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The benefits of drafting for elite marathon runners are intuitive, but the quantitative energetic and time savings are still unclear due to the different methods used for converting aerodynamic drag force reductions to gross metabolic power savings. Further, we lack a mechanistic understanding of the relationship between aerodynamic drag forces and ground reaction forces (GRFs) over a range of running velocities. Here, we quantified how small horizontal impeding forces affect gross metabolic power and GRF over a range of velocities in competitive runners. In three sessions, 12 runners completed six 5-min trials with 5 min of recovery in-between. We tested one velocity per session (12, 14, and 16 km/h), at three horizontal impeding force conditions (0, 4, and 8 N) applied at the waist of the runners. On average, gross metabolic power increased by 6.13% per 1% body weight of horizontal impeding force but the increases varied considerably between individuals (4.17%-8.14%). With greater horizontal impeding force, braking GRF impulses decreased, whereas propulsive GRF impulses increased, but the impulses were not related to individual changes in gross metabolic power. Combining our findings with those of previous aerodynamics studies, we estimate that for a solo runner (52 kg) at 2-h marathon pace, overcoming aerodynamic drag force (1.39% BW) comprises 7.8% of their gross metabolic power and drafting can save between 3 min 42 s and 5 min 29 s.

Background High-intensity training, a still unexplored exercise for individuals with Parkinson's disease, is positively related with increased functionality and aerobic profile in healthy individuals. The aim of this work was to evaluate the feasibility, safety, and acceptance of sprint running in individuals with mild-to-moderate Parkinson's. Additionally, we compared sprint biomechanical outputs of force, velocity and power between individuals with Parkinson's disease and healthy. Methods Physically trained subjects with Parkinson's, men, (n = 16, 64:9.01 years, stage between 1 and 3 in the Hoehn and Yahr, 16.8:7.1 at Unified Parkinson's disease Rating Scales, and control group (n = 21, 65:9.27 years) performed 20 m sprint sessions. We analyzed the self-reported satisfaction and acceptance using a self-administered questionnaire, and the sprint biomechanics and performance based on high-speed video recordings. Findings All participants completed the tests with high feasibility, acceptability and satisfaction scores. The sprint maximal force and maximal power outputs were higher in Parkinson's disease. Conversely, control group showed higher mechanical effectiveness values. Interestingly, no difference in velocity capabilities and overall 20-m sprint performance was observed between groups, possibly explained by different mechanical strategies in both groups over the sprint accelerations. Linear regression analyses showed that physical qualities are predictors of mechanical effectiveness, and mechanical variables are important determinants of sprint performance on Parkinson's disease. Interpretation Sprint is a feasible exercise for people with mild-to-moderate Parkinson's disease. Even though differences in physical qualities and mechanical effectiveness exist between subjects with Parkinson's disease and healthy, there is no overall substantial impact on sprint running performance.

As tartarugas-verdes (Chelonia mydas) são afetadas pela fibropapilomatose (FP), doença que pode ser uma ameaça para elas. O trabalho teve como objetivo descrever as características histopatológicas dos tumores sugestivos de FP e pesquisar a presença de DNA de Chelonid alphaherpesvirus 5 (ChHV5) em lesões cutâneas de 26 tartarugas verdes encalhadas na Bacia Potiguar (nordeste do Brasil). As tartarugas verdes foram encontradas durante o monitoramento diário, e os tumores de FP foram coletados por biópsia ou durante necropsia, quantificados e analisados de acordo com distribuição anatômica, tamanho e Escore de Fibropapilomatose do Atlântico Sudoeste (FPSSWA). Vinte e seis cortes histológicos foram examinados, e 26 amostras fixadas em formalina e embebidas em parafina foram analisadas por reação em cadeia da polimerase (PCR) para detectar o DNA do ChHV5. Um total de 292 tumores foi analisado (1-42 por indivíduo), sendo a maioria com tamanho de 1-4 cm (74%; 218/292 tumores) e presentes nos membros anteriores (48,6%; 142/292 tumores). De acordo com o FPSSWA, a maioria das tartarugas verdes estava afetada de forma leve (53,8%; 14/26). O exame histopatológico revelou características previamente descritas na literatura (projeções papilares da camada epitelial, hiperceratose, hiperplasia da camada basal, fibroblastos em proliferação bem diferenciados) classificando os tumores como papilomas ou fibropapilomas. Com relação aos resultados de PCR, 79,9% das amostras de tumor testadas foram positivas para ChHV5 e as sequências foram obtidas em todas as amostras amplificadas. Nossas sequências UL30 são idênticas a várias sequências descritas em tartarugas marinhas do Brasil, enquanto as sequências UL18 e UL27 são mais semelhantes as de tartarugas verdes na Flórida. Nosso estudo relata detecção e caracterização molecular do ChHV5 em tartarugas verdes encalhadas na Bacia Potiguar, importante área de alimentação com alta frequência de ocorrência de FP.

