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Abstract Background Following acute and sub-acute rehabilitation from severe traumatic brain injury (TBI), minimal to no efficacious interventions to treat ongoing cognitive deficits are available. Aerobic exercise is a non-invasive behavioral intervention with promise to treat cognitive deficits in TBI populations. Methods Six individuals, aged 24–62 years, with chronic (> 8 months since injury) severe (Glasgow Coma Scale of 3–8) TBI were recruited from two outpatient rehabilitation centers. In an A-B-A study design, 20-weeks of supervised aerobic exercise interventions were delivered three times per week (phase B) in addition to participants typical rehabilitation schedules (phases A). The effect of phase B was tested on a trail making test part B (primary outcome measure of executive function) as well as objective daily physical activity (PA), using both group level (linear mixed effect models) and single subject statistics. Results Five of six participants increased trail-making test part B by more than 10% pre-to-post phase B, with three of six making a clinically meaningful improvement (+ 1SD in normative scores). A significant main effect of time was seen with significant improvement in trail-making test part B pre-to-post exercise (phase B). No significant effects in other planned comparisons were found. Statistically significant increases in daily moderate-to-vigorous PA were also seen during phase B compared to phase A with three of six individuals making a significant behaviour change. Conclusions The addition of supervised aerobic exercise to typical rehabilitation strategies in chronic survivors of severe TBI can improve executive set shifting abilities and increase voluntary daily PA levels. Trial registration Retrospective trial registration on July 11 2024 with trial number: ISRCTN17487462.

Abstract During COVID-19 pandemic, quality of living was impacted by social isolation, loneliness, and altered sleep habits. The aims of this study were (1) to examine the relationship between physical activity (PA) levels with insomnia and loneliness among adults during Spain’s first COVID-19 wave of lockdown and its impact on women and (2) to examine the digital technologic resources used to support both PA and other recreational activities in women. A cross-sectional design was used. An anonymous 15-min online survey was conducted in Spain to adults (≥ 18 years old) during the first COVID-19 lockdown, a 40-day period. A snowball distribution method was employed using personal email and social networks (Facebook, Whatsapp, Linkedin, Twitter). Variables studied included: socio-demographic items, insomnia, loneliness, PA, and digital technologic resources. A total of 996 adults (females = 663, 66.6%) completed the survey. Higher education levels were associated with greater PA levels (p-value

Abstract Background Considering the confinement recommended by the World Health Organization due to the pandemic caused by COVID-19, many community physical exercise programmes for older adults have had their activities cancelled. In this context, proposing strategies to recover the possible adverse effects of the confinement period is pertinent. The use of self-management strategies associated with regular physical activity reduces sedentary behaviour and improves physical capacity in older adults. Thus, the purpose of this study was to describe a multicomponent training programme combined with a self-management strategy protocol to mitigate the effects of interruptions in physical exercise programmes on functionality, physical capacity, mental health, body composition and quality of life in older adults. Methods This will be a blinded, randomized and controlled clinical trial performed in São Carlos, SP, Brazil. Eighty older adults will be divided into two groups: multicomponent training (Multi) and multicomponent training + self-management strategies (Multi+SM). The intervention will be performed over 16 weeks on three alternate days of every week, with 50-min sessions. The assessment of physical capacity will be performed before the interruption of physical exercise programmes (T0: initial assessment, March 2020), preintervention (T1: immediately after the return of the exercise programme) and postintervention (T2). The assessments of physical activity level, quality of life, mental health, functionality and body composition will be performed at T1 and T2. Discussion The results from this MC+SM protocol will allow us to contribute clinical support to evaluate the variables analysed and to guide future public health policies with the aim of minimizing the possible deleterious effects arising from the physical exercise interruption periods caused by epidemics and pandemics. Trial registration RBR-10zs97gk . Prospectively registered in Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials (ReBEC) on 17 June 2021. Registry name: Use of self-management strategies combined with multicomponent training to mitigate the effects of social distancing due to COVID-19 on capacity, physical capacity, mental health and quality of life in older adults - A blind, randomized and controlled clinical trial.

