Fixed-Seat Rowing versus Sliding-Seat Rowing: Effects on Physical Fitness in Breast Cancer Survivors.

This study aimed to analyze the effects of a team rowing-based training program on physical fitness and anthropometric parameters in female breast cancer survivors (n = 40; 56.78 ± 6.38 years). The participants were divided into two groups: one rowed in fixed-seat rowing (FSR) boats (n = 20; 56.35 ± 4.89 years), and the other rowed in sliding-seat rowing (SSR) boats (n = 20; 57.20 ± 7.7 years). Both groups engaged in two 75 min sessions per week for 24 weeks. Significant improvements were observed in both groups in terms of weight (FSR: -1.93 kg, SSR: -1.75 kg), body mass index (FSR: -0.73 kg/m2, SSR: -0.67 kg/m2), waist circumference (FSR: -2.83 cm, SSR: -3.66 cm), and hip circumference (FSR: -2.02 cm, SSR: -2.88 cm). Muscle strength improved in the lower extremities (jump test: FSR: 2.99 cm, SSR: 3.11 cm) and upper extremities (dominant: FSR: 4.13 kgf, SSR: 4.34 kgf; non-dominant: FSR: 3.67 kgf, SSR: 3.32 kgf). Aerobic capacity also improved, with the SSR group showing a greater increase (FSR: 63.05 m, SSR: 93.65 m). Flexibility tests revealed better results in the SSR group for both dominant (SSR: 1.75 cm vs. FSR: -5.55 cm) and non-dominant limbs (SSR: 1.72 cm vs. FSR: -3.81 cm). These findings suggest that the type of rowing modality can influence physical fitness outcomes, with the SSR group showing superior improvements compared to the FSR group.

Potential neuroprotective effects of fermented foods and beverages in old age: a systematic review.

Purpose: Numerous articles have recently studied the involvement of the gut microbiota in neurological diseases. Aging is associated with changes in the microbiome, which implies a reduction in microbial biodiversity among other changes. Considering that the consumption of a fermented-food diet improves intestinal permeability and barrier function, it seems of interest to study its participation in the prevention of neurodegenerative diseases. This article reviews existing studies to establish whether the consumption of fermented foods and fermented beverages prevents or ameliorates neurodegenerative decline in old age. Methods: The protocol used was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Details of the protocol for this systematic review are registered on PROSPERO (CRD42021250921). Results: Out of 465 articles identified in the Pubmed, Scopus, and Cochrane Library databases, a total of 29 that examined the relationship of the consumption of fermented products with cognitive impairment in old people were selected (22 cohort, 4 case-control, and 3 cross-sectional studies). The results suggest that low-to-moderate alcohol consumption and daily intake of coffee, soy products, and fermented-food diets in general are associated with a lower risk of dementia and Alzheimer's disease. Conclusion: Daily consumption of fermented foods and beverages, either alone or as part of a diet, has neuroprotective effects and slows cognitive decline in old people. Systematic review registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=250921, identifier: CRD42021250921.

Relación entre la habilidad de lanzamiento y el rendimiento académico en edad escolar / Relationship between throwing ability and academic performance at school age

Desde los primeros años de vida, el desarrollo cognitivo está estrechamente relacionado con la habilidad motriz o el desarrollo motor. El principal objetivo fue analizar las relaciones existentes entre el rendimiento académico en edad escolar y la habilidad del lanzamiento. La muestra estuvo conformada por 152 estudiantes, 66 chicas y 86 chicos con edad media de 8,54 ± 0,61 años. La intervención constó de cuatro sesiones destinadas a la recogida de datos, la realización de test de evaluación del lanzamiento y la mejora de la habilidad de lanzamiento. Los resultados obtenidos muestran que tras la intervención se produjo una mejora en la ejecución técnica de los lanzamientos (Una mano (t (139) = 3,23; diff mean = 0,200; p < 0,01); Dos manos (t (139) = 5,636; diff mean = 0,307; p < 0,01)), aunque no así en la distancia (Una mano (t (139) = -0,187; diff mean = - 0,026; p > 0,05); Dos manos (t (139) = - 4,604; diff mean = - 0,434; p < 0,01)). La práctica deportiva se relaciona con un mejor rendimiento académico en la nota media general y asignaturas como Francés, Educación Física o Educación Artística. Por último, la habilidad de lanzamiento se relaciona significativamente con el rendimiento académico en distintas asignaturas, especialmente con Educación Física. Podemos concluir que una intervención a corto plazo puede mejorar la ejecución técnica del lanzamiento, y que la práctica deportiva y la habilidad de lanzamiento se relaciona significativamente con el rendimiento académico en algunas áreas curriculares de Educación Primaria. (AU)