In healthy adults, Nordic walking (NW) is known to increase the external mechanical energy fluctuations, though the external work is unaltered due to an improved pendulum-like recovery in comparison to free walking (FW). We aimed to compare mechanical, pendulum-like, and spatiotemporal parameters of gait at different speeds with and without NW poles in people with Parkinson's disease and healthy controls. The study included 11 people (aged 65.6±7.0 years) with idiopathic Parkinson's disease, scoring between 1 and 1.5 on the Hoehn and Yahr scale (H&Y), and nine healthy controls (aged 70.0±5.6 years). All the people were experienced Nordic walkers. Walking tests were performed at 1.8 km.h-1 and 4.7 km.h-1 , on eight 3D force platforms on a walkway. We found greater pendulum-like energy recovery (p 0.05). People with Parkinson's disease showed a major increase in vertical and forward energy fluctuations using poles than in healthy controls. In addition, the Parkinson group showed increased stride frequency and reduced stride length compared to controls in the NW and FW conditions. Our findings partly justify the lower walking economy in Parkinson's disease due to reduced pendulum-like mechanism at commonly used speeds. NW alters gait mechanics similarly in Parkinson group and healthy control, increasing the total mechanical work. Therefore, NW can be a compelling strategy for rehabilitation because of its potential for improving functional mobility, increasing pendulum-like mechanism in Parkinson's disease.

A fibropapilomatose (FP) é uma doença multifatorial, neoplásica e infecciosa que afeta todas as espécies de tartarugas marinhas, e o Chelonid alphaherpesvirus 5(ChHV5) tem sido apontado como o agente etiológico primário. Essa doença é caracterizada por tumores cutâneos, mas fibromas viscerais, mixofibromas e fibrossarcomas também têm sido relatados e podem interferir nas funções sistêmicas. Apesar de descrições anteriores de neoplasias viscerais em tartarugas marinhas do Havaí e Flórida, algumas infectadas pelo ChHV5, há poucos relatos de tumores não cutâneos em tartarugas marinhas no Brasil. Para preencher essa lacuna, analisamos amostras de neoplasias internas de quatro tartarugas verdes (Chelonia mydas) através de técnicas histopatológicas e moleculares. Neoplasias cutâneas foram quantificadas e classificadas de acordo com seus tamanhos e escores para determinar a severidade da FP, e a presença de tumores internos foi confirmada postmortem durante necropsia. Quarenta e oito tumores cutâneos (7-23 por indivíduo) foram encontrados nas tartarugas verdes amostradas, e a severidade da FP foi classificada como leve (2 indivíduos) e moderada (2 indivíduos). Neoplasias viscerais foram encontradas em pulmão (n=4), coração (n=1), intestino (n=2), esôfago (n=1), estômago (n=1), fígado (n=1), baço (n=1), músculo esquelético (n=1) e rim (n=2), sendo classificadas como fibromas e uma como mixofibroma renal. Não detectamos DNA do ChHV5 nos fibromas esofágico, muscular esquelético e hepático. Nossa pesquisa relata nova descrição de mixofibroma renal e detecção do ChHV5 em neoplasias viscerais de tartarugas verdes no Brasil, melhorando o conhecimento sobre prevalência, localização anatômica e severidade dos tumores internos associados à FP.

