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This study aims to perform the cross-cultural adaptation to European Portuguese of the Composite Physical Function Scale and to assess its validity and reliability in a sample of community-dwelling older adults. The scale was translated into European Portuguese, back translated, and piloted in a sample of 16 representative individuals. Its validity and reliability were tested in an independent sample of 114 community-dwelling older adults (52 were tested twice to assess test–retest reliability). The results showed that the scale had good internal consistency (α = .90), construct validity (ρ = .71) and measurement error (78.8% agreement), and excellent test–retest reliability (κ = .98). However, a ceiling effect was found as 28% of the participants achieved the highest possible score. Although the scale has good measurement properties, the presence of ceiling effects is indicative that this tool is not able to distinguish higher levels of intrinsic capacity within community-dwelling older adults.

BACKGROUND: The aging of the workforce is changing, but working conditions have not changed at the same exponential growth rate for senior workers. Such a situation can compromise the worker’s physical and cognitive capability, reducing the ability to perform work activities. OBJECTIVES: This study aims to understand the main functional capacity changes in senior workers in the automotive industry and to determine the contribution of working conditions on the decline of the functional capacity in senior workers. METHODS: To achieve the objectives of the study, a set of questionnaires (Sociodemographic Data, COPSOQ, Nordic Questionnaire, and Par-Q) and a battery of 4 functional capacity tests were used. Results: Work conditions, namely awkward postures, force demands and manual material handling, and age, were statistically associated to the functional decline in workers. Additionally, multiple linear regression showed that height, weight, seniority, and strength have predictive value to the handgrip decline (both positions HG2 and HG5). CONCLUSION: These results suggest that workers’ handgrip assessment should be considered as a future measure as an indicator of strength ability in the occupational field.

Background: In football (ie, soccer), the effectiveness of recovery practices is critical to maintain high levels of performance, prevent residual fatigue, and reduce injury risk. However, the recovery methods that professional football teams put in place up to 72 hours postmatch are widely unknown. Purpose: This study aimed to characterize the postmatch recovery practices in Portuguese football teams in different postmatch periods and match locations. Methods: Portuguese football teams (total, N = 56; male: first league [n = 17], second league [n = 16], under-23 league [n = 12]; female: first league, n = 11) participated in the study. The practitioners in charge of recovery strategies in each team filled out the online questionnaire in the middle of the 2019–20 season. The questions focused on the type of recovery methods to be used at different times after home and away matches. Results: After home matches, stretching, electrostimulation, active recovery, and massage were used with higher frequency (P P r = .19), active recovery (r = .39), cold-water immersion (r = .46), and massage (r = .29) showed a higher frequency of use immediately after home matches. Conversely, the use of compression garments (r = .27) was higher immediately after away matches. Conclusions: It was concluded that in professional football, recovery methods are not applied uniformly along postmatch periods and differ depending on the match location.

The ubiquitous nature of smartphone ownership, its broad application and usage, along with its interactive delivery of timely feedback are appealing for health-related behavior change interventions via mobile apps. However, users’ perspectives about such apps are vital in better bridging the gap between their design intention and effective practical usage. In this vein, a modified technology acceptance model (mTAM) is proposed here, to explain the relationship between users’ perspectives when using an AI-based smartphone app for personalized nutrition and healthy living, namely PROTEIN, and the mTAM constructs towards behavior change in their nutrition and physical activity habits. In particular, online survey data from 85 users of the PROTEIN app within a period of two months, were subjected to regression analysis to reveal the relationship of the mTAM constructs, i.e., perceived usefulness (PU), perceived ease of use (PEoU), perceived novelty (PN), perceived personalization (PP), usage attitude (UA), and usage intention (UI) with the users’ behavior change (BC), as expressed via the acceptance/rejection of six related hypotheses (H1-H6), respectively. The regression results have shown that all hypotheses H1-H6 can be accepted (), exhibiting adjusted coefficient of determination () within the range of 0.224-0.732, justifying the positive effect of PU, PEoU, PN, and PP on the UA, that in turn positively affects the UI, leading to the BC. The explored mTAM framework provides the means for explaining the role of each construct in the functionality of the PROTEIN app as a supportive tool for the users to improve their healthy living by adopting behavior change in their dietary and physical activity habits. The findings herein offer insights and references for formulating new strategies and policies to improve the collaboration among app designers, developers, behavior scientists, nutritionists, physical activity/exercise physiologists experts and marketing experts for app design/development towards behavior change.

