Search

Tegafur is used to treat various malignant lesions, including advanced gastric and colorectal cancers. However, its efficacy is limited by its low oral bioavailability, short half-life and serious toxicity. To address these drawbacks, a nanoformulation of poly(ε-caprolactone) nanoparticles coated with chitosan was developed for the delivery of Tegafur. Poly(ε-caprolactone) particles were prepared by an interfacial polymer disposition method, while surface functionalization with chitosan followed a coacervation procedure. Transmission electron microscopy and elemental analyses, and electrokinetics of the particles demonstrated that such core/shell nanostructure was obtained. Compared to unmodified particles, chitosan-coated nanoparticles demonstrated a substantially increased stability at both 4 and 25 ◦C over 30 days. Particles showed an encapsulation efficiency of ≈64% and a pH-dependent behavior in which complete Tegafur release was extended over 168, 48 or 24 h at pH 7.4 (blood), 6.5 (extracellular microenvironment of tumors) or 5.5 (endosomes/lysosomes of tumor cells), respectively. Based on hemocompatibility and cell viability tests, chitosan-coated nanoparticles exhibited satisfactory biocompatibility and safety for drug delivery. Furthermore, Tegafur-loaded chitosan-decorated particles demonstrated enhanced anticancer efficiency, with half maximal inhibitory concentration values in HT- 29 and T-84 cells of ≈ 4-fold and ≈3.5-fold less than that of the free drug and drug-loaded unmodified nanoparticles, respectively. In vivo studies are needed to fully assess their efficacy and safety, FEDER/Junta de Andalucía – Consejería de Transformaci´on Econ´omica, Industria, Conocimiento y Universidades, Spain (Grant P20_00346).

La situación actual de pandemia por el COVID-19 demanda el uso de mascarilla para la práctica de actividad física. El uso de mascarilla requiere que la intensidad de dicha actividad no sea alta. La asignatura de Educación Física es fundamental para que se conozca como determinar la intensidad de la actividad física. El objetivo de la presente propuesta es enseñar al alumnado a identificar la intensidad de la actividad física a través de la percepción de su esfuerzo. Esta propuesta práctica está dirigida al alumnado de tercero de Educación Secundaria Obligatoria. La propuesta se compone de cuatro actividades para desarrollar durante 11 sesiones. En conclusión, se espera que el alumnado tome conciencia de sus propias posibilidades a la hora de afrontar actividades físicas con una intensidad adecuada. Esta capacidad de percibir y discriminar entre intensidades les ayudará a que afronten la práctica de actividad física con actitud positiva y saludable.

Históricamente, los juegos y deportes han sido enseñados bajo un enfoque técnico. Ante este escenario, se propuso el teaching games for understanding (tgfu) como un enfoque de enseñanza focalizado en el componente táctico de los deportes. El problema es que tanto los profesores como los entrenadores reclaman más recursos y formación para acometer un cambio con relación a la forma de enseñanza. Se presenta una propuesta de ocho sesiones de entrenamiento, basadas en el enfoque tgfu y desarrolladas a partir de las necesidades tácticas detectadas en un equipo de fútbol en categoría de iniciación. La propuesta de tareas se desarrolló a partir de una evaluación táctica realizada a un equipo alevín (10 a 11 años) con un año de experiencia previa en la categoría. Se detectaron bajos valores de rendimiento táctico en “tiro”, “amplitud”, “profundidad”, y “verticalidad”. Se elaboraron dos sesiones de trabajo por cada uno de los problemas identificados. Se contextualizó cada problema táctico en un principio táctico. Esto dio lugar a que se establecieran, de manera alineada, los objetivos de aprendizaje, juegos modificados y feedback. Las sesiones siguieron la propuesta de tareas: forma de juego modificado, enseñanza para la comprensión, desarrollo técnico, vuelta a la forma de juego modificado y revisión y conclusión. Se espera que los jugadores mejoren tácticamente en cuanto a chutar a portería desde zonas centrales y próximas, sin estar defendidos, jugar con amplitud y verticalidad, y progresar hacia la portería contraria por los laterales.

In basketball, children’s main reason for playing is to have fun, whereas outcomes such as skill acquisition and long-term development are often perceived by adults as the main motive for children’...