The objective of this study was to evaluate effects of photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) on the 3000 m running performance (primary outcome), running economy (RE), metabolic cost and ratings of perceived exertion during running (secondary outcomes). Twenty male endurance athletes performed 4-min treadmill rectangular test at 12 km.h-1 monitored by a gas analyser. After that, PBMT or placebo in each lower limb was applied, followed performed a maximum test of 3000 m. Immediately after 3000 m test, the athletes repeated the treadmill test. Another application of PBMT/placebo was done after the treadmill test, and athletes went back to the laboratory 24 h later to repeat the treadmill test. After a 72 h interval, athletes repeated all procedures with another treatment intervention (PBMT/placebo). Athletes performed the 3000 m running test ~7s faster when treated with PBMT with similar effort score compared placebo condition. The RE remains unchanged immediately post 3000 m running test, nonetheless RE measured post-24 h improved by 5% with PBMT application without changes in metabolic cost. The PBMT pre- and post-conditioning enhanced the 3000 m running performance and improved RE 24 h following the 3000 m test. However, no changes on ratings of perceived exertion and metabolic cost with the application of PBMT.

Purpose The aim of this study was to verify whether physiological components [vertical jumps (Squat Jump - SJ and Countermovement Jump - CMJ), eccentric utilization ratio (EUR) of vertical jumps, running economy (RE), metabolic cost (C MET ), first and second ventilatory threshold (VT1 and VT2) maximal oxygen uptake (VO2MAX)] can predict maximal endurance running performance. Methods Twenty male runners performed maximal vertical jumps, submaximal running at constant speeds, and maximal incremental running test. Before, we measured anthropometric parameters (body mass and height) and registered the training history and volume. SJ and CMJ tests were evaluated prior to running tests. Initially, the oxygen uptake (VO2) was collected at rest in the orthostatic position for 6 min. Soon after, a 10-min warm-up was performed on the treadmill at 10 km⋅h-1, followed by two 5-min treadmill rectangular tests at 12 and 16 km⋅h-1 monitored by a gas analyzer. After that, the runners performed a maximal incremental test, where the VT1, VT2, and VO2MAX were evaluated, as well as the maximum running speed (vVO2MAX). Thus, RE and C MET were calculated with data obtained during rectangular running tests. Multivariate stepwise regression analyses were conducted to measure the relationship between independent variables (height and power of SJ and CMJ, EUR; RE and C MET 12 and 16 km⋅h-1; VT1, VT2, and VO2MAX), as predictors of maximal running performance (vVO2MAX), with significance level at α = 0.05. Results We found that VO2MAX and RE at 16 km⋅h-1 predict 81% of performance (vVO2MAX) of endurance runners (p < 0.001). Conclusion The main predictors of the maximal incremental running test performance were VO2MAX and RE.

Background Training load and adequate recovery have been identified as essential elements to improve well-being and performance in team sports and avoid non-functional overreaching and overtraining. Objective This cohort study sought to analyze the stress and recovery perceptions, creatine kinase levels (CK), and vertical jump performance of volleyball athletes at different training times during a championship preseason. Methods Thirteen high-level male volleyball players (23.80 ± 5.40 years, 91.50 ± 8.80 kg, and 193.10 ± 6.40 cm) completed the RESTQ-Sport questionnaire on stress and recovery perception, and blood samples were collected to evaluate CK levels. These measures were performed six times over 16 weeks, while jumps such as squat jump (SJ), countermovement jump (CMJ), and countermovement jump arm (CMJA) were performed at three of those times for specific performance evaluation. Results The stress perception and recovery perception indices increased and decreased, respectively, in the pre-competitive phase, while CK levels presented an initial rise, maintenance over the training period, and a drop. Vertical jump heights increased significantly throughout the preparatory period regardless of the type of jump. In all training phases, CMJA values exceeded CMJ and SJ values, and CMJ values exceeded SJ values. Conclusions Positive adaptations were elicited by training stimuli, resulting in improvements in performance. Conversely, load training variables indicated higher levels of stress and muscle damage, together with lower perceptions of recovery during the championship preseason.