Abstract Background Musculoskeletal disorders, especially in the feet, are common in people with Down syndrome (DS). Evaluation of podiatric footprints is important to prevent and manage orthopedic symptoms. The reliability of a wide variety of footprint measurement methods has been evaluated in healthy people, but few studies have considered the specific morphotype features of the feet in subjects with DS. The aim of this systematic review was to identify the podometric measurement tools used to typologically classify the footprints in the population with DS. Methods The following electronic databases were searched for studies describing footprint measurement tools to assess and classify the foot types in patients with DS published from inception to December 2020: PubMed, Web of Science, CINAHL, and Scopus. Articles were initially searched by screening titles and abstracts. Potentially relevant studies were then further screened by reviewing full texts. Studies that met the inclusion criteria were included in the review. Results Of the 122 articles identified by the search strategy, 14 full texts were retained to assess for eligibility, of which 11 studies met the inclusion criteria and were included. All the studies used footprint measurement methods to classify the foot types in subjects with DS, but only two studies assessed the reliability of those methods for the population with DS. The footprint measurement tools identified were a podoscope, a pressure-sensitive mat, a PressureStatTM carbon paper, and a 3D scanner. The Arch Index was the most common footprint measurement analyzed (seven studies). Two studies used the “gold standard” indexes that include Hernández-Corvo Index, Chippaux-Smirak Index, Staheli Index, and Clarke Angle to measure footprints. Conclusions There is a need to determine the reliability and validity of the footprint measurement methods used for clinical classification of the foot types in subjects with DS. This can contribute to an early diagnosis of foot abnormalities that would help to reduce mobility impairments, improving the quality of life of patients with DS.

Introduction: The genetic disorder causing Down syndrome (DS) affects the cardiorespiratory and hemodynamic parameters. When exercising, sufficient blood flow is necessary for active muscles. Cardiac output (Q) must be proportional to the peripheral requirements. In case the stroke volume (SV) is lower, the heart rate (HR) will increase further in order to maintain an adequate blood flow in the active territories (HR compensatory response). People with DS have a lower HR response to maximal exercise. Nevertheless, the response of the hemodynamic and cardiorespiratory parameters during the submaximal phases of maximal exercise was not well studied.Objective: to evaluate cardiorespiratory and hemodynamic parameters 1) during submaximal and 2) maximal metabolic treadmill test in individuals with and without DS.Methods: fifteen adults with DS (age = 27.33 ± 4.98 years old; n = 12 males/3 females) and 15 adults without disabilities, matched by age and sex, participated in this cross-sectional study. Peak and submaximal cardiorespiratory and hemodynamic parameters were measured during a treadmill test. Linear mixed-effects models were used to analyse interactions between the variables. Post-hoc analyses were employed to assess within and between-group differences.Results: The DS group showed lower peak values for ventilation (VE), respiratory exchange ratio (RER), tidal volume (VT), ventilatory equivalent for O2 (VEqO2), end-tidal partial pressure for O2 (PETO2), O2 uptake (VO2) and CO2 production (all p < 0 .050), Q, SV, systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP, DBP), and HR (all p < 0 .050). There were group-by-time interactions (all p < 0 .050) for all ventilatory submaximal values. Significant group and time differences were observed for VE; RER; respiratory rate (RR); VEqO2; PETO2; VO2, and VT (all p < 0 .050). There were also group-by-time interactions (all p < 0 .050) and group and time differences for SBP, mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) and HR (all p < 0.010).Conclusion: During submaximal exercise, we verified a compensatory response of HR, and greater VE and VO2 in the individuals with DS. In addition, we were able to observe that the DS group had a reduced SBP and MAP response to submaximal exercise. On the other hand, we found that adults with DS have lower peak hemodynamic and cardiorespiratory values, and a lower cardiac reserve. Further research is warranted to investigate the effects of these results on the general health of adults with DS and the impact of long-term exercise programs on these parameters.

According to the WHO, globally, one in seven adolescents experiences a mental disorder, being in a detrimental situation toward educational achievement, social cohesion, future health and life chances. Calls to identify risk and resilience factors to develop effective preventive actions have been made. Following a systemic approach, we conducted a cross-sectional study on the relationship between social capital and psychological distress in a sample of Catalan adolescents in Barcelona, taking into account a range of other relevant aspects at different levels influencing mental health, including gender, age, migrant status, family background, lifestyle factors, body mass index, and self-rated health. Data were collected through validated questionnaires in December 2016 from 646 of 14- to 18-year-old adolescents from three public and private high schools in Barcelona (Spain). Data analysis included descriptive analysis, a correlational study and logistic regression to obtain the odds ratio for social capital indicators to be associated with psychological distress. Our results suggest that reporting higher levels of family support and higher levels of teacher-student trust reduce the likelihood of suffering psychological distress. Higher levels of neighborhood informal control were associated with mental health, but a possible detrimental effect cannot be ruled out. Being a girl, reporting low self-rated health or higher media use was also associated with higher likelihood of psychological distress. Current results may encourage interventions that focus on social capital as a means to reduce psychological distress and foster well-being in youth.

