Differences and relationship in functional movement screen (FMS™) scores and physical fitness in males and female semi-professional soccer players.

Background: Soccer is the world's most popular sport for both men and women. Tests of athletic and functional performance are commonly used to assess physical ability and set performance goals. The Functional Movement Screen (FMS™) is a widely used seven-test battery developed by practitioners to provide interpretable measure of movement quality. The main objective of the present study was twofold, to analyze the relationship between FMS™ results from male and female soccer players and to compare their physical performance in different tests. Methods: A total of twenty-eight semi-professional soccer players: fourteen male (age: 21.29 ± 1.64 years; weight: 70.66 ± 5.29 kg; height: 171.86 ± 5.35 cm; BMI: 20.90 ± 2.22 kg/m2) and fourteen females (age: 20.64 ± 1.98 years; weight: 63.44 ± 5.83 kg; height: 166.21 ± 12.18 cm; BMI: 23.02 ± 2.50 kg/m2) were recruited for this study. A paired sample t-test was used for determining differences as a repeated measures analysis. All the participants conducted the following tests: The Functional Movement Test (FMS™), 10-m linear sprint, 5-0-5 COD Test and Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test-Level 1 (YYIRT Level 1). Results: A t-test with data from 505 COD (change of direction) test showed significant differences between groups, p = 0.001, d = 1.11, revealing faster times in male soccer players (2.50 ± 0.19) in respect with female soccer players (2.70 ± 0.17). Crucially, a t-test with data from FMS did not reveal significant differences between groups. Multiple regression for V02max revealed significant effects (r = 0.55, r2 = 0.30, adjusted r2 = 0.24, F = 5.21, p = 0.04 and standard error = 2.20). On the other hand, multiple regression for 10-m sprint showed significant effects (r = 0.58, r2 = 0.33, adjusted r2 = 0.28, F = 5.98, p = 0.03). The impact of these factors on the correlation between FMS™ scores and physical performance measures can vary among individuals. Discussion/Conclusion: This study demonstrates the necessity of utilizing and applying multiple field-based tests to evaluate the movement and capabilities of physical performance in sports. Crucially, consider individual variations and factors such as training background, fitness level, and sport-specific demands when interpreting the relationship between the FMS™ and physical performance in both sexes.

Effects of combined plyometric, strength and running technique training program on change-of-direction and countermovement jump: A two-armed parallel study design on young soccer players.

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: Players must be capable to have a good change-of-direction (COD) skill aiming to be the fastest as possible to react immediately to the opponent or even to help players to be more agile since COD is a physical determinant of agility. Thus, the aim of this study was to test the effects of a six-week combined training intervention in the COD and countermovement jump (CMJ) of young soccer players, while comparing with a control group only performing the regular field-based training sessions. METHODS: A sample of 80 non-professional players (40 experimental group and 40 control group) between the ages of ten and twelve was taken [(Age: 10.70 ± 1.02)]. The tests that were carried out from the beginning to the end of the intervention were: CMJ test, 505COD Test and Illinois Test. Paired sample t-test was used for determining differences as a repeated measures analysis (pre- post). An ANCOVA test was performed using the pretest as a covariate and the times pre and post as factors. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Repeated measures ANCOVA revealed significant influence of baseline level on the 5-0-5 COD (p = 0.001; ηp2=0.170), the Illinois (p = 0.018; ηp2=0.070) and the CMJ (p = 0.047; ηp2=0.050). Significant interactions group*time (p < 0.001; ηp2=0.137), 5-0-5 COD (p < 0.001; ηp2=0.274), and CMJ (p < 0.001; ηp2=0.392) were found, while no significant interactions were found in Illinois (p = 0.293; ηp2=0.014). The current research revealed that a combined training intervention consisting of strength training, plyometrics, and running techniques can be significantly beneficial for improving COD performance and CMJ.

