Can 16 Minutes of HIIT Improve Attentional Resources in Young Students?

Attentional resources are a cornerstone of both cognitive and academic performance. The purpose of this study was to analyse the effect of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) sessions on selective attention and visuoperceptual ability in young students. A total of 134 students (12.83 ± 1.23 years) joined this study. They were randomly assigned to a control group (CG) (n = 67), which watched a documentary, or an experimental group (EG) (n = 67), which performed 16 min of HIIT. Attention and visuoperceptual ability were assessed through the Perception of Similarities and Differences test (Caras-R test). A repeated-measures two-way ANOVA analysis was conducted. The CG showed an increased number of errors compared to the EG (p < 0.001) and showed a lower Impulsivity Control Index (p < 0.001) after the investigation. The EG, meanwhile, showed an increased number of hits (p < 0.001), Impulsivity Control Index (p < 0.001), and attentional efficacy (p < 0.001). In addition, the EG showed a decreased number of errors (p < 0.001) and omissions (p < 0.01). In conclusion, 16 min of HIIT was time-effective in improving selective attention and visuoperceptual ability in young students. These results show the importance of physical exercise and the promotion of physical activity breaks during the academic day to improve learning processes.

Reference Values of Spatial and Temporal Gait Parameters in a Contemporary Sample of Spanish Preschool Children: A Cross-Sectional Study.

The aim of this study was to analyze the influence of age and sex on kinematic gait parameters in preschool children, and derive reference values for this population. A total of 383 preschool children (age 3-5 years; 207 girls, 176 boys) participated in this study. We used the OptoGait system to assess the kinematics of gait at a comfortable and self-determined speed. No significant differences between the sexes were found for the main gait parameters. Among the participants, there was a significant increase in double support, reductions in absolute cadence and the coefficient of variation (CV) of cadence, an increase in absolute step length (SL), and an increase in the walk ratio (WR) from 3 to 5 years of age. However, the normalized SL and normalized WR displayed a significant reduction in both sexes. Partial correlation indicated a significant association of age with SL and normalized SL, and WR. Additionally, WR showed a significant correlation with the CV of cadence. To summarize, no relevant differences in gait performance were found according to sex; however, age was found to influence gait maturation. The normative values established for Spanish preschool children can be used to monitor healthy gait development.

Is the Xiaomi Mi Band 4 an Accuracy Tool for Measuring Health-Related Parameters in Adults and Older People? An Original Validation Study.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to analyse the validity and accuracy of the low-cost Xiaomi Mi Band 4 (MB4) fitness tracker in relation to step count and heart rate in free-living conditions. METHODS: 46 participants join in this study (38.65 ± 14.36 years old). The MB4 was compared with a video recording in laboratory conditions, also with the Sense Wear and Firstbeat monitors in free-living conditions. RESULTS: No significant differences were found in the number of steps in the laboratory protocol between devices, in both, at low and high walking speed. For the free-living conditions, the MB4 showed high values of convergent validity in relation to the Firstbeat monitor during recording in both rest and walking situations. Moreover, the MB4 showed adequate values of convergent validity with the Sense Wear monitor during the 24 h recording, at medium speeds, and climbing stairs. CONCLUSION: The accuracy and precision of the MB4 is reasonable and can be used to monitor the average of step count and heart rate in free-living conditions.

A Randomized Controlled Trial Protocol to Test the Efficacy of a Dual-Task Multicomponent Exercise Program vs. a Simple Program on Cognitive and Fitness Performance in Elderly People.

BACKGROUND: The necessity of improve the life quality in elderly people is well-known. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of physical and cognitive training programs, as well as their combination on the cognitive functions and physical capacities in women over 80 years old. METHODS: Forty-three women took part in this study (80.86 ± 5.03 years). They were divided into four groups (three experimental groups and one control group). Experimental group 1 performed cognitive training. Experimental group 2 did physical-cognitive training, and Experimental Group 3 accomplished physical training. All of training programs had duration of eight weeks (five sessions of 60 min per week). We measured cognitive variables with the Stroop test, D2 test, and Trail Making test. Physical variables were measured with handgrip strength, Minute Step Test, and visual-acoustic reaction time. RESULTS: Control group reduces his physical and cognitive capacities, while the three experimental groups increase these capacities. We found a strong correlation between the increase of physical and cognitive capacities. CONCLUSION: Eight weeks of training physical, cognitive or mixed, increased physical and cognitive functions of elderly people which may reduce the negative effects of the aging process.