In athletics sprint events, the block start performance can be fundamental to the outcome of a race. This Systematic Review aims to identify biomechanical factors of critical importance to the block start and subsequent first two steps performance. A systematic search of relevant English-language articles was performed on three scientific databases (PubMed, SPORTDiscus, and Web of Science) to identify peer-reviewed articles published until June 2021. The keywords “Block Start”, “Track and Field”, “Sprint Running”, and “Kinetics and Kinematics” were paired with all possible combinations. Studies reporting biomechanical analysis of the block start and/or first two steps, with track and field sprinters and reporting PB100m were sought for inclusion and analysis. Thirty-six full-text articles were reviewed. Several biomechanical determinants of sprinters have been identified. In the “Set” position, an anthropometry-driven block setting facilitating the hip extension and a rear leg contribution should be encouraged. At the push-off, a rapid extension of both hips and greater force production seems to be important. After block exiting, shorter flight times and greater propulsive forces are the main features of best sprinters. This systematic review emphasizes important findings and recommendations that may be relevant for researchers and coaches. Future research should focus on upper limbs behavior and on the analysis of the training drills used to improve starting performance.

Publisher Copyright: © 2022 The Author(s) Job rotation is a work organization strategy with increasing popularity, given its benefits for workers and companies, especially those working with manufacturing. This study proposes a formulation to help the team leader in an assembly line of the automotive industry to achieve job rotation schedules based on three major criteria: improve diversity, ensure homogeneity, and thus reduce exposure level. The formulation relied on a genetic algorithm, that took into consideration the biomechanical risk factors (EAWS), workers’ qualifications, and the organizational aspects of the assembly line. Moreover, the job rotation plan formulated by the genetic algorithm formulation was compared with the solution provided by the team leader in a real life-environment. The formulation proved to be a reliable solution to design job rotation plans for increasing diversity, decreasing exposure, and balancing homogeneity within workers, achieving better results in all of the outcomes when compared with the job rotation schedules created by the team leader. Additionally, this solution was less time-consuming for the team leader than a manual implementation. This study provides a much-needed solution to the job rotation issue in the manufacturing industry, with the genetic algorithm taking less time and showing better results than the job rotations created by the team leaders. publishersversion published

To determine the short-term associations between biomechanical risk factors and musculoskeletal symptoms in the upper limbs and low back in an automotive company, a longitudinal study with a follow-up of 4 days was conducted in a sample of 228 workers of the assembly and paint areas. Data were analyzed using generalized estimating equations, calculating the crude and adjusted model for age, sex, seniority, and intensity of pain at baseline. The interactions found were the same for both models. Workers were divided in low-risk and high-risk group for posture, force, exposure, percentage of cycle time with the arm at/above shoulder level, and with the trunk flexed or/and strongly flexed. The predictive factors showed by time × group effect were found between pain intensity on the left shoulder for posture (β = 0.221, p < 0.001), percentage of time with the trunk flexed (β = 0.136, p = 0.030) and overall exposure (β = 0.140, p = 0.013). A time × group interactions were observed, namely between neck pain and posture (β = 0.218, p = 0.005) and right wrist and force (β = 0.107, p = 0.044). Workers in the high-risk group were more prone to report unfavorable effects on their self-reported musculoskeletal pain, across a workweek when exposed to specific risk factor, being posture important to neck, right wrist and left shoulder pain.

Objective This study aimed to assess the prevalence of neck pain and to identify associated occupational factors in Portuguese office workers. Background There is still necessary to quantify the association of the use of new technologies with neck pain in office workers. Methods Six hundred-and-one office workers completed online questionnaires with questions related to anthropometric parameters, work-related variables, workstation setup, and musculoskeletal pain from the Portuguese version of the Standardized Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire. Results The prevalence of neck pain was 56.1%. An average of 35.6% of the office workers with neck pain reported pain in more than three body segments. The significantly risk factors were “age between 50 and 65” [OR: 1.92 (1.26–2.91) P = 0.002], “working without break for 2 h” [OR: 1.82 (1.00–3.31) P = 0.05], “more than 3 h” [OR: 2.41 (1.35–4.10) P = 0.003], screen localization not centered” [OR: 2.01 (1.01–4.00) P = 0.045], and “use of computer mouse more than 50% of the worktime” [OR: 2.05 (1.14–3.71) P = 0.017]. Conclusion There was a high prevalence of neck pain and a considerable number of painful body segments in office workers. Age, working without break, screen localization and the use of computer mouse where the significant risk factors associated with the development of neck pain. Relevance to industry A high prevalence of neck pain and number of areas with pain in office workers require a detailed pain mechanism assessment. There were associated occupational risk factors for the development of neck pain. Call for concerted actions to explore optimal and efficient management plans.

