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Abstract Aim: The purpose of this study was to investigate the strength and ratios of the plantar flexors and ankle dorsiflexors in recreational runners with medial tibial stress syndrome and to assess the association between muscle strength and the level of pain in this population. Methods: Two groups (control and medial tibial stress syndrome) of eighteen runners each participated in this cross-sectional study. Isokinetic dynamometry was used to evaluate muscle strength, and for the analysis, the normalized isokinetic peak torque controlled by gender was used. Results: The medial tibial stress syndrome group showed lower normalized isokinetic peak torque in the dorsiflexors in the concentric (p = 0.008) eccentric (p = 0.011) contraction, as well as a lower plantar flexor, normalized isokinetic peak torque in the concentric (p = 0.001) and eccentric (p = 0.02) when compared to the control group. However, there was no difference in the normalized isokinetic peak torque ratio representative of the stance (p = 0.62) and swing phase (p = 0.16), and the level of pain was not correlated with the strength concentric (p = 0.32) and eccentric (p = 0.621) of plantar flexors, nor to the concentric (p = 0.21) and eccentric of dorsiflexors (p = 0.54). Conclusion: Recreational runners with MTSS showed decreased muscle strength in the sagittal plane of the ankle, no correlation with the level of pain, and no changing the ratio between plantar flexors and dorsiflexors.

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Abstract Aim: The main objective of this work is to investigate whether recreational running, considered an aerobic exercise, would stimulate blood lactate production, reducing the risk of symptoms of depression. Methods: To accomplish this, we compared the depressive symptoms with the Beck Depression Inventory-II, the intensity of physical activity with the International Physical Activity Questionnaire, and blood samples of the D-lactate assay in two groups of participants who practiced and did not practice street running. Results: The results showed a negative correlation between blood lactate levels and the severity of symptoms of depression. In addition, running volunteers had significant blood lactate levels and low depression scores compared to non-running volunteers. Conclusion: This evidence suggests that street running may reduce symptoms of depression by stimulating blood lactate levels.

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Abstract Aim: This study aims to compare a functional training protocol and Mat Pilates for individuals with Parkinson's disease and to evaluate the effects on motor symptoms, as well as non-motor symptoms using a randomized controlled trial. Methods: Protocol for a randomized clinical trial in which 45 individuals with Parkinson's disease will be recruited and randomly allocated to one of three groups: (1) functional training; (2) Mat Pilates; (3) control group. Both intervention groups will have 60 min classes twice a week for 12 weeks. The primary outcome will be analyzed through motor symptoms, including balance, mobility, muscle strength, handgrip strength, flexibility, range of motion, and cardiorespiratory fitness. Secondary outcomes will include non-motor symptoms such as cognition, aging perspective, mood, anxiety, and depression. Conclusion: This will be the first randomized trial to compare the effects of functional training and Mat Pilates in a population with Parkinson's disease. It is hypothesized that improvements in motor and non-motor symptoms will be greater and more lasting after functional training and Mat Pilates interventions than those that maintain their routine activities, given the benefits of exercise and the unprecedented protocols in this disease.

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Abstract Introduction: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a worldwide public health problem associated with an increased risk of death from cardiovascular complications. Although previous studies have described significant improvements in exercise in functional capacity and quality of life in patients with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD), there is a lack of studies that propose to assess its impact on cardiac function using transthoracic echocardiogram (ECHO). In addition, most of the intradialytic exercise protocols are inconsistent, and incomplete regarding their intensity prescription, time of intervention, and monitoring. Methods: The present study aims to evaluate the effects of an intradialytic cardiovascular rehabilitation protocol (ICRP) using medium intensity aerobic exercises, for 30 min. on cardiac function and functional capacity. In this 6-month longitudinal study, heart rate (HR), systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) blood pressure, peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2) and modified Borg scale will be analyzed in all HD sessions. The cardiac function will be evaluated by left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) through ECHO; functional capacity by the six-minute walk test (6MWT); quality of life through the SF-36 questionnaire and routine laboratory tests and KT/Vsp calculation before and after the ICRP. Conclusion: ICRP protocol will be examined and is expected to improve cardiac function, functional capacity, and quality of life in ESKD patients on hemodialysis.

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Abstract Aim: People with Parkinson's disease constantly demonstrate low levels of physical activity, which is why dance has become increasingly important for the treatment of the disease. This study aimed to analyze the influence of binary and quaternary rhythm on fatigue, sleep, and daytime sleepiness in individuals with Parkinson's disease. Methods: 31 individuals participated in this randomized clinical trial with a mean age of 66.6 ± 10.2 years, 71% were male and 29% were female, allocated into two groups, binary and quaternary, where they participated in different dance interventions lasting 12 weeks. A questionnaire was applied including personal and clinical information; Mental State Mini-Examination (MMSE), Hoehn and Yahr (H&Y), Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), Sleep Scale for Parkinson's Disease (PDSS), and Daytime Sleepiness Epworth Scale (ESS). Results: The groups that participated in binary rhythm classes showed improvement in sleep quality and daytime sleepiness after 12 weeks of intervention. However, no significant differences were found in the group that participated in the quaternary rhythm classes. Moreover, it was noted that the binary group managed to raise the heart rate during the 12 weeks of intervention, given that these results were not obtained in the quaternary group. Conclusion: The results showed the effectiveness of binary rhythm on non-motor symptoms and heart rate increase in individuals with Parkinson's disease. Thus, it is concluded that the binary rhythm was more effective than the quaternary rhythm.

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Abstract Aim: to compare the impact of different resistance exercise orders on postexercise hemodynamic measures in resistance-trained nonhypertensive middle-aged and older women. Methods: Twenty-three women (age 50-78 yrs) were randomized into two resistance training (RT) groups: one group started training sessions performing multi-joint exercises followed by single-joint exercises (MS, n = 12; 58.92 ± 5.53 yrs), while the other group performed their sessions in the opposite order (SM, n = 11; 57.93 ± 11.89 yrs). Both groups performed their RT sessions composed of 7 exercises performed in 3 sets of 10-15 repetitions maximum. Blood pressure was measured by automated equipment during pre-training and at 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, and 60 min after the training session. Results: Repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) identified an isolated effect of time only for systolic blood pressure (p = 0.003) with statistically significant reductions in pre-session measurement at 60 min post-session in both groups (MS: 117.67 ± 15.89 mmHg vs. 111.25 ± 11.84 mmHg and SM: 118.64 ± 15.13 mmHg vs. 111.50 ± 15.62 mmHg). Regarding diastolic blood pressure and subjective perception of effort, no difference was identified between groups (p > 0.05). Conclusion: We conclude that a RT session can promote post-exercise hypotension for systolic blood pressure after 60 min of recovery in middle-aged and nonhypertensive older women regardless of the exercise order.

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Abstract Aim: Low back pain (LBP) is disabling in older adults. Although physical activity interventions positively affect LBP, older adults are underrepresented in the literature. We aim to investigate the feasibility of conducting a study to evaluate a primary care program of exercise therapy and pain education, supported by mobile technology, for older adults with chronic LBP (compared to best practice advice). Methods: In this parallel, two-arm randomized pilot trial, we will recruit adults aged 60 years and older with chronic LBP. The experimental group (Physical Activity supported by low-cost mobile technology for Back pain-PAT-Back) will consist of an 8-week group exercise program based on pain education, exercises, graded activities, and in-home physical activity. Text messages will be sent to promote adherence to home exercises. The control group will receive an evidence-based educational booklet given during one individual consultation. Outcomes will include recruitment rate, adherence and retention rates, level of understanding of the intervention content, perception of the utility of mobile technology, compliance with the accelerometer in a sub-sample of patients, and adverse events. Discussion: The results of this study will form the basis for a large randomized controlled trial. This innovative approach to managing LBP in the primary care setting for older adults, if proven to be effective, can bring an important advance in the knowledge of chronic LBP management to this population.

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Abstract Aim: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed at examining the literature regarding the effects of resistance training (RT) on blood pressure (BP) in postmenopausal women. Methods: The Pubmed, Scopus, Embase, and BVS databases were accessed by two independent reviewers between July 2020, and June 2021 to search for studies that investigated the effects of RT on BP. The eligibility criteria were determined by the PICOT strategy. P: postmenopausal women, I: RT, in which training variables are presented, C: presence of a control group that does not receive any type of intervention, O: BP measured in both groups, at least before and after the intervention, T: randomized controlled trial. For the studies included in the meta-analysis, we calculated the effects sizes based on the net changes in the systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) BP for a random effect model with a confidence interval of 95% and a statistical significance of p < 0.05. Results: The RT group presented a significantly lower SBP (−7.25 mmHg [95% CI: −14.04, −0.45], p = 0.04), while DBP was not statistically significantly different compared to controlled conditions (−2.54 mmHg [95% CI: −5.52, 0.44], p = 0.09). Conclusions: Physically-inactive postmenopausal women who did not take hormone replacement but performed RT exercise had a lower BP value when compared to the control group.

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Abstract Aim: The objective of this study is to 1. Investigate in women with cardiac risk factors the acute responses of cardiac autonomic modulation and hemodynamic parameters during and after a dance-based cardiac rehabilitation session and II. Compare these responses with a conventional exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation session. Methods: This will be a crossover-clinical trial that will enroll women with at least one cardiac risk factor. The interventions consist of one dance-based (DB) and one traditional exercise-based (EB) session of cardiac rehabilitation, both composed of initial rest, warm-up, moderate-intensity physical exercise, fast recovery evaluation in orthostatic position, and slow recovery evaluation. The main outcomes are 1. Autonomic modulation, evaluated through heart rate variability linear and non-linear methods, and II. Hemodynamic parameters (heart rate, blood pressure, peripheral oxygen saturation, and respiratory rate). All measures will be evaluated in specific moments during the initial rest, physical exercise, and recovery. Conclusion: The results will allow the safe inclusion of dance-based sessions in cardiac rehabilitation programs opening an important field of research to investigate the long-term effects on physical fitness and cardiac risk factors, as well as adherence and motivation to attend cardiac rehabilitation in the women population.

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Abstract Aim: This study aims to characterize the stress, recovery, mood, and motivation together with the training load of athletes with cervical spinal cord injury (CSCI) during a period of resumption of wheelchair rugby (WCR) training. Additionally, it aims to compare the psychological and load training aspects during a competitive preseason and determine the correlations between training load, mood, stress, and recovery. Methods: We evaluated variables such as mood (Brazilian Mood Scale, BRAMS), stress and recovery (Recovery-Stress Questionnaire for Athletes, RESTQ-Sport 76) and training load (Subjective Perception of Effort - SPE) of eight high-performance athletes of wheelchair rugby with CSCIs at three different times (E1 = returning from vacation, E2 = half of the preseason, and E3 = after 2 months of training) for 2 months at a monthly interval. We also evaluated motivation (Sport Motivation Scale) at E1 and E3. Results: Results indicated few changes during the competitive preseason in terms of stress, recovery, and mood. However, the training load decreased toward the end of this period. Furthermore, we found that physical complaints positively correlated with depression when resuming training. In the middle of the competitive preseason period, we also noted positive correlations between conflict/pressure and fatigue and between fatigue and energy loss. At the end of this period, the SPE and arbitrary units correlated positively with conflict/pressure. Conclusion: We found few changes during the competitive preseason in terms of stress, recovery, and mood but not motivation, which did not change during this period. On the other hand, the training load decreased at the end of the competitive preseason. Furthermore, we observed correlations between training load and psychological aspects at different times.

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Abstract Aim: This study aims to compare the sleep parameters in Paralympic powerlifting athletes during days with and without training, and to analyze the relationship between the training load and sleep on the same day and the relationship between the previous night's sleep and the training load of the following day. Methods: Actigraphy was used to analyze the sleep parameters of 11 Paralympic powerlifting athletes for 14 days (7 days without and with training), whereas Ratings of Perceived Exertion (RPE) analysis was used to assess training load. In addition, the Horne and östberg chronotype questionnaire and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale were applied. Results: Athletes show morning and indifferent chronotype and low daytime sleepiness. We found that on training days, sleep onset latency (SOL) was lower (average 5.3 min faster), whereas total sleep time (TST) and sleep efficiency (SE) were higher (TST averaged 169 min and SE 7% higher) compared to non-training days. In addition, the TST of the night before the training days correlated positively with the RPE of the following day, and the training volume correlated negatively with the SE of the same day. Conclusion: Our findings show that Paralympic powerlifting training had positive effects in increasing TST and SE and decreasing SOL on training days. These results show the positive effects of this type of training in improving sleep in athletes with physical disabilities. In addition, a good night's sleep the day before training can make it possible to put more effort into the next day's training. Therefore, guiding athletes to sleep more before training with more intense loads is recommended.