From the earliest years of life, cognitive development is closely related to motor ability or motor development. The aim of this study was to analyze the relationships between academic performance at school age and the basic motor skill of throwing. The sample consisted of 152 students, 66 girls and 86 boys with a mean age of 8.54 ± 0.61 years. The intervention consisted of four sessions aimed at data collection, performance of throwing evaluation tests, and improvement and refinement of throwing skills. The results obtained show that after the intervention there was an improvement in the technical execution of throws (one hand (t (139) = 3.23; diff mean = 0.200; p < 0.01); two hands (t (139) = 5.636; diff mean = 0.307; p < 0.01), but not in distance (one hand t (139) = -0.187; diff mean = - 0.026; p > 0.05); two hands t (139) = - 4.604; diff mean = - 0.434; p < 0.01). Sport practice has been related to better academic performance in the overall average grade and in some subjects such as French, Physical Education or Art Education. Finally, throwing skill is significantly related to academic performance in some of the curricular areas, especially Physical Education. We can conclude that a short-term intervention can improve the technical execution of throwing, and that sports practice and throwing ability is significantly related to academic performance in some curricular areas of Primary Education. (AU)

Lifestyle and Self-Perceived Quality of Life in Sports Students: A Case Study.

Adolescence has been considered a crucial stage for the adoption of healthy habits such as physical activity. In addition, numerous research studies have shown that physical activity is a positive factor for health behaviors and quality of life. In this sense, the aim of this study was to examine the relationship between physical activity levels and perceived quality of life in a sample of students studying physical activity and sport. This is a descriptive observational study with a population of physical activity and sports students from the San Pablo High School in Seville, Spain. The participants (N = 86), with a mean age of 18.56 ± 1.88 years, were pursuing professional qualifications in Physical Activity and Sport. They were administered the short version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ-SF) and the SF-36 questionnaire on perceived health status. For data analysis, a correlation analysis (Spearman's rho) was performed. The results indicate that students attending sports-related vocational training programs engaged in more physical activity (96.9%) than the population average suggested by the World Health Organization (20%). In addition, a direct relationship was shown between participating in physical activity and perceived health. Depending on the intensity of the physical activity, students found less physical interference (IPAQ Vigorous-Physical Function (rho = 0.252; p = 0.019); IPAQ Sedentary-Bodily Pain (rho = 0. 223; p < 0.039); IPAQ Total-Physical Function (rho = 0.256; p = 0.018)) and emotional interference (IPAQ Moderate-Emotional Role (rho = 0.237; p = 0.028)) when performing exercise or activities of daily life; therefore, physical activity appears to be beneficial for self-perception of quality of life.

Impact of Rowing Training on Quality of Life and Physical Activity Levels in Female Breast Cancer Survivors.

The aim of this longitudinal study was to determine whether a rowing training program improved the quality of life and the physical activity levels in female breast cancer survivors (n = 28) (stage 1-4.54%; stage 2-36.36%; stage 3-54.54%; and stage 4-4.54%), diagnosed 4.68 ± 3.00 years previously, who had undergone a subsequent intervention (preservation 56.53% and total mastectomy 43.47%) and had a current mean age of 52.30 ± 3.78 years. The participants (n = 28) engaged in a 12-week training program, each week comprising three sessions and each session lasting 60-90 min. The short form of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ-SF) and the Short Form 36 Health Survey (SF-36) were also administered. The results showed statistically significant improvements in levels of physical activity and in the dimensions of quality of life. We can conclude that a 12-week rowing training program tailored to women who have had breast cancer increases physical activity levels, leading to improved health status and quality of life.

Rowing Training in Breast Cancer Survivors: A Longitudinal Study of Physical Fitness.

The aim of this study was to determine whether a rowing training program leads to improvements in physical fitness and body composition in women who have survived breast cancer (53.70 ± 7.88 years). The participants (n = 30) completed a twelve-week training program consisting of three sessions per week, with each session lasting from sixty to ninety minutes. An anthropometric and general physical fitness assessment was performed before and after the program. The results showed statistically significant improvements in all the physical fitness tests performed: sit and reach (2.82 cm); back scratch, dominant (3.29 cm); back scratch, non-dominant (4.59 cm); counter movement jump (1.91 cm); hand grip, dominant (2.54 kgf); hand grip, non-dominant (2.53 kgf); chair stand (2.56 rep); and six-minute walk (51.56 m). In addition, a significant improvement was observed in the efficiency of the cardiovascular system measured by heart rate, in beats per minute (bpm), both before (-12.63 bpm) and after the six-minute walk test (-11.46 bpm). The evaluated body composition parameters also improved, specifically total lean mass (2.18 kg) and the percentage of total body fat (-2.63%). We can therefore conclude that rowing training programs can be a strategy to be considered for improving physical fitness in this population given the improvement obtained in both anthropometric and physical fitness variables, thus leading to better health and quality of life.

Longitudinal Study of Body Composition and Energy Expenditure in Overweight or Obese Young Adults.