The assessment of the plantar-flexors muscle strength in older adults (OA) is of the utmost importance since they are strongly associated with the performance of fundamental tasks of daily life. The objective was to strengthen the validity of the Calf-Raise-Senior (CRS) test by assessing the biomechanical movement pattern of calf muscles in OA with different levels of functional fitness (FF) and physical activity (PA). Twenty-six OA were assessed with CRS, a FF battery, accelerometry, strength tests, kinematics and electromyography (EMG). OA with the best and worst CRS scores were compared. The association between the scores and EMG pattern of ankle muscles was determined. OA with the best CRS scores presented higher levels of FF, PA, strength, power, speed and range of movement, and a more efficient movement pattern during the test. Subjects who scored more at the CRS test demonstrated the possibility to use a stretch-shortening cycle type of action in the PF muscles to increase power during the movements. OA with different levels of FF can be stratified by the muscular activation pattern of the calf muscles and the scores in CRS test. This study reinforced the validity of CRS for evaluating ankle strength and power in OA.

Background: As the European population ages, it becomes increasingly important to promote and facilitate healthy and active ageing and age-friendly societies. Professionals across a range of disciplines and sectors need knowledge and skills to support both. Objective: This scoping review aims to identify and map the literature on learning needs, learning outcomes and respective curricula in healthy and active ageing and age-friendly society concepts. Inclusion criteria: Studies focused on the teaching/learning process in healthy and active ageing and/or age-friendly society, of any design type, are eligible. Included studies may focus on undergraduate, postgraduate or continuing education and on any aspect of the educational process, such as needs analysis, content delivery, learner satisfaction/acceptability, or education outcome. Methods: This review will follow the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology for conducting scoping reviews. Four electronic databases, PubMed, EBSCO (Academic Search Complete), Scopus and Applied Social Sciences Index and Abstracts (ASSIA), will be searched, limited to studies published from 1st January 2000. Text language will be limited to English, German, Greek, Portuguese, Finnish, and Slovenian. Google Scholar and Research Gate will be searched for grey literature, limited to the first 50 results of each. Title and abstract screening, followed by full-text screening will be undertaken independently by at least two reviewers. The JBI extraction tool will be adapted for data extraction. Quality assessment will be conducted using a tool developed by Hawker and colleagues. A narrative synthesis will outline the data in relation to the aims and objectives outlined.

Introduction Mobility significantly depends on the ankle muscles' strength which is particularly relevant for the performance of daily activities. Few tools are available, to assess ankle strength with all of the measurement properties tested. The purpose of this study is to test the responsiveness of Calf-Raise Senior Test (CRS) in a sample of elderly participants undergoing a 24-week community exercise program. Methods 82 older adults participated in an exercise program and were assessed with CRS Test and 30-second chair stand test (CS) at baseline and at follow-up. Effect size (ES), standardized response mean (SRM) and minimal detectable change (MDC) measures were calculated for the CRS and CS tests scores. ROC curves analysis was used to define a cut-off representing the minimally important difference of Calf-Raise Senior test. Results Results revealed a small (ES = 0.42) to moderate (SRM = 0.51) responsiveness in plantar-flexion strength and power across time, which was lower than that of CS test (ES = 0.64, SRM = 0.67). The responsiveness of CRS test was more evident in groups of subjects with lower initial scores. A minimal important difference (MID) of 3.5 repetitions and a minimal detectable change (MDC) of 4.6 was found for the CRS. Conclusion Calf-Raise Senior Test is a useful field test to assess elderly ankle function, with moderate responsiveness properties. The cutoff scores of MDC and MID presented in this study can be useful in determining the success of interventions aiming at improving mobility in senior participants.

Functional fitness (FF) and gait ability in older populations have been associated with increased survival rates, fall prevention, and quality of life. One possible intervention for the improvement of FF is well-structured exercise programs. However, there are inconsistent findings regarding the effects of exercise interventions in the maintenance of gait parameters. The aim of this protocol is to develop a community-based exercise intervention targeting an older population. The intervention aim is the improvement of gait parameters and FF. A control trial with follow-up will be performed. The primary outcome variables will be plantar pressure gait parameters. The secondary outcome variables will be aerobic endurance, lower limb strength, agility, and balance. These variables will be recorded at baseline and after 12, 24, and 36 weeks, in the intervention and control groups. If effective, this protocol can be used by exercise professionals in improving community exercise programs.

Emerging evidence suggests that scapular-focused therapeutic exercises hold promise for shoulder dynamic stability retraining. While recent findings show that therapeutic exercises can alter scapular neuromuscular function measured with muscle electromyography, no study has yet addressed the effects of kinematic biofeedback for improving scapulothoracic control and performance. The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of kinematic biofeedback on motor relearning transfer during shoulder flexion and a daily activity, on the quality of scapular-focused exercise performance, and on execution time. Thirty healthy young adults were randomly distributed into two groups. Skin mounted electromagnetic sensors were used to collect kinematic data of the thorax, scapula and humerus while subjects performed a shoulder flexion and a daily activity, prior to and after scapular-focused exercises. For both groups, the exercise execution error and the execution time determined the scapulothoracic control and performance. Significant statistical differences were found in the exercise execution error results within the experimental group (z=5.313; p=0.037) and between groups (u=37.00; p=0.001; u=64.00; p=0.024). This study's results demonstrate that real-time kinematic biofeedback improves scapulothoracic control and performance during scapular-focused exercise execution.