Gait Performance as an Indicator of Cognitive Deficit in Older People.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to analyze which gait variables are the best for detecting cognitive impairment and to determine if age and gender can influence gait variations in older people. METHODS: 65 participants took part in this study (22 men and 43 women; age: 73.88 ± 9.56 years). We use the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) to assess mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Gait speed (GS) and the complex gait test (CGT) were analyzed with photocells Witty (Microgate, Italia). The OptoGait system (Microgate, Italia) was used to analyze step length (SL) and step coefficient of variation (CV sl). RESULTS: There was a significant association between MoCA and SL (r = 0.420; p = 0.002), CV sl (r = -0.591; p < 0.001), and CGT (r = -0.406; p = 0.001). Instrumental activities of daily living showed significant association with SL (r = 0.563; p < 0.001); CV sl (r = -0.762; p < 0.001), CGT (r = -0.622; p < 0.001), and GS (r = 0.418; p < 0.001). CV sl showed the best results with MoCA when linear regression analysis was applied (R2 = 0.560; p = 0.007; Y = 23.669 - 0.320x). Participants older than 79 years showed lower MoCA scores and poorer gait parameters than people younger than 79 years. CONCLUSIONS: CV sl, SL, CGT, and GS make it possible to detect MCI in older people, especially when these variables are evaluated as a whole.

Physical Activity, Mental Health and Consumption of Medications in Pre-Elderly People: The National Health Survey 2017.

Background: The promotion of Physical Activity (PA) is an important public health goal to reduce comorbidity and diseases associated with aging such as anxiety and depression. Aim: To investigate the association between level of PA, mental health and the consumption of medications among a representative cohort of Spanish pre-elderly people. Methods: Cross-sectional study with 5977 participants aged 50 to 64 years who participated in the National Health Survey in Spain 2017. The levels of PA were evaluated using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire and the mental conditions were measured by the Goldberg Health Questionnaire-12 (GHQ-12). The chi-square test was used for qualitative variables; Pearson's correlation was conducted between GHQ-12 score with different quantitative variables; and a logistic regression was used to determine the association between PA and mental health with the sociodemographic characteristics. Results: The participants were 51.9% women and 48.1% men with a mean age of 56.79 years, and 35.5% of participants had a low level of PA. A low level of PA was associated with cases of mental health vulnerability, anxiety and depression (in women), the consumption of more medications and greater multimorbidity. Conclusion: It is important that people reach old age with an optimal health status in order to reduce age-related disability and morbidity. More than a third of the Spanish pre-elderly do not reach the levels of PA recommended by the WHO. People who had low level of PA consumed more medications and had higher mental health vulnerability and greater multimorbidity.

Effects of a 10-week running-retraining programme on the foot strike pattern of adolescents: A longitudinal intervention study.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to analyse the effects of ten weeks of different running-retraining programmes on rearfoot strike (RFS) prevalence in adolescents. RESEARCH QUESTION: it is possible to change foot strike pattern in adolescents? METHODS: A total of 180 children (45.3% girls), aged 13-16 years, participated in this intervention study. The children were randomly assigned to one of three experimental groups (EGs) that each carried out a different retraining programme, based on running technique (n = 39), a 15% increased step frequency (SF) (n = 37) and barefoot training (n = 30), performed for three days each week. A control group (CG) (n = 43) did not perform any retraining. A 2D video-based analysis (240 Hz) was used to determine the RFS. RESULTS: At baseline, no significant differences in RFS prevalence were found between the EGs and the CG in either the left (χ2 = 2.048; p = 0.559) or the right foot (χ2 = 0.898; p = 0.825). In the post-test, no significant differences were found for the left foot (χ2 = 7.102; p = 0.069), but there were significant differences for the right foot (χ2 = 9.239; p = 0.025) were observed. In the re-test, no significant differences were found for either the left foot (χ2 = 2.665; p = 0.273) or the right foot (χ2 = 2.182; p = 0.325). In addition, no group displayed significant changes in RFS prevalence from the pre-test to the re-test. There was a trend towards a reduction in the RFS prevalence in both the increased SF group and the barefoot group. MEANING: The main finding of this study was that certain running-retraining programmes performed three times per week for ten weeks are not enough to modify the adolescent foot strike pattern (FSP).

