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Understanding the factor weighting in the development of metabolic syndrome (MetS) may help to predict the progression for cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. Thus, the aim of this study was to develop a confirmatory model to describe and explain the direct and indirect effect of each component in MetS status change. A total of 3581 individuals diagnosed with MetS, aged 18–102 years, were selected between January 2019 and December 2020 from a community-representative sample of Portuguese adults in a north-eastern Portuguese region to test the model’s goodness of fit. A structural equation modelling (SEM) approach and a two-way ANOVA (age × body composition) were performed to compare the relative contribution of each MetS component using joint interim statement (JIS). Waist circumference (β = 0.189–0.373, p < 0.001), fasting glucose (β = 0.168–0.199, p < 0.001) and systolic blood pressure (β = 0.140–0.162, p < 0.001) had the highest direct effect on the change in MetS status in the overall population and concerning both sexes. Moreover, diastolic blood pressure (DBP), triglycerides (TG) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c) had a low or non-significant effect. Additionally, an indirect effect was reported for age and body composition involving the change in MetS status. The findings may suggest that other components with higher specificity and sensitivity should be considered to empirically validate the harmonised definition of MetS. Current research provides the first multivariate model for predicting the relative contribution of each component in the MetS status change, specifically in Portuguese adults. This article is a result of the project “GreenHealth-Digital strategies in biological assets to improve well-being and promote green health” (Norte-01-0145-FEDER-000042), supported by North Portugal Regional Operational Programme (NORTE 2020), under the PORTUGAL 2020 Partnership Agreement, through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). The authors also express acknowledgement all medical staff, patients and human resources of the two primary health care centers. info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion

This study aimed to analyse the stability of elite male long-distance swimmers (1500 m), and to identify the main predictors related to the pace. The performance of 16 elite male swimmers (22.59 ± 2.10 years-old) participating in the 1500 m event at the 2016 (London) and 2018 (Glasgow) LEN European Aquatic Championships were analysed. The lap performance, clean swim performance, turn performance, and a set of stroke mechanics variables were assessed. The lap performance presented a significant and moderate variation with all laps included (p

Literature lacks evidence about the physiological recovery of tennis players between points. This study aimed to: (i) verify the heart rate (HR) and oxygen uptake (V̇O2) recovery variance in young tennis players from the end of a tennis drill until the 25-s mark and onwards (65-s limit), performed at several intensities, and (ii) test the curve fitting that better characterizes the players’ HR and V̇O2 recovery, from the end of the drill until the 65-s mark. The sample was composed of 13 male tennis players (age: 16.80 ± 1.61 years) recruited from a National Tennis Association. Players were instructed to perform a drill test (“two-line drill wide mode”) based on an intensity increment protocol. Three levels of intensity were used based on the reserve HR and V̇O2. A significance level effect was observed on the HRreserve and V̇O2reserve (P

The aims of this study were to (i) verify the relationship between reserve oxygen uptake (VOreserve) and reserve heart rate (HRreserve) in young male tennis players, and (ii) understand the relationship between oxygen uptake (VO2) measured at the end of a tennis drill and recovery heart rate (HRrecovery) after the tennis drill. Ten young male tennis players (16.64 1.69 years; 62.36 6.53 kg of body mass; 175.91 5.26 cm of height) were recruited from the National Tennis Association. Players were instructed to perform a tennis drill based on an incremental intensity protocol. Afterward, three levels of intensity were used based on VO2reserve and HRreserve. A significant variance was observed between levels (VO2reserve and HRreserve = p < 0.001). VO2reserve presented a significant and high agreement with HRreserve. The mean data revealed non-significant differences (p > 0.05), a very high relationship of linear regression (R2 = 82.4%, p < 0.001), and high agreement in Bland Altman plots. VO2, at the highest level of intensity (>93%), presented a significant correlation with HRrecovery during the immediate 30 s after the drill (rs = 0.468, p = 0.028). Tennis coaches or instructors must be aware of the differences between monitoring or prescribing training intensities based on HRreserve or HRmax. They can also use HRrecovery for 30 s immediately after exercise to verify and understand the variation in their players’ cardiorespiratory capacities. This research was funded by the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) under the grant number UIDB/DTP/04045/2020 info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion

Purpose The drag in walking, running, and sprinting locomotion can be assessed by analytical procedures and experimental techniques. However, assessing the drag variations by these three main locomotion’s (i.e., walking, running, and sprinting) were not found using computational fluid dynamics. (CFD). Thus, the aim of this study was two-fold: (1) to assess the aerodynamics of human walking, running, and sprinting by CFD technique; 2) compare such aerodynamic characteristics between walking and running. Methods Three 3D models were produced depicting the walking, running, and sprinting locomotion techniques, converted to computer aided design models and meshed. The drag varied with locomotion type. Results Walking had the lowest drag, followed-up by running and then sprinting. At the same velocities, the drag was larger in walking than in running and increased with velocity. Conclusions In conclusion, drag varied with locomotion type. Walking had the lowest drag, followed-up by running and then sprinting. At the same velocities, the drag was larger in walking than in running and increased with velocity.

The purpose of this study was to (1) to establish the relationship between acute physiological responses and musical cadence; and (2) compare physiologic responses between young and older women. Eighteen older (mean = 65.06 ± 5.77 years) and 19 young (mean = 22.16 ± 2.63 years) women underwent an intermittent and progressive protocol performing the head-out aquatic exercise "rocking horse. Results showed that older women demonstrated lower mean heart rate (HR), blood lactate concentration (bLa) and oxygen uptake (VO2) at rest. Hierarchical linear modelling showed that variations in the rating of perceived effort (RPE) and individual metabolic equivalent of task (MET) did not differ significantly by age group. However, during exercise, physiological responses of younger women were significantly different than for older women: in mean values, for each increased musical beat per minute (b/min), mean bLa was 0.003 mmol/l, VO2 0.024 ml/kg/min, and energy expenditure (EE) 0.0001 kcal/kg/min higher for younger women. This study shows that increases in musical cadence increased the cardiorespiratory, metabolic and energy expenditure responses. However, these responses during increasing intensity seemed to differ between young and older women, with lower values for the elderly group, when performing head-out aquatic exercises. info:eu-repo/semantics/draft

Purpose: (i) to establish the relationship between acute physiological responses and musical cadence; (ii) to compare physiologic responses between young and older women. Methods: 18 older (mean=65.06±5.77 years) and 19 young (mean=22.16±2.63 years) women underwent an intermittent and progressive protocol performing the head-out aquatic exercise "rocking horse". Results: older women demonstrated lower values in heart rate (HR), blood lactate concentration (bLa) and oxygen uptake (VO2) at rest. Hierarchical linear modelling showed that variations in the rating of perceived effort (RPE) and individual metabolic equivalent of task (MET) did not differ significantly by age group. However, during exercise, physiological responses of younger women were significantly different than for older women: in mean values, for each increased musical beat per minute (b/min), bLa was 0.003 mmol/l, VO2 0.024 ml/kg/min, and energy expenditure (EE) 0.0001 kcal/kg/min higher for younger women. Conclusion: increases in musical cadence increased the cardiorespiratory, metabolic and energy expenditure responses. However, these responses during increasing intensity seemed to differ between young and older women, with lower values for the elderly group, when performing head-out aquatic exercises.