Influencia de la cultura machista en la práctica de ejercicio físico en personas adultas mayores / Influência da cultura machista na prática de exercício físico em idosos / Influence of patriarchy on the practice of physical exercise in older adults

Resumen Este estudio se realizó para tratar de comprender cuáles son los factores relacionados con la cultura machista que afectan a la práctica de ejercicio físico en personas adultas mayores. Se realizaron cuatro grupos focales en diferentes contextos socioeconómicos con un total de 39 adultos mayores residentes en España. El análisis metodológico es inductivo, emergente, delimitando los discursos de los participantes del estudio de lo específico a lo general, a través del proceso de codificación de la teoría fundamentada. Se presentaron las diferencias entre contextos en cuatro subtemas de la cultura patriarcal y su influencia según el nivel educativo, tiempo tras la jubilación, responsabilidades familiares y apoyo marital. Las mujeres adultas mayores son un grupo vulnerable ante el machismo ya que presentan mayor riesgo y complejidad para detener estas costumbres ya arraigadas, suponiendo una barrera clara a la hora de iniciar la práctica de ejercicio físico.

Resumo Este estudo foi realizado para tentar compreender os fatores relacionados à cultura machista que surgem da prática de exercício físico em idosos. Foram realizados quatro grupos focais em diferentes contextos socioeconômicos com um total de 39 idosos residentes na Espanha. A análise metodológica é indutiva, emergente, delimitando os discursos dos participantes do estudo do específico ao geral, por meio do processo de codificação da teoria fundamentada. As diferenças entre os contextos foram apresentadas em quatro subtópicos da cultura patriarcal e sua influência de acordo com a escolaridade, tempo após a aposentadoria, responsabilidades familiares e apoio conjugal. As mulheres idosas são um grupo vulnerável diante do machismo, pois apresentam maior risco e complexidade para frear esses costumes já arraigados, assumindo uma barreira clara ao iniciar a prática de exercícios físicos.

Abstract This study was carried out to try to understand what are the factors related to the macho culture that affect the practice of physical exercise in older adults. Four focus groups were carried out in different socioeconomic contexts with a total of 39 older adults residing in Spain. The methodological analysis is inductive, emergent, delimiting the discourses of the study participants from the specific to the general, through the coding process of grounded theory. The differences between contexts in four subtopics of patriarchal culture and their influence according to educational level, time after retirement, family responsibilities and marital support were presented. Older women are a vulnerable group in the face of machismo since they present greater risk and complexity to stop these already ingrained customs, assuming a clear barrier when starting the practice of physical exercise.

Effects of Early-Childhood-Based Interventions Influencing Bones: A Systematic Review.

A healthy lifestyle from early childhood is a crucial factor that influences bone-related factors in adulthood. In this context, physical education or psychomotricity from early childhood is an important opportunity to face this problem. The present article aims to systematically summarize school-based interventions, evaluated through randomized controlled trial design, that influence the bones of children from early childhood. A systematic review of relevant articles was carried out using four main databases (PubMed, ProQuest Central (including 26 databases), Scopus, and Web of Sciences) until 12 November 2023. From a total of 42 studies initially found, 12 were included in the qualitative synthesis. In brief terms, from early childhood and during puberty, children's bones are particularly responsive to exercise, making this an ideal time for interventions to maximize bone health. Therefore, incorporating physical activity into school curriculums is a strategic approach for enhancing bone health in children. Mainly, plyometric exercises can significantly enhance bone density and geometry. Nevertheless, collaboration among educators, healthcare professionals, and parents is key for designing and implementing these effective interventions.