The Ability of Runners to Identify Spatial and Temporal Variables of Speed During Endurance Running.

This study aimed to evaluate spatial and temporal perception in endurance runners as a mechanism of pacing control in comparison with other athletes (soccer players). A group of 38 endurance runners and 32 soccer players participated in this study. Runners displayed lower time differences and lower error than soccer players. Taking the athletic levels of endurance runners into consideration, significant differences (p = .011, Cohen's d = 1.042) were found in the time differences (higher level group = 33.43 ± 29.43 vs. lower level group = 123.53 ±102.61). Significant correlations were found between time differences and performance in a Cooper test (r = -.546) and with the best time in a half marathon (r = .597). Temporal and spatial perception can be considered as a cognitive skill of endurance runners.

Effectiveness of Respiratory Muscle Training for Pulmonary Function and Walking Ability in Patients with Stroke: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis.

Background: Neurological dysfunction due to stroke affects not only the extremities and trunk muscles but also the respiratory muscles. Aim: to synthesise the evidence available about the effectiveness of respiratory muscle training (RMT) to improve respiratory function parameters and functional capacity in poststroke patients. Methods: a systematic electronic search was performed in the MEDLINE, EMBASE, SPORTDiscus, PEDro and Web of Science databases, from inception to May 2020. Study selection and data extraction: randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that examined the effects of RMT versus non-RMT or sham RMT in poststroke patients. We extracted data about respiratory function, respiratory muscle strength and functional capacity (walking ability, dyspnea, balance, activities of daily life), characteristics of studies and features of RMT interventions (a type of RMT exercise, frequency, intensity and duration). Two reviewers performed study selection and data extraction independently. Results: nineteen RCTs met the study criteria. RMT improved the first second forced expiratory volume (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), peak expiratory flow (PEF), maximal expiratory pressure (MEP), maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP) and walking ability (6 min walking test), but not Barthel index, Berg balance scale, and dyspnea. Conclusions: RMT interventions are effective to improve respiratory function and walking ability in poststroke patients.

Complex Gait Is Related to Cognitive Functioning in Older People: A Cross-Sectional Study Providing an Innovative Test.

BACKGROUND: Many studies have demonstrated an inverse relationship between gait performance and cognitive impairment. The main purposes of this study were: (1) to design and validate a complex gait test (CGT) in older people, (2) to analyze the effects of age and sex on CGT, and (3) to analyze the association between CGT performance and physical functioning and cognitive measures. METHODS: A total of 279 older people (60-97 years) were analyzed in 2019. Fitness tests, gait performance, and several cognitive measures such asthe Trail-Walking Test and Montreal Cognitive Assessment were used. RESULTS: The CGT reported adequate reliability and validity parameters. In the test-retest analysis, the intra-class correlation coefficient was 0.868 (p < 0.001). There was a significant correlation between the CGT and Trail-Walking Test (r = 0.592; p < 0.001). The linear regression analysis showed that the CGT was associated with the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (R2 = 0.357; p =0.001). The binary logistic regression analysis revealed that a high CGT score was a risk factor for mild cognitive impairment (odds ratio 1.201, 95% CI 1.081-1.334; p = 0.001). The ROC curve of the mild cognitive impairment was predicted by the CGT performance (area under the curve = 0.768, 95% CI 0.647-0.889; p < 0.001), reaching the cut-off point at 20.25 s. CONCLUSIONS: The CGT showed good reliability and validity and may serve as a potential biomarker in mild cognitive impairment prediction in older adults aged 60-97 years.

Effects of Combining Running and Practical Duration Stretching on Proprioceptive Skills of National Sprinters.