Percutaneous electrical stimulation has been performed for years with only the assistance of anatomical landmarks. The development of real-time ultrasonography guidance has improved the precision and safety of these percutaneous interventions. Despite ultrasound-guided and palpation-guided procedures being performed routinely for targeting nerve tissues in the upper extremity, the precision and safety of these techniques are unknown. The aim of this cadaveric study was to determine and compare the precision and safety of ultrasound-guided versus palpation-guided needling procedure with and without the handpiece of the ulnar nerve on a cadaveric model. Five physical therapists performed a series of 20 needle insertion tasks each (n = 100), 10 palpation-guided (n = 50) and 10 ultrasound-guided (n = 50) on cryopreserved specimens. The purpose of the procedure was to place the needle in proximity to the ulnar nerve at the cubital tunnel. The distance to target, time performance, accurate rate, number of passes, and unintentional puncture of surrounding structures were compared. The ultrasound-guided procedure was associated with higher accuracy (66% vs. 96%), lower distance from needle to the target (0.48 ± 1.37 vs. 2.01 ± 2.41 mm), and a lower frequency of perineurium puncture (0% vs. 20%) when compared with the palpation-guided procedure. However, the ultrasound-guided procedure required more time (38.33 ± 23.19 vs. 24.57 ± 17.84 s) than the palpation-guided procedure (all, p < 0.001). Our results support the assumption that ultrasound guidance improves the accuracy of needling procedures on the ulnar nerve at the cubital tunnel when compared with palpation guidance. info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion

The aim of this study was to determine the free throw technique and successful free throw technique both prior to ball release and at ball release moments in under-12 basketball, using a court-applied test. The participants were 102 players from eight male under-12 officially federated basketball teams. We used a point/ideographic/multidimensional observational design to analyse the recordings of 612 free throws. The test consisted of performing one, two or three free throws. One participant performed the free throws and the other passed the ball to him. The roles were exchanged until the two participants performed all the free throw options. As a result, the participants did not execute the free throw using the technique proposed by the literature. This difference was because jumping free throws shoots, with low style, feet at the same distance, and moderate forward displacement of the centre of mass predominated. The free throw technique was in general more regular than that of the successful free throws. Players used an unregulated technique, without meeting the criteria that activate success in the free throw. This technique resulted attempting successful free throws at 4 m from the basket, which is 2.60 m high, with a 485-g ball. Taking into account the characteristics of the participants of the present work in terms of age, strength, maturity, height, weight, and body mass index, coaches and the competition managers should assess what should be improved in under-12 basketball to allow players to increase free throw success. Resumen: El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar la técnica de tiro libre y la técnica de tiro libre con éxito, tanto antes de la salida del balón como en el momento de salida del balón en baloncesto U-12, a través de un test de tiro. Los participantes fueron 102 jugadores de ocho equipos masculinos de baloncesto U-12 federados. Se utilizó un diseño observacional puntual/ideográfico/multidimensional para analizar las grabaciones de 612 tiros libres. La prueba consistía en realizar uno, dos o tres tiros libres. Un participante realizaba los tiros libres y el otro le pasaba el balón. Los participantes intercambiaban los roles hasta que los dos realizaron todas las opciones de tiro libre. Los resultados mostraron que los participantes no ejecutaron el tiro libre utilizando la técnica propuesta por la literatura. Esta diferencia se debió a que predominaron los tiros libres con salto, con estilo bajo, pies a la misma distancia y desplazamiento moderado del centro de masas hacia adelante. La técnica de los tiros libres en general fue más regular que la de los tiros libres con éxito. En conclusión, los jugadores utilizaron una técnica alejada de las recomendaciones teóricas, poco regular, y sin cumplir los criterios que posibilitan éxito en el tiro libre. Esto ocurrió como consecuencia de intentar obtener éxito en una situación de tiro libre a 4 m de la canasta, situada a 2.60 m de altura, y con un balón de 485 g. Teniendo en cuenta las características de los participantes del presente trabajo en cuanto a edad, fuerza, madurez, altura, peso e índice de masa corporal, los entrenadores y los responsables de las competiciones deberían valorar qué debe mejorarse en el baloncesto U-12 para que los jugadores puedan aumentar el éxito en los tiros libres.

Objective Current evidence suggests that carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) involves widespread pressure pain sensitivity as a manifestion of central sensitization. This study aimed to quantify mechanisms driving widespread pressure pain hyperalgesia in CTS by using network analysis. Design Cross-sectional. Setting Urban hospital. Subjects Women with CTS (n=120) who participated in a previous randomized clinical trial. Methods Pain intensity, related function, symptom severity, depressive levels, and pressure pain threshold (PPTs) over the median, radial, and ulnar nerves, as well as the cervical spine, the carpal tunnel, and the tibialis anterior, were collected. Network analysis was used to quantify the adjusted correlations between the modeled variables and to determine the centrality indices of each variable (i.e., the degree of connection with other symptoms in the network). Results The estimated network showed several local associations between clinical variables and the psychophysical outcomes separately. The edges with the strongest weights were those between the PPT over the median nerve and the PPT over the radial nerve (P=0.34), between function and depressive levels (P=0.30), and between the PPT over the carpal tunnel and the PPT over the tibialis anterior (P=0.29 ). The most central variables were PPT over the tibialis anterior (the highest Strength centrality) and PPT over the carpal tunnel (the highest Closeness and Betweenness centrality). Conclusions This is the first study to apply network analysis to understand the multivariate mechanisms of individuals with CTS. Our findings support a model in which clinical symptoms, depression, and widespread pressure pain sensitivity are connected, albeit within separate clusters. The clinical implications of the present findings, such as the development of treatments targeting these mechanisms, are also discussed.

