Occupational Health-Related Problems among Portuguese Fitness Instructors.

BACKGROUND: The fitness sector has experienced significant expansion, with fitness instructors (FIs) playing a pivotal role. Given the demands of their profession, understanding their health profile is crucial. This study's purpose is to explore the prevalence of fitness instructors' occupational health-related problems. METHODS: A questionnaire covering sociodemographic, occupational, and health-related items was administered. Statistical analyses, including Mann-Whitney U and chi-square tests, Spearman's rho correlations, and logistic regressions, were conducted. RESULTS: Fifty-nine FIs reported occupational health-related problems, with the majority occurring during instruction (66.1%), being muscular (32.2%), and knee (15.3%), the most common type and localization. Significant statistical differences were observed between injured and non-injured FIs, including sex (p = 0.012), years as an FI (p = 0.001), weekly days worked (p = 0.039), and daily hours worked (p = 0.013). Weak negative (-0.284 - -0.362) statistically significant correlations were found between health problems; weight; height; main activity; and FIs in the workplace. Logistic regressions identified significant models showing that having a sport/physical exercise background and practicing it regularly were less likely to report bursitis (OR 0.018; p = 0.020) and hip injuries (OR 0.026; p = 0.037). CONCLUSIONS: Approximately one-third of FIs reported occupational-related health problems, predominantly musculoskeletal injuries. Sociodemographic, personal, and occupational factors appear to influence the prevalence of these health problems.

Desenvolvimento, Validação e Aplicação Piloto do Sistema de Observação de Feedback de Instrutores de Fitness em Aulas de Grupo (SOFIF-AGF) / Desarrollo, Validación y Aplicación Piloto del Sistema de Observación del Feedback de Instructores de Fitness en Clases Grupales (SOFIF-AGF) / Development, Validation and Pilot Application of the Observational System of Feedback Instructors’ Behavior in Group Fitness Classes (SOFIF-AGF)

O presente estudo teve como objetivo o desenvolvimento e a validação de um sistema de observação, dos comportamentos de feedback do instrutor de fitness em aulas de grupo de fitness, assim como realizar uma aplicação piloto do mesmo. Durante o processo de validação e desenvolvimento foram consideradas cinco fases sequenciais. Para testar a funcionalidade do instrumento, foi realizada uma aplicação piloto do mesmo numa amostra de 12 instrutoras de quatro atividades diferentes (step, indoor cycling, localizada e hidroginástica), tendo sido estabelecida a validade e fiabilidade de 11 dimensões e 45 categorias. Os resultados indicam que o comportamento de feedback dos instrutores, em aulas de grupo, pode ser codificado com recurso a este instrumento. Concluiu-se que o SOFIF-AGF mapeia aspetos fundamentais do comportamento de feedback de instrutores de fitness em aulas de grupo e, como tal, pode ser utilizado para estudar aspetos relevantesno âmbito do comportamento de feedback em diferentes atividades de grupo no contexto do fitness. (AU)

El presente estudio tuvo como objetivo desarrollar y validar un sistema de observación, de los comportamientos de feedback del instructor de fitness en clases colectivas de fitness, así como realizar una aplicación piloto del mismo. Durante el proceso de validación y desarrollo se consideraron cinco fases secuenciales. Para probar la funcionalidad del instrumento, se realizó una aplicación piloto del instrumento en una muestra de 12 instructores de quatro actividades diferentes (step, ciclismo indoor, localizada y ejercicio acuático, habiéndose establecido la validez y confiabilidad de 11 dimensiones y 45 categorías. Los resultados indican que el comportamiento de feedback de los instructores, en clases colectivas, puede codificarse utilizando este instrumento. Se concluyó que SOFIF-AGF mapea aspectos fundamentales del comportamiento de feedback de instructores de fitness en clases colectivas y, como tal, puede ser utilizado para estudiar aspectos relevantes en el contexto del comportamiento de feedback en diferentes actividades colectivas en el contexto del fitness. (AU)

The purpose of this study was the development and validation of an observational system instrument that allows the observation of the feedback instructors’ behaviors in group fitness classes, namely SOFIF-AGF. To test the instrument functionality, a pilot application of the SOFIF-AGF was made to a sample of 12 instructors of four different group fitness classes (step, indoor cycling, group resistance training, and aquafitness). It was verified that the SOFIF-AGF, composed of 11 dimensions and 45 categories, had reliability and validity. The results indicated that the feedback instructors’ behaviors, in group fitness classes, could be codified using this instrument. With SOFIF-AGF, fundamental aspects of the feedback instructors’ behaviors in group fitness classes can bemapped and can be used to study relevant features of feedback instructors’ behavior in different group fitness activities. (AU)

Health and fitness trends in Southern Europe for 2023: A cross-sectional survey.