Association between VO2max, anthropometrical measures and change of direction test in young soccer players / Asociación entre V02max, medidas antropométricas y test de cambio de dirección en futbolistas jóvenes

Objective: The use of the aerobic system is especially relevant due to the duration of the soccer game. In fact, the correct development of the aerobicsystem benefits the soccer player giving greater energy efficiency because the continuous change of energy system due to the intermittent nature of thegame causes a high consumption of glycogen. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate oxygen consumption by means of the Yo-Yo intermittenttest and anthropometrical measures, and different COD (change of direction) tests in young soccer players and to observe their possible relationship. Methods: A total of forty-seven young male soccer players (age= 15.7 ± 1.2 years; height = 188.8 ± 5.8 cm, and body mass= of 75.7 ± 8.3 kg; 7.6 ± 2.0 yearsof experience) from the region of Baleares, Spain, performed the Yo-yo test and subsequently, COD was evaluated by tests in the following order (i) V-cuttest; (ii) 505-COD test; and (iii) Illinois test. Results: A correlation analysis between VO2max and BMI revealed a moderate negative correlation, r=-0.35, p=0.01, and between VO2max and 505-COD,showed a large negative correlation, r=-0.55, p=0.001. Conclusions: The finding of the present study reveals that there is no relationship between VO2max and agility. Therefore, there is no single method toimprove VO2max and agility since both are independent variables. The different agents involved should take this into account if they want to improveVO2max and plan some aerobic resistance exercises; and to improve agility they must plan agility exercises separately.(AU)

Objetivo: El uso del sistema aeróbico es especialmente relevante debido a la duración del partido de fútbol. De hecho, el correcto desarrollo del sistemaaeróbico beneficia al futbolista otorgándole una mayor eficiencia energética ya que el continuo cambio de sistema energético debido a la naturalezaintermitente del juego provoca un alto consumo de glucógeno. El propósito del presente estudio fue evaluar el consumo de oxígeno mediante la pruebaYo-Yo intermitente y medidas antropométricas, y diferentes pruebas COD (cambio de dirección) en jóvenes futbolistas y observar su posible relación. Métodos: Un total de cuarenta y siete jóvenes futbolistas masculinos (edad= 15.7 ± 1.2 años; altura = 188.8 ± 5.8 cm, y masa corporal= de 75.7 ± 8.3 kg;7.6 ± 2.0 años de experiencia) de la región de Baleares, España, realizó la prueba Yo-yo y posteriormente, se evaluó la DQO mediante pruebas en elsiguiente orden (i) prueba de corte en V; (ii) prueba 505-COD; y (iii) prueba de Illinois. Resultados: Un análisis de correlación entre VO2max e IMC reveló una correlación negativa moderada, r=-0.35, p=0.01, y entre VO2max y 505-CODmostró una correlación negativa grande, r=-0.55, p=0.001. Conclusiones: El hallazgo del presente estudio revela que no existe una relación entre el VO2max y la agilidad. Por lo tanto, no existe un método único paramejorar el VO2max y la agilidad ya que ambas son variables independientes. Los diferentes agentes implicados deberían tener esto en cuenta si quierenmejorar el VO2max y planificar algunos ejercicios de resistencia aeróbica; y para mejorar la agilidad deben planificar ejercicios de agilidad por separado.(AU)

Effects of a Personalised Physical Exercise Program on University Workers Overall Well-Being: "UAL-Activa" Program.

Background and objectives: Regular individualised physical exercise (PE) is a habit that not only has consequences for overall health (physical, emotional, social and mental) but can also have positive effects on organisations and institutions, as it helps workers to improve their personal balance and recover from the effort of their working day, showing higher levels of energy, commitment and productivity. The aim of this study was to understand the relationship between the practice of PE and well-being in personal life and at work, as well as job satisfaction, overall health and the assessment of the personal training service provided by final-year students studying for a degree in Physical Activity and Sport Sciences. Methods: This study used a qualitative research methodology. There were 25 employees of the University of Almeria (UAL) (M = 52.16 ± 9.55 years), divided into two focus groups and participating in the physical exercise program "UAL Activa". Results: The following three main themes, based on the results, emerged: (a) social well-being during PE practice, (b) assessment of the personal training service and (c) physical exercise as an emotional benefit at work. Conclusion. The workers' interventions have shown that participating in a personalised PE program led by a personal trainer can improve overall health and mood, with a very positive influence on the working environment.

How Can Service-Learning Shape the Political Perspectives of Pre-Service Teachers? A Program in the Field of Physical Education.