Romero-Franco, N, Párraga-Montilla, JA, Molina-Flores, EM, and Jiménez-Reyes, P. Effects of combining running and practical duration stretching on proprioceptive skills of national sprinters. J Strength Cond Res 34(4): 1158-1165, 2020-Practical duration stretching after aerobic activities is a recommended component of the first part of warm-up because of its effects on performance. However, its effects on proprioceptive skills are unknown. This study aimed to analyze the effects of running and practical duration static stretching (SS) and dynamic stretching (DS) on postural balance and the joint position sense (JPS) of national sprinters. Thirty-two national sprinters were randomly classified into a SS group (n = 11), DS group (n = 11), or control group (n = 10). Static stretching performed 5 minutes of running and short-duration (20 seconds) static stretches; DS performed 5 minutes of running and short-duration dynamic (20 seconds) stretches; and the control group performed 5 minutes of running. Before and after the intervention, unipedal static postural balance and knee JPS were evaluated. Static stretching exhibited a more centralized center of pressure in the medial-lateral plane for unipedal static postural balance in right-leg support after stretching (p = 0.005, d = 1.24), whereas DS showed values further from the center after stretching for the same unipedal support compared with baseline (p = 0.042, d = 0.49), and the control group remained stable (p > 0.05). Joint position sense did not show significant differences in any group (p > 0.05). In conclusion, combining running and practical duration SS may be beneficial for right-leg postural stabilization, whereas DS may be partly and slightly deleterious. Both SS and DS combined with running and running alone have neutral effects on knee JPS. Sports professionals should consider running and practical duration SS as part of the warm-up of sprinters to partly improve unipedal static postural balance.

[THE VIBRATION TRAINING AS SARCOPENIA INTERVENTION: IMPACT ON THE NEUROMUSCULAR SYSTEM OF THE ELDERLY]. / EL ENTRENAMIENTO VIBRATORIO COMO INTERVENCIÓN EN LA SARCOPENIA: REPERCUSIONES EN EL SISTEMA NEUROMUSCULAR DE LOS ADULTOS MAYORES.

INTRODUCTION: aging is accompanied by a progressive reduction of muscle mass that contributes to the development of functional limitations, and where vibration training may be an option for optimal intervention in the prevention and treatment of sarcopenia. OBJECTIVE: to assess the effectiveness of whole-body vibration in the neuromuscular system of the elderly. METHODS: systematic review in Medline, CINAHL, WOS and PEDro data by combining the descriptors of Medical Subject Headings concerning vibration training, muscle strength, muscle mass and older adults. RESULTS: a total of 214 studies were found on the vibration training in older people as either the only intervention or in combination with other exercises, of which 45 met the selection criteria. Of these, 30 items were eliminated by not more than 5 points according to the PEDro scale. They were included 15 clinical trials for final analysis. CONCLUSION: WBV training proves to be a safe, adequate and effective strength training method in the elderly population, but results are similar to conventional resistance exercise in the prevention and treatment of sarcopenia.

Introducción: el envejecimiento se acompaña de una reducción progresiva de la masa muscular que contribuye al desarrollo de limitaciones funcionales, donde el entrenamiento vibratorio puede ser una opción de intervención óptima en la prevención y tratamiento de la sarcopenia. Objetivo: comprobar la efectividad del entrenamiento de vibraciones de cuerpo completo en el sistema neuromuscular de los adultos mayores. Métodos: revisión sistemática en las bases de datos Medline, CINAHL, WOS y PEDro, mediante la combinación de los descriptores del Medical Subjects Headings (MeSH) referentes a entrenamiento vibratorio, fuerza muscular, masa muscular y personas mayores. Resultados: fueron encontrados un total de 214 estudios sobre el entrenamiento vibratorio en personas mayores, bien como única intervención o en combinación con otros ejercicios, de los cuales 45 cumplían los criterios de selección. De ellos, 30 artículos fueron eliminados por no superar los 5 puntos según la escala de PEDro. Se incluyeron para el análisis final 15 ensayos clínicos. Conclusión: el entrenamiento con plataformas vibratorias demuestra ser un método de entrenamiento de la fuerza seguro, adecuado y eficaz para la población de mayor edad, pero con resultados similares al ejercicio de resistencia convencional, en la prevención y tratamiento de la sarcopenia.