Introduction Adults with intellectual disability (ID) have lower physical fitness levels than their peers without disabilities, representing a risk to their health since physical activity and cardiorespiratory fitness are directly related to better health and quality of life. Therefore, it is essential to determine the effects that exercise can have on them, as adults with ID present high comorbidities and lower life expectancy, altogether with lower rates of physical activity. The current overview of systematic reviews aims to provide an outline of the exercise benefits in health-related and skill-related fitness in adults with ID.Methods and analysis Research will be conducted in PubMed, CENTRAL, EMBASE, PEDro, SPORTDiscus and CINAHL. The search terms will be categorised through population (eg, adult, ID); intervention (eg, exercise, physical activity) and outcomes (eg, cardiorespiratory fitness, body composition, muscular strength, muscular endurance, flexibility, balance, power, speed, agility, coordination, mobility and reaction time). Each database will be searched from their earliest available record up to 30 September 2021.Inclusion criteria will be: systematic reviews including at least one RCT that compare exercise interventions with a control group or another type of intervention; measure of fitness using objectives methods; inclusion of adults with ID (≥18 years old), and published in any language, with at least their abstract in English, Spanish, French and/or Portuguese.Ethics and dissemination To our knowledge, our overview will be the first of its kind to address the topic in people with ID. The results could be used to determine which fitness components can be improved by exercise and to provide a valuable tool to develop comprehensive exercise programmes specific to people with ID. Ethical approval is not required. The knowledge generated will be disseminated electronically and in print and presented at conferences.PROSPERO registration number CRD42021237580.

Abstract Background People with intellectual disabilities (ID) have low levels of physical activity (PA) together with accelerated aging profiles. Adherence to PA interventions for persons with ID is low based on barriers such as motivation. The IDEA study aims to determine the effect of two types of exercise programs, continuous aerobic (CAEP) vs sprint interval training (SIT), designed for seniors with ID on health-related physical fitness, cardiovascular parameters, quality of life (QoL), and emotional and cognitive function. Methods In this trial, ninety seniors with ID between the ages of 40 and 75 yrs. from occupational health centers from the Autonomous Region of Catalonia (Spain) will be recruited. Participants will be randomly allocated to the CAEP, SIT, and control group. Both intervention groups will train 3 days/week, 1.5 h/day over 6 months. Outcome variables will be assessed at baseline, 6 months and 12 months. The outcome variables include weight, height, body composition, cardiorespiratory fitness, muscle strength, balance, flexibility, cardiovascular parameters (blood pressure, pulse-wave velocity, pulse-wave analysis), QoL and cognitive function. The intervention effect will be determined with mixed models with repeated measures to assess changes in the outcome variables over time (baseline to month 12) and between study arms. Relationship between variables will be analyzed with appropriate regression analyses. Discussion Various studies reported on CAEP and SIT as exercise interventions for persons with ID with beneficial outcomes on body composition, fitness and blood pressure. To our knowledge, this is the first trial designed to analyse the positive changes on fitness, PA levels, cardiovascular, QoL and cognitive function promoted by CAEP training and SIT in seniors with ID. The findings of this study will assist in the development of more effective exercise interventions to ensure better compliance and adherence to exercise in seniors with ID. Trial registration The trial is registered at the ISRCTN registry. Registration number: ISRCTN43594228 . Registered 11 February 2019 – Retrospectively registered.