Active and democratic citizenship promotion has become a critical challenge for higher education, and civic engagement is a fundamental axis not only in education but also in fostering democratic systems. Consequently, teacher educators held a prominent role through their own teaching practices to generate contexts promoting critical thinking, skills and attitudes. The aim of this study was to analyze the learning related to the political dimension developed by pre-service teachers (n = 123) after participating in a Service-Learning program through physical education with children at risk or/and student with educational needs. This research followed a qualitative research approach and we based the analysis of reflective diaries on Gorham's (2005) categories regarding political learning: Critical political thinking, Interest in politics, Deliberation and Political judgment. The findings show a development in learning such as civic attitudes, critical political thinking, awareness of social justice problems, increased civic compromise and responsibility. The Service-Learning program, therefore, may have been an adequate option to develop pre-service teachers' learning related to a political perspective. Therefore, these findings let us understand how Service-Learning may foster equity and social justice among future teachers.

An Intervention of 12 Weeks of Nordic Walking and Recreational Walking to Improve Cardiorespiratory Capacity and Fitness in Older Adult Women.

(1) Background: The main aim of this study was to examine the effect of an intervention of 12 weeks in three groups on anthropometric measurement and heart rate (HR) variables, fitness index, and maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) in older women. (2) Methods: In total, 166 Serbian adult women, aged 50 to 69 years old, participated in this study, comprising a control group (60 participants, µage = 57.8 + 6.6), Nordic-walking (NW) group (53 participants, µage = 57.5 + 6.8), and recreational-walking (RW) group (53 participants, µage = 57.8 + 6.6) in a physical fitness programme for 12 weeks. (3) Results: Anthropometric measurement variables were measured using a stadiometer and an electronic scale. The data showed differences in walking heart rate (bt/min) (p < 0.001; η2 = 0.088) between control, NW, and RW groups in the pretest analysis. Moreover, there were significant differences in walking heart rate (bt/min) (η2 = 0.155), heart rate at the end of the test (bt/min) (η2 = 0.093), total time of fitness index test (min) (η2 = 0.097), fitness index (η2 = 0.130), and VO2max (η2 = 0.111) (all, p < 0.001) between control, NW, and RW groups in the posttest analysis. (4) Conclusions: NW group training resulted in slightly greater benefits than RW group training. The present study demonstrated that both groups could act as modalities to improve the functionality and quality of life of people during the ageing process, reflected mainly in HR variables; UKK test measurements, and VO2max. It also contributes to the extant research on older women during exercise and opens interesting avenues for future research.

Psychological and environmental factors for older adults to exercise: A systematic review / Factores psicológicos y ambientales para que los adultos mayores hagan ejercicio: Una revisión sistemática / Fatores psicológicos e ambientais para o exercício de adultos mais velhos: uma revisão sistemática

Research investigation concerning potential motivators and psychological influences on health and physical exercise participation have increased worldwide in the last two decades. In contrast, few investigations have analysed this phenomenon in older people living in different contexts. Older adults suffer a notable diminution of physical functions that may be followed by psychological disorders and are detrimental to their affective and social relationships. Therefore, it is of great importance to find strategies that increase the participation of older adults' in regular exercise. A systematic review of 945 studies was conducted. All of the 27 studies reviewed, that met the inclusion criteria, have undertaken mixed-method, qualitative and qualitative approaches. The data were extracted based on the following variables: the methodology and the instrument/questionnaire used, the type of article, number of participants, duration and intensity of the interventions, profile of the older adults, most relevant findings and the country where the study was developed. The instruments used in the studies, were mainly semi-structured interviews, discussion groups and questionnaires, focusing mainly on the United States and Canada. The knowledge of psychological and environmental factors is a key aspect relevant to both the social and physical aspects and has a strong influence on older people's commitment to exercise, influencing their wellbeing. The aim of this study was to explore barriers and facilitators of adherence to a physical exercise programme for older adults