The aim of this study was to assess the pooled and individual response of male swimmers over two consecutive years of training and identify the energetic and biomechanical factors that most contributed for the final performance. Nine competitive swimmers (20.0 ± 3.54 years old; 10.1 ± 3.41 years of training experience; 1.79 ± 0.07 m of height; 71.34 ± 8.78 kg of body mass; 22.35 ± 2.02 kg·m-2 of body mass index; 1.86 ± 0.07 m of arm span; 116.22 ± 4.99 s of personal record in the 200 m long course freestyle event) performed an incremental test in six occasions to obtain the velocity at 4 mmol of blood lactate (V4) and the peak blood lactate concentrations (Lapeak) as energetics, and the stroke frequency (SF), stroke length (SL), stroke index and swim efficiency as biomechanical variables. Performance was determined based on official time’s lists of 200 m freestyle event. Slight non-significant improvements in performance were determined throughout the two season period. All energetic and biomechanical factors also presented slight non-significant variations with training. Swimmers demonstrat-ed high inter-individual differences in the annual adaptations. The best performance predictors were the V4, SF and SL. Each unit of change V4, SF and SL represented an enhancement of 0.11 s, 1.21 s and 0.36 s in performance, respectively. The results show that: (i) competitive male swimmers need at least two consecutive seasons to have slight improvements in performance, energetics and biomechanical profiles; (ii) major improvements in competition performance can be accomplished by improving the V4, SF and SL based on the individual background.

The purpose of the present study was to analyze longitudinal changes in 3,000 m running performance and the relationship with selected physiological parameters. Eighteen well-trained male middle-distance runners were measured six times (x3 per year) throughout two consecutive competitive seasons. The following parameters were measured on each occasion: maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max), running economy (RE), velocity at maximal oxygen uptake (vVO2max), velocity at 4mmol L-1 blood lactate concentration (V4), and performance velocity (km·h-1) in 3,000 m time trials. Values ranged from 19.59 to 20.16 km·h-1, running performance; 197 to 207 mL·kg-1·km-1. RE; 17.2 to 17.7 km·h-1, V4; 67.1 to 72.5 mL·kg-1·min-1, VO2max; and 19.8 to 20.2 km·h-1, vVO2max. A hierarchical linear model was used to quantify longitudinal relationships between running performance and selected physiological variables. Running performance decreased significantly over time, between each time point the decrease in running velocity was 0.06 km·h-1. The variables that significantly explained performance changes were V4 and vVO2max. Also, vVO2max and V4 were the measures most strongly correlated with performance and can be used to predict 3,000 m race velocity. The best prediction formula for 3,000 m running performance was: y = 0.646 + 0.626x + 0.416z (R2=0.85); where y = V3,000 m velocity (km·h-1), x = V4 (km·h-1) and z = vVO2max (km·h-1). The high predictive power of vVO2max and V4 suggest that both coaches and athletes should give attention to improving these two physiological variables, in order to improve running performance.

The purpose of this study was to compare the physiological adaptations to basic head-out aquatic exercises with different levels of body immersion. Sixteen young and clinically healthy subjects (9 women and 7 men) volunteered to participate in this study. Each subject performed 3 repetitions (on land, immersed to the hip, and immersed to the breast) of the aquatic exercise ‘‘rocking horse’’ for 6 minutes. The rating of perceived effort (RPE), the maximal heart rate achieved during the exercitation (HRmax), the percentage of the maximal theoretical heart rate estimated (%HRmax), the peak of oxygen uptake during the exercise (V˙ O2peak), and the energy expenditure (EE) were evaluated. The RPE was significantly higher when exercising immersed to the hip than on land ( p 0.01) and immersed to the breast ( p 0.03). The HRmax and %HRmax were significantly lower when exercising with immersion to the breast than on land ( p 0.01) and with immersion to the hip ( p 0.01). The V˙ O2peak was significantly different between all conditions. The lower mean value was verified when exercising immersed to the breast, followed by immersion to the hip and on land. The EE was significantly higher when performing aquatic exercises on land than when immersed to the hip ( p 0.02) and the breast ( p 0.01). So, physiological responses when exercising immersed to the hip are higher than when immersed to the breast. The physiological responses when exercising on land are higher than when exercising with immersion to the hip and to the breast.

