Relative Age Effect in Brazilian water polo: analysis of male and female athletes from U16 to senior categories

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.

Predictors associated with a range of motion of shoulder rotation in competitive high school water polo players: a cross-sectional study

Abstract Aims: To investigate the factors associated with shoulder rotational range of motion and its correlation with the self-reported function scale and functional assessment of the shoulder (closed kinetic chain upper extremity stability, peak torque of shoulder rotators, glenohumeral internal rotation deficit - GIRD, and pectoralis minor length index) in competitive water polo players. Methods: Thirty-four competitive water polo players (age: 15 +/- 1.6 years) participated in this study. The shoulder rotational range of motion, closed kinetic chain upper extremity stability, pectoralis minor length index, isokinetic torque of shoulder internal and external rotations, and self-reported upper limb function were assessed. The Pearson correlation coefficient was used to test the linear correlation before the multiple linear regressions, that were used to predict the variables associated with the external rotation and internal rotation range of motion ratio (ER/IR ratio) of the throwing limb. Results: A significant association was identified between the throwing limb ER/IR ratio and GIRD, and this observation allows us to infer that GIRD was responsible for 18.4% (p=0.01) of the variation. No associations between ER/IR ratio and the variables closed kinetic chain upper extremity stability, peak torque of shoulder internal rotation, and pectoralis minor length index were identified. Conclusion: Anatomical GIRD was the only factor associated with the ER/IR ratio in asymptomatic competitive water polo players from high school, indicating the beginning of the typical adaptations to increase performance without significantly altering the self-perception and functionality of their upper limbs.

Is life satisfaction associated with the purpose in life of elderly hydrogymnastics practitioners?

Aim: This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the association between life satisfaction and purpose in the life of the elderly hydro gymnastic practitioners. Methods: A total of 92 older people of both sexes, who practice hydro gymnastics in the city of Maringá, State of Paraná, Brazil, participated in the study. A sociodemographic questionnaire, the Satisfaction with Life Scale and the purpose in life Questionnaire were used as instruments. Data analysis was carried out by using Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, Mann-Whitney U test, Kruskal-Wallis test, and Spearman's correlation test, in addition to the Path Analysis (p <0.05). Results: The results showed a greater life satisfaction for the women comparing to the men (p = 0.023). Moreover, it was found that the elderly who perceived themselves with a better health condition obtained higher scores according to the purpose in life scale. Life satisfaction had a positive and moderate association (β = 0.24) with the purpose in the life of the elderly, which explains 6% of the variability. Conclusion: It was concluded that sex can be considered as an intervening factor when concerning life satisfaction, time of practice of hydro gymnastics and self-perceived health related to the purpose in life of the elderly. In addition, satisfaction with life was positively associated with the purpose in the life.(AU)