The physical activity, exercise and wellness sector is rapidly growing and seems to be an exciting field for business and professional development with great potential globally. The purpose of this observational and cross-sectional study was to determine the most popular health and fitness trends in Southern Europe for the first time, including data from Italy, Spain, Portugal, Greece and Cyprus, and to investigate any potential differences in this area compared to the Pan-European and global fitness trends for 2023. A national online survey was conducted in five Southern European countries, using the methodology of similar regional and worldwide surveys conducted by the American College of Sports Medicine since 2007. In total, a web-based questionnaire was sent to 19,887 professionals who worked in the Southern European physical activity, exercise and wellness sector. A total of 2645 responses were collected from five national surveys with an overall mean response rate of 13.3%. The ten most important fitness trends in Southern Europe for 2023 were personal training, licensure for fitness professionals, exercise is medicine, employing certified fitness professionals, functional fitness training, small group training, high-intensity interval training, fitness programs for older adults, post-rehabilitation classes and body weight training. The present findings are aligned with those reported for the European and worldwide fitness trends.

The Importance Assigned by Pregnant Women to the Quality Characteristics of Fitness Instructors. A Qualitative Study.

Introduction: The exercise professional's role is to provide proper exercise prescription and selection, regular feedback, positive reinforcement, and behavioral strategies to enhance adherence. Thus, knowing the preferences of the consumers will enhance pedagogical skills. Objective: To characterize pregnant women's preferences regarding the fitness instructor's quality characteristics in specific group exercise sessions for this population. Methods: A qualitative study was conducted in 2021. The Fitness Instructor Quality Questionnaire was applied to 29 pregnant women engaged in prenatal group fitness classes, aged between 24 and 48 years. This questionnaire includes 25 items, grouped in two dimensions, scored with a Likert scale with 7 levels of importance (1 = not at all important; 7 = extremely important). Descriptive statistics were used to characterize pregnant women's opinion (mean, standard deviation, minimum and maximum). Results: The global average of items was 6.41, showing that pregnant women give importance to the Quality of the fitness instructor. Relational Quality has the highest average (6.48), close to Pedagogical-Technical Quality dimension (6.34). The most important items for pregnant women were Ethics (6.76), Communication (6.72), and Availability, Motivation, and Punctuality (6.69). The less important items were Musical Domain (5.24), Image (5.69), and Physical Fitness (5.86). Conclusion: Pregnant women give great importance to the Quality of the fitness instructor, although they value some indicators more than others, as identified in other studies in different populations. Considering the results of this study, it can be recommended that fitness instructors delivering prenatal exercise programs should address these factors related to Quality. It can be emphasized that the fitness instructor should have an intervention that shows willingness to listen to pregnant women, allows them time to perform the exercises, encourages them to practice, without overestimating aspects related to image or fitness level.

Quality of life of fitness professionals in Portugal: Comparative and correlation study.

Fitness has been revealing a positive impact on the quality of life (QoL) of practitioners and fitness professionals (FPs) represent a role model for their customers in the fitness industry, emphasizing the need to know their QoL indices. The purpose of this study is to characterize the QoL of FPs in Portugal, compare it between groups and correlate QoL with sociodemographic and work-related variables. A total of 388 FPs answered an online survey about sociodemographic and work-related variables and the Portuguese version of the World Health Organization Bref QoL Assessment. Descriptive analysis, t-test, ANOVA, Kruskal-Wallis, Pearson and Spearman were used for statistical analysis. The results suggest that FPs in Portugal have different levels of QoL, considering the high standard deviation, with lower average indices than other countries. The lowest scores of QoL were verified in the environment domain. The results of the comparison between groups suggest that being male, married and having a master's degree or higher were the characteristics with better indices of QoL. Age, professional experience and net salary reveal a positive relation/association with QoL. Body&mind group classes (GC) per week, maximal GC per day, paid and unpaid working hours per week and annual expenses related to the profession reveal a negative relation/association. Maximal GC per day results could be an important finding to help minimize the physical problems among FPs and body&mind GC per week results could be an indicator of the FPs adaptation that allows them to remain on the profession. Unpaid working hours per week has the highest number of significant relations/associations with QoL. These findings could be important to improve the QoL of FPs. Thus, they could result in better work capacity and, therefore, fewer professionals would abandon the profession. It would also have a positive impact on the fitness industry and on the promotion of physical activity for a healthier society. More research is needed regarding the QoL of FPs.