Fátima Ramalho,1,2 Rita Santos-Rocha,1,2 Marco Branco,1,2 Vera Moniz-Pereira,2 Helô-Isa André,2 António P Veloso,2 Filomena Carnide2 1Sport Sciences School of Rio Maior (ESDRM), Polytechnic Institute of Santarém, Rio Maior, Portugal; 2Laboratory of Biomechanics and Functional Morphology, Interdisciplinary Centre for the Study of Human Performance (CIPER), Faculty of Human Kinetics (FMH), University of Lisbon, Cruz Quebrada, Portugal Background: Gait ability in older adults has been associated with independent living, increased survival rates, fall prevention, and quality of life. There are inconsistent findings regarding the effects of exercise interventions in the maintenance of gait parameters.Objectives: The aim of the study was to analyze the effects of a community-based periodized exercise intervention on the improvement of gait parameters and functional fitness in an older adult group compared with a non-periodized program.Methods: A quasi-experimental study with follow-up was performed in a periodized exercise group (N=15) and in a non-periodized exercise group (N=13). The primary outcomes were plantar pressure gait parameters, and the secondary outcomes were physical activity, aerobic endurance, lower limb strength, agility, and balance. These variables were recorded at baseline and after 6 months of intervention.Results: Both programs were tailored to older adults’ functional fitness level and proved to be effective in reducing the age-related decline regarding functional fitness and gait parameters. Gait parameters were sensitive to both the exercise interventions. Conclusion: These exercise protocols can be used by exercise professionals in prescribing community exercise programs, as well as by health professionals in promoting active aging. Keywords: mobility, community exercise programs, active aging, plantar pressure analysis, ground reaction forces, gait properties

A prospective cohort study with a 7-week follow-up of 113 patients with chronic neck pain undergoing physiotherapy.To examine the responsiveness of the Portuguese Version of the Neck Disability Index (NDI-PT), and to determine the minimal clinically important difference (MCID), minimal detectable change (MDC), and floor/ceiling effects.Studies that determine MDC and MCID are needed to provide more accurate outcome evaluation and critically assess potential relevant sources for differences in the minimal important change values for the NDI.The NDI-PT was administered twice: at the baseline and after 7 weeks of physiotherapy treatment. A Global Transition Scale was used as an external criterion measure to distinguish between improved and nonimproved patients' scores between baseline and follow-up. The responsiveness of the NDI-PT was assessed through anchor-based methods (correlation coefficient and receiver operating characteristics curves-ROC curves). The MCID was estimated by the ROC curve method, and the MDC through the standard Error of Measurement (SEM).The NDI-PT revealed moderate responsiveness when applied to patients with chronic neck pain undergoing physiotherapy (ρ = 0.328 and area under the curve of 0.595, 95% confidence interval: 0.484-0.706). The MDC achieved 12 points, whereas the MCID was found to be 5.5 points. A complementary ROC analysis based on percentage differences in NDI-PT scores from baseline revealed an optimal cutoff point of 27%. The optimal cutoff point was found to be dependent of disability baseline scores.The NDI-PT demonstrated moderate levels of responsiveness. The amount of change in questionnaire scores perceived by the patient to be meaningful is smaller than the amount of change required to be statistically 95% confident that score change is not just measurement error.N/A.

The purpose of this research was to study the sensitivity of lower limb joint kinematics and kinetics, calculated during different functional tasks (walking, stair descent and stair ascent) in a sample of older adults, to different pose estimation algorithms and models’ joint constraints. Three models were developed and optimized differently: in one model, each segment had 6 degrees of freedom (segment optimization, SO), while in the other two, global optimization (GO) was used, with different joint constraints: (1) GO, allowing all joint rotations; (2) GOR, allowing three rotations at the hip, one at the knee (flexion/extension) and two at the ankle (dorsi/plantar flexion and eversion/inversion). The results showed that joint angles are more sensitive to the model’s constraints than joint moments and, the more restrictive the model, the higher the differences between models, especially for the frontal and transverse planes (max. RMS difference during gait: 11.7 degrees (64%) vs 0.12 N·m/kg (35.4%). In addition, except for knee abduction/adduction angle, differences between SO and GO models were relatively low. Since GO avoids the nonanatomical dislocations sometimes observed in SO, choosing this model seems to be reasonable for future studies with a similar sample and study design.