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Abstract Aim: To assess the postural control performance of football 5-a-side (FFS) players, comparing them with sighted players. Methods: Eight FFS players and 7 sighted futsal players were included. Postural control tests included feet together stance (FTS) and single-leg stance (SLS) tasks, performed on rigid and foam surfaces. Sighted players performed the tests with open (EO) and closed (EC) eyes. Area of displacement (Area) and average velocity (Vavg) were calculated from the center of pressure time-series coordinates. Results: On both surfaces conditions, a significant difference between visually impaired football 5-a-side players and sighted EO players was observed during FTS (higher Vavg for visually impaired football 5-a-side players; p < 0.04) and SLS (higher Area and Vavg for visually impaired football 5-a-side players; p < 0.01). No differences between visually impaired football 5-a-side players and sighted EC players were found. Differences between sighted EO vs. sighted EC were observed during FTS on the foam surface, and in SLS on both surface conditions (p < 0.03). Conclusion: FFS players’ postural control performance is similar to sighted players with EC but worse than sighted players with EO, suggesting their postural control performance can be simply explained in terms of visual restriction.

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Abstract Aim: To investigate how the choices of young people for public or private spaces during their leisure practices, regardless of gender and age group, can be a starting point for the definition of agendas for the constitution of governmental public policies. Methods: The empirical task was accomplished through the application of electronic questionnaires to young university students from Portugal (20%), Brazil (70%), and South Africa (10%). The sample consisted of 705 randomly chosen young people, with an average age of 24 years. The data were analyzed using SPSS and content analysis. The analysis was divided into three categories: comprising the student's profile; referring to leisure and relating to the provision of leisure and space. Results: The youngest people choose the public spaces for their leisure practices and conceive leisure as a moment when they can do whatever they want, without obligations, followed by leisure as fun and free time. There is no difference between men and women in the concept of leisure. The main conclusions highlighted that leisure means to ‘do what I want without any obligation to do so’, followed by ‘fun’ and ‘free time, and young people like to ‘go out with friends, ‘play sports’ and ‘do nothing’. The public space is the most used for leisure. Conclusion: The meaning of leisure is loaded with subjectivities, so we understand that the demands for political actions that enable the use of public spaces safely and with quality are the way to guarantee the rights of the population.

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Abstract Aim: The primary cause for the development and worsening of chronic diseases is physical inactivity. This article aims to present a proposal for the negative impacts of physical inactivity during social distancing caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Results: Global levels of physical activity are decreasing, and this behavior can be the start to increase the prevalence and incidence of chronic diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, and mental illness after the COVID-19 pandemic. Conclusion: Staying physically active is a fundamental behavior during the COVID-19 pandemic and social distancing.

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Abstract Aim: Social distancing policies to combat the pandemic of COVID-19 directly impacted the physical activity (PA) index of the population. This study aimed to analyze the factors associated with insufficient leisure-time PA and the changing behavior of residents of the city of Sao Paulo, the epicenter of the pandemic in Brazil. Methods: The questionnaire used in this research was made available online and included questions on demographics and physical activity. A total of 1.096 adult residents of Sao Paulo completed the questionnaire between July 8th and August 8th, 2020. Results: For individuals who were already physically active before the restrictions, a total of 55.8% of the sample kept insufficiently active during the quarantine. Factors such as education, working conditions, and direct relationship with Covid-19 care were associated with decreased leisure-time PA practice, impacting 57.6% of the sample, especially females. People with less formal education, those who possibly changed their routines to working from home, and those who were directly connected to Covid cases were not able to maintain a daily PA routine. Conclusion: The data presented here warn about the impacts of the pandemic on engagement in PA, suggesting the need for incentives from intersectoral public policies on sports, leisure, and health to perform these activities.

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Abstract Aim: Anthropometry represents an alternative to the evaluation of nutritional status and screening of events related to muscle fitness. Therefore, this study aimed to compare anthropometric indicators of postmenopausal women with and without dynapenia and to identify the predictive capacity of these indicators to screen the respective outcome in this population. Methods: Cross-sectional epidemiological study, conducted with postmenopausal women. Dynapenia was diagnosed by handgrip strength < 20 kgf. Arm (AC), abdominal (AbC), hip (HC) and calf circumferences (CC), triceps, biceps, subscapular, supraspinatus and thigh skinfolds were analyzed. Body Mass Index, Conicity Index (CI), Body Adiposity Index (BAI), Waist to Hip and Waist to Height Ratio (WHtR), Corrected Arm Muscle Area (CAMA) and Arm Muscle Circumference (AMC) were calculated. Results: A total of 273 women participated in the study. The BAI, WHtR, and CI did not present significant differences between the groups. For the other indicators, the dynapenic group obtained significantly lower values compared to the non-dynapenic. AC was the indicator with the highest sensitivity to screen for postmenopausal dynapenia (79.8%). While CAMA and AMC were the indicators with the best specificity (86.2%). However, CC showed the best balance between sensitivity (67.5%) and specificity (63.0%). Conclusion: The indicators AC, CAMA, and/or the AMC can be used together, or CC alone, to predict postmenopausal women with dynapenia. Therefore, these indicators can be used as important epidemiological tools to improve women's health surveillance actions.

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Abstract Aim: to verify the effect of a physical education program at school on physical fitness and mental health in children and to determine the individual prevalence of responders. Methods: This is a quasi-experimental study, developed with 67 children aged between 6 and 11 years old. (8.09 ± 1.81). A 21-week intervention was performed, that intervention condition (IC) consisted of sports and circuit training, and nutritional education. For the control condition (CC) classes followed to the Common Curricular National Base. The following variables were evaluated at baseline and post-intervention: physical fitness and mental health through the strength and difficulties questionnaire. Mixed analysis of variance and the prevalence of responders were used for statistical analysis. Results: The main results indicate that there were improvements in the IC in the components of physical fitness (cardiorespiratory fitness, speed, and agility) and mental health indicators (total difficulties, emotional symptoms, problems with peers, and prosocial behavior) after a school physical education program in comparison with the CC. Concerning the prevalence of responders between groups, it was found differences in cardiorespiratory fitness (CC: 33.33%; IC: 65.38%), agility (CC: 36.66%; IC: 73.07%), speed (CC: 43.33%; IC: 79.16%), emotional symptoms (CC: 28.57%; IC: 50.00%), and prosocial behavior (CC: 17.14%; IC: 46.87%). Conclusion: It is reinforced that well-planned physical education classes and simple intervention programs can be adopted at the school level and are capable of promoting children's physical and mental health.

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Abstract Aim: The study aimed to conduct a cost-utility analysis of traditional drug therapy (TDT) provided for hypertensive patients at primary care in comparison to the protocol based on combination with an exercise program (TDT+E) in real-life conditions, adopting a health system perspective. Methods: Longitudinal study based on enrollment of 49 hypertensive adults distributed into two groups, for 12 months. Quality-adjusted life years were estimated using health-related quality of life. Direct health care costs were calculated including inputs and human resources in primary care from medical records. Sensitivity analysis was performed based on multivariate and probabilistic scenarios. Results: Incremental cost-effectiveness ratios of TDT+E in comparison to TDT were +79.69. Sensitivity analysis showed that TDT+E presented advantages considering uncertainties. Conclusion: Our findings show that exercise programs may improve quality of life and life expectancy among hypertensive patients.

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Abstract Aim: This study aimed to identify the prevalence and factors associated with dynapenia in older women, considering different cutoff points as diagnostic criteria. Methods: This epidemiological study was conducted with 205 older women (72.7 ± 7.1 years). Dynapenia was diagnosed using the handgrip strength test (HGS) using two cutoff points (< 16 or < 20 kgf). Socio-demographic, behavioral, and health status information was obtained from a specific form; nutritional status was assessed by body mass index, and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire identified the level of physical activity. Results: The prevalence of dynapenia was 14.1% (HGS < 16 kgf) and 46.3% (HGS < 20 kgf) (p < 0.001). It was also observed that older women with family income ≤ 1 minimum wage and those with low weight presented, respectively, 2.22 (95%CI: 1.12-4.39) and 4.72 (95%CI: 1.64-13.58) times higher probability of dynapenia identified by HGS < 16 kgf. Moreover, for the cutoff point < 20 kgf, the probability of dynapenia was higher in women aged ≥ 80 years (PR:1.91; 95%CI: 1.23-2.95), in insufficiently active women (PR: 1.34; 95%CI: 1.01-2.57), among those with low weight (PR: 1.61; 95%CI: 1.01-2.57), and in those who reported falls (PR:1.42; 95%CI: 1.04-1.96). Conclusion: Therefore, it is concluded that there is a difference between the prevalence and factors associated with dynapenia when different cutoff points are adopted.

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Abstract Aim: To contrast the acute effects of whole-body electromyostimulation (WB-EMS) with sham associated with dynamic exercises on cardiovascular, ventilatory, metabolic, and autonomic responses in men with obesity and controls. Methods: A randomized cross-over and double-blind trial with nine eutrophic (23.6 years; 23 ± 1.4 kg/m2) and ten men with obesity (26 ± 4 years; 38 ± 7 kg/m2), who were randomized to receive WB-EMS-Sham or Sham-WB-EMS with 30 min of rest between protocols. WB-EMS protocol (Miha Bodytec®) was applied at the motor level, frequency = 85 Hz, pulse duration = 350 μs, cycle on = 6′; cycle off = 4′. Sham group performed the same exercises with the electric current turned off. Throughout both protocols, subjects executed two dynamic exercises of 5 minutes each (step-up and step down associated with shoulder flexion, and lunge exercise associated with elbow flexion) in the same order. R-R intervals and breath-by-breath respiratory gases analysis were collected during the protocols. Heart rate variability (HRV) indexes were obtained using linear and nonlinear analysis. The level of statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: Regarding both exercises, participants with obesity presented reduced oxygen uptake, higher ventilation, respiratory rate, blood pressure, and Borg scores (p < 0.05) when contrasted with controls, as expected. However, no significant differences were found for HRV indexes between groups (p > 0.05). In addition, WB-EMS did not increase oxygen uptake or altered autonomic modulation when contrasted with sham in both groups (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Obesity has a negative impact on symptoms and functional capacity. However, WB-EMS did not acutely enhance oxygen uptake or HRV during exercise in a population with obesity.

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Abstract Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the acute supplementation effects of capsaicin, caffeine, and the combined capsaicin plus caffeine on total volume (total repetitions x weight lifted), rate of perceived exertion (RPE), and side-effects on resistance training. Methods: Eleven men (21.5 ± 2.1 years, 1.75 ± 0.08 m, 79.64 ± 10.1 kg), trained in resistance training (experience of 4.5 ± 2.6 years, weekly frequency 5 ± 0.8 days) were recruited. This was a crossover, randomized, double-blind study. Each volunteer went through four experimental conditions: supplemented with capsaicin (12 mg), caffeine (400 mg), capsaicin plus caffeine (12 mg and 400 mg, respectively), or placebo. After supplementation, the volunteers completed four sets of back squats until failure, at 70% of one-repetition maximum, with 90 s of rest interval between sets. RPE was registered at the end of each set. Volunteers were asked about the occurrence of side effects, right after exercise and 24 h after supplementation. Results: No significant differences were found (p > 0.05) in total volume between placebo (5505.2 ± 810.7 kg), capsaicin (6010.0 ± 1067.0 kg), capsaicin plus caffeine (5885.1 ± 1219.3 kg), and Caffeine (5628.6 ± 894.4 kg). No significant differences were found in RPE (p > 0.05) between the experimental conditions. The effect size of the total volume was small in capsaicin and capsaicin plus caffeine (d = 0.62 e d = 0.47, respectively), and trivial in the caffeine condition (d = 0.15). Conclusion: The supplementation failed to influence resistance training performance as well as had no effects on increasing the total volume or reducing RPE.

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Abstract Aim: This quasi-experimental study, analyzes if periodized combined training's influence on plasma cytokine levels, muscle strength, and cardiorespiratory fitness in physically active women with overweight and/or obesity over 50 years. Methods: The sample was composed of 33 physically active women who were randomly allocated to three groups: Non-Periodized (NP) (n = 11); Undulating Periodization (UP) (n = 9); and Flexible Undulating Periodization (FUP) (n = 13). This study was conducted for 17 weeks, which included adaptation (weeks 1-3), baseline testing (week 4), training program (weeks 5-16), and post-evaluation (week 17). The training frequency comprised of three weekly sessions, with 30 min of aerobic exercise and 45 min of strength exercises. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and analysis of variance. The level of significance was p ≤ 0.05. Results: No differences were observed in weight parameters, plasma levels of cytokines, and biochemical parameters in any group, before and after the completion of the training period. Participants demonstrated increase in strength of the upper limbs in the UP (p = 0.032) and FUP (p = 0.021) groups, an increase in aerobic fitness in the NP (p = 0.041) and UP (p = 0.005) groups, and an increase in the amount of time of vigorous activity per week in the NP group (p = 0.019). Conclusion: This study shows that periodized combined training in physically active women with overweight and/or obesity over 50 years proved to be beneficial for all groups; although, the UP group exhibited better performance.