Competition in masters swimming is getting tougher. Athletes are dedicating more time and effort to excel in masters competitions than they use to. Research question: What are the factors associated with masters and elite swimmers performance? Type of study: A cohort group comparison (young master versus elite swimmers) and a correlational study (association between selected variables and performance) were conducted. Purpose: The aim was to identify the energetics, kinematics and efficiency variables associated with young masters (former elite) and elite swimmers performance as well as compare it between both cohort groups. Methods: Twenty male swimmers (masters: N=8, 29.75±3.80-y; elite: N=12, 20.41±3.20-yld) performed a 7x200m freestyle swim. The performance (200m freestyle at official competition), velocity at which the 4 mmol.l-1 of blood lactate was assessed (V4), peak blood lactate concentrations (Lapeak), peak oxygen up-take (VO2peak), minimum velocity to elicited VO2peak (vVO2peak), total energy expenditure (Ėtot), stroke frequency (SF), stroke length (SL), mean swimming velocity (v), energy cost (C), stroke index (SI) and propelling efficiency (p) to check whether this was achieved. Results: Elite swimmers presented a better performance. V4, VO2peak, vVO2peak, Ėtot , SF, v and SI were significantly higher in elite swimmers. For both groups performance was associated with the V4, vVO2peak and v. In addition, elite swimmers’ performance was impaired with regard to the Lapeak. Conclusions: Young masters swimmers presented impairment in performance related to a decrease in the energetics profile and biomechanical behaviour. Nevertheless, their previous background as elite swimmers allowed them to maintain high swimming efficiency.

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of several months of training on performance and energetic profile of elite swimmers. 9 elite swimmers were evaluated at 3 different time periods during the 2010-2011 calendar. Swimming performance was assessed based on lists of times for the 200 m freestyle event. An incremental set of 7×200 m swims was applied to obtain the energetic data. Measurements and/or estimations were made for the: velocity at 4 mmol l(-1) of lactate concentrations, highest value of lactate concentrations, maximal oxygen consumption, minimum swimming velocity where the maximal oxygen consumption is reached and total energy expenditure (Etot). The performance and most of the energetic variables assessed presented no significant variations during the study period. The only exception was the Etot with significant differences between all measurements. Correlation coefficients suggested a high stability for all variables. Cohen's Kappa tracking index demonstrated high variability in the individual adaptations to training. It is concluded that elite swimmers demonstrate a slight improvement in performance and energetic profile in response to several months of training. Each subject has an individual way of adapting to the training load, combining the different energetic confounders to enhance performance.

The aim of this study was to assess the pooled and individual response of male swimmers over two consecutive years of training and identify the energetic and biomechanical factors that most contributed for the final performance. Nine competitive swimmers (20.0 ± 3.54 years old; 10.1 ± 3.41 years of training experience; 1.79 ± 0.07 m of height; 71.34 ± 8.78 kg of body mass; 22.35 ± 2.02 kg·m(-2) of body mass index; 1.86 ± 0.07 m of arm span; 116.22 ± 4.99 s of personal record in the 200 m long course freestyle event) performed an incremental test in six occasions to obtain the velocity at 4 mmol of blood lactate (V4) and the peak blood lactate concentrations (Lapeak) as energetics, and the stroke frequency (SF), stroke length (SL), stroke index and swim efficiency as biomechanical variables. Performance was determined based on official time's lists of 200 m freestyle event. Slight non-significant improvements in performance were determined throughout the two season period. All energetic and biomechanical factors also presented slight non-significant variations with training. Swimmers demonstrat-ed high inter-individual differences in the annual adaptations. The best performance predictors were the V4, SF and SL. Each unit of change V4, SF and SL represented an enhancement of 0.11 s, 1.21 s and 0.36 s in performance, respectively. The results show that: (i) competitive male swimmers need at least two consecutive seasons to have slight improvements in performance, energetics and biomechanical profiles; (ii) major improvements in competition performance can be accomplished by improving the V4, SF and SL based on the individual background. Key PointsElite swimmers are able to demonstrate slight changes in performance, energetic and biomechanical characteristics at least during two seasons of training;Additional improvements in competition performance can be accomplished by manipulating the V4, SF and SL based on the individual background.Each unit of change V4, SF and SL represent an enhancement of 0.11 s, 1.21 s and 0.36 s in performance, respectively.