BackgroundNordic walking is an attractive method of endurance training. Nevertheless, the biomechanic response due to the additional contribution of using poles in relation to free walking training has been less explored in the elderly. Purpose: This randomized parallel controlled trial aimed to assess the effects of 8 weeks of Nordic walking and free walking training on the walking economy, mechanical work, metabolically optimal speed, and electromyographic activation in elderly.MethodsThirty-three sedentary elderly were randomized into Nordic walking (n= 16) and free walking group (n= 17) with equalized loads. Submaximal walking tests were performed from 1 to 5 km h−1on the treadmill.ResultsWalking economy was improved in both free and Nordic walking groups (x24.91,p= 0.014) and the metabolically optimal speed was increased by approximately 0.5 km h−1changing the speed-cost profile. The electromyographic activation in lower and upper limbs, pendular recovery, and total, external, and internal mechanical work remained unchanged (p> 0.05). Interestingly, the internal mechanical work associated with arm movement was higher in the Nordic walking group than in the free walking group after training, while the co-contraction from upper limb muscles was reduced similarly to both groups.ConclusionsEight weeks of Nordic walking training effectively improved the walking economy and functionality as well as maintained the gait mechanics, similar to free walking training in elderly people. This enhancement in the metabolic economy may have been mediated by a reduction in the co-contraction from upper limb muscles.Trial registrationClinicalTrails.govNCT03096964

OBJECTIVE: The authors examined the prospective relationship between physical activity and incident depression and explored potential moderators. METHOD: Prospective cohort studies evaluating incident depression were searched from database inception through Oct. 18, 2017, on PubMed, PsycINFO, Embase, and SPORTDiscus. Demographic and clinical data, data on physical activity and depression assessments, and odds ratios, relative risks, and hazard ratios with 95% confidence intervals were extracted. Random-effects meta-analyses were conducted, and the potential sources of heterogeneity were explored. Methodological quality was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. RESULTS: A total of 49 unique prospective studies (N=266,939; median proportion of males across studies, 47%) were followed up for 1,837,794 person-years. Compared with people with low levels of physical activity, those with high levels had lower odds of developing depression (adjusted odds ratio=0.83, 95% CI=0.79, 0.88; I2=0.00). Furthermore, physical activity had a protective effect against the emergence of depression in youths (adjusted odds ratio=0.90, 95% CI=0.83, 0.98), in adults (adjusted odds ratio=0.78, 95% CI=0.70, 0.87), and in elderly persons (adjusted odds ratio=0.79, 95% CI=0.72, 0.86). Protective effects against depression were found across geographical regions, with adjusted odds ratios ranging from 0.65 to 0.84 in Asia, Europe, North America, and Oceania, and against increased incidence of positive screen for depressive symptoms (adjusted odds ratio=0.84, 95% CI=0.79, 0.89) or major depression diagnosis (adjusted odds ratio=0.86, 95% CI=0.75, 0.98). No moderators were identified. Results were consistent for unadjusted odds ratios and for adjusted and unadjusted relative risks/hazard ratios. Overall study quality was moderate to high (Newcastle-Ottawa Scale score, 6.3). Although significant publication bias was found, adjusting for this did not change the magnitude of the associations. CONCLUSIONS: Available evidence supports the notion that physical activity can confer protection against the emergence of depression regardless of age and geographical region. ispartof: AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PSYCHIATRY vol:175 issue:7 pages:631-648 ispartof: location:United States status: published