Improving functional capacity is a common goal when providing physiotherapy treatment to patients with chronic low back pain (CLBP). In a clinical setting, clinicians and researchers are often interested in measuring change in a patient’s condition as a result of an intervention or to distinguish individual differences in response to treatment. To address change accurately in health-related outcomes, such as functional disability, clinicians need measurement tools that show responsiveness and are able to detect minimal changes in performance over time.This change must be large enough to be considered a “real” change and precise enough to detect small but important clinical changes over time considered to be important by patients and/or clinicians.The concepts of “minimal detectable change” (MDC) and “minimal clinically important difference” (MCID) have been introduced to help clinicians and researchers in assessing and interpreting patient changes. The MDC has been defi ned as the minimal amount of change that can be considered above the threshold of error expected in the measurement, whereas the MCID has been defined as the smallest change in an outcome measure that is perceived as benefi cial by the patient and that would lead to a change in the patient’s management, assuming an absence of excessive side effects and costs. The Quebec Back Pain Disability Scale (QBPDS) is a well established functional self-report questionnaire to assess changes in function in patients with CLBP participating in rehabilitation programs. Several studies have evaluated its reliability and validity and have had good results. However, studies addressing its responsiveness are scarce, especially in samples of patients with CLBP, and there is little agreement in their fi ndings. In those studies the MDC was in the range 11.04 23 to 24.6 (95% confi dence interval [CI]: 19.9–32.4) 14 and the MCID was in the range from 5 9 to 8.5 points. Moreover, and in what concerns its interpretability, there are only a few studies that have considered the MCID in relation to the MDC. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the responsiveness of the QBPDS Portuguese version (PT) and to determine the MCID, MDC, and the floor/ceiling effects, in patients with CLBP. info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion

Low back pain (LBP) is an extremely commonly health condition. It is a musculoskeletal complaint affecting most people at some point in their lives and the consequent health care, community, and personal costs are considerable.The clinical course of acute LBP has been described as initially favorable; however, beyond 6 weeks,only very small reductions in mean pain and disability seem to occur. According to a recent meta-analysis 6 individuals with persistent LBP are expected to have moderate levels of pain and disability. In these individuals, pain can fl uctuate over time with recurrences or exacerbations and has a major impact on their functionality. In the majority of the situations (85%), chronic LBP (CLBP) could not be assigned to a recognizable, known,specifi c pathology 15 , 16 and it is most accurately labeled as nonspecific CLBP (NSCLBP). Individuals with NSCLBP are commonly referred to physiotherapy services, 17 where reducing pain and disability are the main treatment goals and outcomes.The Quebec Back Pain Disability Scale (QBPDS) is one of the most recommended questionnaires to assess functional disability associated with LBP. It was developed as a measure of “functional disability,” which was defined by the authors as “perceived difficulty associated with simple physical activities.” It is a self-administered, 20-item questionnaire where patients are asked to rate their degree of difficulty in performing a specifi c activity from 0 (“not diffi cult at all”) to 5 (“unable to do”) in each item. The QBPDS score ranges from 0 to 100, with high values indicating higher levels of disability. The QBPDS has been extensively tested and is generally acknowledged to have good validity, reliability, and responsiveness. It has been translated and culturally adapted into different languages, including Portuguese from Brazil. However, the cultural and linguistic differences between the European Portuguese and the Brazilian Portuguese languages inhibit the use of the Brazilian version among Portuguese people. Therefore, the aim of this study was to conduct the crosscultural adaptation of the Portuguese version of the QBPDS and investigate its reliability and validity in patients with CLBP. This article is part of a larger research project aiming to validate tools with clinical relevance. info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion

The existing Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) about Frailty, Falls, and Functional Loss Education (3Fights@Edu) are scarce in Europe and the information packages are mainly focused on specific disease/health topics (for instance, chronic illness, disability, obesity or nutrition). In this paper, the overall structure and organization of a MOOC-related with geriatric syndromes is presented, in order to promote active aging and to maintain independent living, specifically to the elderly people and their families. Overall, the effectiveness of the proposed MOOC, designed as 3Fights@Edu MOOC, can be seen as a starting point for the development of communication channels between primary and secondary end-users for the prevention of geriatric conditions.