El entrenamiento vibratorio como intervención en la sarcopenia: repercusiones en el sistema neuromuscular de los adultos mayores / The vibration training as sarcopenia intervention: impact on the neuromuscular system of the elderly

Introducción: el envejecimiento se acompaña de una reducción progresiva de la masa muscular que contribuye al desarrollo de limitaciones funcionales, donde el entrenamiento vibratorio puede ser una opción de intervención óptima en la prevención y tratamiento de la sarcopenia. Objetivo: comprobar la efectividad del entrenamiento de vibraciones de cuerpo completo en el sistema neuromuscular de los adultos mayores. Métodos: revisión sistemática en las bases de datos Medline, CINAHL, WOS y PEDro, mediante la combinación de los descriptores del Medical Subjects Headings (MeSH) referentes a entrenamiento vibratorio, fuerza muscular, masa muscular y personas mayores. Resultados: fueron encontrados un total de 214 estudios sobre el entrenamiento vibratorio en personas mayores, bien como única intervención o en combinación con otros ejercicios, de los cuales 45 cumplían los criterios de selección. De ellos, 30 artículos fueron eliminados por no superar los 5 puntos según la escala de PEDro. Se incluyeron para el análisis final 15 ensayos clínicos. Conclusión: el entrenamiento con plataformas vibratorias demuestra ser un método de entrenamiento de la fuerza seguro, adecuado y eficaz para la población de mayor edad, pero con resultados similares al ejercicio de resistencia convencional, en la prevención y tratamiento de la sarcopenia (AU)

Introduction: aging is accompanied by a progressive reduction of muscle mass that contributes to the development of functional limitations, and where vibration training may be an option for optimal intervention in the prevention and treatment of sarcopenia. Objective: to assess the effectiveness of whole-body vibration in the neuromuscular system of the elderly. Methods: systematic review in Medline, CINAHL, WOS and PEDro data by combining the descriptors of Medical Subject Headings concerning vibration training, muscle strength, muscle mass and older adults. Results: a total of 214 studies were found on the vibration training in older people as either the only intervention or in combination with other exercises, of which 45 met the selection criteria. Of these, 30 items were eliminated by not more than 5 points according to the PEDro scale. They were included 15 clinical trials for final analysis. Conclusion: WBV training proves to be a safe, adequate and effective strength training method in the elderly population, but results are similar to conventional resistance exercise in the prevention and treatment of sarcopenia (AU)

Intervención en la sarcopenia con entrenamiento de resistencia progresiva y suplementos nutricionales proteicos / Sarcopenia intervention with progressive resistance training and protein nutritional supplements

Introducción: El envejecimiento viene acompañado de cambios en la composición corporal entre los que se encuentra una reducción progresiva de la masa muscular, que puede contribuir al desarrollo de limitaciones funcionales en las personas mayores, y donde el estilo de vida juega un papel de especial relevancia. Objetivos: Comprobar la efectividad del entrenamiento de resistencia progresiva, los suplementos nutricionales proteicos y ambas intervenciones combinadas en el tratamiento de la sarcopenia. Método: Revisión de la literatura en las bases de datos Medline, ScienceDirect, CINAHL, ISI WOK y PEDro, mediante la combinación de los descriptores del Medical Subjects Headings (MeSH) referentes a sarcopenia, entrenamiento de fuerza progresiva, suplementos proteicos y personas mayores. Resultados: Un total de 147 estudios fueron encontrados los cuales realizaban ejercicio de resistencia, mediante sesiones de 45-60 minutos, 2-3 veces por semana, y 3-4 series de 8 repeticiones, a una intensidad creciente. Este ejercicio produjo un aumento de la masa muscular y la fuerza, así como incremento en la síntesis de proteínas musculoesqueléticas y tamaño de la fibra muscular. Los suplementos nutricionales tales como el beta-hidroxi-beta-metilbutirato, la leucina y los aminoácidos esenciales produjeron beneficios en la masa muscular. Todos los suplementos aumentaron la fuerza, especialmente cuando se combinaron con el ejercicio de resistencia. Conclusión: La combinación del entrenamiento de resistencia progresiva y las proteínas incluidas en la dieta, o bien en forma de suplementos nutricionales, refuerza los efectos que cada una de estas intervenciones puede tener en el tratamiento de la sarcopenia en las personas mayores (AU)