BackgroundPhysical inactivity and sedentary behavior are increasingly common problems in the general population, which can lead to overweight, obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and decreased motor and cognitive capacity among children and adolescents. Establishing healthy habits in childhood on the basis of the World Health Organization’s 2020 Physical Activity Guidelines is essential for proper physical, motor, and cognitive development. ObjectiveThe primary aim of this study is to describe the level of physical activity (PA), sedentary behavior, and sleep of the child and adolescent population from 6 to 17 years of age in the Basque Autonomous Community (BAC). Our secondary aim is to establish a starting point for future research and intervention protocols to improve the existing reality. MethodsThis cross-sectional study aims to recruit 1111 children and adolescents, aged 6 to 17 years from the BAC in a representative random sample. Participants will wear the ActiGraph WGT3X-BT triaxial accelerometer for 7 consecutive days in their nondominant wrist, and fill out a habit diary log of PA, mobility, and sleep routine. PA intensities, sedentary behavior, and sleep parameters (total bedtime, total sleep time, and sleep efficiency) will be calculated from raw accelerometer data using SPSS (IBM Corp). Participants will be randomly selected. ResultsThe results of this study intend to demonstrate significant differences in PA levels in different age and gender groups since the volume of school PA in the BAC decreases as the age of the schoolchildren increases. The total study sample includes 1111 participants. In April 2021, up to 50% of the sample size was reached, which is expected to increase to 100% by April 2022. This sample will allow us to analyze, discuss, compare, and assess the reality of the school population, in a sensitive period of adherence to behavior patterns, using data from the geographical and administrative area of the BAC. This study will provide a realistic insight into PA levels among children and adolescents in the BAC. It will also offer scientific contributions on the positive relationship between PA levels and sleep quality in this population. ConclusionsThis study might highlight the need for the promotion of cross-sectional policies so that children and adolescents may increase their levels of PA, thus improving both the school environment and positive healthy behavior. Trial RegistrationISRCTN Registry ISRCTN65573865; https://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN65573865 International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)DERR1-10.2196/31325

The socioeconomic and built environment of an area are interrelated with health data and have a direct influence on children’s development. There are facilitators and barriers for schools to promote physical activity depending on the socioeconomic status of the school. The aim of this study was to analyse the relationship between physical activity and sleep and the socioeconomic level of children in the Basque Country. The sample consisted of 1139 schoolchildren between the ages of six and seventeen (566 boys and 573 girls) from 75 schools (43 public and 32 private). Differences between groups were compared using the Mann–Whitney U test (two samples), Kruskal–Wallis one-factor ANOVA (k samples), and Spearman’s Rho correlation. There are sex differences in light (200.8 ± 62.5 vs. 215.9 ± 54.7) and moderate (69.0 ± 34.3 vs. 79.9 ± 32.1) physical activity in favour of the female group of higher socioeconomic status compared to male group of higher socioeconomic status. In the case of vigorous physical activity, the female group performed less than the male group across all socioeconomic statuses, which was statistically significant in the groups of high socioeconomic status (11.6 ± 9.3 vs. 6.9 ± 5.7) in group 2 and medium socioeconomic status (11.1 ± 9.3 vs. 7.7 ± 6.1) in group 3. There is an inverse relationship between sedentary behaviour and BMI, total bed time, total sleep time, and night-time awakenings. There is also an inverse relationship between all levels of physical activity performed with respect to BMI and total sleep efficiency. These data point towards notable inequalities in physical activity and daily sleep in Basque schoolchildren, which in turn may be marginalised in our current school system due to the effects of the socioeconomic environment.