Background Individuals with visual impairment (VI) have often been observed to walk slower than individuals with unimpaired vision. These observations might be confounded by typical low levels of physical activity and greater sedentary behavior in individuals with VI than the overall population. Research question Here, we compared gait and balance measures between individuals with VI who participate in disability sports, and activity level matched sighted individuals. Methods We assessed static balance, anthropometry, self-selected walking speed, locomotion rehabilitation index, and lower limb muscular endurance; and applied physical activity level and fear of falling questionnaires. Results Individuals with VI who participate in disability sports, self-selected a similar walking speed (1.29 ± 0.26 m/s) as active sighted individuals (1.39 ± 0.21 m/s). Locomotor rehabilitation index and muscular endurance of lower limbs were also similar between groups. Individuals with VI presented lower static balance (42.0 ± 17.0s) than the sighted control group (45.0 ± 0s) when the controls were tested with their eyes open. However, no difference was found when the controls were tested with their eyes closed (30.3 ± 17.0s). Furthermore, individuals with VI showed a greater fear of falling. Significance In conclusion, individuals with VI who participate in disability sports, as goalball and football, walk with similar self-selected walking speeds as active sighted individuals, but have slightly worse static balance and fear of falling.

Resumo Além das determinantes fisiológicas, o desempenho em maratonas é influenciado por características antropométricas, de treinamento e de experiência dos atletas. O objetivo do estudo foi investigar a associação desses fatores com o desempenho de maratonistas brasileiros. Um questionário foi aplicado nos dois dias anteriores à Maratona Internacional de Porto Alegre. Dentre os achados, os atletas de menor índice de massa corporal foram mais rápidos e o desempenho em provas de 5 e 21 km apresentou correlações altas com o desempenho (r = 0,76 e r = 0,81, p < 0,01). Isso sugere que corredores mais rápidos na maratona são mais rápidos em provas de distâncias menores. Além disso, índices como experiência anterior e distância dos treinos longos não foram bons preditores do desempenho para maratona. Abstract Not only physiological variables, but anthropometric, training and experience characteristics influence marathon performance. The aim of this study was to investigate the correlation of those factors on Brazilian marathoners performance. A questionnaire was applied in the two days prior to the International Porto Alegre Marathon. Mainly, athletes with lower body mass index were faster on the race, and performance at 5 km and 21 km have high correlations with marathon performance (r=0.76 and r=0.81, p

This study aimed to compare the height of jumps and functional parameters in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) to those in healthy people, in addition to assessing the relationship among variables in patients with COPD. Twenty patients with COPD (forced expiratory volume [FEV1] % of predicted: 39.98 ± 11.69%; age: 62.95 ± 8.06 years) and 16 healthy people (FEV1% of predicted: 97.44 ± 14.45%; age: 59.94 ± 6.43 years) were evaluated, and all participants performed the Squat Jump (SJ) and Counter Movement Jump (CMJ) tests to assess rapid force considering the jumping height. Functional capacity was assessed using the self-selected walking speed tests, walking speed in 10 m, walking test in 6 min, balance on one leg, sitting and standing, timed up and go, and a stair-climbing test. In addition, the questionnaires on recall of falls, Falls Efficacy Scale-International (concern with falling), International Physical Activity Questionnaires, and Saint George Respiratory Questionnaire were administered. The height of the jumps showed no difference between the groups, but the COPD group performed worse in most functional tests and was more afraid of falling. The number of falls was correlated with height in the SJ (r = -0.51) and CMJ (r = -0.62) jumps (p 0.05), and with the performance in different functional tests. We suggest that interventions targeting rapid force may bring improvements in functional mobility and physical fitness as well as reducing fall episodes in patients with COPD.