Las investigaciones sobre los posibles factores motivadores e influencias psicológicas sobre la salud y la participación en el ejercicio físico han aumentado en todo el mundo en las últimas dos décadas. En contraste, pocas investigaciones han analizado este fenómeno en adultos mayores que viven en varios contextos. Los adultos mayores sufren una disminución notable de las funciones físicas que pueden ser seguidas por trastornos psicológicos y un detrimento de las relaciones afectivas y sociales. Por lo tanto, es de suma importancia encontrar estrategias para aumentar la participación regular de los adultos mayores en prácticas de ejercicio físico dirigido. Se realizó una revisión sistemática de 945 estudios. Todos los 27 estudios revisados, que cumplieron con los criterios de inclusión, han adoptado métodos mixtos, cuantitativos y cualitativos. Los datos se extrajeron de acuerdo con las siguientes variables: metodología científica, el instrumento / cuestionario utilizado, tipo de artículo, número de participantes, duración e intensidad de las intervenciones, perfil del colectivo de adultos mayores, los hallazgos más relevantes y el país donde se realizó el estudio. Los instrumentos utilizados en los estudios fueron principalmente entrevistas semiestructuradas, grupos de discusión y cuestionarios, centrados principalmente en Estados Unidos y Canadá. El conocimiento sobre los factores psicológicos y ambientales es un aspecto clave que se encuentra adyacente tanto a los aspectos físicos como a los sociales y tiene una influencia relevante en el ejercicio y el bienestar de los adultos mayores. El objetivo de este estudio fue explorar las barreras y los facilitadores a la hora de realizar un programa de ejercicio físico para adultos mayores

Pesquisas sobre possíveis fatores motivadores e influências psicológicas na saúde e participação em exercícios físicos aumentaram em todo o mundo nas últimas duas décadas. Por outro lado, poucas investigações analisaram esse fenômeno em idosos que vivem em vários contextos. Os idosos sofrem uma diminuição notável nas funções físicas que podem ser seguidas por distúrbios psicológicos e um prejuízo para as relações afetivas e sociais. Portanto, é de extrema importância encontrar estratégias para aumentar a participação regular de idosos em práticas direcionadas de exercícios físicos. Uma revisão sistemática de 945 estudos foi realizada. Todos os 21 estudos revisados, que atenderam aos critérios de inclusão, adotaram métodos mistos, quantitativos e qualitativos. Os dados foram extraídos de acordo com as seguintes variáveis: metodologia científica, instrumento / questionário utilizado, tipo de artigo, número de participantes, duração e intensidade das intervenções, perfil do grupo de idosos, achados mais relevantes e país onde o estudo foi realizado. Os instrumentos utilizados nos estudos foram principalmente entrevistos semiestruturadas, grupos de discussão e questionários, focados principalmente nos Estados Unidos e no Canadá. O conhecimento de fatores psicológicos e ambientais é um aspecto fundamental, adjacente aos aspectos físicos e sociais, e tem uma influência relevante no exercício e no bem-estar dos idosos. O objetivo deste estudo foi explorar as barreiras e facilitadores na realização de um programa de exercícios físicos para idosos

Service-Learning with College Students toward Health-Care of Older Adults: A Systematic Review.

Service-Learning (SL) has become a teaching methodology that promotes social and personal skills while helping groups in need and at risk of social exclusion. This paper is a systematic review of the literature on SL experiences and research on college subjects in the area of health-care promotion in settings for older adults. After an exhaustive search, 43 peer-reviewed publications were classified according to frequency and geographical distribution, sample and duration of the programs, research methodologies, data collection instruments used, and main outcomes investigated. The results indicate that the research methodologies used tended to be qualitative and mixed, while the variety of samples and duration of interventions was very broad. The instruments used were mainly interviews and questionnaires, and the programs were developed specially in the United States of America. The groups receiving most SL were healthy older adults and older adult populations with aging disabilities and illnesses. The articles in the present review highlight that SL can have a positive effect on older adults' health promotion and can enhance their community participation.