Objective The nociceptive pain processing of soft-tissue overuse conditions is under debate because no consensus currently exists. The purpose of this meta-analysis was to compare pressure pain thresholds (PPTs) in symptomatic and distant pain-free areas in 2 groups: participants with symptomatic lower extremity overuse soft-tissue conditions and controls who were pain free. Methods Five databases were searched from inception to December 1, 2021, for case–control studies comparing PPTs between individuals presenting with symptomatic lower extremity tendinopathy/overuse injury and controls who were pain free. Data extraction included population, diagnosis, sample size, outcome, type of algometer, and results. The methodological quality (Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale) and evidence level (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation) were assessed. Meta-analyses of symptomatic, segmental related, and distant pain-free areas were compared. Results After screening 730 titles and abstracts, a total of 19 studies evaluating lower extremity overuse conditions (Achilles or patellar tendinopathy, greater trochanteric pain syndrome, plantar fasciitis, and iliotibial band syndrome) were included. The methodological quality ranged from fair (32%) to good (68%). Participants with lower extremity overuse injury had lower PPTs in both the painful and nonpainful areas, mirrored test-site, compared with controls (affected side: mean difference [MD] = −262.92 kPa, 95% CI = 323.78 to −202.05 kPa; nonaffected side: MD = −216.47 kPa, 95% CI = −304.99 to −127.95 kPa). Furthermore, people with plantar fasciitis showed reduced PPTs in the affected and nonaffected sides at segmental-related (MD = −176.39 kPa, 95% CI = −306.11 to −46.68 kPa) and distant pain-free (MD = −97.27 kPa, 95% CI = 133.21 to −61.33 kPa) areas compared with controls. Conclusion Low- to moderate-quality evidence suggests a reduction of PPTs at the symptomatic area and a contralateral/mirror side in lower extremity tendinopathies and overuse conditions compared with pain-free controls, particularly in plantar fasciitis and greater trochanteric pain syndrome. Participants with plantar fasciitis showed a reduction of PPTs on the affected and non-affected sides at a segmental-related area (very low-quality evidence) and at a remote asymptomatic area (moderate-quality evidence). Impact Some overuse peripheral pain conditions may be more associated with pressure pain sensitivity than others. Accordingly, examination and identification of conditions more peripherally, centrally, or mixed mediated could potentially lead to more specific and different treatment strategies.

El objetivo del estudio fue obtener la validez de contenido de la escala Eston-Parfitt Scale (E-P) para medir el esfuerzo percibido de niños jugadores de fútbol sala. Para ello, se obtuvo la validez de contenido a través de la consulta de expertos y niños. Los participantes fueron 34 expertos y 44 jugadores de fútbol sala. A los expertos se les solicitó que valorasen el grado de comprensión y adecuación cualitativa y cuantitativamente del encabezado, gráficos, etiquetas, rango de numeración y curva. Una vez obtenidas las valoraciones aportadas por los expertos, se procedió a la modificación de la escala, según los comentarios recibidos. Cuando se obtuvo la nueva versión de la escala se procedió a la valoración de la validez de contenido por parte de los jugadores. Los expertos valoraron positivamente el encabezado, gráficos, etiquetas, rango numérico y curva, de acuerdo a la comprensión y adecuación. No obstante, se atendió a todas sus aportaciones cualitativas al respecto. Los jugadores demostraron que el instrumento era comprensible, debido a que las tres preguntas planteadas fueron realizadas correctamente por al menos el 90%. En consecuencia, a través de la presente escala se puede realizar una evaluación más adecuada del esfuerzo percibido de los niños de entre 9 y 12 años que juegan al fútbol sala, porque el instrumentó se adaptó a ellos. Abstract: The aim of the study was to obtain the content validity of the Eston-Parfitt Scale (E-P) to measure the perceived exertion of youth futsal players. For this purpose, content validity was obtained through consultation with experts and children. Participants were 34 experts and 44 futsal players. The experts were asked to evaluate the degree of understanding and qualitative and quantitative adequacy of the header, graphs, labels, numberical range and curve. Once the evaluations provided by the experts were obtained, the scale was modified according to the comments received. When the new version of the scale was obtained, the content validity was assessed by the players. The experts rated the header, graphs, labels, numerical range, and curve, positively in terms of comprehension and appropriateness. However, all the experts’ suggestions were addressed. Players demonstrated that the instrument was comprehensible, because at least the 90% of them answered the three questions correctly. Consequently, a more tailored assessment of 9-12-year-olds futsal players’ perceived exertion can be made through the present scale, because it was adapted to them.