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Abstract Aim: Cardiovascular physiology learned by exercise science students is often quickly forgotten. We tested whether a state rotation model would help students to recall key principles of Cardiovascular Physiology (CV). Methods: Seventy-one undergraduate students enrolled in the Exercise Physiology Course at the School of Physical Education and Sport, University of São Paulo, participated in the study. The students were randomly assigned into one of 4 stations, dedicated to recalling the concepts of the heart as a pump (e.g. preload, post-load, and contractility; station 1) and hemodynamics (e.g. serial and parallel conductance; station 2) by using the educational tool. Heart rate (HR) control by sympathetic nervous system activation (station 3) and HR control by vagal activation (station 4) were assessed by quantifying HR response to the Stroop color and word test and during face immersion in cold water, respectively. To evaluate the efficacy of the intervention, we used a Socrative app to launch eight multiple-choice questions before (PRE) and after (POST) the student's station rotation. The questions were related to the basic principles of exercise physiology and its consequences on the cardiovascular system. Results: The 4-station average score (% of corrected answers) achieved after the station rotation was higher than the score achieved before (71.21%, SD 14.50 vs. 31.07%, SD 18.04; for POST and PRE, respectively p < 0.005). Considering specific stations, the lowest score of corrected answers before the rotation was observed at station 2- hemodynamics when compared with station 1-heart as a pump and station 3/4 - autonomic control (18.9%, SD 0.9 vs. 46.5, SD 24.1 and 34.8, SD 2.1 for hemodynamics, heart as a pump and autonomic control, respectively). Interestingly, after the rotation, there was a significant increase in corrected scores for all stations (33.9, SD 9.8; 80.5, SD 4.6 and 90.2, SD 2.3, for hemodynamics, heart as a pump, and autonomic control, respectively). Conclusion: Our results suggest that the use of the educational tool was effective to recall CV principles that are essential to a better understanding of the CV responses to exercise and applying the concepts in exercise testing and prescription for different populations.

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Abstract Aim: To investigate if treadmill exercise (Ex) associated with fish oil (FO) supplementation during lactation would influence the biochemical profile as well as the oxidative balance in the hearts of male juvenile rats. Methods: Fifteen days-old rats were submitted to a daily moderate Ex training (based on their maximal running capacity) and FO supplementation for 4 weeks. Forty-eight hours after the last exercise session, blood fasting glucose and lipid profile were assessed according to the manufacturer's recommendations, while the oxidative status of the hearts was evaluated via colorimetric and absorbance-based assays. Results: FO associated with Ex decreased triglycerides (TG-79.27 ± 5.75 to 60.24 ± 6.25 mg/dL) and very-low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels (VLDL-15.85 ± 1.15 to 12.05 ± 1.25 mg/dL) when compared to sedentary animals. FO, alone, reduced atherogenic index (AI- 1.14 ± 0.03 vs. 1.01 ± 0.04 a.u) while increased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-43.90 ± 2.50 vs. 59.43 ± 3.15 mg/dL) of sedentary animals. Additionally, both Ex (67.3 ± 13.5 nmol/mg prot) and FO supplementation (56.6 ± 5.5 nmol/mg prot) decreased the oxidative damage to lipids in non-trained animals (105.8 ± 10.8 nmol/mg prot). The interventions also protected the protein content from oxidative stress (Ex- 5.15 ± 0.46; FO- 4.5 ± 0.5; and vehicle sedentary-7.3 ± 0.6 µmol/mg prot), while increasing the antioxidant defense and oxidative metabolism. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that intervention in juvenile rats can improve cardiac metabolism. These are the first findings to show the positive effects of the association between FO and moderate treadmill Ex during the critical period of development. We believe these results can drive early-life origins of heart disease through different avenues and, possibly, assist the development of a heart disease prevention program as well as an adjunctive therapeutic resource.

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Abstract Aim: To evaluate the chronic effects of resistance training on resting blood pressure, handgrip strength, gait speed, and Timed Up and Go test (TUG) in normotensive and hypertensive elderly individuals. Methods: Experimental study based on TREND. Hypertensive patients were diagnosed by an independent doctor. Before and after 12 weeks of progressive resistance training, we evaluated blood pressure, heart rate, body composition, Timed Up and Go test, gait speed, and handgrip strength. Results: Sample consisted of 41 participants divided into two groups (normotensive n = 28; hypertensive n = 13). We observed significant values in the reduction of blood pressure levels only in the group of hypertensive participants. In functionality outcomes, we observed significant values in all tests and both groups. Outcomes contemplate effect sizes ranging from small to moderate. Conclusion: Progressive resistance training lowers resting blood pressure levels, increases handgrip strength, and improves physical functional performance. Although the normotensive group did not show a reduction in blood pressure levels, an improvement was observed in the functional physical tests.

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Abstract Aim: This study aimed to verify the data reliability of muscle architecture (MA) variables, and the relationship between MA and the isometric peak torque (PT) of the monoarticular and biarticular knee extensor (KE) muscle in physically inactive women. Methods: Ten physically inactive women (24.0 ± 1.64 years; 162.9 ± 5.34 cm; 63.5 ± 11.90 kg) participated in the study. An ultrasound device assessed the MA variables (muscle thickness, fascicle length, and pennation angle) of the Vastus Lateralis (VL) and Rectus Femoris (RF), and an isokinetic dynamometer assessed the PT. Pearson correlation evaluated the relationship between PT and MA variables, with a significance level of 5%. Additionally, the intraclass correlation coefficient, coefficient of variation, and standard error of measurement. Results: Excellent reliability between images was observed, and no significant relationships were observed between the PT and MA variables of the VL and RF. Conclusion: Isolated variables of the MA of a monoarticular or a biarticular muscle do not influence the production of the isometric PT of the KE.

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Abstract Aim: We investigated the effects of continuous or interval aerobic exercise training on vascular reactivity of female rats fed with fructose. Methods: Female Wistar rats (8-wk old) were divided into: sedentary (SD), continuous training (CTR), and interval training (ITR). Moderate intensity training protocols consisted of running 3 days/week for 7 weeks. CTR ran 40 min at 30%–40% of the maximal speed (MS) and TRI consisted of 7 sets of 1 min at 70% of MS followed by 3 min at 35% of MS. Animals were fed with standard chow and fructose (10%) in drinking water. Concentration-response curves to acetylcholine and phenylephrine, and oxidative stress biomarkers, were determined in the aorta. Body weight gain, visceral fat, and plasma triglycerides and glucose were also evaluated. Results: Endothelium-dependent relaxation was significantly increased by both exercise regimens (CTR: Emax = 85 ± 6% and ITR: Emax = 84 ± 1%) compared to sedentary rats (SD: Emax = 62 ± 5%). The contractile maximal response was not different but phenylephrine potency was increased in CTR (pEC50: 8.41 ± 0.19) and reduced in ITR (pEC50: 7.06 ± 0.11) compared to SD (pEC50: 7.77 ± 0.08). In addition, the generation of superoxide was lower in trained groups as compared with sedentary (about −28% in CTR and −22% in ITR). TBARS and nitrate/nitrite levels were not modified. Compared to the SD group, ITR gained 39% less body weight and CTR has 29% less visceral fat. Glucose and triglycerides were not modified. Conclusion: CTR and ITR, carried out 3 days/week, were efficient to improve endothelium-dependent relaxation and reduce superoxide generation in the aorta from female rats fed with fructose.

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Abstract Aim: To investigate the effects of caffeine (CAF) ingestion on anaerobic work capacity (AWC) and muscular endurance in the bench press exercise at predictive intensities equivalent to 20, 25, and 30% of 1RM. Methods: Thirteen males (age: 23 ± 3 years; body mass 83.5 ± 4.9 kg; height 172.8 ± 5.0 cm and 1RM 82 ± 24 kg) had their 1RM test evaluated in the bench press exercise and the time until failure was performed at intensities equivalent to 20%, 25%, and 30% of 1RM to CAF (350mg) or placebo (PLA, cellulose). AWC was measured from the linear equation: “Force = Critical Force + (AWC x 1/timeout)”. Results: CAF enhanced the time until failure at 20% of 1RM (PLA = 202.6 ± 29.1s; CAF = 243.2 ± 20.6s), but there was no ergogenic effect at 25% (PLA = 188.8 ± 23.5 s; CAF = 195.6 ± 27.1 s), and 30% (PLA = 147.4 ± 15.8 s; CAF = 145.4 ± 14.8 s). AWC in CAF was lower than PLA (PLA = 6378.0 ± 1214.9 J; CAF = 3246.4 ± 1389.7 J; p = 0.03; Effect size = 0.88). Critical Force (N) was not different between treatments PLA 29.97 ± 11.54% of 1RM and CAF 3.74 ± 3.69% of 1 RM (p=0.47; Effect size= 0.28). Conclusion: Acute CAF intake (350mg) reduces the AWC and increases the time until failure at 20% of 1 RM, but not Critical Force and muscular endurance at 25% and 30% of 1 RM in the bench press.

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Abstract Aim: To review the effects of multicomponent exercise training on the domains of the intrinsic capacity of physically frail older adults: locomotion, vitality, cognition, psychological outcomes, and sensory function. Methods: The search for the studies was carried out in the MEDLINE, Cochrane CENTRAL, and PEDro databases, along with manual search, delimiting the period of publication as the last 10 years. The initial search identified 338 studies and 18 among them were analyzed qualitatively. Results: From the analysis of the included studies, great variability was evidenced between the intervention protocols, as well as between the results. As for the effectiveness of multicomponent exercise training, it has been shown to induce a positive effect on most of the analyzed outcomes. Conclusion: In summary, the present review suggests that multicomponent physical training can be effective to improve aspects of locomotion, cognition, and psychological aspects in frail older populations. Nevertheless, more studies are needed to specify the time needed to achieve such adaptations, the magnitude of these adaptations, and the design of the most appropriate training program for each outcome related to intrinsic capabilities.

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Abstract Aim: This study aimed to analyze, through games, the motives for the consumption of the National Basketball Association (NBA) by Brazilian fans and the influence on the consumption intentions of these fans. Methods: The study has a quantitative approach and used an online questionnaire consisting of nine motives for sports consumption and a dimension to analyze behavioral intentions. The sample consisted of 336 individuals over 18 years of age who declared that they support a team in the competition. Data were analyzed using a two-step Structural Equation Modeling in Amos 26.0. Results: The average age of respondents was 24.20 years (±6.70), mostly men (91.7%), with complete high school (45.8%), single (83.6%), who watch 3 to 5 NBA games per week (53.6 %), mostly through the internet (56.8%), and who do not usually buy NBA-licensed products (58.0%). Analysis of the causal model indicated that both vicarious achievement (β = 0.55; p < 0.01) and social interaction (β = 0.28; p < 0.01) are motives that positively influenced behavioral intentions related to NBA. Conclusion: Motives such as the acquisition of knowledge, drama, interest in basketball, and knowledge of the game are highly valued by Brazilian fans who consume the NBA. In addition, the fans' sense of accomplishment with their team's victory and the social interaction offered by the games, even if distant, are important factors that influence the behavioral intentions of these fans.

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Abstract Aim: The present scoping review aims to provide an overview of barriers to PA reported by pediatric cancer patients undergoing treatment as well as after treatment. This study further aims to describe and discuss the instruments used for assessing barriers in this population. Methods: Article search was performed in common medical databases and yielded five original research articles. Results: The included articles reported barriers to PA that can be grouped into the following categories: individuals, physical, environmental, and treatment. Among the instruments used to assess barriers to PA, it was observed that questionnaires and interviews are commonly adopted. This review underscores a paucity of studies in this area. Conclusion: A comprehensive understanding of barriers to PA in the pediatric cancer population is paramount for the development of tailored strategies and interventions aiming to promote PA in this under-researched group. In addition, future studies must adopt a mixed-methods approach, longitudinal design with specific instruments in the pediatric cancer population.