Resumen: Objetivo: Proporcionar valores de referencia del Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) en adultos y adultos mayores en el País Vasco, identificando puntos de corte para medir la fragilidad y comparar los valores con otras poblaciones de España. Emplazamiento: Bilbao capital, País Vasco (España). Participantes: 1.923 personas mayores de 60 años incluidos en el Programa de Salud para Personas Mayores del Ayuntamiento de Bilbao participaron en el estudio. El programa de actividad física (AF) se impartió dos veces por semana durante un mínimo de 12 semanas, con sesiones de 50 minutos. Mediciones principales: Se evaluó a los participantes con la prueba SPPB que evalúa: equilibrio (PE), velocidad de la marcha en 4 m (PM) y la fuerza a través de la prueba de levantarse y sentarse de la silla (PS). Según el resultado obtenido de todas las pruebas, se identificó la funcionalidad de las personas en: limitación grave (cero a cuatro puntos), moderada (cuatro a seis puntos), leve (siete a nueve puntos) y mínima (10 a 12 puntos). Resultados: Edad media 77,9 (5,6) años, siendo el 87,9% mujeres y el 12,1% hombres. La batería SPPB mostro diferencias significativas en la edad (p = 0,000) y género (p = 0,005) Además, se realizó una comparación con una población similar: 70 a 75 años = 0,6 (d de Cohen), 76 a 79 años = 0,98 (d de Cohen) y >80 años = 0,98 (d de Cohen). Conclusiones: El presente estudio señala los valores normativos para SPPB. La funcionalidad de las personas disminuye a medida que avanza la edad. A pesar de los hallazgos actuales que los profesionales de la salud disponen para una detección más eficaz de la fragilidad, muchos de ellos aún no se han traducido a la práctica clínica. Abstract: Purpose: To provide reference values of Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) in adults and older adults in the Basque Country by identifying cut-off points for measuring fragility and comparing the values with other populations in Spain. Location: Bilbao capital, Basque Country (Spain). Participants: 1923 people over 60 years old included in the Health Program for the Elderly of the City of Bilbao participated in the study. The PA program was delivered twice a week for a minimum of 12 weeks, with 50-minute sessions. Main measurements: Participants were evaluated with the SPPB, which assesses balance (PE), gait speed test (PM) and chair stand test (PS). Based on the results obtained from all tests, the functionality of the participants was identified as: severe (0–4 points), moderate (4–6 points), mild (7–9 points) and minimal (10–12 points) limitation. Results: Mean age was 77.9 (5.6) years, 87.9% were women and 12.1% were men. The SPPB showed significant differences in age (p = 0.000) and gender (p = 0.005). In addition, a comparison was made with a similar population: 70–75 years = 0.6 (Cohen's d), 76–79 years = 0.98 (Cohen's d), and >80 years = 0.98 (Cohen's d). Conclusions: The present study indicates normative values for SPPB. People's functionality decreases, as they get older. Despite the current findings available to health professionals for more effective detection of fragility, many of them have not yet been translated into clinical practice.

The analysis of the heart rate variability (HRV) consists of changes in the time intervals between consecutive R waves. It provides information on the autonomic nervous system regulation and it is a predictor of adverse cardiovascular events. Several studies analyzed this parameter in youth and adults with Intellectual Disability (ID). Nevertheless, there is a lack of information regarding the HRV before, during, and after exercise in older adults with ID. Therefore, we aimed to describe and compare the cardiac autonomic modulation before, during, and after the six-minute walk test (6MWT) in older adults with and without ID. Twenty-four volunteers with ID and 24 without ID (non-ID) participated in this study. HRV was assessed by R-R intervals at rest, during and after the 6MWT. At rest and recovery periods, the participants remained sited. The symbolic analysis was used to evaluate non-linear HRV components. The recovery HR kinetics was assessed by the mean response time, which is equivalent to time constant (τ)+time delay (TD). Between groups differences in HRV variables were not significant. During the recovery period, HR kinetics time variables showed significant better results in non-ID participants (TD: 6±5s vs. 15±11s; τ: 19±10s vs. 35±17s; and MRT: 25±9s vs. 50±11s, all p

To control the development of people with congenital heart disease (CHD), it is important to follow their aerobic capacity (AC), especially when they exercise. This research aimed to study the progress of AC during a follow-up of adults with CHD. This is a longitudinal study which involved 127 adults with a mean age of 33.8 (11.1) years (57.5% female; 75 moderate CHD and 52 complex CHD) who had undergone two cardiopulmonary exercise tests (CEPT) in at least one year between the first and the second test. The AC and exercise performance (EP) (duration of exercise time, velocity and percentage of grade) were assessed using a ramp protocol over a treadmill. In a mean of 4.5 (2.0) years of follow-up, there was a significant decrease in AC. The VO2peak at baseline was 27.8 (27.7) mL/kg/min (82.9% (20.3%) predicted) versus 26.6 (7.8) mL/kg/min (79.3% (20.8%) predicted) at the end of follow-up. This decline was independent of the body weight increase. There was no significant difference in HRpeak and EP among periods. These results suggest a sign of favorable evolution of adults with CHD. More research is needed to study different factors that could contribute to AC reduction.