Although changes in muscle morphology and quality in deep neck flexors seem to be clear in patients with whiplash-associated disorders (WAD), evidence for deep neck extensors is heterogeneous. In addition, most studies have used magnetic resonance imaging or computer tomography, which is not available for regular practice. To assess differences in deep neck extensors morphology and quality between patients with WAD and controls with ultrasound imaging (US) and to assess the association of imaging findings with clinical features. One hundred and sixty brightness-mode images at C4/C5 level were acquired in 41 patients with WAD and 39 pain-free controls. Muscle morphology and quality characteristics of the cervical multifidus (CM) and short rotators (SR), clinical pain features and pressure pain thresholds (PPT) were assessed in a blinded design. Between-groups differences in both CM and SR were observed for fatty infiltration percentage (mean: 4.9%; P

The purpose of this study was to explore any differences in game performance variables and knowledge among a cohort of high school students who participated in either homogeneous or heterogeneous skill level groups (N = 126) across a 12-lesson mini-volleyball sport education unit of study. This study followed a mixed-methods approach using a quasi-experimental pre-test/post-test design. The quantitative variables analyzed were decision making, skill execution, game performance, game involvement, and game knowledge. We also evaluated students’ performance qualitatively, employing two methods: (a) experts’ analysis of students’ game performance, and (b) students’ and teachers’ perceptions of students’ performance. We analyzed quantitative data through a series of paired samples t-tests comparing pre- and post-test scores according to the grouping strategy. Students became more competent in their game play and more knowledgeable in their technique, the sport’s rules, tactical awareness, and general game knowledge. However, grouping students by skill level had no impact on gains in game performance variables and knowledge. Although sport education literature shows a preference for heterogeneity in ability-based grouping, within our data both heterogeneous and homogenous groups of higher and lower skilled students achieved improvements in game performance and knowledge, leading us to suggest that teachers who are interested in grouping students to create a meaningful learning experience should consider criteria other than student ability.

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus is associated with psychological/emotional disturbances. This study aimed to assess internal consistency, reliability, and construct validity of the Hospital Anxiety and Depressive Scale (HADS), as a patient-reported outcome measure (PROM) for evaluating emotional consequences of SARS-CoV-2 in hospitalized COVID-19 survivors with long COVID. The LONG-COVID-EXP-CM is a multicenter cohort study including patients hospitalized by COVID-19 during the first wave of the pandemic in five hospitals in Madrid. A total of 1969 (age: 61 ± 16 years, 46.5% women) COVID-19 survivors experiencing post-COVID symptoms a mean of 8.4 ± 1.5 months after hospital discharge completed HADS. Internal consistency (Cronbach α), reliability (item-internal consistency, item-discriminant validity), construct validity (confirmatory factor analysis), and floor effect and ceiling effect were calculated. The mean time for fulfilling HADS was 65 ± 12 s. A ceiling effect ranging from 1.99% to 13.74% and a floor effect ranging from 43.05% to 77.77% was observed. Based on the item-scale correlation coefficients, the Cronbach’s alpha values reflecting the internal consistency reliability were 0.890 for the anxiety scale (HADS-A) and 0.856 for the depressive scale (HADS-D) The correlation coefficient between HADS-A and HADS-D scores was excellent (r: 0.878). The confirmatory factor analysis revealed that five out of the seven fitness indexes were excellent: CFI = 0.969, NNFI = 0.963; TLI = 0.963; AGFI = 0.951; GFI = 0.972), supporting good construct validity. In conclusion, this study indicates that both anxiety and depressive symptoms scales of HADS had overall good psychometric properties to be used for assessing psychological and emotional stress in COVID-19 survivors with long COVID.