Helô-Isa André,1 Filomena Carnide,1 Edgar Borja,2 Fátima Ramalho,1,2 Rita Santos-Rocha,1,2 António P Veloso1 1Laboratory of Biomechanics and Functional Morphology, Interdisciplinary Study Centre for Human Performance (CIPER), Faculty of Human Kinetics (FMH), University of Lisbon, Portugal; 2Sports Science School of Rio Maior (ESDRM), Polytechnic Institute of Santarém, Portugal Purpose: This study aimed to develop a new field test protocol with a standardized measurement of strength and power in plantar flexor muscles targeted to functionally independent older adults, the calf-raise senior (CRS) test, and also evaluate its reliability and validity.Patients and methods: Forty-one subjects aged 65years and older of both sexes participated in five different cross-sectional studies: 1) pilot (n=12); 2) inter- and intrarater agreement (n=12); 3) construct (n=41); 4) criterion validity (n=33); and 5) test–retest reliability (n=41). Different motion parameters were compared in order to define a specifically designed protocol for seniors. Two raters evaluated each participant twice, and the results of the same individual were compared between raters and participants to assess the interrater and intrarater agreement. The validity and reliability studies involved three testing sessions that lasted 2weeks, including a battery of functional fitness tests, CRS test in two occasions, accelerometry, and strength assessments in an isokinetic dynamometer.Results: The CRS test presented an excellent test–retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC] =0.90, standard error of measurement =2.0) and interrater reliability (ICC =0.93–0.96), as well as a good intrarater agreement (ICC =0.79–0.84). Participants with better results in the CRS test were younger and presented higher levels of physical activity and functional fitness. A significant association between test results and all strength parameters (isometric, r=0.87, r2=0.75; isokinetic, r=0.86, r2=0.74; and rate of force development, r=0.77, r2=0.59) was shown.Conclusion: This study was successful in demonstrating that the CRS test can meet the scientific criteria of validity and reliability. The test can be a good indicator of ankle strength in older adults and proved to discriminate significantly between individuals with improved functionality and levels of physical activity. Keywords: elderly, heel-raise test, ankle, isometric, strength, functionality&nbsp

Work Related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WMSDs) constitute a persistent and ongoing public health problem in the active work population. The aim of this paper is to analyze the relationship between work-related physical and psychosocial factors and the occurrence of back pain symptoms related to the occupational group (blue and white collar workers). One thousand, four hundred, and fifty-eight workers from different sectors and socio-professional categories have participated in this study (44.5% men and 55.5% women; 24.3% blue collar workers and 75.7% white collar workers). Data was collected by the INSAT (Work and Health Questionnaire). A quantitative overview was adopted with the use of logistic regression models. The analysis was stratified for each occupational group. Apart from factors of great environmental and physical constraint, other less visible aspects played a role in the occurrence of back pain problems, namely factors linked to work organizational options, relationships with others and some specific work characteristics. Thanks to the present study it was possible to show the interaction between physical factors and psychosocial factors in both occupational groups and thus highlight the specific conditions which cause these problems in both groups of workers.

The objective of this paper is to analyze the influence of work organization on the health and well-being of elderly workers in a water and sanitation municipal service at Lisbon metropolitan area. This study involved 31 male participants, included in the category of operational assistant, who work as shakers and plumbers. Data collection was conducted through interviews as well as direct and indirect observations of real work, with posterior application of the REBA method. After data collection, it was observed that the activities analyzed showed mostly medium to high level of risk for development of musculoskeletal disorders by age and seniority of the workers. However, as most workers are 45 years old or more, there was no statistical significance between the occurrence of musculoskeletal pain and age of the worker. The only variable found that was statistically significant to the occurrence of musculoskeletal symptoms was seniority, showing the painfulness of constraints which workers are exposed to.

This study aimed to develop a valid and reliable scale to assess the perception of stretching intensity below and above the maximal range of motion. Experiments were conducted through a passive leg extension angle-torque assessment to healthy population (n = 90). In the study's first phase, the visual, numerical, and description of the stretching intensity scale (SIS) components were developed. The visual analog scale (VAS) score, absolute magnitude estimation (AME) score, and verbal stretching intensity symptom descriptors were assessed for different stretching intensities. In the second phase, the SIS was tested for validity, reliability, scale production, and estimation properties as well as responsiveness to stretching. In the first phase, a high correlation was found between SIS score and range of motion (ROM), as well as SIS and torque in both submaximal (intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC] = 0.89-0.99, r = 0.88-0.99) and supramaximal (ICC = 0.75-0.86, r = 0.68-0.88) stretching intensities. The AME and VAS scores fitted well in an exponential model for submaximal stretching intensities (y = 14.829e, ICC = 0.97 [0.83-0.99], r = 0.98), and in a linear model for supramaximal stretching intensities (y = 0.7667x - 25.751, ICC = 0.97 [0.89-0.99], r = 0.9594). For the second phase, a high correlation was found between SIS score and ROM (r = 0.70-0.76, ICC = 0.76-0.85), as well as SIS and torque (r = 0.62-0.88, ICC = 0.57-0.85). The interday reliability was high to produce (r = 0.70, ICC = 0.70 [0.50-0.83]) or estimate (r = 0.89, ICC = 0.89 [0.82-0.93]) stretching intensities. The acute stretching effects on ROM and passive torque were detectable using the SIS. It is expected a high application in assessing the stretch intensity using the SIS in future studies and practical interventions.