Do Health-Related Quality of Life and Pain-Coping Strategies Explain the Relationship between Older Women Participants in a Pilates-Aerobic Program and Bodily Pain? A Multiple Mediation Model.

This study (1) analyzes the differences between non-participating and participating older women in terms of clinical characteristics, pain coping strategies, health-related quality of life and physical activity (PA); (2) studies the associations between non-participants and participants, clinical characteristics, pain coping strategies, HRQoL and bodily pain and PA; and (3) determines whether catastrophizing, physical role, behavioural coping, social functioning and emotional role are significant mediators in the link between participating in a Pilates-aerobic program (or not) and bodily pain. The sample comprised 340 older women over 60 years old. Participants of the present cross-sectional study completed measures of clinical characteristics: HRQoL using the SF-36 Health Survey, pain-coping strategies using the Vanderbilt Pain Management Inventory (VPMI) and PA using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). Significant differences between non-participants and participants, were found in clinical characteristics, pain-coping strategies (both, p < 0.05), HRQoL (p < 0.01), and PA (p < 0.001). Moreover, catastrophizing support mediated the link between non-participants and participants and bodily pain by 95.9% of the total effect; 42.9% was mediated by PA and 39.6% was mediated by behavioural coping. These results contribute to a better understanding of the link between PA and bodily pain.

Ingesta dietética y actividad física en el tiempo libre de adultas mayores en ámbito rural mediterráneo / Dietary intake and physical activity in leisure time of adult-elderly women in Mediterranean rural areas

Las mujeres mayores de ámbito rural presentan un marcado rol de trabajo familiar y agrícola, tipo de ingesta específica y diverso aprovechamiento del tiempo libre. El objetivo del presente estudio es comparar las diferencias entre los tipos de alimentos consumidos y características tanto clínicas como socio-demográficas que poseen los grupos de mujeres mayores de poblaciones rurales en función del gasto energético durante la práctica de actividad física en su tiempo libre. Un total de 117 mujeres con edades comprendidas entre los 60 y 79 años, que asistían a un programa de condición física en poblaciones rurales pequeñas y medianas en la provincia de Málaga (España), fueron clasificas en función del gasto energético utilizado: sedentarias (inferior a 1.250METs-min/14 días), moderadamente activas (1.250-2.999 METs-min/14 días), activas (3.000-4.999 METs-min/14 días) y muy activas (superior a 5.000 METs-min/14 días). Se evaluaron las características socio-demográficas y clínicas de las participantes (índice de masa corporal, hipertensión y hábitos alimentarios. Los resultados indican que las participantes de más edad son las sedentarias y las muy activas (p<0.001), teniendo mayor peso e índice de masa corporal las primeras (p<0.001; p<0.01, respectivamente) y consumiendo más verdura las participantes que son moderadamente activas (p<0.01). Como conclusión, una dieta rica en verduras, fruta y el control en la ingesta de carne roja podría inferir en una disminución del IMC de las participantes(AU)

Dietary intake and physical activity in leisure time of adultelderly women in Mediterranean rural areas. Elderly women in rural areas have a strong role in household and farming work, and they show food intake and use of leisure time. It is interesting to compare the differences between groups of elderly women of rural villages according to type of consumed food and energy expenditure during physical activity. A total of 117 women aged between 60 and 79 years who attended a physical fitness program in rural areas of Malaga province (Spain) participated in this study. The participants were classified in different energy expenditure groups: sedentary (less than 1.250METs-min/14 days), moderately active (1.250-2.999 METs-min/14 days), active (3.000- 4.999 METs-min/14 days) and highly active (over 5.000 METs-min/14 days). Sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of participants (body mass index hypertension and food habits) were measured. The results indicate that the oldest participants are in the sedentary group or in the highly active group (p<0.001). In addition, the sedentary group shows higher weight and body mass index (p<0.001; p<0.01, respectively), and the moderately active group consumes more vegetables (p<0.01). In conclusion, a rich diet of vegetables, fruits with a control of red meat intake could induce to decrease of BMI in participants(AU)