This paper assesses the effects of percutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (PENS) on pain- and function-related outcomes by means of a scoping review of studies with single cases, case-series, quasi-experimental, and randomized or non-randomized trial designs. We consulted the PubMed, MEDLINE and EMBASE databases. Data were extracted by two reviewers. The methodological quality of studies was assessed using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scale for experimental studies and the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) tool for case reports or cases series. Mapping of the results included: (1), description of included studies; (2), summary of results; and, (3), identification of gaps in the existing literature. Eighteen articles (five randomized controlled trials, one trial protocol, nine case series and three case reports) were included. The methodological quality of the papers was moderate to high. The conditions included in the studies were heterogeneous: chronic low back pain, lower limb pain after lumbar surgery, chronic post-amputation pain, rotator cuff repair, foot surgery, knee arthroplasty, knee pain, brachial plexus injury, elbow pain and ankle instability. In addition, one study included a healthy athletic population. Interventions were also highly heterogeneous in terms of sessions, electrical current parameters, or time of treatment. Most studies observed positive effects of PENS targeting nerve tissue against the control group; however, due to the heterogeneity in the populations, interventions, and follow-up periods, pooling analyses were not possible. Based on the available literature, PENS interventions targeting peripheral nerves might be considered as a potential therapeutic strategy for improving pain-related and functional outcomes. Nevertheless, further research considering important methodological quality issues (e.g., inclusion of control groups, larger sample sizes and comparatives between electric current parameters) are needed prior to recommending its use in clinical practice.

Resumen Ante el creciente papel de la tecnologia digital y su importancia en los curriculos educativos, el diseno y la aplicacion de metodologias adaptadas es un desafio para la comunidad educativa. Esta investigacion persigue conocer: (a) si una metodologia basada en el modelo Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPACK) y el aprendizaje cooperativo (AC) favorece la mejora de la percepcion de los conocimientos TPACK y el rendimiento academico de alumnado universitario, y (b) si hay relacion entre la percepcion de los conocimientos TPACK y el rendimiento academico. El diseno es cuasiexperimental de medidas pretest-postest con tres grupos de clase (n = 293) durante 15 semanas. Un grupo ha experimentado una metodologia basada en el modelo TPACK y tareas grupales. Un segundo grupo ha desarrollado una metodologia basada en el modelo TPACK y el AC. Un grupo control ha seguido una metodologia centrada en el docente y tareas individuales. Los resultados muestran que los dos grupos experimentales mejoran la percepcion de los conocimientos TPACK y el rendimiento academico. Sin embargo, se hallan mejoras estadisticamente significativas a favor del grupo que sigue ambos modelos. El modelo de prediccion muestra que la percepcion de los conocimientos TPACK predice el rendimiento academico del grupo que desarrolla tareas TPACK cooperativas. Por tanto, pedagogias digitales basadas en los modelos TPACK y AC mejoran los conocimientos TPACK y el rendimiento academico de estudiantes en formacion inicial docente. Su uso puede favorecer, ademas, el desarrollo de la competencia digital de los futuros docentes. Aspecto determinante en el escenario pedagogico y social actual.

Given the growing role of digital technology and its relevance in the national curriculum, the design and enactment of aligned pedagogies is a challenge for the community of teacher education. This research aims to explore: (a) whether Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPACK) model and cooperative learning (CL) facilitate preservice teachers’ perception of TPACK and academic achievement; and (b) whether there is a relationship between preservice teachers’ perception of TPACK and their academic achievement. A quasi-experimental pretest–posttest design with three groups (n = 293) was performed for 15 weeks. One group has experienced a pedagogical approach based on TPACK and small-group work. A second group experienced a pedagogical approach based on TPACK and CL. A control group experienced a teacher-centered pedagogical approach and individual assignments. Main findings show that the two experimental groups improved their perception of TPACK and their academic achievement. However, statistically significant improvements were found favoring the group that experienced TPACK and CL. The prediction model also showed that TPACK predicted the academic achievement of pre-service teachers who also experienced TPACK and CL. In summary, digital pedagogies based on TPACK and CL improve pre-service teachers’ TPACK and academic achievement. The use of these pedagogies could influence the development of the digital competence of future teachers. Increasing the digital competence of future teachers is indeed a crucial aspect, given the current social and pedagogical scenario.

Patients with ulnar neuropathy usually experience sensory disturbances, weakness, and decreased function; however, optimal treatment approaches for this condition are not conclusive.A 48-year-old male with cubital tunnel syndrome was previously managed with a multimodal approach including splinting, neural mobilizations, and exercises with no change in symptoms. Approximately 1 year after the initial onset, he received three sessions of ultrasound-guided percutaneous electrical stimulation (PENS) and self-neural glides as a home program.After PENS intervention, the patient experienced a dramatic improvement in function and symptoms as measured by the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand Outcome Measure (DASH) and self-reported version of the Leeds Assessment of Neuropathic Symptoms and Signs (S-LANSS) pain scale as outcomes. These improvements were maintained after 1, 3, 6, and 12 months. The patient also experienced self-perceived improvement in his condition as measured by the Global Rating of Change (GROC) at each follow-up.A patient with ulnar nerve entrapment at the elbow did not respond to a multimodal conservative care for the previous year. Once the patient was treated with ultrasound-guided PENS targeting the ulnar nerve, full functional recovery and resolution of symptoms were documented. Future clinical studies should examine the effects of PENS in managing neural entrapment syndromes on a statistically powered sample of patients.