Tendências do Fitness emPortugal para 2021 / Tendencias de Fitness en Portugal para 2021 / Fitness Trends in Portugal for 2021

O American College of Sports Medicine(ACSM) publica anualmente um estudo com as tendências mundiais do fitness para o ano seguinte. O presente estudo reproduziu a metodologia do estudo das tendências do ACSM e caracterizou as tendências do fitness em Portugal para 2021 segundo os profissionais, os estudantes e os praticantes do setor, confrontando os resultados com os estudos a nível mundial, europeu e espanhol. Foram também comparadas as tendências entre os praticantes e os profissionais/estudantes, e nestes entre géneros, exercer ou não funções enquanto profissional e possuir o título de Técnico de Exercício Físico (TEF), Diretor Técnico (DT) ou não possuir título. Responderam a um questionário online, construído para o efeito, 165 profissionais, 135 estudantes e 85 praticantes.Como resultado, foram identificadas as principais tendências para o fitness em Portugal para 2021, nos diferentes grupos da amostra. Portugal tende a ir mais ao encontro das tendências europeias, do que das mundiais. Na comparação entre os profissionais/estudantes e os praticantes existiram diferenças em 4 das 42 tendências, entre géneros em 20, entre profissionais que exerciam ou não funções em 7, e entre títulos de TEF, DT ou sem título em 9. Em conclusão, não obstante a variabilidade de opiniões entre grupos de sujeitos, poder-se-á dizer que, consensualmente, as principais tendências do fitness em Portugal para 2021 são: licenças (títulos) para profissionais de fitness, empregar profissionais de fitness certificados, exercício para perda de peso, estilo de vida saudável e mudança comportamental, atividades outdoore treino com o peso corporal. (AU)

The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) publishes an annual study of world fitness trends for the following year. The present study reproduced the methodology of ACSM trends study and characterized the fitness trends in Portugal for 2021 according to professionals, students and clients in the sector, confronting the results with studies at a worldwide, European and Spanish level. The trends between clients and professionals/students were also compared, and in these, between genders, whether or not toperform functions as a professional and to have the title of Physical Exercise Technician (TEF), Technical Director (DT) or not to have a title. 165 professionals, 135 students and 85 clients answered to an online questionnaire, built for this purpose.Asa result, the main trends for fitness in Portugal for 2021 were identified, in the different sample groups. Portugal tends to be more in line with European trends than worldwide ones. In the comparison between professionals/students and clients, there were differences in 4 out of 42 trends, between genders in 20, between professionals who performed functions with those who did not in 7, and between titles of TEF, DT or untitled in 9. In conclusion, despite the variability of opinions between groups of subjects, it can be said that, by consensus, the main fitness trends in Portugal for 2021 are: licenses (titles) for fitness professionals, employing certified fitness professionals, exercise for weight loss, healthy lifestyle and behavioral change, outdoor activities and bodyweight training.

El Colegio Americano de Medicina Deportiva (ACSM) publica anualmente un estudio que identifica las tendencias mundiales de fitness para el año siguiente. El estudio presente reproduce la metodología del estudio de las tendencias del ACSM y caracterizó las tendencias del fitness en Portugal para 2021 según profesionales, estudiantes y practicantes del sector, confrontando los resultados con estudios a nivel mundial, europeo y español. También se compararon las tendencias entre practicantes y profesionales/estudiantes, y en esta entre géneros, ejercer o no funciones como profesional y tener el título de Técnico en Ejercicio Físico (TEF), Director Técnico (DT) o no tener título. Respondieron a un cuestionario online, diseñado para tal fin, 165 profesionales, 135 estudiantes y 85 practicantes.Como resultado, se identificaron las principales tendencias del fitness en Portugal para 2021, en los diferentes grupos de la muestra. Portugal tiende a estar más en línea con las tendencias europeas que con las mundiales. En la comparación entre profesionales/estudiantes y practicantes, hubo diferencias en 4 de 42 tendencias, entre géneros en 20, entre profesionales que ejercían funciones o noen 7, y entre títulos de TEF, DT o sin título en 9. En conclusión, a pesar de la variabilidad de opiniones entre grupos de sujetos, se puede decir que, por consenso, las principales tendencias del fitness en Portugal para 2021 son: licencias (títulos) para profesionales de fitness, emplear profesionales de fitness certificados, ejercicio para bajar de peso, estilo de vida saludable y cambio de comportamiento, actividades outdoory entrenamiento con el peso corporal. (AU)