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Abstract Background: Physiological parameters can be objectively measured for controlling and quantifying physical activity levels. Aims: This study aimed to systematically review the literature on volleyball athletes’ profile regarding heart rate (HR) and HR variability (HRV). Methods: PubMed, Scopus, Embase and SportDiscus databases were searched to find studies presenting resting HR, maximal HR, mean HR and time domain HRV during training sessions and matches. Results: Volleyball athletes’ profile was HRrest 66 ± 2.5 bpm (minimum 41 ± 10 bpm; maximum 82.4 ± 2.1 bpm), HRmax was 184 ± 1.3 bpm (minimum 170 ± 8.0 bpm; maximum 192 ± 3.0 bpm), HRtraining data was in average 150 ± 12 bpm (minimum 124.8 ± 6.2 bpm; maximum 171.5 ± 11.0 bpm) and mean HRmatch was 154 ± 5.5 bpm (minimum 105.3 ± 12.8 bpm; maximum 182.3 ± 5.2 bpm). The RR interval data resulting in a mean value of 1096 ± 4 ms (minimum 1027.6 ± 168.9 ms; maximum 1097.0 ± 59.5 ms) and the rMSSD index presented a mean value of 44 ± 14 ms (minimum 42.2 ± 19.8 ms; maximum 93.2 ± 65.8 ms). SDNN data were extracted, however, no meta-analysis was performed. Conclusion: Resting HR were high for the athletes’ fitness level, maximal HR and RR intervals were very similar to athletes from other sports. Mean HR data do not seem to represent the real physical demand in matches and training. HRV time domain index showed low values and could be related to training loads or fatigue situations.

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Abstract Aim: This review aimed to provide evidence and highlight the importance of including physical activity (PA) and/or exercise training (ET) as part of the comprehensive multiple sclerosis (MS) care. Methods: Using the current literature on the subject, we provide a brief overview of MS incorporating its definition, common symptoms, prevalence, and potential disease consequences. We further succinctly describe MS as the first line of treatment, as well as the role of PA and ET in the disease. We end the commentary highlighting important recommendations from an international initiative to improve MS-related physical activity research that we believe will help not only improve the area of study but also best practices within this population. Results: There is compelling evidence for the beneficial effects of PA and/or ET on MS-related symptoms and consequently health and quality of life. There is preliminary evidence suggesting the potential for a disease-modifying effect. Conclusion: Fomenting this discussion is timely due to the increased prevalence of MS in different regions of the globe, and people with MS report low levels of PA participation and high amounts of sedentary time. The consequences of inactivity in this population can be drastic. The current body of evidence supports the notion that PA and ET are safe health behaviors that should be adopted as an adjuvant treatment option within the comprehensive and complex MS care due to its benefits on a variety of disease-related symptoms and its potential for improving health and quality of life in this population.

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Abstract Aim: To analyze the concepts of mental health and illness as well as the instruments used to measure them in the elite athlete. Methods: The scoping review was conducted using PubMed, SPORTDiscus, PsycINFO, and Scielo. The keywords “Mental Health” AND “Sport” AND “Athlete” were used to find studies in peer-reviewed scientific journals published in English, Spanish, and Portuguese. Studies went through four stages of analysis according to PRISMA guidelines. A total of 179 records were included in this review. Results: Recent studies suggest that health and illness should not be recognized as deviations from the norm, but as a changing construct, varying on a continuum, where, at one extreme, we have health; and, at the other, we have illness even coexisting in an orthogonal way. Between the two extremes, there are degrees of psychological well-being and distress, leading from reduced functioning to effective functioning. This indicates the need for psychological support for both the maintenance and enhancement of mental health. An alarming result was that, although most of the studies investigated mental health, they used primarily instruments focused on illness. This new perspective of health-illness brings the need for the development of new instruments that encompass protective factors and symptom screening. Conclusions: We reinforce the need for a paradigm shift in relation to the mental health of elite athletes understanding it as a changing construct that should be constantly improved and/or maintained. This change led to the need for broader assessment instruments that encompass protective factors and illness symptoms.

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Abstract Aim: To show the possible immunologic pathways of protection for asthmatics against infection of Covid-19 through the capacity of recognition and cytotoxicity to eliminate pathogens improved by regular exercise aerobic. Methods: The bibliographic search was conducted on the following databases: Pubmed/Medline, Scielo, and Scholar Google from 2020 to 2021. The following keywords and Boolean operators were used: asthma, aerobic training (AT), immune system, and Covid-19. Results: After the screening, 349 were initially found, after evaluation only 20 studies had all criteria. Twelve studies showed that AT induces changes in the immune system with a reduction of inflammation. In complement, the literature showed an innate pathway that improves immune function against COVID-19 by reducing angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) in the lung, which seems to hinder the multiplication of the COVID-19 virus in the lung. Apparently, asthmatics patients are less susceptible to respiratory infection caused by COVID-19 because they have low levels of ACE2. Furthermore, trained asthmatics showed a lower risk of infection for SARS-CoV-2. Conclusion: The findings reported that asthmatics people can benefit from AT, and these individuals seem not to be a risk group for covid-19 because they have low levels of ACE2 protein. Taken together, this review reinforces the importance of asthmatic patients be physically active throughout their lifetime, but specially during the pandemic to prevent contamination by SARS-CoV-2.

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Abstract Aim: This narrative review aimed to explore the effect of mental fatigue on physical, technical, and tactical performance in ball sports. Methods: Three Databases, PUBMED, SCOPUS, and SCIELO, were used to search for a scientific publication. The criterions adopted were: a) published in a peer-reviewed journal; b) adopted at least one manipulation check related to mental fatigue; c) mental fatigue induced by a cognitive task before the outcome task, and d) study participants were ball sports athletes. Result: The quality of this narrative review was rated at 11 (SANRA scale 0-12), and the papers analyzed were published between 2015 and 2022. Twenty-one experimental studies were included in this review. Most studies were in invasion sports (n = 13; 72%), and non-ecological tasks were used to induce mental fatigue (n = 15; 83%). Regarding performance in endurance tests, mentally fatigued athletes had performance impaired. However, when assessed during a small-sided or simulated game, data were inconclusive within the literature. Moreover, athletes presented attenuated perceptual skills (e.g., visual field). Consequently, this worsened motor skills, technical-tactical performances, and tactical behavior. Conclusions: Cognitively demanding tasks should be avoided before training and sports competitions because they can lead the athlete to mental fatigue and impair performance. This impairment is identified in physical performance (endurance tasks) and technical and tactical performance. Finally, it is recommended that athletes do not perform tasks that cause mental fatigue 2 h before the sports event.

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Abstract Aim: Military personnel needs to develop and maintain the ability to perform specific mechanical actions, under the risk of not fulfilling their assignments and failing in their missions. Considering the importance of being able to evaluate whether the military is ready for their jobs, studies have been conducted to establish assessments based on the requirements of the tasks performed in combat, referred to as Combat Tasks (CTs), giving rise to Simulated Tasks (STs). This study aimed to understand how physical STs have been used among military personnel worldwide. Methods: A systematic review was conducted to identify literature published between 2001 and 2021 that investigated STs. The search criteria for articles (keywords, inclusion, and exclusion) were applied to five databases - PubMed, Cochrane, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science - and the PRISMA recommendations were followed. Results: The searches resulted in 2630 documents, in addition to two studies that came from other sources. After the removal of duplicates, 1216 studies were screened by title and abstract, resulting in 71 documents, which were read in full. In the end, 17 studies were selected for the qualitative analysis. Conclusion: From the data obtained, the results highlighted that six countries with well-structured Armed Forces have been investing in research to develop physical assessments based on CTs, showing a paradigm break regarding conventional physical tests, which ultimately prove to be adequate to measure general fitness levels and issues related to health, but are not sufficient to ensure readiness for the performance of specific military activities.

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Abstract Aim: The purpose of the study was to carry out a survey and analysis of the scientific production of judo, specifically the contents that discuss the principles and values of this sport, to understand the contexts of its production at the national and international levels. Methods: A “state of the art” literature review was used to analyze seven national journals of Physical Education and five specialized in the area of combat sports, from their first editions up until the year 2021. Results: The results indicated that judo production has grown mainly in the last decade. In both national and specialized journals, the analyzed productions (n = 69 and n = 410, respectively) were concentrated in biodynamics (57.97% and 72.93%), followed by the sociocultural (30.43% and 23.41%) and pedagogical areas (11.60% and 3.66%). Articles on principles and values accounted for only 8.35% of judo production, of which 47.50% were written entirely in English, 42.50% in Japanese with only abstracts in English, and a measly 10% in Portuguese, confirming the difficulty in finding information on the topic. This aridity may be the result of the technical-sports perspective that drives scientific research in the area of biodynamics and the language barriers of publications concentrated in English and Japanese. Conclusion: It is suggested that actions by the regulatory institutions be taken to encourage both research and greater access to the conceptual and attitudinal knowledge of judo, extrapolating the offer of bodily knowledge and approaching the democratic and integral educational process that is expected.

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Abstract Aim: The purpose of this study was to conduct an integrative review aiming to critically analyze the concept of sport development and the different variables that influence this process. Methods: We restricted the search to scientific journals in the area of sports science that published studies related to the social sciences and are indexed in the Scientific Journal Rankings (SJR). In total, 23 scientific journals were analyzed and the final sample of this review consisted of 65 articles. Results: Our findings highlighted that sport development is immersed in specific social, political, and economic factors that influence the extent to which different stakeholders can implement strategies and provide resources to improve participation and performance in sports. In addition to the quantitative aspect, researchers indicate the need for specific strategies that also enable the participation of women, people with disabilities, and other groups that historically have faced constraints to participate in sports. Despite the interesting criteria used to evaluate the sport development, they should be used with caution because most studies were conducted in English-speaking countries reflecting a tendency to report features only of the Western culture. Conclusion: The different stakeholders, strategies, and resources found in this review reinforce that there is no single way to develop sports, as different possibilities may be used according to the characteristics of each context. It also indicates the need to move research to unexplored fields and socio-cultural contexts to increase the reach that sport-based programs may have.

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Abstract Aim: This review article aimed to search for studies that used SSG as an intervention in order to verify the effects of physical and tactical performance in young soccer players and to make a critical analysis in the literature of how small games are proposed, how they are controlled and how they affect the performance of soccer players in the short and medium term. Methods: In this narrative review, we searched four databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and SPORTDiscus), in total, 242 studies were found. In the end, only eight studies were used in this review. Results: Four studies were comparisons between SSG and traditional methods; one study compared different types of SSG; one study compared the intensity of small-sided games with official games and another two made comparisons of physical performance between different categories. All the studies had as a central point to make comparisons in relation to the physical performance and none of them, longitudinally, evaluated the tactical performance using the SSG as an intervention. Conclusions: The use of SSG, mainly in 3×3 (dimensions between 20×25 m and 27×36 m) and 4×4 (30×35 m to 30×40 m) between 3 and 5 sessions per week for at least one month, seems to have beneficial effects concerning physical performance for young athletes. It was verified the scarcity of studies that approach the tactical performance with the use of SSG, in addition, some studies were unclear about the frequency of SSG types during the intervention time.

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Abstract Aim: This study aims to evaluate the additional acute effect of virtual reality (VR) head-mounted displays (HMD) when associated with balance exercises in balance outcomes in non-disabled individuals. Methods: Thirty individuals were randomized into two groups: balance exercise group (GBE; n = 15); and virtual reality + balance exercise group (GVR + BE; n = 15). The individuals were evaluated by static and dynamic balance using the tandem test (TT), single-leg stance (SLS), and Fukuda stepping test (FST). Both groups performed 30 min of balance exercises. The GVR + BE performed 8 additional minutes of virtual reality prior to balance exercises. A roller coaster application was used for the HMD. The Mann-Whitney test was used for intra-group and differences of inter-group analysis, considering a significance level of p < 0.05. Results: In the GBE group analysis, there was observed an increase of time in TT with closed eyes (p = 0.025) and SLS with closed eyes (p = 0.003). In the same way, the GVR + BE group increase TT with closed eyes (p = 0.003) and SLS with closed eyes (p = 0.002) after the intervention. In the intergroup analysis, the increase in the SLS with closed eyes was superior in the GVR + BE group when compared with GBE (p = 0.006; d = 1.67). Conclusion: The use of HMD in combination with balance exercise has an acute effect on increasing static balance in non-disabled individuals.

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Abstract Aim: The present study aimed to compare the strength performance and the neuromuscular activity during one maximum repetition test (1RM), and the maximum voluntary isometric contractions (MVIC) performed with whole-body vibration (WBV), local vibration (LV), and no vibration (NV). Methods: The sample consisted of 15 males, experienced in strength training for at least 6 months, which performed all strength tests in the barbell curl exercise across randomized trials on the following conditions: NV, WBV, and LV. During all tests, the normalized root means square values of the electromyographic signals (EMGRMS) of the biceps brachii and brachioradialis were recorded and compared between the conditions. The one-way ANOVAs with repeated measures were used to compare the results of 1RM and MVIC tests and the normalized EMGRMS between the conditions. When necessary, a post hoc Scott-Knott test was used to identify the differences reported in the ANOVAs. The significance level adopted was α < 0.05. Results: The EMGRMS response of the biceps brachii and brachioradialis muscles during the 1RM and MVIC tests presented significantly higher values at LV compared to WBV, and NV (p < 0.001). The 1RM tests, and the MVIC results were similar between conditions (p = 0.9803; p = 0.061, respectively). Conclusion: These results indicate that the application of MV was not sufficient to increase strength performance.