El objetivo fue determinar si la técnica de tiro libre ejecutada por jugadores de baloncesto de entre 9 y 11 años no participantes en ninguna selección autonómica y nacional coincidió con la técnica reportada por la literatura y estudios previos. El trabajo se realizó diferenciando la técnica de tiro antes de la salida y a la salida del balón. Participaron 12 jugadores varones de entre 9 y 11 años (M = 10,43, DT = ,63) que nunca habían participado en ninguna selección autonómica ni nacional. Se utilizó la metodología observacional a través de un diseño puntual/nomotético/multidimensional. Se grabó a los jugadores realizando un test que constaba de 10 tiros libres. Posteriormente, dos observadores observaron la ejecución técnica de cada uno de los tiros realizados por los jugadores. Se realizó la detección de t-patterns mediante el software Theme v.6 EDU. No se detectó ningún t-pattern antes de la salida del balón ni a la salida debido a que los tiros se realizaron siguiendo conductas muy dispares, que no se repitieron de forma regular en el tiempo. En el presente trabajo se utilizó un instrumento de observación que permitió la obtención de información directamente aplicable a la realidad diferenciando lo que ocurre antes de la salida del balón y a la salida del mismo. Se comprobó que los jugadores analizados, los cuales no jugaban en ninguna selección, ejecutaron una técnica de tiro que contrastaba en varios criterios con las recomendaciones propuestas por la literatura y estudios previos. The purpose was to determine whether the free throw technique of under-12 basketball players, who did not participated in any regional and national team, was similar to the technique reported by the literature and previous studies. The analysis differentiated prior to shoot and at ball release moments. Participant were 12 male players between 9 and 11 years old (M = 10.43, SD =, 63) who had never participated in any regional and national team. The observational methodology was used through a point/nomothetic/multidimensional design. The players were recorded performing a test consisting of 10 free throws. Two observers observed the technical execution of each of the shots made by the players. T-patterns were detected using Theme v.6 EDU software. Neither prior to ball release nor at ball release t-patterns were detected because the free throws followed very different behaviours, which were not repeated regularly over time. In the present work, an observation instrument was used that allowed obtaining information directly applicable to reality, differentiating between the free throw technique prior to shoot and at ball release moments. The analysed players, who did not play in any regional and national team, executed a free throw technique that contrasted in several criteria with the literature and previous studies recommendations. O objetivo foi determinar se a técnica do tiro livre executada por jogadores de basquete entre 9 e 11 anos de idade que não participavam de nenhuma seleção regional e nacional coincidia com a técnica relatada na literatura e em estudos anteriores. O trabalho foi realizado diferenciando a técnica do chute antes do início e do início da bola. Participaram 12 jogadores do sexo masculino entre 9 e 11 anos (M = 10,43, DT =, 63) que nunca haviam participado de nenhuma equipe regional ou nacional. A metodologia observacional foi utilizada através de um desenho pontual/nomotético/multidimensional. Os jogadores foram gravados realizando um teste composto por 10 chutes da linha de lance livre. Posteriormente, dois observadores observaram a execução técnica de cada um dos tiros feitos pelos jogadores. Os t-patterns foram detectados usando o software Theme v.6 EDU. Nenhum t-patterns foi detectado antes do início da bola ou no início, porque os chutes foram feitos seguindo comportamentos muito diferentes, que não foram repetidos regularmente ao longo do tempo. No presente trabalho, foi utilizado um instrumento de observação que permitiu obter informações diretamente aplicáveis à realidade, diferenciando o que ocorre antes da saída da bola e da saída da bola. Verificou-se que os jogadores analisados, que não jogaram em nenhuma seleção, executaram uma técnica de chute que contrasta em vários critérios com as recomendações propostas pela literatura e estudos anteriores.

Young players report that they dropout of organized football due to excessive emphasis on technical execution, low success, and the lack of autonomy and motivation experienced by players during training sessions.

Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the effects of dry needling (DN) versus pressure release over scalene muscle trigger points (TrPs) on pain, related disability, and inspiratory vital capacity in individuals with neck pain. Methods: In this randomized, single-blind trial, 30 patients with mechanical neck pain and active TrPs in the scalene musculature were randomly allocated to trigger point dry needling (TrP-DN; n = 15) or pressure release (n = 15) groups. The DN group received a single session of DN of active TrPs in the anterior scalene muscles, and the pressure release group received a single session of TrP pressure release over the same muscle lasting 30 s. The primary outcome was pain intensity as assessed by a numerical pain rate scale (NPRS, 0–10). Secondary outcomes included disability (neck disability index, NDI) and inspiratory vital capacity. Outcomes were assessed at baseline and 1 day (immediately post), 1 week, and 1 month after the treatment session. Data were expressed as mean score difference (Δ) and standardized mean difference (SMD). Results: Patients receiving DN exhibited a greater decrease in pain intensity than those receiving TrP pressure release at 1 month (Δ 1.2 (95% CI–1.8, –0.6), p = 0.01), but not immediately (1 day) or 1 week after. Patients in the DN group exhibited a greater increase in inspiratory vital capacity at all follow-up time points (Δ 281 mm (95% CI 130, 432) immediately after, Δ 358 mm (95% CI 227, 489) 1 week after, and Δ 310 mm (95% CI 180, 440) 1 month after treatment) than those in the pressure release group (p = 0.006). Between-group effect sizes were large at all follow-up time points (1.1 > SMD > 1.3) in favor of DN. Conclusion: This trial suggests that a single session of DN over active TrPs in the scalene muscles could be effective at reducing pain and increasing inspiratory vital capacity in individuals with mechanical neck pain. Future studies are needed to further confirm these results.

The focus on tactics has made assessment more difficult due to the lack of knowledge in the topic and the limitations of current tactical assessment instruments. Purpose: To design and validate a tactical assessment instrument in youth football (TAIS) following an exhaustive, ecological and meticulous process and dealing with the limitations found in the literature. Method: The design was divided in two stages related to its development and validation. During the development stage: (a) a preliminary list of criteria was determined through a literature review; (b) the criteria were delimited through an exploratory observation; and (c) the adequacy of the criteria was determined by consulting experts. In the validation stage: (a) content and comprehension validity were obtained by consulting experts and through a systematic game observation; (b) construct validity was obtained by comparing the tactical outcomes from two groups with different skill levels; (c) criterion validity was established by comparing the tactical outcome using Game Performance Assessment Instrument and the present instrument, and (d) the reliability was obtained through inter-rater reliability. Results: The research process showed that the instrument is a valid and reliable tool comprised of 22 criteria to assess tactical outcomes in 8-12 years old youth football. Conclusion: The TAIS presents several advantages in practical terms with respect to assessment. First, it allows assessment of the three tactical levels nested in the unit of observation. Second, it considers all the player roles. Third, results are presented without general indexes. Fourth, it can be used to assess participants from all the institutional contexts. Finally, it includes contextual variables.

Objective The purpose of this study was to develop a data-driven Bayesian network approach to understand the potential multivariate pathways of the effect of manual physical therapy in women with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). Methods Data from a randomized clinical trial (n = 104) were analyzed comparing manual therapy including desensitization maneuvers of the central nervous system versus surgery in women with CTS. All variables included in the original trial were included in a Bayesian network to explore its multivariate relationship. The model was used to quantify the direct and indirect pathways of the effect of physical therapy and surgery on short-term, mid-term, and long-term changes in the clinical variables of pain, related function, and symptom severity. Results Manual physical therapy improved function in women with CTS (between-groups difference: 0.09; 95% CI = 0.07 to 0.11). The Bayesian network showed that early improvements (at 1 month) in function and symptom severity led to long-term (at 12 months) changes in related disability both directly and via complex pathways involving baseline pain intensity and depression levels. Additionally, women with moderate CTS had 0.14-point (95% CI = 0.11 to 0.17 point) poorer function at 12 months than those with mild CTS and 0.12-point (95% CI = 0.09 to 0.15 point) poorer function at 12 months than those with severe CTS. Conclusion Current findings suggest that short-term benefits in function and symptom severity observed after manual therapy/surgery were associated with long-term improvements in function, but mechanisms driving these effects interact with depression levels and severity as assessed using electromyography. Nevertheless, it should be noted that between-group differences depending on severity determined using electromyography were small, and the clinical relevance is elusive. Further data-driven analyses involving a broad range of biopsychosocial variables are recommended to fully understand the pathways underpinning CTS treatment effects. Impact Short-term effects of physical manual therapy seem to be clinically relevant for obtaining long-term effects in women with CTS.