Introduction: Aging is accompanied by changes in body composition among which is a progressive reduction in muscle mass, which may contribute to the development of functional limitations in older people, and where the lifestyle plays a particularly important role. Objectives: To test the effectiveness of progressive resistance training, protein nutritional supplements and both interventions combined in the treatment of sarcopenia. Methods: Review of literature in Medline, ScienceDirect, CINAHL, ISI WOK and PEDro data by combining the descriptors of Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) concerning sarcopenia, progressive resistance training, protein supplements and seniors. Results: A total of 147 studies were found which resistance exercise performed by sessions 45-60 minutes, 2-3 times a week, and 3-4 sets of 8 repetitions, to an increasing intensity. This exercise resulted in increased muscle mass and strength, and increased skeletal muscle protein synthesis and muscle fiber size. Nutritional supplements such as beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate, leucine and essential amino acids produced gains in muscle mass. All supplements increased strength, especially when combined with resistance exercise. Conclusion: The combination of progressive resistance training and protein included in the diet, either in the form of nutritional supplements, strengthens the impact that each of these interventions can have on the treatment of sarcopenia in the elderly (AU)

[Sarcopenia intervention with progressive resistance training and protein nutritional supplements]. / Intervención en la sarcopenia con entrenamiento de resistencia progresiva y suplementos nutricionales proteicos.

INTRODUCTION: Aging is accompanied by changes in body composition among which is a progressive reduction in muscle mass, which may contribute to the development of functional limitations in older people, and where the lifestyle plays a particularly important role. OBJECTIVES: To test the effectiveness of progressive resistance training, protein nutritional supplements and both interventions combined in the treatment of sarcopenia. METHODS: Review of literature in Medline, ScienceDirect, CINAHL, ISI WOK and PEDro data by combining the descriptors of Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) concerning sarcopenia, progressive resistance training, protein supplements and seniors. RESULTS: A total of 147 studies were found which resistance exercise performed by sessions 45-60 minutes, 2-3 times a week, and 3-4 sets of 8 repetitions, to an increasing intensity. This exercise resulted in increased muscle mass and strength, and increased skeletal muscle protein synthesis and muscle fiber size. Nutritional supplements such as beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate, leucine and essential amino acids produced gains in muscle mass. All supplements increased strength, especially when combined with resistance exercise. CONCLUSION: The combination of progressive resistance training and protein included in the diet, either in the form of nutritional supplements, strengthens the impact that each of these interventions can have on the treatment of sarcopenia in the elderly.

Introducción: El envejecimiento viene acompañado de cambios en la composición corporal entre los que se encuentra una reducción progresiva de la masa muscular, que puede contribuir al desarrollo de limitaciones funcionales en las personas mayores, y donde el estilo de vida juega un papel de especial relevancia. Objetivos: Comprobar la efectividad del entrenamiento de resistencia progresiva, los suplementos nutricionales proteicos y ambas intervenciones combinadas en el tratamiento de la sarcopenia. Método: Revisión de la literatura en las bases de datos Medline, ScienceDirect, CINAHL, ISI WOK y PEDro, mediante la combinación de los descriptores del Medical Subjects Headings (MeSH) referentes a sarcopenia, entrenamiento de fuerza progresiva, suplementos proteicos y personas mayores. Resultados: Un total de 147 estudios fueron encontrados los cuales realizaban ejercicio de resistencia, mediante sesiones de 45-60 minutos, 2-3 veces por semana, y 3-4 series de 8 repeticiones, a una intensidad creciente. Este ejercicio produjo un aumento de la masa muscular y la fuerza, así como incremento en la síntesis de proteínas musculoesqueléticas y tamaño de la fibra muscular. Los suplementos nutricionales tales como el beta-hidroxi-beta-metilbutirato, la leucina y los aminoácidos esenciales produjeron beneficios en la masa muscular. Todos los suplementos aumentaron la fuerza, especialmente cuando se combinaron con el ejercicio de resistencia. Conclusión: La combinación del entrenamiento de resistencia progresiva y las proteínas incluidas en la dieta, o bien en forma de suplementos nutricionales, refuerza los efectos que cada una de estas intervenciones puede tener en el tratamiento de la sarcopenia en las personas mayores.