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Abstract Aim: To determine whether the change of direction (COD) deficit can represent the time of the change of direction in professional under 17 years old (U-17) soccer players. Methods: Sixteen young soccer athletes performed the adapted 505 agility test with the stationary stance (2 straight lines of 5 m) and the 10 m linear running test (LR). In both tests, the partial and total times were recorded every 2.5 m by time gates (0-2.5 m; 2.5-7.5 m; 7.5-10 m). The best performances were recorded and used to determine the COD deficit (difference between the time for the LR and 505 tests). The paired t-test compared the initial acceleration (0-2.5 m) time, the COD time (2.5-7.5 m), and the COD deficit among the tests. Results: Times in the LR test were significantly shorter in the initial acceleration phase (0-2.5 m), and the change of direction deficit was also lower than the change of direction time (2.5-7.5 m) for both sides (p = 0.005). Conclusion: When an athlete is aware of an upcoming change of direction, a lower initial acceleration results in biases for determining the change of direction deficit. Therefore, acceleration capacity might not be suitable to assess using the 505 agility test.

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Abstract Aim: The present study aimed to investigate the effects of different backpack loads on the walking gait kinematics and ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) in Brazilian scholars. Methods: The sample was composed of 25 male children and adolescents, from 10 to 14 years. The mean body mass and height were 45.3 kg ± 10.6 kg and 1.51 m ± 0.08 m, respectively. For the walking gait assessment, a tridimensional analysis system was used. In the backpack conditions, loads of 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20% were applied according to the body weight of everyone. Kinematic variables and angular amplitudes of head, shoulders, thorax, pelvis, and knees in the sagittal plane were collected. The OMNI scale was used to assess the RPE. Results: The loads of 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20% promoted postural adjustments and alterations in the walking gait, in which the RPE presented a correlation with those alterations. The step in the left cycle altered from the baseline in the 5% (p = 0.006). The stride length altered from baseline in the 5% (p = 0.030) and 10% (p < 0.001) load conditions. The single support time was different from baseline in all conditions (p = 0.003; p = 0.012; p = 0.005; p = 0.006). The walking gait cadence was different in the comparison between baseline in the 5% (p = 0.003). Thorax amplitude altered in the 10% (p = 0.023), 15% (p = 0.033) and 20% (p = 0.005) load conditions in the left cycle. Conclusion: We concluded that the posture, RPE, and the gait kinematic altered according to the increase in the backpack load.

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Abstract Aim: To investigate postural control between active (AOA) and inactive (IOA) older adults and active young adults (YA) due to the difficulty level of the postural task. Methods: 25 active YA, 31 AOA, and 30 IOA were invited to perform postural tasks with eyes open and closed: bipedal stance on a rigid surface, bipedal stance on an unstable surface, semi-tandem stance on a rigid surface, and semi-tandem stance on an unstable surface. Results: IOA (0.74 cm) presented higher COP displacement amplitude in the mediolateral direction than AOA (0.64 cm) only in bipedal stance on an unstable surface with eyes closed condition (p ≤ 0.0001). In relation to frequency variables, IOA (0.37 Hz) presented a greater frequency band with 50% of the spectral power in the mediolateral direction than AOA (0.28 Hz) in all experimental conditions, except for semi-tandem stance on a rigid surface (p ≤ .0001). AOA (0.62 cm | 0.28 Hz) and IOA (0.67 cm | 0.37 Hz) presented an increase in time/frequency variables in both directions (anterior-posterior and mediolateral) than YA (0.52 cm | 0.17 Hz) (p ≤ 0.0001) that indicates a worse performance of postural control as the level of task difficulty increased, such as unstable base with eyes open and closed. Conclusion: Older adults tend to present greater COP sway and velocity when subjected to complex tasks compared with younger, which is more evident in older adults physically inactive. This could be considered an adaptive strategy by older adults to minimize the risk of losing balance and, consequently, falling.

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Abstract Aim: The influence of sleep on the adaptability and relearning rate during learning of complex motor skills is still unknown, limiting the comprehension of the sleep role in motor memory consolidation. Thus, we aimed to investigate the nocturnal sleep influence on retention, adaptability, and relearning rate of the dart-throwing task. Methods: Sixty healthy adults were divided into two groups: SLEEP and WAKE. Both groups practiced an under-arm dart-throwing task. However, WAKE practiced in the morning and performed a retention phase in the evening, and SLEEP practiced in the evening and performed a retention phase in the morning of the next day. The practice and retention phases were separated by 12 h in both groups. There were analyses regarding retention (retention test), adaptability (delayed transfer test), and relearning rate (savings). Results: Both groups improved their performance across the acquisition phase and maintained it in the retention test. The groups did not demonstrate adaptability and did not demonstrate a significant difference in relearning rate. Conclusion: We conclude that nocturnal sleep did not modulate the consolidation of motor memories related to ballistic discrete motor skills.

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Abstract Aim: To verify the effects of a multimodal exercise program on balance and motor functions, and the differences by sex, in people with Parkinson's disease (PD). Methods: The intervention study, was composed of 16 people with PD, that were assessed before and after 16 weeks of interventions with the multimodal exercise program. The effects were analyzed generally and by sex, using the Wilcoxon Test. The significance level was established at 5%. Results: Overall, there was an improvement in the strength of the lower limbs (LL) (p = 0.035) and upper limbs (UL) (p = 0.009), functional mobility (p = 0.003), gait (p = 0.050), balance (p = 0.001) and in motor scores of UPDRS III (p = 0.005), which categorize motor symptoms of the disease. In regards to sex, women affected muscle strength (p = 0.044) and flexibility of LL (p = 0.028), gait (p = 0.018), and motor aspects of the UPDRS III (p = 0.042). The men presented effects in muscle strength of the UL (p = 0.042). Women and men had a significant increase in functional mobility (p = 0.046 and p = 0.027, respectively) and in balance (p = 0.012 and p = 0.042, respectively). There was no significant difference for both sexes, in body mass and the reach behind the backtest. Conclusion: the multimodal exercise program contributed to the improvement in motor function and balance in men and women with PD. Nevertheless, the effects were more significant in women. The comprehension of the differences between men and women grants us a more directional and efficient approach to their treatment.

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Abstract Background: Fatigue is a disabling symptom in the spectrum of Parkinson's disease (PD), affecting from 30% to 70% of the persons. Even though it is a common symptom, with negative repercussions for PD individuals, its correlation with balance is not established. Aim: The aims of this study were to verify the correlation between fatigue and balance in individuals with PD and to compare balance in individuals with PD that presents low fatigue or high fatigue. Methods: This study included 37 individuals with PD, who were divided into two groups: low fatigue (n = 25) and high fatigue (n = 12). Fatigue was evaluated using the Parkinson's disease Fatigue Scale and a force platform was used to assess four balance tasks: bipedal, tandem with eyes open/closed, and tandem with the dual-task, in three parameters: (1) 95% confidence ellipse area of the center of pressure (COP) (2) mean velocity (3) root mean square of COP. To verify the correlation between fatigue and balance, the Spearman rank-order correlation coefficient was assessed. Comparison of medians between the groups was analyzed using the Mann-Whitney test. Results: There was no significant correlation between fatigue and balance. There was no difference between the groups with low and high fatigue. Conclusion: This study's findings, together with those reported in the literature, suggest there is no correlation between fatigue and balance, and even though individuals with PD report fatigue or experience situations of fatigue, they do not present greater posture instability than individuals with PD who do not report fatigue. Fatigue is a disabling symptom in the spectrum of Parkinson's disease (PD), affecting from

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Abstract Aim: To investigate the validity evidence of the adapted Brief Fear of Negative Evaluation Scale in physical activity and sports settings - BFNE-PAS. Methods: Participants included 721 children and adolescents (376 girls and 345 boys), 10 to -14-year-olds (total sample Mage = 12.1, SD = 1.3) from Brazil. Results: Exploratory factorial analysis confirmed the unidimensionality of the scale. Confirmatory factorial analysis showed adequate indexes (RMSEA = 0.05, [90% C.I. = 0.04 to 0.06], CFI = 0.98 TLI = 0.98). Network analyses indicate the highest influence of the item: “afraid to expose failures when practicing physical exercises” and/or participating in games and play in physical education classes” upon all others. The polychoric alpha showed adequate internal consistency (total scale: α = 0.86; items: α values > 0.84). The intraclass coefficient correlation showed strong reliability test-retest (ICC > 0.90). Conclusion: BFNE-PAS showed adequate validity evidence in Brazilian children.

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Abstract Aims: This study aimed to compare the sedentary time measured using the ActiGraph GT3X accelerometer with the measurement of sitting and standing time obtained by ActivPAL inclinometers. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted with a sample of 60 schoolchildren (34 males) of one elementary public school in Brazil. The students used both an ActiGraph GT3X accelerometer and an ActivPAL inclinometer, concurrently, positioned at the beginning and removed at the end of the school shift, for four days. For analysis, paired Student's t-tests, Pearson's correlation coefficients, intraclass correlation coefficients, and Bland-Altman plots were used. Results: When comparing sedentary time with sitting time, although correlated (r = 0.53; p < 0.001), the mean minutes were different (134.2 min/day in ActiGraph GT3X vs 120.3 min/day in ActivPAL; p < 0.001), with a bias of 13.9 min/day. When comparing the measurement of sedentary time with the sum of the sitting time plus standing time, different mean minutes were also observed (134.2 min/day in ActiGraph GT3X vs 177.0 min/day in ActivPAL; p < 0.001), and although the correlation was stronger (r = 0.75; p < 0.001), the bias was higher (−42.8 min/day). Conclusion: Sedentary time derived from the ActiGraph GT3X device should be used with caution to evaluate sedentary behavior in a school setting and may be interpreted only as non-moving activities (stationary behavior).

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Abstract Aim: To determine the influence of the «Burpee» exercise on the indicators of endurance and stability of attention in children aged 15-16. Methods: the pedagogical experiment was carried out based on a comprehensive school, in the city of Kirov, Russia. The study involved children 15-16 years old in the amount of 52 people. Children from the experimental group additionally performed the “Burpee” exercise. Endurance in children was determined by the test “2000 m”, and the stability of attention was determined by the test “Bourdon test”. The study used Excel and BioStat to determine Student's t-test. Results: After the pedagogical experiment, the indicators in the control group in the “2000 m” test improved by 1.9% (p > 0.05), and in the “Bourdon test” by 5.9% (p > 0.05). In the experimental group, the performance improved significantly in the “2000 m” test by 9% (p < 0.05) and in the “Bourdon test” by 20% (p < 0.05). Conclusion: if 15-16-year-old schoolchildren perform the “Burpee” exercise in physical education classes, then the indicators of endurance and stability of attention will improve significantly.

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Abstract Aim: To identify and describe the manipulative actions of typical children ages between 4 and 6 years, and the games performed while exploring cubes with different sensorial stimuli. Methods: Cross-sectional, descriptive, and exploratory study. Sixteen typical children aged 4 to 6 years (mean age: 5.78 ± 1.04 years) were filmed, from different angles, during the exploration of six cubes with different sensorial stimuli (transparent, black, tactile, auditory, luminous, and high-contrast). The cubes were delivered in random order and the children explored the cubes for 40 s each. At the end of the explorations, they were asked about what kind of game they could play with that object. The images were observed by the BS Player Profile. Results: Seventeen different types of interactions with the cubes were registered, such as: pushing, shaking, reaching for (bimanual and unimanual), bringing closer to the eyes, knocking, touching with the fingers/hand, throwing upwards, and others. The tactile cube was the favorite among the children (9 children), followed by the luminous cube (6 children). They proposed games with all of the cubes, standing out playing dice (all cubes), building towers, and castles. Conclusion: In the observed group of children, 17 manipulative skills were identified. The games performed during the exploration of the cubes were based on association with other similar objects previously known, related to the visual stimuli provided by the cubes, verbal description of actions that could be performed with that cube, imagination related games using figurative images, and sports-related activities/games.