Longitudinal information requires the notion of repeated measurements throughout time. Such data is important because it allows the determination of the effectiveness of an intervention program. Research in competitive swimming has given special emphasis to energetics and biomechanics as determinant domains to improve performance. The purpose of this systematic review was to summarize longitudinal evidences on the energetic, biomechanical, and performance status of elite swimmers. A computerized search was made in 6 databases, conference proceedings, and department files. The 28 studies that satisfied the inclusion criteria were selected for analysis. Studies' qualitative evaluation was made by 2 independent reviewers using the Quality Index. These studies were then gathered into 3 main categories according to their reported data: energetics (n = 18), biomechanics (n = 9), and performance (n = 8). The conclusions were as follows: (a) elite swimmers are able to demonstrate from slight to substantial changes in their performance and energetic and biomechanical profiles within and between seasons; (b) the magnitude of change is dependent on the characteristics of the training programs, the duration of the intervention, and subject's gender; and (c) future research should emphasize the use of more complex procedures to improve the quality of the interventions.

O presente estudo procurou determinar o contributo dos factores antropométricos, bioenergéticos e biomecânicos para a performance dos 200 m Crol (Perf200m) no pico de forma na época de Verão. Foram analisados oito nadadores portugueses num período coincidente a competições importantes (Julho da época de 2010-2011). A avaliação antropométrica incluiu a determinação da massa corporal (MC), a estatura (Est) e envergadura (Env). Recorreu-se à aplicação de um teste incremental de 7 x 200 m Crol de modo a determinar: (i) velocidade de lactato estimado às 4 mmol.L-1 (V4), máxima concentração de lactato após esforço (La-pico), consumo máximo de oxigénio (VO2máx), velocidade mínima de obtenção do VO2máx (vVO2máx), dispêndio energético total (Etot) e custo energético (C), como parâmetros bioenergéticos e; (ii) frequência gestual (FG), distância de ciclo (DC), índice de nado (IN), e a eficiência propulsiva (p) como variáveis biomecânicas. O grau de associação entre variáveis e o contributo das mesmas para a Perf200m foi efectuado com base na correlação de Spearman e modelos de regressão linear, respectivamente. A Perf200m associou-se significativamente com a V4 (rs = -0,75; p = 0,03), vVO2máx (rs = -0,83; p < 0,01) e IN (rs = -0,76; p = 0,03). Foram indicados a Env (R2 = 0,24; p = 0,22), a V4 (R2 = 0,75; p < 0,01) e o IN (R2 = 0,52; p = 0,04) como os melhores factores dentro de cada domínio para predição da Perf200m. O modelo de regressão múltipla determinou que os mesmos explicam 90% da Perf200m, na qual a V4 se assume como o parâmetro mais influente. Ainda assim, o contributo de outros regimes energéticos e dos factores biomecânicos não é de negligenciar.

