of intra-abdominal fat than the BMI. The youngest age group showed really high values of PCR, protein being a contributing factor for heart disease risk (Albert, Glynn & Ridker, 2003). The relation between physical activity and fat was inverse (Cederberg et al, 2011), while HDL results were better as physical activity increased (Gordon-Larsen et al, 2009). Physical activity intensity above average show little to no benefits (AAdahl, KJæer & Jørgensen, 2007), just like the increase of circulation CK-MB however, sedentary ones showed more changes when it came to coagulation. Balanced physical activity was moderate when it came to benefits/disadvantages.
44. Age-related breakdown in networks of inter-muscular coordination.
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Garcia-Retortillo S, Abenza Ó, Vasileva F, Balagué N, Hristovski R, Wells A, Fanning J, Kattula J, and Ivanov PC
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Assessing inter-muscular coordination in older adults is crucial, as it directly impacts an individual's ability for independent functioning, injury prevention, and active engagement in daily activities. However, the precise mechanisms by which distinct muscle fiber types synchronize their activity across muscles to generate coordinated movements in older adults remain unknown. Our objective is to investigate how distinct muscle groups dynamically synchronize with each other in young and older adults during exercise. Thirty-five young adults and nine older adults performed one bodyweight squat set until exhaustion. Simultaneous surface electromyography (sEMG) recordings were taken from the left and right vastus lateralis, and left and right erector spinae. To quantify inter-muscular coordination, we first obtained ten time series of sEMG band power for each muscle, representing the dynamics of different muscle fiber types. Next, we calculated the bivariate equal-time Pearson's cross-correlation for each pair of sEMG band power time series across all leg and back muscles. The main results show (i) an overall reduction in the degree of inter-muscular coordination, and (ii) increased stratification of the inter-muscular network in older adults compared to young adults. These findings suggest that as individuals age, the global inter-muscular network becomes less flexible and adaptable, hindering its ability to reorganize effectively in response to fatigue or other stimuli. This network approach opens new avenues for developing novel network-based markers to characterize multilevel inter-muscular interactions, which can help target functional deficits and potentially reduce the risk of falls and neuro-muscular injuries in older adults., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to American Aging Association.)
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- 2024
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45. Pedicled superficial inferior epigastric artery flap in hand reconstruction.
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Cuenca C, Balagué N, Beaulieu JY, and Bouvet C
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- Humans, Plastic Surgery Procedures methods, Epigastric Arteries transplantation, Surgical Flaps blood supply, Hand Injuries surgery
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- 2024
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46. Long-term exercise adaptation. Physical aging phenomena in biological networks.
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Hristovski R, Balagué N, and Stevanovski M
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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.
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- 2023
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47. Regenerative healing ability of the digit tip.
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Balagué N and L'Huillier AG
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- Humans, Extremities, Wound Healing, Fingers
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- 2023
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48. Assessing proprioception through time-variability properties of acceleration.
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Montull L, Borrallo A, Almarcha M, and Balagué N
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Proprioception is a crucial property for movement stability and balance, but its current assessment, based on clinical testing, lacks precision and adequacy in real contexts. This study proposes assessing proprioception and its sensitivity to training effects through acceleration time series recorded during two slackline experiments. In the first experiment, slackliners of different expertise (highly and poorly trained) had to walk on a slackline for 30 s. In the second, twelve beginners had to balance up on the slackline for at least 11 s before and after a training process. Acceleration time series were recorded in body components (legs and centre of mass) and the slackline. The acceleration fluctuations were analysed through Detrended Fluctuation Analysis. The obtained Hurst (H)-exponents were compared between both groups (first experiment) and before and after training (second experiment) using Whitney and Wilcoxon tests, respectively. The values of H-exponents were lower in the highly trained group (Z = -2.15, p = 0.03) (first experiment), and in the post-training conditions (Z = -2.35, p = 0.02) (second experiment). These results suggest better motor and proprioceptive control with training status. Hence, the time-variability structure of acceleration in real contexts, like slackline tasks, is proposed as an objective measure of proprioception and its training effects., (Copyright © 2023 Montull, Borrallo, Almarcha and Balagué.)
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- 2023
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49. Network Physiology of Exercise: Beyond Molecular and Omics Perspectives.
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Balagué N, Hristovski R, Almarcha M, Garcia-Retortillo S, and Ivanov PC
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Molecular Exercise Physiology and Omics approaches represent an important step toward synthesis and integration, the original essence of Physiology. Despite the significant progress they have introduced in Exercise Physiology (EP), some of their theoretical and methodological assumptions are still limiting the understanding of the complexity of sport-related phenomena. Based on general principles of biological evolution and supported by complex network science, this paper aims to contrast theoretical and methodological aspects of molecular and network-based approaches to EP. After explaining the main EP challenges and why sport-related phenomena cannot be understood if reduced to the molecular level, the paper proposes some methodological research advances related to the type of studied variables and measures, the data acquisition techniques, the type of data analysis and the assumed relations among physiological levels. Inspired by Network Physiology, Network Physiology of Exercise provides a new paradigm and formalism to quantify cross-communication among diverse systems across levels and time scales to improve our understanding of exercise-related phenomena and opens new horizons for exercise testing in health and disease., (© 2022. The Author(s).)
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- 2022
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50. Prescribing or co-designing exercise in healthy adults? Effects on mental health and interoceptive awareness.
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Almarcha M, González I, Balagué N, and Javierre C
- Abstract
Universal exercise recommendations for adults neglect individual preferences, changing constraints, and their potential impact on associated health benefits. A recent proposal suggests replacing the standardized World Health Organisation (WHO) exercise recommendations for healthy adults by co-designed interventions where individuals participate actively in the decisions about the selected physical activities and the effort regulation. This study contrasts the effects on mental health and interoceptive awareness of a co-designed and co-adapted exercise intervention with an exercise program based on the WHO recommendations for healthy adults. Twenty healthy adults (10 men and 10 women, 40-55 y.o.) participated voluntarily in the research. They were randomly assigned to a co-designed exercise intervention (CoD group) and a prescribed exercise program (WHO group). Supervised online by specialized personal trainers, both programs lasted 9 weeks and were equivalent in volume and intensity. The effects of the exercise intervention were tested through personal interviews, questionnaires (DASS-21 and MAIA) and a cardiorespiratory exercise test. Intragroup differences (pre-post) were assessed using the Mann-Whitney Wilcoxon test and intergroup differences through Student's t -tests. Effect sizes were calculated through Cohen's d. Interviews were analyzed through thematic analysis. Eleven participants completed the intervention (CoD = 8, WHO = 5). Both groups improved, but non significantly, their cardiorespiratory testing results, and no differences were found between them post-intervention. Mental health was only enhanced in the CoD group ( p < 0.001), and interoceptive awareness improved in seven of the eight scales in the CoD group ( p < 0.001) and only in 3 scales in the WHO group ( p < 0.01). In conclusion, the co-designed intervention was more effective for developing mental health, interoceptive awareness, autonomy, and exercise self-regulation than the WHO-based exercise program., 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 © 2022 Almarcha, González, Balagué and Javierre.)
- Published
- 2022
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