Study design Cross-cultural adaptation and psychometric testing. Objective To complete the cultural adaptation of the European Portuguese version of the neck disability index (NDI-PT) and to investigate its reliability and validity in patients with chronic neck pain (CNP). Summary of background data The NDI is the most widely used instrument for self-reporting of disability due to neck pain. Although the NDI has demonstrated both good reliability and validity, a recent systematic review called attention for the poor methodological quality of the translation processes and psychometric studies. Methods The NDI-PT was first piloted in a sample of 40 patients with CNP. Then, 113 patients with CNP completed the numeric pain rating scale and twice the NPI-PT with an interval of 4 to 7 days. Factor structure of the NDI was explored through principal component factor analysis. The internal consistency was estimated using the Cronbach α coefficient. Reliability was determined by repeatability using intraclass correlation coefficient (2,1) for the total sample and for the subsample of participants who remained stable in CNP status between the initial and follow-up assessment based upon the global rating of change scale, and agreement using the concept of "limits of agreement." Construct validity was assessed with correlations between the NDI-PT and the numeric pain rating scale for convergent validity, using Pearson correlation analysis. Results Exploratory factor analysis revealed the existence of 1 major factor that explained 54.7% of the variance. Test-retest reliability was 0.9 and internal consistency was 0.95. No systematic trend was observed in the Bland and Altman method. The NDI-PT showed a good correlation with pain intensity (r = 0.525, P Conclusion The NDI-PT demonstrated excellent reliability and good construct validity and it may be useful for assessing functional status of Portuguese-speaking patients with CNP.

Monleón, C., Pablos, A., Carnide, F., Martín, M., Veloso, A., & Pablos, C. (2015). Validity of bodily-rhythmic coordination field test for obese people. J. Hum. Sport Exerc., 10(2), pp.629-637. Coordination is one of the most important skills in humans' relationship with the environment, alongside others such as endurance, strength, flexibility, and memory. However, despite there are many tools to measure these latter functional capabilities, the assessment of rhythmic coordination tests require sophisticated and expensive materials, or are specific to certain forms of dance. The purpose of this study is to show a new test for measuring rhythmic coordination in any person, in order to prove its validity and usefulness in the field of physical activity and health. Methods: Twenty women obese participants aged 50.63 ± 11.48 with body mass index (BMI) 38.61 ± 5.19 participated in this study. The test procedures were developed in a square circuit. The test was video recorded with a fixed camera for post-hoc observation purposes. A binary subdivision music track was chose (due to the simplicity beat) and the basic motor skill march was performed in which arms- legs-time musical coordination is important. Results: The results showed a moderate to good reliability and validity for the rhythmic-bodily coordination. These results show that observers had good accuracy in observing and evaluating the rhythmic-bodily coordination. Conclusion: The results obtained show that this test is presented as an objective, valid and reliable tool to assess the rhythmic-bodily coordination for people with obesity. Ciencias de la Actividad Física y del Deporte

BACKGROUND: The current labour market is becoming more flexible and informal, with job insecurity selectively affecting young workers. However, the role of these increasing adverse psychosocial working conditions on health outcomes remains little known among newly employed workers. OBJECTIVE: To estimate the associations between psychosocial work environment and musculoskeletal outcomes (widespread pain syndrome features and regional pain) in a population-based sample of young workers. METHODS: Cross-sectional data from workers aged 21 years were collected during the third wave of the EPITeen cohort study (2011-2013; n=650). The Job Content Questionnaire was used to characterize the psychosocial work environment according to the demand-control-support model. Data on pain and non-pain dimensions of the widespread pain syndrome (Fibromyalgia Survey Questionnaire) as well as on regional musculoskeletal pain (Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire) were also collected. Crude and adjusted odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were computed using logistic regression and all estimates were adjusted for sex, education and occupational biomechanical demands. RESULTS: Job insecurity was significantly associated to the non-pain dimension of the widespread pain syndrome (adjusted OR [95% CI]=1.51 [1.08, 2.12]). Young workers with strain jobs were significantly more likely to report high levels of non-pain symptoms when compared with those with no-strain jobs and this effect was even stronger when social support was added to the main exposure: workers with strain jobs and low social support had twice the odds of reporting high levels of non-pain features than those with high strain but high social support jobs (adjusted OR=1.86, 95% CI: 1.04, 3.31). These significant associations were not observed when widespread pain or multisite regional pain were the outcomes. CONCLUSION: In the beginning of professional life, high strain jobs were associated to non-pain complaints, especially when the work environment provided also low social support. This study was supported by the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT, references: FCOMP-01-0124-FEDER-015750, FCT–PTDC/SAU-EPI/115254/2009). Sara Lourenço gratefully acknowledges a doctoral grant from the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT; reference SFRH/BD/77965/2011).