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Abstract Aim: This systematic review aimed to investigate the acute effects of cardiovascular exercise on motor learning of non-disabled individuals. Methods: Forty studies were identified through database searching (PsycINFO, CENTRAL, Google Scholar, Scielo, and PUBMED). The studies demonstrated heterogeneity and were classified into two categories to guide the analyses: (1) – studies that investigated the effects of exercise-induced fatigue during practice on the performance in the retention test; (2) – studies that verified the acute impact of the cardiovascular exercise in close temporal proximity to the task practice on motor learning. Results: The studies demonstrated that (1) - the practice under fatigue conditions did not impair motor learning and that (2) – the cardiovascular exercise bout performed in close temporal proximity to task practice enhances the motor learning processes. Conclusion: Cardiovascular exercise enhances motor learning processes; however, these priming effects are dependents on the timing between practice and exercise, type of exercise, and task characteristics.

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Abstract Aim: This study aimed to better understand the perceptions, actions, and interventions of Physical Education teachers at public state schools in the Rio Grande do Sul and São Paulo, regarding didactic-methodological spectra in futsal classes In Brazil, futsal is part of the team sport that must be presented in Physical Education classes, according to educational regulatory documents. Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with eight teachers (three women and one man in each state), whose content was explored through a thematic analysis. Results: The results show a strong singularity of futsal as the content of Physical Education in schools and the relationship with its cultural impact. Different teaching concepts and methodologies used by teachers were identified, as well as a strong connection between experiences with futsal of students and the pedagogical practices adopted. Gender issues were highlighted, showing a contradiction between motivation to change the scenario and a school classes organization that promotes its maintenance. Conclusion: The study supports discussions about teacher actions epistemologically based on traditional teaching perspectives.

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Abstract Aim: The study aimed to understand the perceptions of mothers about the practice of figure skating by their daughters aged between 8 and 13 years old. Methods: Eight mothers of skaters belonging to a youth competition team were interviewed in a qualitative study, which used narratives as the methodological approach. The interview was structured with open-ended questions and the full transcriptions were analyzed through content analysis. Results: The results of the three categories of analysis - “Skating and competing: the first influences”; “Family models and maternal participation”; and “Behavior of parents in sporting events” - showed that mothers perceived they provide emotional and motivational support during their daughters' sports practice and that they do not exert pressure for results. To not recognize negative behaviors could be negative to the skaters and may be the result of an inconscient mechanism or the need of mothers to have socially accepted behavior. They also stressed anxiety during competitions and reported strategies to cope with it. Thus, it is important to raise awareness of this situation so mothers can have more resources to manage this fragile balance. Conclusions: The way mothers participate in their children's sports life and express their support influences their sports practice; therefore, to understand how mothers perceive their involvement in their daughters' sportive practice is important to develop best practices to guarantee the quality of the interaction between mothers-children and healthy psychological development.

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Abstract Aim: This work aims to identify the perception of school Physical Education teachers concerning the use of a digital educational resources (DERs) platform. Methods: An exploratory study was carried out with nine Physical Education teachers from different locations and teaching systems in Brazil. These teachers used some functionalities offered by MEC RED, a DERs platform provided by the Brazilian Ministry of Education, and presented their experience of use in a focus group. Results: Discussions among the participating teachers from their experience of using MEC RED led to identifying potential benefits and obstacles to using DERs in teaching Physical Education at school, motivations for using a DERs platform, and the usefulness of MEC RED in this context. Conclusion: From the participants’ point of view, a DERs platform can support teachers in locating and selecting resources that could be used in their classes. MEC RED was found partially suited to these teachers mainly because it presents low availability of DERs related to school Physical Education, which may demobilize the use of this platform. The findings of this study can contribute to understanding the needs of school Physical Education teachers to create, use, and share DERs, promote a collaborative culture among them, and structure better DERs platforms.

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Abstract Aim: Adapt the 3×2 Achievement Goal Questionnaire for Sport in a Brazilian sporting context and examine its psychometric properties. Methods: A total of 211 Brazilian athletes of seven different sports responded to the adapted instrument. Results: The confirmatory factor analysis supported the measurement model of the 3×2 Achievement Goal Model with some error correlations and invariance of the measurement model across gender, but not for the type of sport and context of the application. In terms of internal consistency, “task-avoidance” and “self-avoidance” goals did not reach the values of accepted criteria. Conclusion: This study supported the use of the 3×2 Achievement Goal Questionnaire for Sport in the Brazilian sport domain and encourages further studies to improve its reliability. Finally, the findings are discussed suggesting cultural differences in the understanding of some items between Brazilian athletes and those from other countries.

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Abstract Aim: This study verified how much performance damage can high-intensity efforts cause to FT shooting efficiency. Methods: A sample of 13 male amateur basketball players (19.9 ± 3.2 years; 76.7 ± 8.7 kg; 182 ± 10 cm) participated in the study on three non-consecutive days. A maximum progressive exercise test determined maximum heart rate (HRMax) during the first session. On the other two days (randomly assigned), athletes performed five bouts of basketball-related exercises, intense enough to raise HR to either 65% (S65) or 90% (S90) of HRMax, followed by two FT shots (totaling 10 FT). Results: FT performance was lower in S90 than in S65 (56.9% ± 18.9% vs 73.1% ± 12.5%, respectively; p = 0.026; ES = 1.01 - “large effect size”). Magnitude-based inference analysis considered shooting at S90 moderately disadvantageous and odds ratio analysis suggest that shooting FT at higher HR values represents an 11-fold chance to worsen performance (OR = 11.1; 95% CI = 1.79 to 68.9; p = 0.01). Conclusion: Basketball FT shooting efficiency is impaired after a bout of game-related high-intensity activity.

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Abstract Aim: Increasing age is associated with significant changes in athletes' performance; however, it is not yet known how increasing age could influence the performance of triathletes. In this sense, the present study aimed to investigate how the performance of two elite triathletes (HCK and AD), who participated and finished the Olympic Games in Sydney, Athens, Beijing, and London, could change over the years. Methods: This study reports two cases (male and female) with cross-sectional and retrospective characteristics that describe how the increasing age changes the performance of two elite triathletes who participated in four consecutive Olympics (2000, 2004, 2008, and 2012). Pearson correlation test was used to verify the correlation between the performance and age of the triathletes. A value of p < 0.05 was assumed to show statistical significance. Results: The results suggest that both triathletes showed impaired performance at the Summer Games in Athens in 2004. When the two athletes were analyzed together, positive correlations were observed between age and transition 1 (T1; swim-to-cycle) and transition 2 (T2; cycle-to-run). Also, a high correlation was found between T2 and age for HCK but not for AD. The results showed a significant correlation between increasing age and a reduction in running performance for HCK. Conclusion: Although the two triathletes improved overall time throughout the Olympic Games, this improvement did not correlate with age. Thus, the increasing age does not seem to impact these two athletes during the four Olympic events.

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Abstract Aim: This study aimed to analyze the difference between tactical, technical, and physical variables in selected and unselected top players of the 2018 FIFA World Cup. Methods: A sample data of 1049 soccer players were collected by the multiple-camera computerised tracking system. Subsequently, data were analyzed and divided into two groups: selected (man of the match and top 10 players of the World Cup) and unselected players (other players). Twenty-six performance variables were used to assess tactical (passing), technical (goals, assist, shots, and fouls), and physical variables (height, distance covered, distance with and without the ball, number of sprints, maximal speed, and intensities zone 1 [low] to 5 [high]). Results: The selected players had more tactical (performed and completed more long, middle, and short pass), technical (goal for, assist, shots, shots on goal, fouls committed on them), and physical variables (covered more distance and distance with the ball, more sprints, greater speed and distance in low intensity [zone 1]). However, they were shorter in height and covered less distance in moderate intensity [zones 2 and 3] when compared to unselected players (p < 0.05). Conclusion: This study suggests that the selected players have more tactical, technical, and physical variables than the unselected players. Our findings could be used as a trustworthy tool (performance variables) to characterize the top players of the World Cup.

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Abstract Aim: This study aimed to describe how specific training for goalkeepers of youth handball teams is planned and executed in Brazil. Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive and quantitative study was based on information from 134 coaches responsible for specific training of handball goalkeepers for youth (under 12 - U12; U14; U16; and U18) teams. The selection of participants was non-randomly for convenience, using the virtual snowball method. The information was obtained through an online self-completion questionnaire carried out by the Google Forms platform. The questionnaire data were tabulated and assessed using the SPSS statistical program, and the information was presented using descriptive statistics. Results: The results show that specific training of goalkeepers occurs in 71.1% of youth handball teams. About the structure of the specific training session, most of it is performed 1 or 2 times a week (70.9%), lasting from 25 to 60 min (73.9%) and given by the team's leading coaches (77.6%). More than half of the participants stated that the training session occurs with the goalkeepers and the person in charge (55.2%). Most participants (69.4%) stated that the teams analyze and assess the goalkeepers' performance, and the training planning takes place weekly (39.6%). Conclusion: This data provides essential information that partially fills gaps in the literature and allows researchers and coaches to reflect on their practices, considering the importance of planning specific training for goalkeepers.

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Abstract Introduction: The relative age effect is prevalent in different elite team sports. However, little is known about this phenomenon in high-level adult male futsal players. Aim: The present study aimed to investigate the prevalence of relative age effect in Brazilian male elite futsal players, and its relationship with playing position and goals scored on Brazil National Futsal Leagues (BNFL) from 2016 to 2020. Methods: The distribution of birth dates, playing positions, and goals scored by male participants of the Brazil National Futsal Leagues were analyzed. Chi-squared tests were used to analyze the birth dates distribution based on quarters and semesters of the year, according to playing position (defender, winger, pivot, and goalkeeper) and scoring performance (high and low). Results: The overall analysis indicated that the relative age effect is prevalent on the pool of athletes analyzed. However, this effect was position-dependent, since relatively older athletes were overrepresented only in wingers and defenders playing positions. On the other hand, scoring performance was not associated with the relative age effect, since this effect was found in both performance levels. Conclusion: Relative age effects are prevalent in Brazilian male elite futsal athletes, especially for defenders and wingers. Considering the high level of competitiveness for spots in elite futsal teams, coaches and sports administrators must be educated about the prevalence of the relative age effect in this sporting context. This is necessary in order to reduce the inequalities generated by age categories based on arbitrary cut-off dates, which may reduce potential talent loss.

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Abstract Aims: The present study investigated the quality of coach-athlete relationship (CAR) and coping as associated factors stress, anxiety, burnout, and depression symptoms of soccer players in the transition to professional. Methods: Twenty-three athletes from four teams of the 2019 under-20 Bahia State Championship participated in the study. The instruments used were the Coach-Athlete Relationship Questionnaire, the Coping Strategic Athletic Inventory, the Daily Analysis of Life Demands in Athletes, the Competitive State Anxiety Inventory-2R, the Burnout Questionnaire for Athletes, and the Major Depression Inventory. Data analysis was conducted using Generalized Estimation Equations, Pearson’s Correlation, and Linear Multiple Regression (p < 0.05). Results: Our findings show that from the beginning to the end of the season, CAR and coping strategies were predictors of psychic occurrences. For CAR, the symptoms of anxiety associated with self-confidence and stress symptoms were predicted by Proximity and Complementarity, respectively. As for coping strategies, only the symptoms of stress were predicted by the dimension of facing adversity. Conclusion: From the beginning to the end of the season, the magnitude of the predicting factors over some psychopathologies is enhanced in youth soccer players going through a career transition stage.

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Abstract Aims: To describe reference values for the Closed Kinetic Chain Upper Extremity Stability Test (CKCUEST) and Upper Quarter Y Balance Test (UQYBT) in young adults, and to determine whether there were differences in both tests based on gender and age. Intrarater reliability and measurement error were also assessed. Methods: Test-retest design with a sample of 146 young adults. The CKCUEST (number of touches, normalized score, and power) and the UQYBT (normalized reach in the medial, superolateral, and inferolateral direction, and the composite score) were used. Mean and standard deviation were calculated for both tests. A linear and a mixed regression model were applied to determine significant differences in test scores. Reliability was determined using Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) and error measurement through Standard Error of Measurement (SEM) and Smallest Detectable Change (SDC). Results: Normative values were established and divided by gender and age. Men presented greater scores regarding the number of touches, power score, superolateral and inferolateral reaches. Good intrarater reliability was found for both tests. In the CKCUEST, the SEM and SDC values were 1 and 3 touches. In the UQYBT, the SEM values ranged from 3 to 7 cm, while the SDC ranged from 8 to 19 cm. Conclusion: Normative data were provided and men presented greater scores than women. Good intrarater reliability was found and values of SEM and SDC were established. Clinicians must use both tests in clinical practice since different aspects of the upper quarter are assessed.