Nordic walking has been shown as an attractive method of aerobic training. Nevertheless, the biomechanical response due to the additional contribution of using poles in relation to free walking training has been less explored in the elderly. This randomized parallel controlled trial aimed to assess the effects of eight-weeks of Nordic walking and free walking training on the cost of transport, the rating of perceived exertion, mechanical work, and muscular engagement in elderly. Thirty-three sedentary elderly were randomized into Nordic walking (n=16) and free walking group (n=17) with equal volume and intensity. Submaximal walking tests were performed from 1 to 5 km.h-1 on the treadmill. The cost of transport decreased after training in both groups (x2 4.91, p = 0.014), while the electromyographic activation in lower and upper limbs, pendular recovery, total, external and internal mechanical work remained unchanged (p > 0.05). Also, both groups increased the optimal walking speed by approximately 0.5 km.h-1 changing the speed-cost profile. The internal mechanical work to move arms was greater in the Nordic walking group than in the free walking group after training. The most economical walking stems in part from the reduced co-contraction in shoulder muscles in both groups. The higher upper limb-swing energy after eight weeks using poles deserves further analysis. In conclusion, in elderly people, Nordic walking effectively decreases the cost of transport, improve walking functionality, and maintain gait mechanics, similarly to free walking training.Trial registration: ClinicalTrails.gov NCT03096964.

Fibropapillomatosis is a threat to the survival of marine turtles, especially green turtles; therefore, studies on this neoplastic disease are considered a conservation priority. Our goal ...

Diniz, R, Del Vecchio, FB, Schaun, GZ, Oliveira, HB, Portella, EG, da Silva, ES, Formalioni, A, Campelo, PCC, Peyre-Tartaruga, LA, and Pinto, SS. Kinematic comparison of the roundhouse kick between taekwondo, karate, and muaythai. J Strength Cond Res 35(1): 198-204, 2021-The roundhouse kick (RHK) is frequently executed in taekwondo, karate, and muaythai because of its high technical effectiveness during combat. The purpose of this study was to compare kinematic characteristics during RHK performance between taekwondo, karate, and muaythai athletes. Forty-seven male athletes (25.5 ± 4.7 years, 1.75 ± 0.1 m, and 75.8 ± 11.5 kg) volunteered to participate (taekwondo: 17; karate: 15; and muaythai: 15). Self-selected distance from target, mean and peak fifth metatarsus linear velocity (LV5mean; LV5peak), mean and peak hip (HAVmean; HAVpeak) and knee (KAVmean; KAVpeak) angular velocities, as well as target linear acceleration (TLA) were analyzed with a 3D video motion analysis system. Comparisons between modalities were performed with 1-way analysis of variances and Bonferroni's post hoc test (α = 0.05). Self-selected distance was lower in muaythai compared with taekwondo and karate (p < 0.001). Also, karate had greater LV5mean compared with muaythai (p = 0.001), and muaythai showed higher HAVmean than karate (p = 0.011). In addition, HAVpeak was greater in muaythai than in taekwondo and karate (p < 0.001). No differences were found for KAVmean, KAVpeak, and TLA. Although it is similarly described between modalities, RHK showed distinct kinematic characteristics between taekwondo, karate, and muaythai. Based on these results, coaches and athletes can improve their RHK technique according to the specificities of each combat sport. Specifically, it is suggested that combat strategies should aim to increase the distance from the opponent during combat for muaythai athletes, whereas taekwondo and karate athletes should focus on decreasing it.