OBJECTIVE To quantify the prevalence of FM (FM research criteria), to describe its components-symptom severity score (SSS) and widespread pain index (WPI)-and to identify biopsychosocial predictors of the severity of SSS as well as WPI using a population-based sample of young adults. METHODS Participants were part of the 21-year-old follow-up of the EPITeen cohort, which was set up during the 2003-04 school year and comprised subjects born in 1990 attending schools in Porto, Portugal (n = 1719, 51.4% women). Data on biopsychosocial characteristics were collected, and FM-related information was gathered using the Fibromyalgia Survey Questionnaire. Sex-specific multivariate log-binomial regression coefficients (β) and 95% CI were used to quantify the associations between adverse biopsychosocial characteristics and high scores in SSS and WPI. RESULTS The overall point-prevalence of FM was 1.0%. Women scored significantly higher in SSS and WPI when compared with men. Global psychological distress was strongly and significantly associated with high scores in SSS in women and men (respectively, low sleep quality, β = 1.44, 95% CI 1.05, 1.84 and β = 1.19, 95% CI 0.78, 1.61; depressive symptoms, β = 1.64, 95% CI 1.23, 2.06 and β = 1.14, 95% CI 0.60, 1.70; eating disorders, β = 1.17, 95% CI 0.71, 1.63 and β = 1.15, 95% CI 0.52, 1.78). In women, adverse socioeconomic factors were predictors of high scores in SSS, whereas in men these contexts were significantly associated with high scores in WPI. CONCLUSION In young adulthood, psychological distress was particularly consistent in predicting SSS and may become useful as a red flag for the establishment of clinical disease.

Aim Self-report questionnaires are still considered to be a useful instrument for disease screening and for epidemiological studies. Few questionnaires have been developed for the purpose of screening for knee osteoarthritis (KOA). The aim of this study was to develop a KOA screening tool that is useful for health and exercise professionals who do not have access to advanced and costly diagnostic instruments. Methods This study comprised five steps: content validity, reliability, criterion validity, construct validity and responsiveness. Internal consistency was verified using Cronbach's alpha and the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Reproducibility was analyzed using the ICC (1 week). Criterion validity was assessed by comparing the Knee OA Pre-Screening Questionnaire (KOPS) score with the Short Form (SF)-12, the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Scores questionnaire and the 6 min walk test. Construct validity was verified using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (American College of Rheumatology clinical criteria and X-ray). Responsiveness was analyzed over 3 months of an aquatic exercise program using the pooled effect size. Results The overall KOPS score yielded a Cronbach's alpha of 0.747 and an ICC of 0.646. KOPS was considered reproducible (ICC: 0.895–0.992; Cronbach's alpha: 0.894–0.979). The ROC curve revealed a sensitivity of 86.96 and a specificity of 75.82. The KOPS demonstrated medium responsiveness in terms of the total score and the pain and symptoms components. Conclusion The KOPS questionnaire is valid for the purposes for which it was created, and its translation into English should be considered.

The aim of this study was to use a multifactorial approach to characterize episodic and recurrent fallers risk profiles in Portuguese older adults.To accomplish the mentioned purpose, 1416 Portuguese older adults above 65 years were tested with three different field measurements: 1) health and falls questionnaire; 2) Physical Activity questionnaire and 3) a set of functional fitness tests. The subjects were divided in three different groups according to fall prevalence: non-fallers, subjects who did not report any falls during the previous year, episodic fallers, those who reported to have fallen only once during the previous year, and recurrent fallers, the ones that fell twice or more times during the previous year. Episodic and Recurrent fallers risk profiles were established using multifactorial logistic regression models in order to avoid confounding effects between the variables.The results showed that age was not a risk factor for either episodic or recurrent falling. In addition, health parameters were shown to be the factors distinguishing recurrent from episodic fallers. This may imply that, comparing with episodic falls, recurrent falls are more associated with higher presence of chronic conditions and are less likely to occur due to external factors. Furthermore, being a woman, having fear of falling and lower functional fitness levels were determinant factors for both episodic and recurrent falls. It is also important to note that, although total physical activity was only related with episodic falling, promoting physical activity and exercise may be the easiest and cheapest way to improve functional fitness and health levels and therefore, its role in fall prevention should not be underestimated.The results of this study reinforce the importance of using a multifactorial approach, not only focusing on cognitive-behavioral factors, but also on promoting physical activity and healthy lifestyles, when assessing fall risk or planning an intervention aiming at fall prevention within the older population.