Desenvolvimento e validação do Sistema de Observação do Clima de Aula em Aulas de Grupo de Fitness - aplicação piloto em idosos / Development and validation of the Class Climate Observation System in Group Fitness Classes - pilot application with the elderly / Desarrollo y validación del Sistema de Observación del Clima en Clases de Grupo de Fitness - aplicación piloto en ancianos

O presente estudo teve como principal objetivo desenvolver e validar um Sistema de Observação do Clima de Aula em Aulas de Grupo de Fitness (SOCA-AGF) bem como realizar uma aplicação piloto do mesmo. Participaram no estudo 6 instrutoras de 2 atividades (hidroginástica e localizada), em população idosa, para testar a funcionalidade do instrumento. Verificou-se que o SOCA-AGF, constituído por 2 dimensões, 36 categorias e 8 subcategorias, apresentou fiabilidade e validade. Os resultados obtidos indicam que o comportamento observável dos instrutores de fitness, em aulas de grupo, poderá ser codificado recorrendo a este instrumento. Concluiu-se que o SOCA-AGF regista aspetos fundamentais do comportamento que influencia o clima de aula dos instrutores de fitness em aulas de grupo e, como tal, poderá ser utilizado para estudar aspetos relevantes no âmbito do comportamento que influencia o clima de aula em diferentes atividades de grupo, no contexto do fitness, e em diferentes tipos de população

The main target of this study was to develop and validate an observation system of the environment in fitness group classes (SOCA-AGF), as well as to carry out a pilot implementation. A sample of 6 instructors from 2 activities (aquafitness and resistance training) with elderly people tested the functionality of the instrument. The observation system SOCA-AGF, which has 2 dimensions, 36 categories and 8 subcategories, showed reliability and validity. The results indicate that the observable behavior of fitness instructors in group classes can be codified by using this instrument. We concluded that the SOCA-AGF shows fundamental behavior aspects that influence the environment of the fitness instructor in group classes, therefore it can be used to study relevant aspects of the behavior that influences the class environment in different group activities, in the context of fitness and with different types of population

El presente estudio tuvo como principal objetivo desarrollar y validar un Sistema de Observación del Clima de Clase en Clases de Grupo de Fitness (SOCA-AGF), así como realizar una aplicación piloto del mismo. Para esta aplicación piloto se utilizó una muestra de 6 instructores de 2 actividades (hidrogimnasia y localizada), en población de tercera edad, para probar la funcionalidad del instrumento. Se verificó que el SOCA-AGF, constituido por 2 dimensiones, 36 categorías y 8 subcategorías, presentó fiabilidad y validez. Los resultados obtenidos indican que el comportamiento observable de los instructores, en clases de grupo, puede ser codificado recurriendo a este instrumento. Se concluyó que el SOCA-AGF registra aspectos fundamentales del comportamiento que influye en el clima de clase de los instructores de fitness en clases de grupo y, como tal, podrá ser utilizado para estudiar aspectos relevantes en el ámbito del comportamiento que influye en el clima de clase en diferentes actividades de grupo en el contexto del fitness y en diferentes tipos de población

Job Satisfaction of Fitness Professionals in Portugal: A Comparative Study of Gender, Age, Professional Experience, Professional Title, and Educational Qualifications.

This research characterizes and compares the job satisfaction of fitness professionals in Portugal between genders, ages, professional experience, professional title, and educational qualifications. A total of 401 fitness professionals answered the online questionnaire Job Satisfaction Scale, which has 16 factors rated on a Likert scale with seven levels. The statistical analysis comprises descriptive and statistical tests to compare the results of two (t-test) or more (ANOVA) groups. Overall, the results demonstrated that fitness professionals were moderately satisfied with their work. The lower degrees of job satisfaction were concerning salary, opportunities for promotion, and stability at work. The highest levels of job satisfaction were related to the freedom to choose their work method, their work colleagues, the physical conditions of their workplace, and the opportunity to use their competencies. There were no differences in job satisfaction in terms of gender and a few differences between professional title and between educational levels. Regarding age and professional experience, the results showed significant differences in almost all factors, suggesting that, as fitness professionals get older and more experienced, their job satisfaction is greater. The results of this study suggest that even though fitness professionals are, in general, moderately satisfied with their work, some aspects can be improved by employers to increase their satisfaction levels. Such findings would assist employers in guiding the job satisfaction of their employees with consequent enhancements in the services provided by fitness professionals, which can increase participants' retention in exercise fitness activities.