O presente estudo teve por objetivo analisar o estado nutricional de alunos do ensino médio de duas escolas públicas do município de Porto Alegre/RS. Participaram do estudo 190escolares, 93 do sexo masculino e 97 do sexo feminino, sendo a média de idade dos sujeitos de 16 anos. As coletas foram realizadas durante as aulas de educação física. Foram verificados massa corporal em quilos e estatura em centímetros, para posterior cálculo de Índice de Massa Corporal (IMC). Os resultados foram analisados a partir de um cálculo diagnóstico, seguindo as tabelas de referência da Organização Mundial da Saúde (OMS, 2007). Para a comparação entre os sexos foram realizados os testes estatísticos Qui-quadrado e Test U de Mann Whitney no programa SPSS. 20.0. Os resultados identificaram que tanto os meninos quanto as meninas apresentaram, em sua maioria, o índice de massa corporal classificado como eutrófico. No entanto o percentual de sobrepeso e obesidade foi considerável (18% no sexo masculino e 20% no sexo feminino). Não houve diferença estatisticamente significativa entre os sexos. Assim sendo, os resultados obtidos na pesquisa permitiram concluir que o estado nutricional dos escolares apresentou um percentual preocupante de sobrepeso e obesidade, totalizando 20% da amostra geral. ABSTRACT Nutritional Status of School children practitioners of Physical Education The present study had the objective e to analyze and classify the nutritional status of high school students from two public schools in the city of Porto Alegre/RS. The study was attended by 190 children, 93 males and 97 females, with 16 years old as average age. Data was collected during their Physical Education classes. Body mass in kilograms and height in meters were verified, for later calculation of Body Mass Index (BMI). The results were analyzed from a diagnostic calculation, following the reference tables (WHO, 1998). To compare the BMI classifications between the sexes, Qui-square test and Mann Whitney U Test were performed, in the SPSS 20.0 software. The results identified that both boys and girls presented, in the majority, the body mass index classified as eutrophic. However, the percentage of overweight and obesity was considerable (18% in males and 20% in females). There was no statistically significant difference between the sexes and the age groups. The results obtained in the research allowed us to conclude that the nutritional status of most students presented a worrying percentage of overweight and obesity, totaling 20% of the general sample.

Purpose Strength training improves distance running economy and performance. This finding is based predominantly on maximal and explosive strength programmes applied to locomotor muscles, particularly on the lower limbs. It is not certain whether a minimization of metabolic cost (Cmet) and an improvement in running performance is feasible with strength training of the postural and trunk muscles. Methods Using kinematic, neuromuscular and metabolic measurements of running at two different speeds before and after a 12-week Pilates training programme, we tested the hypothesis that core training might improve the running Cmet and performance of trained runners. Thirty-two individuals were randomly assigned to the control group (CG, n = 16) or the Pilates group (PG, n = 16). Results Confirming our hypothesis, a significant improvement (p

Introduction: Theory of the Culture of Honor is one of the few models in criminology specifically geared toward homicide. It proposes that, in certain societies, men must never show weakness and are required to react violently to any perceived threats to their reputation, thereby increasing their probability of committing a homicide. This has been suggested as the main explanation for the high rates of this type of crime in Brazil, particularly in the Northeast. Underlying this explanation there are complex mechanisms and processes that have yet to be clarified. Objectives: The present research aimed to investigate the workings of the possible psychocultural mechanisms underlying the culture of honor and the process through which they might affect the individual propensity toward homicide. Methods: A total of 336 Brazilian adults were assessed regarding a broad range of sociodemographic, psychological, and sociocultural variables, including their attitudes toward homicide. The resulting dataset was analyzed using Smallest Space Analysis and Facet Theory. Results: It seems that certain cultural elements associated to traditional masculinity and enhanced anger tend to promote negative personality traits and increase one’s propensity toward committing homicide. Conclusion: The findings obtained not only confirm the Theory of the Culture of Honor for the propensity toward homicide, but also explicit and clarify some of the psychocultural processes and mechanisms involved, suggesting a new scientific framework.

Purpose Strength training improves distance running economy and performance. This finding is based predominantly on maximal and explosive strength programmes applied to locomotor muscles, particularly on the lower limbs. It is not certain whether a minimization of metabolic cost (Cmet) and an improvement in running performance is feasible with strength training of the postural and trunk muscles. Methods Using kinematic, neuromuscular and metabolic measurements of running at two different speeds before and after a 12-week Pilates training programme, we tested the hypothesis that core training might improve the running Cmet and performance of trained runners. Thirty-two individuals were randomly assigned to the control group (CG, n = 16) or the Pilates group (PG, n = 16). Results Confirming our hypothesis, a significant improvement (p