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Abstract Aim: This study determined the energy expenditure and effort intensity of athletes during women's artistic gymnastics training sessions. Methods: Ten gymnasts (age 10.9 ± 1.7 years) performed a test to estimate the maximum rate of oxygen uptake (VO2max), during which the maximum heart rate (HRmax) was also obtained. The heart rate (HR) of these gymnasts was recorded during five training sessions and then used to estimate the exercise intensity and energy expenditure. Results: Mean duration of training sessions was 4.08 ± 0.42 h, with mean HR corresponding to 137 ± 8 bpm or 69.0 ± 3.5% of HRmax. Gymnasts spent less training time at 90-100% HRmax compared to the other HR ranges (p < 0.05). Time spent at 60-70% and 70-80% was higher compared to 80-90% HRmax (p = 0.012 and p = 0.001, respectively). The training impulse was 239.2 ± 35.4 AU. Estimated energy expenditure was 768.3 ± 168.5 kcal, metabolic rate was 3.1 ± 0.6 kcal/min, and the metabolic equivalent of task (MET) corresponded to 6.1 ± 0.6. Conclusion: Young gymnasts performed prolonged and moderate-intensity training sessions that generated high energetic demands. This information is beneficial to gymnasts since the coaching team can use the data to control the training load and prescribe a proper diet.

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Abstract Aim: The purpose of this paper was to analyze the internal consistency of the Sport Motivation Scale-II (SMS-II) questionnaire based on three studies with sports practitioners in the Brazilian college context. Methods: All the three studies i) were carried out with students enrolled in higher education and engaged in sports training by their institution (n1 = 304; n2 = 441; n3 = 310); ii) used SMS-II as an instrument for data collection; iii) used the online procedure for data collection. The Confirmatory Factor Analysis was performed and Cronbach's Alpha (α), McDonald's Omega (Ω), and the correlation between items were used to assess internal consistency. Results: As potentialities, five dimensions of the SMS-II presented high values of internal reliability (α and Ω > 0.60). As a limitation, the dimension of introjected regulation showed low reliability (α and Ω < 0.40) in the three studies conducted by our group. The exclusion of item 16 enabled an increase in alpha, but without achieving satisfactory reliability in Study 1 (α = 0.46) and Study 2 (α = 0.31). In Study 3, the exclusion of item 7 improved the internal reliability of the dimension (α = 0.43) also without reaching satisfactory values of internal consistency. It was not possible to identify a problematic item, given that each item had a different influence in the three studies. Conclusion: We found good values of validity and internal consistency for the Brazilian version of the SMS-II. However, we suggest attention to the introjected regulation dimension when using the instrument in the Brazilian college context.

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Abstract Aim: This study analyzed the influences of ACE and ACTN3 gene variants in sprinters, jumpers, and endurance young athletes of track and field. Methods: 36 school-level competitors of both sex (15 girls and 21 boys; aged 16.4 ± 1.2 years; training experience 4 ± 1.2 years) practitioners of different sport disciplines (i.e., sprint, jump, and endurance athletes) participated in the study. The deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) was extracted from peripheral blood using a standard protocol. Anthropometric measurements, 30 m sprint, squat jump (SJ), and maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) tests were measured. Results: Genotype distribution of the ACE and ACTN3 genes did not differ between groups. In ACE DD and ACTN3 RX genotypes, the SJ test was bigger in sprinters and jumpers than in the endurance runners. In contrast, when analyzing the ACE ID genotype, sprinters had higher SJ than endurance athletes. Moreover, in the ACE DD genotype, the sprinters and jumpers’ athletes had lower time in 30 m tests compared to endurance runners. However, the ACE ID and ACTN3 RX genotypes was greater aerobic fitness in endurance runners than in jumpers’ athletes. Conclusion: Although the genetic profile is not a unique factor for determining athletic performance, the ACE DD and ACTN3 RX genotypes seem to favor athletic performance in power and sprint versus endurance sports. Thus, this study evidenced that assessing genetic variants could be used as an auxiliary way to predict a favorable profile for the identification of young talents of track and field.

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Abstract Aim: This study aimed to verify the reproducibility of an endurance test for master swimmers. Methods: Seventeen male swimmers, aged from 30 to 50 years (35.06 ± 5.36), weight (78.71 ± 13.06 kg), height (174.35 ± 0.07 cm), participated in this study. The participants underwent the Progressive Swim Test (PSwT), which corresponds to swimming progressively to exhaustion in a 25-meter pool, guided by the recording of sound signals indicating the swimming rhythm. We verified the following variables: heart rate before the test (BHR) and right after the end of the test (AHR), followed by the rate of perceived exertion (RPE) and a total of laps performed (SN - swimming number). For comparison between the three days of tests, the one-way repeated measures ANOVA with Tukey's Post-Hoc was performed. Relative reproducibility was performed by the r test and the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Absolute reproducibility was determined using the coefficient of variation (CV) and the confidence interval (CI). Results: The results showed high reproducibility in (PSwT) in master swimmers in the analyzed variables of intergroup and intragroup with relative reproducibility of r > 0.60 and ICC > 0.70 and absolute reproducibility with CI 95% (lower −1.10 and upper 0.99) and CV < 10%. Most of the cases were within the limits of agreement of the Bland-Altman tests, all variables were considered a level of significance with (p <0.05). Conclusion: The Progressive Swim Test (PSwT) is a reproducible instrument in the assessment of endurance in master swimmers.

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Abstract Aim: This study investigated the impact of a handball-teaching program through the understanding of the TGfU on motor coordination (MC) and technical skills of students. Methods: The sample consisted of 43 students of both genders, with a mean age of 14.3 years (± 0.46), divided into two groups, G1 - Teaching Games of Understanding (TGfU) and G2 - TGfU + MC, and both received 20 classes. We used the Körperkoordinationstest für Kinder (KTK) for the assessment of MC and the Game Performance Assessment Instrument (GPAI) for technical skills in handball. Results: The categorization confirmed the reliability of the application of teaching programs and the results showed that, after the intervention, both groups presented meaningful improvements in MC, considering time and gender effect. The female students presented a larger impact on MC in both teaching programs, while the male students obtained a larger impact in the technical skill execution index when received the TGfU + MC model. Still, the relative frequency for the classification of a good MC increased in both groups after the intervention, and the normal MC was the one with the highest frequency in both groups and genders after the proposed program. Conclusion: We concluded that the teaching program was able to provide meaningful improvements in MC considering both groups and that the proposal of the inclusion of specific MC elevated the impact of technical skills for male students.

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Abstract Aim: To compare muscular and cardiorespiratory parameters between Brazilian professional futsal athletes from different competitive levels (national versus regional). A secondary aim was to explore the correlation of physical fitness variables between both competitive levels. Methods: Twenty-two futsal players (24.7 ± 3.7 years), 11 from a regional team and 11 from a national team, were evaluated with countermovement jump test (lower limbs muscle power), square test (the speed with change direction), RSSA (anaerobic power), and YOYOIR1 (aerobic power). Tests were performed in the middle of the season for both teams. Results: The speed with change direction (p = 0.001) and mean anaerobic power (p = 0.04) were higher for national than the regional players. Sprint performance decreased similarly for national and regional level players (p < 0.001), but the latter had poorer performance (p = 0.044). From the fourth sprint on, sprints for the national level players were slower than the first three, while for the regional level players, each sprint speed was slower than the subsequent. A significant correlation was found between anaerobic power with jump height (r = −0.50; p = 0.01), speed with change direction (r=0.65; p = 0.001) and distance covered in the YOYOIR1 (r = −0.54; p = 0.01). Conclusion: National-level athletes were more agile and presented a higher mean anaerobic power than regional ones. Moreover, national-level athletes presented better performance along with repeated sprint tests, maintaining this performance for a longer time during the test.

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Abstract Aim: Basketball players' performances have been traditionally summarized in indices that rely on the game-related statistics (e.g. rebounds, field goals, etc). Indices are defined according to different methods (e.g. Efficiency Index - Ei, Plus-Minus, Wins Produced), seeking distinct analytic objectives. Ei is frequently used given its simplicity. However, it has questionable validity since it measures productivity instead of efficiency and uses biased calculations for scoring. This study aimed to define indices of efficiency (Basketball Efficiency Index (BEi)) and productivity (Basketball Productivity Index (BPi)) of a player's contribution to the team performance with greater validity than Ei. Methods: We gathered public NBA game-related statistics (2014/2015 – 2018/2019). We analyzed: Ei's and BEi's winning prediction accuracy; Ei's and BEi's point spread prediction accuracy; the correlation between GRS and Ei, BEi, BPi, and PER; players' rank correlation between indices. Results: In comparison to Ei, both BEi and BPi reduced the weight of points scored on the final value. Less reliance on points scored results in a more accurate comparison of the contribution of players independent of their tactical roles. Conclusion: These indices may improve coaches' understanding of the real contribution of each player to team performance.

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Abstract Aim: To verify the response of tissue saturation index (TSI) during ischemia-reperfusion (IR) interventions with different cuff-pressures. Methods: Twenty-nine healthy men experienced in resistance training were recruited. Each one has undergone a control condition (no cuff) and one of the three IR interventions: 1) 190 mmHg (CP-190, 22.7 ± 3.0 years; 176.6 ± 3.9 cm; 77.3 ± 9.5 kg; 2) 100 mmHg (CP-100, 22.9 ± 6.3 years; 180.5 ± 4.0 cm; 85.2 ± 14.1 kg) and 3) 20 mmHg (CP-20, 20.3 ± 2.4 years; 171.8 ± 5.2 cm; 72.4 ± 6.0 kg). Cuffs were placed on the proximal region of the thighs. IR interventions consisted of three cycles of 2-min occlusion-reperfusion. TSI was measured using near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS), positioned on the middle portion of the vastus lateralis of the dominant leg. The oxygenation was measured at the control conditions (no cuff) and during cuff interventions. Results: While TSI values of CP-20 did not change compared to control (p > 0.05), the TSI in CP-190 was lower in the ischemia (p < 0.05), and CP-100 was lower in the second and third ischemia (p < 0.05). However, the TSI value increased during reperfusion but did not return to control levels (p < 0.05). Conclusion: TSI of the CP-190 significantly decreased during ischemia. However, these values increased by about 16% in the reperfusion period. Thus, our results show that the RI intervention may have caused an increase in metabolic demand, as even with the release of blood flow, the TSI values were below those of the other interventions.

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Abstract Aim: The study aimed to quantify and characterize the Training Load (TL) in a Functional Training (FT) model using Heart Rate (HR) and Session Rating of Perceived Exertion (sRPE) methods, and to verify whether these methods could be valid to monitor the TL during a FT program. Methods: The study design consisted of two phases: phase 1 - composed of a single training session of FT (FTSESSION), in which HR, sRPE, and pre- and post-exercise lactate [La] levels were assessed; phase 2 - composed of a FT program (FTPROGRAM) with eight weeks of duration and two sessions per week. The HR and SRPE were utilized to monitor all training sessions, and the results between sessions 1 vs. 8, 8 vs. 9, and 9 vs. 16 were compared. Results: On phase 1, HR distribution demonstrated that the participants spent about 75% of the total training time above 80% HRmax. Post-exercise [La] values were significantly higher (p < 0.05) than pre-exercise. The mean sRPE score was 8.5 ± 1.2. In phase 2, HR distribution was different between sessions 1-8 and 8-9 (p < 0.05). A strong correlation (r = 0.790) between the internal training load (ITL) and Training impulse (TRIMP) was observed. Conclusion: Our data demonstrated that the FTSESSION can be characterized as a high-intensity exercise, based on the pattern of HR responses and sRPE, and was reinforced by the [Lapeak]. Also, the TL monitoring methods (sRPE and TRIMP) proved to be valid for monitoring FT programs.

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Abstract Aims: analyze kinematics, anthropometrics, and maturation during a training season in 12 y and underage-group swimmers, quantifying changes and estimating their contributions to the 200-m maximal front crawl time trial test (T200) (time trial/fixed distance), as an event representative of the swimming performance. Methods: Nineteen age-group swimmers (11 girls and 8 boys; age 10.0 ± 1.3 y and 10.6 ± 1.0 y) performed a T200 four times during the training season. Changes in kinematic and anthropometric variables throughout the season were calculated. We applied generalized estimating equations to compare the variables over the four experimental tests. Multiple linear regressions were applied to identify the most influential variables and the relative contribution of anthropometrics and kinematics to swimming performance of T200 at baseline (pre-season) and after (using delta values) each macrocycle. Results: Large improvements (d = 1.76) were observed in the T200's performance (from 85.5 ± 38.2 at pre-season to 175.2 ± 50.1 FINA points at the end season). A gender effect was not identified. Stroke rate, stroke length, and stroke index explained, respectively 59, 23, and 17% of the T200 performance changes along the season (R2 = 0.81; F = 26.9; p < 0.001; Durbin-Watson: 1.5). Anthropometric was not related to performance changes, with kinematic being the most determinant factor. Conclusion: Kinematical approaches must be carefully considered by coaches when planning 12 y and underage-group swimmers training programs.