La conducta de los instructores de Fitness: triangulación entre la percepción de los practicantes, auto-percepción de los instructores y conducta observada / Fitness instructor behaviour: triangulation of participant perceptions, instructor self-perception and observed behaviour

El presente estudio tiene como objetivo relacionar la conducta pedagógica observada, la auto-percepción de los instructores de Fitness así como la percepción de los practicantes sobre dicha conducta con el fin de verificar si estos siguen una misma dirección. Se ha aplicado la metodología observacional sistematizada para analizar sesiones de grupo de Fitness de 62 instructores mediante el sistema de observación SOCIF. Los instructores y 442 practicantes de dichas sesiones respondieron un cuestionario sobre los comportamientos pedagógicos de los instructores, con relación a la autopercepción y la percepción respectivamente. Los resultados de las asociaciones realizadas han corroborado las constataciones de diversos autores (Chelladurai y Riemer, 1998; De Marco Jr. y Mancini, 1997; Gutiérrez, Pérez y López, 2011; Hanke, 1993; Smith, Smoll y Curtis, 1978, 1979; Tjeerdsma, 1997; Wandzilak, Ansorge y Potter, 1988), pues sólo en parte de los comportamientos pedagógicos la percepción de los practicantes, la auto-percepción de los instructores y la conducta observada tienen una asociación significativa positiva, siguiendo una misma dirección. Se verificó un mayor número de asociaciones significativas positivas entre la conducta observada y la auto-percepción de los instructores que entre la conducta observada y la percepción de los practicantes, siendo el número de asociaciones significativas positivas entre la auto-percepción de los instructores y la percepción de los practicantes aún más inferior (AU)

The aim of this study is to relate observed pedagogical behaviour, the self-perception of fitness instructors and participant perceptions of the said behaviour in order to verify whether they coincide or not. For this purpose, 62 instructors of resistance training group fitness classes were observed, and their behaviours were coded using the SOCIF observation system. The instructors and the 442 participants of the classes answered a questionnaire regarding their self-perception or perception of the instructors’ pedagogical behaviour. A comparison of the results corroborates the findings of other authors (Chelladurai and Riemer, 1998; De Marco Jr. and Mancini, 1997; Gutiérrez et al., 2011; Hanke, 1993; Smith et al., 1978, 1979; Tjeerdsma, 1997; Wandzilak et al., 1988), since significant positive links and a coincidence in the results could only be found for part of the pedagogical behaviours, participant perceptions, instructors’ self-perceptions and observed behaviour. A larger number of significant positive associations could be made between observed behaviour and the instructors’ self-perceptions than between observed behaviour and participant perceptions. A lower number of significant positive associations were identified between the instructors’ self-perceptions and participant perceptions (AU)

Control of Sertoli cell metabolism by sex steroid hormones is mediated through modulation in glycolysis-related transporters and enzymes.

Sertoli cells (SCs) glucose metabolism is crucial for spermatogenesis since developing germ cells consume lactate produced by SCs as their main energy source. Recently, androgens and estrogens have been implicated in SCs energy metabolism modulation, although the molecular mechanisms remained undisclosed. Here, we report the effect of sex steroid hormones on key points of cultured rat SCs glycolytic pathway. We used primary cultures of immature rat SCs treated with 17ß-estradiol (E2) or 5α-dihydrotestosterone (DHT). The transcript levels of glucose transporters (GLUTs), phosphofructokinase 1 (PFK-1) and lactate dehydrogenase C (LDH C) were analyzed after 25 and 50 h of culture by qPCR. Protein levels of GLUTs, PFK-1, LDH and monocarboxylate transporter 4 (MCT4) after 25 and 50 h were determined by western blot and LDH activity was also assessed. Our results show that both E2 and DHT downregulated the transcript levels of PFK-1, GLUT1 and GLUT3 after 50 h. However, only DHT-treated cells presented a downregulation of LDH C transcript levels. Interestingly, the protein levels of these enzymes and transporters remained unaltered except in DHT-treated cells that presented a significant decrease on GLUT1 protein levels evidencing a possible site for the regulation of SCs glucose metabolism by androgens. Taken together, our results provide evidence that sex steroid hormones action in SCs energy metabolism is mediated through modulation in glycolysis-related transporters and enzymes, particularly at the transcriptional level. DHT decreased GLUT1 protein levels and increased LDH activity after 25 h, evidencing key points for this hormone action in the regulation of SCs metabolism.