Introduction: Down syndrome (DS) is a chromosomal disorder affecting simultaneously cardiovascular and respiratory systems. There is no research studying the coupling between these systems during cardiorespiratory exercise testing in a population with DS. Cardiorespiratory coordination (CRC), evaluated through principal component analysis (PCA), measures the covariation of cardiorespiratory variables during exercise.Objective: To investigate and compare CRC in adults with and without DS during maximal cardiorespiratory exercise testing.Methods: Fifteen adults with DS and 15 adults without disabilities performed a maximal cardiorespiratory exercise test on a treadmill. First, the slope, and afterward the velocity was increased regularly until participants reached exhaustion. The time series of six selected cardiorespiratory variables [ventilation per minute, an expired fraction of O2, the expired fraction of CO2, heart rate, systolic blood pressure (SBP), and diastolic blood pressure (DBP)] were extracted for the analysis. The number of principal components (PCs), the first PC eigenvalues (PC1), and the information entropy were computed for each group (non-DS and DS) and compared using a t-test or a Mann-Whitney U test.Results: Two PCs in the non-DS group and three PCs in the DS group captured the variance of the studied cardiorespiratory variables. The formation of an additional PC in the DS group was the result of the shift of SBP and DBP from the PC1 cluster of variables. Eigenvalues of PC1 were higher in the non-DS (U = 30; p = 0.02; d = 1.47) than in the DS group, and the entropy measure was higher in the DS compared with the non-DS group (U = 37.5; p = 0.008; d = 0.70).Conclusion: Adults with Down syndrome showed higher CRC dimensionality and a higher entropy measure than participants without disabilities. Both findings point toward a lower efficiency of the cardiorespiratory function during exercise in participants with DS. CRC appears as an alternative measure to investigate the cardiorespiratory function and its response to exercise in the DS population.

Barnet-López, S., Arbonés-García, M., Pérez-Testor, S. y Guerra-Balic., M. (2017).Construcción del registro de observación para el análisis del movimiento fundamentado en la teoría de Laban. PENSAR EN MOVIMIENTO: Revista de Ciencias del Ejercicio y la Salud, 15(2), 1-21. En este artículo se describe el proceso de construcción de un Registro de Observación inspirado en el Análisis del Movimiento de Laban (ROAM) en personas con Discapacidad Intelectual (DI). La aplicación del ROAM permite obtener una medida objetiva y estandarizada sobre las tendencias generales de movimiento de la persona, además de poder utilizarse en observaciones pre y post intervenciones y así conocer los cambios de movimiento del individuo. El del ROAM se desarrolló en varias fases, en la primera de las cuales se identificaron los elementos básicos para el registro y se realizaron diversas versiones del ROAM mediante la técnica de jueces expertos. En las fases posteriores se realizó el estudio exploratorio, utilizando el registro para evaluar dos sesiones de danza movimiento terapia en un grupo de adultos con DI. Los resultados muestran que el ROAM presenta unos buenos índices de validez de contenido y de fiabilidad inter e intra observadores (0.72), por tanto, el ROAM permitió analizar las características generales del movimiento de las personas con DI que participaron en el estudio exploratorio.

Strength training is currently the most recommended primary therapeutic strategy to prevent and reverse the decline of muscle mass, strength, and functional deterioration associated with age. The aim is to provide reference values of handgrip strength (HGS) in the Basque Country population and compare the values with other populations. A total of 1869 subjects from the health-promoting programme for adults and older adults run by the Bilbao City Council were assessed using HGS with a digital dynamometer and anthropometric data measured by Tanita to obtain the mean values according to age distribution. From the 1869 subjects, 87.5% were women and 12.5% men. The HGS was higher among men than women, 32.4 ± 6.6 versus 20.1 ± 4.7 kg, respectively, p < 0.001 at all ages. Weak HGS cut-off points by age groups ranged from 31.0 to 23.8 and from 18.9 to 12.4 in men and women, respectively. The sample data were compared (d, t, and α) with those of other populations in all age groups (group > 60 years at 95% df, p < 0.05). A health-promoting programme appears to be effective in the general population in obtaining better values in the HGS test as age increases.