Tracking the swimming performance is important to analyze its progression and stability between competitions and help coaches to define realistic goals and to select appropriate training methods. The aim of this study was to track world-ranked male swimmer's performance during five consecutive seasons (from 2003/2004 to 2007/2008) in Olympic freestyle events. An overall of 477 swimmers and 2385 season best performances were analyzed. FINA's male top-150 rankings for long course in the 2007-2008 season were consulted in each event to identify the swimmers included. Best performances were collected from ranking tables provided by the National Swimming Federations or, when appropriate, through an internet database (www. swimranking.net). Longitudinal assessment was performed based on two approaches: (i) mean stability (descriptive statistics and ANOVA repeated measures, followed by a Bonferroni post-hoc test) and; (ii) normative stability (Pearson Correlation Coefficient and the Cohen's Kappa tracking index). Significant variations in the mean swimming performance were observed in all events between all seasons. Performance enhancement was approximately 0.6 to 1 % between seasons leading up to the Olympics and approximately 3 to 4 % for the overall time-frame analyzed. The performance stability based on overall time-frame was moderate for all freestyle events, except in the 50-m (K = 0.39 ± 0.05) where it was low. Self-correlations ranged between a moderate (0.30 ≤ r0.60) and a high (r ≥ 0.60) stability. There was also a performance enhancement during all five seasons analyzed. When more strict time frames were used, the analysis of swimming performance stability revealed an increase in the third season. So, coaches should have a long term view in what concerns training design and periodization of world-ranked swimmers, setting the third season of the Olympic Cycle as a determinant time frame, due to performance stability until Olympic Games season. Key pointsWorld-ranked swimmers' performance increased each season by approximately 0.6 to 1% during the five consecutive seasons analyzed.The stability of swimmers' performance based on the overall Olympic cycle period was moderate.Coaches should set the third season of the Olympic Cycle as a determinant milestone. In that specific season, performance turns out to be high when having the Olympic Games season as a main goal.

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Barbosa, TM, Sousa, VF, Silva, AJ, Reis, VM, Marinho, DA, and Bragada, JA. Effects of musical cadence in the acute physiologic adaptations to head-out aquatic exercises. J Strength Cond Res 24(1): 244-250, 2010—The purpose of this study was to analyze the relationships between musical cadence and the physiologic adaptations to basic head-out aquatic exercises. Fifteen young and clinically healthy women performed, im- mersed to the breast, a cardiovascular aquatic exercise called the ''rocking horse.'' The study design included an intermittent and progressive protocol starting at a 90 bmin 21 rhythm and increasing every 6 minutes, by 15 bmin 21 , up to 195 bmin 21 or exhaustion. The rating of perceived effort (RPE) at the maximal heart rate achieved during each bout (HRmax), the percentage of the maximal theoretical heart rate estimated (%HRmax), and the blood lactate concentration ((La-)) were evaluated. The musical cadence was also calculated at 4 mmolL 21 of blood lactate (R4), the RPE at R4 (RPE@R4), the HR at R4 (HR@R4), and the %HRmax at R4 (%HRmax@R4). Strong relationships were verified between the musical cadence and the RPE (R 2 = 0.85; p , 0.01), the HRmax (R 2 = 0.66; p , 0.01), the %HRmax (R 2 = 0.61; p , 0.01), and the (La-) (R 2 = 0.54; p , 0.01). The R4 was 148.13 6 17.53 bmin 21 , the RPE@R4 was 14.53 6 2.53, the HR@R4 was 169.33 6 12.06 bmin 21 , and the %HRmax@R4 was 85.53 6 5.72%. The main con- clusion is that increasing musical cadence created an increase in the physiologic response. Therefore, instructors must choose musical cadences according to the goals of the session they are conducting to achieve the desired intensity.