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Abstract Aim: This study investigated the adaptations of football teams as hierarchically organised open systems. In this type of system, the collective and individual behaviours are characterised by consistency and variability, respectively. Methods: Five professional men's football matches in the under-20 category were analysed. The team's centroid as a measure of the system's macrostructure and the distance from each player to the team's centroid (a measure of the system's microstructure) were obtained from the players' x and y coordinates of displacement on the soccer field. Cluster analyses were run using Ward's minimum variance method with Euclidean distance. Results: (i) teams showed consistency and variability in their macro- and microstructures, respectively; (ii) there was a correlation between attack and defence patterns in most game sequences; (iii) goals were scored when teams modified their macro and/or microstructure. Conclusion: Football teams showed correspondence in attack-defense patterns with macro-consistency and micro-variability throughout the match. Despite this, there was no relationship between the foregoing patterns and game outcomes. Goals were scored after changes in the team's structure.

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Abstract Aim: This study verified the combined effects of game result and match location on centrality measures based on the interactions of Brazilian handball players. Methods: The sample consisted of 3435 interactions performed by 15 players during 7 official Brazilian Regional Championship matches. Social network analysis was applied to investigate the following network properties: degree of centrality, closeness centrality, degree of prestige, proximity prestige, and network density. Results: Results revealed that playing at home increases closeness centrality (η2 = 0.99; p = 0.01), and network density (η2 = 1.00; p = 0.01). When the handball team lost the game, an increment in the network density in relation to the draw and win scenario was observed (η2 = 1.00; p = 0.01). It was observed that closeness centrality and network density increased when the team had lost and played at home, while when the team was playing away from home and losing, closeness centrality decreased (η2 = 0.99; p = 0.01). Conclusions: In conclusion, contextual variables impact the way that handball players interact during a match.

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Abstract Aim: This study aims to characterize the body stature and age, handgrip, and endurance strength of elite male weightlifters, and ascertain the anthropometric features that can boost IRM bench press. Methods: Forty-four elite male weightlifters of different weight categories participated in this study. All participants were members of the Ebonyi state team in Nigeria. We assessed their body weight, height, arm span, arm girth, chest girth, hip girth, thigh girth, handgrip strength, 1RM, time for repetitions (TR), and the number of repetitions (NR) of bench press, using National Strength and Conditioning Association’s guidelines. Results: 1RM bench press depends on waist and thigh girths, while the speed of bench press was associated with height and arm span of elite weightlifters. 1RM, NR, and TR of bench press depend on age, body weight, and BMI. Consistently, NR of bench press increase with age; range 18, 22 years, and body weight increases with age; range 28, 32 years, while handgrip strength reduces with age; range 38 years and above (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The strength of association of age, and BMI with strength endurance and 1RM bench press was robust and similar, but inconsistent with handgrip strength. It also suggests that enhancing the musculoskeletal structures of the thigh and waist could boost 1RM bench press while handgrip strength could not but reduces as age advances beyond 38 years.

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Abstract Aim: The study aimed to investigate the effects of the somatotype components on handball. Methods: The sample consisted of 60 elite junior handball players. Somatotype was evaluated using the Heath & Carter method. The kinetic performance trials of the handball athletes were running speed performance over 5 m 10 m and 20 m sprints, sit and reach, standing long jump (SLJ), ball velocity, and maximum aerobic power. For the data analyses, we used Pearson correlation and multiple linear regression. Results: The endomorphic component correlated positive with all three sprint times (5 m, 10 m και 30 m sprints) (r = 0.315, p = 0.014; r = 0.367, p = 0.004; r = 0.358, p = 0.005 respectively) while negative with SLJ (r = -0.418, p = 0.001) και maximum aerobic power (r = -0.322, p = 0.012). The mesomorphic component had a positive correlation with ball velocity (r = 0.260, p = 0.045) and negative relation with SLJ (r = -0.261, p = 0.044). The ectomorphic component exhibited a negative correlation only with ball velocity (r = -0.260, p = 0.045). The ordinary least square regression models found that endomorphy and ectomorphy were prognostic factors and predicted worse performance in all of the examined motor performance indices except ball velocity and 5 m sprint, while mesomorphy was a predictor of worse performance in SLJ. Conclusions: In conclusion, according to the findings of this study, somatotype components play an important role in performance-related parameters.

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Abstract Aim: This study aimed to verify the acute effect of photobiomodulation (PBM) on maximal lactate production rate (VLamax) in front crawl swimmers. Methods: Fifteen male swimmers (20.9 ± 2.4-year-old) participated in this study. Three sets of front crawls were performed at distances of 100-, 200- and 400-m under three experimental conditions: PBM (420 J), placebo (PLA) and control (C) in this randomized, crossover, double-blind and placebo-controlled study. PBM or PLA were applied or simulated before performance tests. One-way Anova for repeated measurements were used for statistical analyses. Results: The results showed that the prior PBM application did not affect VLamax in front crawl swimmers: VLamax 100-m (PBM = 0.20 ± 0.05 mmol·L-1·s-1; PLA = 0.20 ± 0.04 mmol·L-1·s-1 and C = 0.21 ± 0.04; mmol·L-1·s-1); 200-m (PBM = 0.09 ± 0.03 mmol·L-1·s-1; PLA = 0.08 ± 0.02 mmol·L-1·s-1 and C = 0.08 ± 0.02 mmol·L-1·s-1) and 400-m (PBM = 0.04 ± 0.01 mmol·L-1·s-1; PLA = 0.04 ± 0.01 mmol·L-1·s-1 and C = 0.03 ± 0.01 mmol·L-1·s-1). Nor effect swim time (ST) performance: ST 100 m (PBM = 65.5 ± 6.3 s; PLA = 65.2 ± 5.6 s; C = 66.0 ± 5.9 s); ST 200 m (PBM = 148.5 ± 17.9 s; PLA = 149.4 ± 16.4 s; C = 150.1 ± 17.9 s); ST 400 m (PBM = 327.7 ± 38.2 s; PLA = 321.6 ± 47.7 s; C = 329.5 ± 41.2 s). Conclusions: PBM application prior front crawl swimming tests did not significantly modify the VLamax on swimmers covering distances of 100-, 200- and 400-m.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract Aim: The present study aimed to investigate the prevalence of RAE in soccer players from different positions in Series A and B in 2020 Brazilian soccer, as well as the impact of RAE on the estimated market value of these players. Methods: Data from 1080 male elite soccer athletes were analyzed. Athletes were grouped according to birth quarters: Q1 (January-March), Q2 (April-June), Q3 (July-September), and Q4 (October-December) and the competitive level (Series A or B). Chi-square tests (χ2) were performed to compare the birthdates’ distribution of athletes according to a competitive level and playing positions. Kruskal-Wallis test was used to compare the market values of players born in each of the quarters of the year across competitive levels and playing positions. The significance level was set at 5%. Results: The overall analyses showed the prevalence of RAE in Series A and B, with an overrepresentation of athletes born in the first two quarters of the year. The RAE analysis based on playing positions showed different from expected distributions for forwards, midfielders, and defenders in Series A. In Series B, only midfielders showed a difference from the expected distribution. As for the market values analyses, no differences were found based on the athletes’ birth quarters, regardless of competitive level or playing position. Conclusion: Our results indicate that, although RAE is prevalent in Series A and B of elite Brazilian soccer, it does not seem to influence players’ estimated market values.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract Aims: (i) to compare the running performance of non-professional female runners from different Brazilian states; (ii) to estimate the relationship between environmental state-related variables and running performance; and (iii) to analyze the mediation role of training commitment in the relationship between the environment and running performance. Methods: A total of 418 non-professional female runners were sampled from the five Brazilian regions. An online questionnaire was used for data collection and included self-reported information about age, body weight, body height, place of residence, training volume, and running pace. Environmental characteristics were based on the Census 2010 and included percentages of public illumination, asphalt, sidewalks, and green areas for state capital cities. Linear regression, Pearson correlation, and mediation analysis were performed using SPSS 26, at a 95% confidence interval. Results: The fastest women were from the Rio Grande do Sul. Significant differences were observed between Rio Grande do Sul and Rio Grande do Norte (β= 45.79; 95%CI = 16.86 − 74.73), Distrito Federal (β = 34.55; 95%CI = 1.87−67.24), and Sergipe (β = 35.34; 95%CI = 14.09−56.60). A negative relationship was observed between running pace with green areas (r = −0.206; 95%CI = −0.305 − −0.110) and training volume (r = −0.343; 95%CI = −0.427−0.167). Training volume explained 23% of the relationship between the percentage of green areas and running performance. Conclusion: The fastest runners were from the Rio Grande do Sul. Higher percentages of green areas can favor performance, which is partly mediated by increased training volume.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract Aim: To characterize the goal-scoring patterns and investigate the goal process on match outcome during the Intercontinental Beach Soccer Cup Dubai 2019. Methods: A set of 35 goal-scoring patterns were grouped into nine macro-categories: Match-period, Court-zone, Set-play, Open-play, Touching by players before the goal, Offensive method, Goalkeeper-line, Number of passes before the goal, and Ball trajectory. Match outcome in regular time was considered the matches resulting in a loss (n=16), draw (n=8), or win (n=16). The offensive sequences that resulted in the goal were analyzed in all 20 matches during the competition (n=138 goals). Results: The most goals were scored in Open-play (69%), during the 2nd and 3rd periods (36% for each), near to goal (Zone 4; 50%), preceded by 1-touch (67%) and 0-pass (29%), using positional attack (46%), without goalkeeper-line (68%), and with high-ball trajectory (51%). In addition, won matches presented a higher number of goals in Zone 4, 1-touch, Counterattack, 4v4 goal-successful, Receiving pass, Sand-touch, and High-ball compared to draw and loss matches (p<0.001−0.03; Effect Size [ES]=1.24−2.58, large). Conclusion: In summary, winning teams scored their goals mainly in open-play situations and without a goalkeeper-line, using counterattacks to achieve zones near the opponent's goals, and implementing a direct offensive style. In addition, goals scored were usually preceded by 1-touch, both through high-ball and sand-touch ball trajectory. Coaches and practitioners may consider these goal processes to train prescription and deep understanding of the process to goal in elite Beach soccer.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract Aim: To investigate the existence of relative age effect (RAE) in Brazilian water polo athletes according to sex and age category. Methods: The birthdate of 574 Brazilian water polo athletes were organized according to the athletes’ birthdates into quarters of the year (Q1, Q2, Q3, and Q4), and classified according to sex (male and female) and age category (U16, U18, U20, and senior). To verify the existence of RAE, the Chi-Square tests (χ2) were performed, and the effect sizes (ω) were calculated for each of the tests. We also calculated odds ratio (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals, setting the level of significance to 0.05. As post hoc analysis, multiple comparisons between quarters were performed, with Bonferroni's correction (significance level set to 0.0083 in these cases). Results: The results indicated an uneven distribution of birthdates for male water polo athletes (χ2 = 12.257; p = 0.007; ω = 0.173), with an overrepresentation of athletes born in the first (p < 0.006) and second (p < 0.002) quarters. When sex and age category were considered, male athletes presented uneven distributions in U20 (χ2 = 10.747; p = 0.013; ω = 0.345) and senior (χ2 = 12.614; p = 0.006; ω = 0.383) categories. In females, no differences were found. Conclusion: We conclude that there is an uneven distribution of birthdates in male Brazilian water polo athletes, indicating the presence of RAE in this group.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract Aim: Motor learning is considered a complex process, providing numerous investigations. Knowledge of Results (KR), a kind of extrinsic feedback, is one of the variables that are used for investigations on motor learning. There are different ways to provide KR to optimize motor learning. The bandwidth KR is one of these forms, being a factor that affects motor learning, however, the specificity of the task needs to be considered in the investigation of this theme. Thus, the objective of the study is to analyze the bandwidth of KR in the acquisition of motor skills of the overhand serve in volleyball. Methods: The sample consisted of 24 volunteers of both sexes (12 men and 12 women), 18 to 35 years of age (M = 27, SD = 3.46) and inexperienced in the task. The effect of the bandwidth was analyzed in two groups (with range and without range), in which the volunteers had to learn to control their force by performing the volleyball tennis type service in order to hit a target line. Performance was inferred by the mean and standard deviation of absolute, constant and variable errors. Results: There was no statistically significant difference between the groups and the volunteers improved both the precision (absolute error and constant error) and in the consistency (variable error) during the acquisition. There was an improvement in the groups also in the transfer test in the precision measures. Conclusion: The variable bandwidth is similar to a control condition in which the volunteers have information at each attempt, causing dependence on external information.