INTRODUCTION:There is a clear relationship between the way of life and the health of individuals, and therefore, we can speak of healthy and unhealthy lifestyles. There are different surveys and questionnaires that evaluate the lifestyles of adolescents, but none of them offers a final score that can quantify the healthfulness of an adolescent's lifestyle. It was with this goal that the VISA-TEEN questionnaire is developed and validated. The objective of this study is to apply the questionnaire to a sample of adolescents who attend school in Catalonia to evaluate the healthfulness of their lifestyles and to relate the scores obtained to different sociodemographic variables. METHODS:Cross-sectional study. A total of 2,832 students from 25 schools in Catalonia responded to the questionnaire. A descriptive analysis was performed, calculating the mean (Standard deviation), median (p25, p75), and confidence interval. The results were calculated for the total population, factoring according to gender, age, urban/rural population, origin (native/immigrant), and family wealth, which was based on the Family Affluence Scale (FAS II). The significance of the difference was calculated for each factor with the appropriate statistical test. RESULTS:For the total score of healthy lifestyle, the youngest students and those with the highest family wealth obtained higher scores. With respect to eating habits, girls scored higher than boys, and higher scores were observed in natives and those with high family wealth. For physical activity, boys scored higher, as well as younger individuals, natives, and those from rural areas. With respect to substance abuse, the worst scores were found in older individuals, students from rural areas, and natives. The rational use of leisure technology was only associated with age (worsening scores with older age). Lastly, hygiene was better with girls, decreased with age, and was worse with natives than immigrants.

El objetivo principal de este artículo es cuantificar la oferta y la demanda de las acti-vidades físicas para personas mayores de los equipamientos públicos de los Sistemas Deportivo (SD) y Social (SS) de la ciudad de L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, durante el curso escolar 2011-12. Se ha cumplimentado un cuestionario por los responsables de las instalaciones, que recoge el número y perfil de los usuarios, tipo de actividades practicadas y frecuencia de accesos. Para el análisis de la demanda, se administró un cuestionario a una muestra de usuarios. Principales resultados: El total de mayores de 60 años que hacen deporte es de 7.930 personas, de los que el 62.88% son abonados del SD, el 18,33% son usuarios de actividades dirigidas en el SS y el 18,70% de actividades auto organizadas en el SS. Existen diferencias importantes entre el SS y el SD. Así, en el SS la participación femenina es muy superior, la edad media es mayor, son más quienes viven en solitario y quienes no tienen estudios; su itinerario deportivo es más reducido y también su disposición al gasto deportivo.

Objective. To evaluate Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL), medication used, and Stock of Health Capital (SHC) in physically active elderly participants in Community Exercise Programs (CEPs) compared to a sedentary group. Methods. EuroQol standardized instrument was completed by physically active elderly (n = 2,185) who participated in CEPs. Common items were compared to HRQoL data of 1,874 sedentary elderly people, taken from the Catalan Health Survey 2006 (CHS’06). Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) outcomes and medication used were assessed through parametric statistics. Dimensions of health conditions were compared, between sedentary people and physically active elderly participants in CEPs. SHC results were obtained combining the EuroQol scores and Life Expectancy (LE) values. An economic value of €34,858.70 was assigned to these years of LE. Results. Physically active subjects had better HRQoL values (75.36 in males and 70.71 in females) than CHS’06 sedentary subjects (58.35 in males and 50.59 in females). Medication used was different between physically active subjects (1.89 in males and 2.87 in females) and CHS’06 sedentary subjects (4.34 in males and 4.21 in females). SHC data for physically active elderly (€465,988.31/QALY in males and €522,550.31/QALY in females) were higher than for CHS’06 sedentary subjects (€363,689.33/QALY in males and €346,615.91/QALY in females).

The analysis of monosynaptic Hoffman's reflex (H-reflex) involves recording the response to electrical stimulation of Ia-afferent fibers from the muscle spindle. The H-reflex can be used as a probe to study spinal neuronal pathways and mechanisms at rest and during movement in humans. The purpose of this study was to analyze the feasibility of the assessment of the H-reflex in people with Down syndrome (DS), and to compare it between adult dancers and non-dancers with and without DS. Twenty-five participants were included and divided into four groups (6 non-dancers and 6 dancers with DS and, 7 non-dancers and 6 dancers without DS). The H-reflex was recorded at the level of the soleus muscle in its central area. We analyzed the H response in three different conditions: decubitus prone, static standing position with open eyes and closed eyes. Non-dancers with DS showed a faster H-reflex latency than both groups without DS (all p < 0.005). In the present study, we provide evidence of the feasibility of eliciting the H-reflex in adults with DS. Interestingly, the H-reflex was present in decubitus position but not in standing position in most non-dancers with DS and dancers without DS. The data from this study can help to perform future research in adults with DS and the development of full-scale studies to analyze this variable in adults with intellectual disability with and without DS.