Percutaneous needle electrolysis (PNE) consists of the ultrasound-guided application of a galvanic electrical current through a solid filament needle. One proposed therapeutic mechanism for this intervention is a potential thermal effect. The aim of this study was to investigate if the application of PNE induces changes in temperature in different cadaveric musculoskeletal tissues. A repeated measure experimental cadaveric study was designed with 10 cryopreserved knees (5 men, 5 women). Sterile stainless-steel needles of 40 mm length and 0.30 mm caliber were used in this study. An ultrasound-guided needling puncture was performed in the targeted tissue (patellar tendon, infra-patellar fat, and vastus medialis muscle). Additionally, the tip of the needle was placed next to the thermometer sensor at the minimum possible distance without direct contact with it. The temperature differences before and after different applications were measured. The applications were: three applications for 3 s of 3 mA of intensity (3:3:3) when the tendon was the targeted tissue, three applications for 3 s of 1.5 mA of intensity (1.5:3:3) when the fat or muscle was the targeted tissue, and 24 s of 1 mA of intensity (1:24:1) in all tissues. No statistically significant Group*Time interactions were found in any tissue (tendon: F = 0.571, p = 0.459, ŋ2 = 0.03; fat pad: F = 0.093; p = 0.764, ŋ2 = 0.01; muscle: F = 0.681; p = 0.420, ŋ2 = 0.04). Overall, no changes in temperature were observed between both applications in the tendon (3:3:3 vs. 1:24:1) and fat/muscle (1.5:3:3 vs. 1:24:1) tissues. The application of two different percutaneous needle electrolysis protocols did not produce appreciable thermal changes in the tendon, fat, and muscle tissues of human cadavers. The results from the current cadaver study support that a thermal effect should not be considered as a mechanism of clinical action regardless of the targeted human tissue when applying percutaneous needle electrolysis since no changes in temperature after its application were observed. info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion

Objective: To compare the clinical effects of needling interventions eliciting local twitch responses (LTRs) versus needling without eliciting LTRs when applied to muscle trigger points (TrPs) associated with spinal pain of musculoskeletal origin. Databases and data treatment: Electronic databases were searched for randomized or non-randomized clinical trials where one group received needling intervention where LTRs were elicited and was compared with another group receiving the same intervention without elicitation of LTRs in spinal pain disorders associated with TrPs. Outcomes included pain intensity, pain-related disability, and pressure pain thresholds. The risk of bias (RoB) was assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias tool or ROBINS-I tool, methodological quality was assessed with the PEDro score, and quality of evidence was evaluated using the GRADE approach. Results: Six trials were included. The application of a needling intervention eliciting LTRs was associated with a significant reduction in pain intensity immediately after treatment (mean difference (MD): −2.03 points, 95% confidence interval (CI): −3.77 to −0.29; standardized MD (SMD): −1.35, 95% CI: −2.32 to −0.38, p = 0.02) when compared to the same needling intervention without elicitation of LTRs. No effect at short-term follow-up (MD: −0.20 points, 95% CI: −1.46 to 1.06, p = 0.75) was observed. No significant differences based on elicitation or non-elicitation of LTRs were found in related disability (SMD: −0.05, 95% CI: −0.41 to 0.30, p = 0.77) or pressure pain thresholds (MD: 23.39 kPa, 95% CI: −13.68 to 60.47, p = 0.22). Discussion: Low-level evidence suggests an immediate effect of obtaining LTRs during needling interventions on pain intensity, with no significant effects on related disability or pressure pain sensitivity in spinal pain disorders associated with muscle TrPs. Registration number: OSF Registry— https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/5ZX9N

IntroductionKnee and hip osteoarthritis are two highly prevalent musculoskeletal pain conditions. Unsuccessful rates after hip/knee replacement range from 10% to 20%. Subjects with sensitisation manifestations are vulnerable to worse clinical outcomes. Most studies have analysed outcomes up to 1 year after surgery. The aim of this 2-year longitudinal study will be to evaluate sensory-related, psychological and psychophysical pain sensitisation manifestations and a potential epigenetic biomarker as prognostic clinical outcomes for the development of chronic postoperative pain after knee or hip replacement.Methods and analysisA prospective longitudinal study with a 2-year follow-up period will be conducted. The prognostic variables will include pain, function, related-disability, anxiety, depression, quality of life, sensitisation-associated symptoms, kinesiophobia, neuropathic pain and catastrophising, and expectative of the intervention will be assessed before surgery. We will also evaluate the presence of the Val158Met polymorphism as a possible epigenetic marker. Clinical outcomes including pain, related-disability and self-perceived satisfaction, sensitisation-associated symptoms and neuropathic pain will be assessed 3, 6, 12, 18 and 24 months after surgery. These variables will be used to construct three prediction models: (1) pain and function, (2) sensitisation-associated symptomatology and (3) neuropathic pain features classifying those patients in responders and non-responders. Data from knee or hip osteoarthritis will be analysed separately. Statistical analyses will be conducted with logistic regressions.Ethics and disseminationThe study has been approved by the Ethics Committee of both institutions involved (Hospital Universitario Fundación Alcorcón (HUFA) 19–141 and Universidad Rey Juan Carlos (URJC) 0312201917319). Participants will sign the written informed consent before their inclusion. Study results will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications and presentations at scientific meetings.