The purpose of the present study was to analyze longitudinal changes in 3,000 m running performance and the relationship with selected physiological parameters. Eighteen well-trained male middle-distance runners were measured six times (x3 per year) throughout two consecutive competitive seasons. The following parameters were measured on each occasion: maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max), running economy (RE), velocity at maximal oxygen uptake (vVO2max), velocity at 4mmol L(-1) blood lactate concentration (V4), and performance velocity (km·h(-1)) in 3,000 m time trials. Values ranged from 19.59 to 20.16 km·h(-1), running performance; 197 to 207 mL·kg(-1)·km(-1). RE; 17.2 to 17.7 km·h(-1), V4; 67.1 to 72.5 mL·kg(-1)·min(-1), VO2max; and 19.8 to 20.2 km·h(-1), vVO2max. A hierarchical linear model was used to quantify longitudinal relationships between running performance and selected physiological variables. Running performance decreased significantly over time, between each time point the decrease in running velocity was 0.06 km·h(-1). The variables that significantly explained performance changes were V4 and vVO2max. Also, vVO2max and V4 were the measures most strongly correlated with performance and can be used to predict 3,000 m race velocity. The best prediction formula for 3,000 m running performance was: y = 0.646 + 0.626x + 0.416z (R(2)=0.85); where y = V3,000 m velocity (km·h(-1)), x = V4 (km·h(-1)) and z = vVO2max (km·h(-1)). The high predictive power of vVO2max and V4 suggest that both coaches and athletes should give attention to improving these two physiological variables, in order to improve running performance. Key pointsV4 and vVO2max are the most important physiological variables to explain longitudinal changes in 3000 m running performance;3000 m running performance prediction is better if one uses both V4 and vVO2max in the same formula: y = 0.646 + 0.626x + 0.416z; R(2)=0.85, where y is the Vrace (km/h), x is V4 (km/h) and z is vVO2max (km/h).The V4 and vVO2max can be used for training control purposes.

Background:Several methods exist to asses and control physical intensity levels of subjects engaged in physical activities programs, accelerometry is a method that could be easily used in the field. The purposes were: to calibrate Actigraph in middle-aged to old obese/overweight and DM2 adult patients; and to determine the threshold counts for sedentary, light, moderate, and vigorous physical activity (PA).Methods:Sample comprise 26 participants (62.6 ± 6.5 years of age) of both gender. Counts and VO2 were simultaneously assessed during: resting, seating, standing, walking at 2.5 km·h−1, 5 km·h−1, and 6 km·h−1. A hierarchical linear model was used to derive a regression equation between MET and counts. Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analysis was used to define thresholds for PA levels.Results:The regression equation was: MET = 1.388400490262 + 0.001312683420044 (counts·min−1), r = .867. The threshold counts for sedentary-light, light-moderate and moderate-vigorous PA were: 200, 1240, 2400 counts·min−1 respectively.Conclusion:The Actigraph is a valid and useful device for the assessment of the amount of time spent in each PA intensity levels in obese/overweight and DM2 middle-aged to old adult patients.

Propulsive efficiency is one of the most interesting issues for competitive swimming researchers, has it presents significant relationships with the swimmer’s biophysical behavior and his/her performance. Although propulsive efficiency is a variable that has been quite studied in elite swimmers, there is no research on this issue in young and non-expert swimmers. Thus, the aim of this study was to: (i) estimate the propulsive efficiency on non-expert swimmers; (ii) identify biomechanical and anthropometrical parameters that are associated with propulsive efficiency; (iii) identify the association between the propulsive efficiency and swim performance. Twenty-eight non-expert swimmers participated on this study. It was assessed the propulsive efficiency, biomechanical and anthropometrical parameters, as well as, the swim performance. The propulsive efficiency of non-expert swimmers is lower than data reported in the literature to higher competitive levels swimmers and there are no significant differences between boys and girls. It was also noted that several biomechanical and anthropometrical parameters, as well as, the swim performance are associated with the propulsive efficiency.