The aim of this study was to compare the effects of an aerobic training program with a strength training program on body composition and energy expenditure in overweight or obese (29.06 ± 3.49 kg/m2) young adults (21.96 ± 1.90 years). Subjects (N = 109) were randomly assigned to one of three groups: a control group (CG), an aerobic training (AT) group and a strength training (ST) group. Training took place over twelve weeks comprising three sessions per week with each session lasting 60 to 90 minutes. Before and after the program, weight, height, body mass index, lean mass percentage and fat mass percentage were evaluated. In addition, The International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ-SF) was used to estimate energy expenditure. The results of both aerobic training and strength training produced statistically significant improvements in weight (AT-CG = -2.892 kg; ST-CG = -2.986 kg); BMI (AT-CG = -1.075 kg/m2; ST-CG = -1.118 kg/m2); total body fat (AT-CG = -1529.172 g; ST-CG = -763.815); and total body fat percentage (AT-CG = -1.421%; AT-ST = -0.855%). These two exercise prescription models were therefore useful in reducing overweight and obesity, which could have an impact on improving the health and quality of life of individuals with these characteristics.

Studying Well and Performing Well: A Bayesian Analysis on Team and Individual Rowing Performance in Dual Career Athletes.

On many occasions, the maximum result of a team does not equate to the total maximum individual effort of each athlete (social loafing). Athletes often combine their sports life with an academic one (Dual Career), prioritizing one over the over in a difficult balancing act. The aim of this research is to examine the existence of social loafing in a group of novice university rowers and the differences that exist according to sex, academic performance, and the kind of sport previously practiced (individual or team). Therefore, a study was conducted from a probabilistic perspective using the Bayesian Network analysis methodology. The results confirm the existence of the Ringelmann effect or social loafing. The Bayesian analysis let us confirm that having a good student who practices a team sport, even in the individual rowing concept, increases the probability of obtaining greater performance (higher number of strokes and more power in each one). Therefore, when rowing partnerships are formed, the occurrence probability chain is quickly simplified, along with values of the top and bottom variables. Finally, the instantiations undertaken on the bottom variable that appears to be common in the two BNs, the watt input, enhance the results obtained. In short, rowers who have a better academic record are more involved in team testing, so this characteristic is defining when it comes to achieving better performance in team testing.

Dual Career of the U-23 Spanish Canoeing Team.

Canoeing is one of the sport disciplines that brings great success to Spain in international competitions and Olympic Games (of the 17 medals won in Rio in 2016, four were in this sport, including three gold). However, the journey to become an elite athlete coincides in time with the challenge of pursuing an academic education, which often involves making difficult choices in the training-university dichotomy. The aim of this research was to ascertain how the Spanish under-23 calm water canoeing team perceives their athletic and academic careers. The present study was carried out with the Spanish under-23 flat water canoeing team, the step prior to competition at the highest level. The study sample comprised the whole population, namely the entire national team, made up of 21 athletes (11 women and 10 men) with a mean age of 20.57 ± 2.64 years and 10.00 ± 3.49 years of experience. These athletes are usually based at La Cartuja High Performance Center (Seville) and combine their sports activity with studying toward a university degree. A double qualitative and quantitative methodology was used. For the first of these, an interview script was elaborated based on the theoretical model by Wylleman et al. (2013). Applicable consents were requested from the Spanish Royal Canoeing Federation, coaches and paddlers. Interviews were carried out with each athlete twice: at the beginning and at the end of the season/academic year, which were recorded and subsequently tabulated and analyzed. Concerning quantitative methodology, the ESTPORT dual career questionnaire validated by Sánchez-Pato et al. (2016) was used. The results show that for all the paddlers canoeing is very important. It is typically complicated for them to attend classes, and subject planning is usually based on their training schedules. In the second/last part of the course, it is stressful for these athletes to combine both activities and some drop out of school. During the course, though, they appreciate having another activity that allows them to escape from the training routine. In addition, they miss not having an academic tutor to guide and advise them. These student-athletes are aware that their sport causes them to miss out on many moments with family and friends due to training or competing. However, at present this is offset, largely because of their high level of performance, which makes it easier for them to obtain scholarships that provide economic support.

Anthropometric Measures as Predictive Indicators of Metabolic Risk in a Population of "Holy Week Costaleros".

Preventive measures are a priority in those groups that perform intense physical efforts without physical preparation and that can also be overweight or obese. One of the groups that reflect these characteristics is the costaleros of the Holy Week of Andalusia, Spain. This paper aims to describe the effect of obesity on blood pressure. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on 101 costaleros. The anthropometric measures were determined through segmental impedance. Cardiac recovery and anaerobic power were measured through the Ruffier⁻Dickson test and the Abalakov test, respectively. Blood pressure was measured when the individuals were at rest. The Kruskal⁻Wallis test was applied for of continuous parameters and the X² test for dichotomous measures. Binary logistic regression models were used for the subsequent analysis with R-square and Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curves. The average population was 28 years of age, 173.7 cm tall, and 82.59 Kg weigh. The excess of body fat was 11.27 Kg and Body Mass Index was 27.33 Kg/m². 72.3% showed abnormal blood pressure and 68.2% were overweight. 32.7% had a waist-hip ratio higher than 0.94. The probability of presenting abnormal blood pressure was higher among the subjects whose fat content was higher and muscle content was lower.