Um estudo de base vigotskiana sobre variação entre o desempenho de crianças e adoslecentes na resolução das tarefas de vocabulário e cubos - WISC III

Na experiência clínica de atendimento psicológico a crianças e adolescentes, tem-se observado um descompasso no desempenho dos sujeitos, em atividades que exigem a utilização da linguagem verbal, em comparação com o desempenho nas atividades que exigem o pensamento em ação, ou seja, a realização de atividade prática com materiais, na qual a expressão oral não é prioridade. Este trabalho teve como objetivo realizar um estudo exploratório para verificar se há variação entre o desempenho de crianças e adolescentes, na resolução das tarefas de Vocabulário e Cubos da Escala de Inteligência Wechsler para Crianças -WISC III e, caso houvesse, analisá-la a partir de aportes teóricos da abordagem histórico-cultural. Foi realizado um estudo de casos com 5 sujeitos cuja faixa etária média era de 11 anos e seis meses. Solicitou-se que respondessem aos subtestes Vocabulário e Cubos da Escala de Inteligência Wechsler para Crianças- WISC III. Os resultados das tarefas foram analisados de acordo com a grade de correção da Escala de Inteligência. Também buscou-se identificar os estágios do desenvolvimento do signo e do conceito que os sujeitos apresentavam na definição dos conceitos do “Vocabulário” e, nos “Cubos,” verificar a presença de comportamentos que indicassem o uso da atenção voluntária, estratégias de adaptação e autocrítica na realização das atividades. Os resultados indicam que 2 dos 5 sujeitos obtiveram escores mais altos no subteste “Vocabulário” do que nos “Cubos”. Apesar de os outros 3 sujeitos terem obtido escores altos nos Cubos, o desempenho não se igualou ao resultado alcançado no Vocabulário, que foram maiores. Não houve variações importantes no desempenho dos sujeitos quanto ao desenvolvimento de conceitos e do signo. Este estudo sugere que há uma variação real do desenvolvimento do curso da linguagem e do pensamento entre os sujeitos pesquisados mas o fenômeno demanda estudos aprofundados com amostra significativa.(AU)

In the clinical experience of psychological care for children and adolescents, it was observed an imbalance in the performance of the subjects in activities that require the use of verbal language, compared with the performance in activities that require the thought into action, that is realization of practical activity with materials, in which the oral expression is not priority. This study aimed to carry out an exploratory study to verify if there is variation between the performance of children and adolescents, in the resolution of the tasks of vocabulary and Cubes of the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-WISC III, and if there were, look at it from of theoretical contributions of historical-cultural approach. It was conducted a study of cases with 5 subjects whose average age was 11 years and six months. They were asked to reply to subtests Vocabulary and Cubes of Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-WISC III. The results of the tasks were analyzed according to the grade of correction of the Scale of Intelligence. It also sought to identify the stages of the development of the sign and the concept that the subject had in the definition of the concepts of 'Vocabulary' and, in the 'Cubes', to verify the presence of behavior that indicate the use of voluntary attention, strategies to adapt and self-criticism in carrying out activities. The results indicate that 2 of the 5 subjects received the highest scores in the subtest 'vocabulary' than in 'Cubes'. While the other 3 subjects have obtained high scores in Cubes, the performance was not the same of the result in vocabulary, which were higher. There were no significant variations in performance of the subjects on the development of concepts and of the sign. This study suggests that there is a real change of the course of the development of language and the thinking among the subjects searched but the phenomenon demand deeper studies with significant sample.(AU)

Histórias infantis e aquisição de escrita / x

Atualmente, um dos grandes desafios enfrentados na área da educação infantil é o de conseguir adaptar à sala de aula uma prática pedagógica que atenda às necessidades das crianças que já estão "vivendo" o processo de aquisição de leitura e escrita. Discutindo sobre esse processo, e também a respeito da relevância do papel que cumpre a literatura infantil, tenta-se atenuar as soluções para a questão, levantando algumas sugestões práticas que se baseiam nas correlações encontradas.