Foi objectivo do estudo comparar as adaptações fisiológicas agudas de variantes do mesmo exercício básico de Hidroginástica (acção exclusiva dos membros inferiores, acção simultânea dos membros inferiores e dos membros superiores, acção simultânea dos membros inferiores e dos membros superiores usando halteres flutuantes). Foram estudados 16 sujeito do sexo feminino, jovens, clinicamente saudáveis e com um nível de actividade física regular. Cada sujeito realizou, um exercício básico de Hidroginástica designado de “Cavalo-marinho”. Antes e após cada execução de 6 minutos do exercício foi avaliada a percepção subjectiva de esforço (RPE) e a lactatemia ([La-]). Antes, durante e após cada execução foi avaliada a frequência cardíaca máxima atingida durante a exercitação (FCmax) e estimada a percentagem de frequência cardíaca máxima teórica atingida durante a exercitação (%FCmax). Os sujeitos percepcionaram um aumento significativo da RPE passando da exercitação exclusiva da acção dos membros inferiores, para a exercitação simultânea dos membros inferiores e dos membros superiores, assim como, para a acção a exercitação simultânea dos membros inferiores e dos membros superiores com os halteres. O esforço cardíaco (FCmax e %FCmax) foi significativamente inferior ao realizar o exercício básico estudado apenas com acção dos membros inferiores do que nas outras variantes. O aumento de segmentos em acção e a exercitação com os halteres promoveu incrementos significativos da [La-]. Concluindo, o incremento do número de segmentos em acção simultânea, assim como, a utilização de halteres flutuantes tendem a aumentar significativamente a resposta fisiológica aguda em Hidroginástica.

The purpose of this study was to track and compare the changes of performance, energetic and biomechanical profiles of international (Int) and national (Nat) level swimmers during a season. Ten Portuguese male swimmers (four Int and six Nat level subjects) were evaluated on three different time periods (TP(1), TP(2), TP(3)) of the 2009-2010 season. Swimming performance was assessed based on official time's lists of the 200-m freestyle event. An incremental set of 7 × 200 m swims was applied to assess the energetic and biomechanical data. Measurements were made of: (1) velocity at the 4 mmol of lactate levels (V4), stroke index at V4 (SI@V4) and propelling efficiency at V4 (η (p)@V4), as energetic estimators; (2) stroke length at V4 (SL@V4) and stroke frequency at V4 (SF@V4), as biomechanical variables. The results demonstrated no significant variations in all variables throughout the season. The inter-group comparison pointed out higher values for Int swimmers, with statistical differences for the 200 m performance in all time periods. Near values of the statistical significance were demonstrated for the SI@V4 in TP(1) and TP(3). The tracking based on K values was high only for the SI@V4. It is concluded that a high stability can be observed for elite swimmers performance, energetic and biomechanical profiles throughout a single season. Int swimmers are able to maintain a higher energetic and biomechanical capacity than Nat ones at all times. The SI@V4 may be used as an indicator of performance variation.

Background: Competition in masters swimming is getting tougher. Athletes are dedicating more time and effort to excel in masters competitions than they use to. Research question: What are the factors associated with masters and elite swimmers performance? Type of study: A cohort group comparison (young master versus elite swimmers) and a correlational study (association between selected variables and performance) were conducted. Purpose: The aim was to identify the energetics, kinematics and efficiency variables associated with young masters (former elite) and elite swimmers performance as well as compare it between both cohort groups. Methods: Twenty male swimmers (masters: N=8, 29.75±3.80-y; elite: N=12, 20.41±3.20-yld) performed a 7x200m freestyle swim. The performance (200m freestyle at official competition), velocity at which the 4 mmol.l-1 of blood lactate was assessed (V4), peak blood lactate concentrations (Lapeak), peak oxygen up-take (VO2peak), minimum velocity to elicited VO2peak (vVO2peak), total energy expenditure (Ėtot), stroke frequency (SF), stroke length (SL), mean swimming velocity (v), energy cost (C), stroke index (SI) and propelling efficiency (p) to check whether this was achieved. Results: Elite swimmers presented a better performance. V4, VO2peak, vVO2peak, Ėtot , SF, v and SI were significantly higher in elite swimmers. For both groups performance was associated with the V4, vVO2peak and v. In addition, elite swimmers’ performance was impaired with regard to the Lapeak. Conclusions: Young masters swimmers presented impairment in performance related to a decrease in the energetics profile and biomechanical behaviour. Nevertheless, their previous background as elite swimmers allowed them to maintain high swimming efficiency.