Strength training as a non-pharmacological alternative to improve body composition, and quality of life in people with spinal cord injury: A systematic review.

INTRODUCTION: Spinal cord injuries (SCI) have physiological, emotional, and economic consequences in the lives of affected people. Resistance training (RT) is efficient in improving several physiological factors, quality of life, and body composition. Due to the scarce literature on the analysis of isolated RT, the objective of this systematic review is to evaluate the effects of RT without the association of other techniques, in aspects related to the quality of life and body composition of people with SCI. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: The research was carried out in databases such as Pubmed, Cochrane, and Web of Science using the terms ("Spinal cord injury") AND (("Resistance Training") OR ("Strength training")). Given the lack of evidence on the subject, no deadline was set for the study to be eligible for analysis. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: The search for the articles was carried out in November of 2023 and returned 470 results, of which 315 remained after the elimination of duplicates, with 281 being excluded after title analysis. A total of 34 abstracts were analyzed and 29 studies were excluded, leaving 5 complete articles for thorough analysis. CONCLUSIONS: After analyzing the main results, we concluded that RT promotes significant improvements in body composition, pain, stress and depression symptoms, increased functionality, physical awareness, and quality of life.

Do you even exercise, ref? Exploring habits of Spanish basketball referees during practice and matches.

Background: Basketball referees are a vital part of the organised competition system, although they remain an "outgroup" in sport. While physical development and fitness programming are deemed necessary for basketball officiating excellence, there is a paucity of literature exploring strategies for physical fitness management in this population. Methods: This research was a nationwide cross-sectional, self-administered online survey conducted in 2021. A sample of 628 (531 males, 97 females) referees from 18 regional referee organisations in Spain provided individual responses to gather information on demographic details, level of participation in refereeing, physical fitness practices, and match-day exercise-based regimens. The data were described using summary statistics, and the associations of the assessed variables were subsequently calculated using contingency tables. Results: Our findings reveal that a large fraction of the Spanish basketball referee population focuses on aerobic (83%) and strength (73.6%) activities, while less attention is paid to speed (36.9%) and flexibility (23.2%), and agility, coordination, and balance tasks are somewhat overlooked. No significant differences were observed among the referee categories regarding weekly training days or session duration, with most training for 15-60 min per session. Elite referees were more likely to hire personal trainers and engage in strength and flexibility exercises. Sub-elite referees showed a higher tendency to perform stretching and joint mobility activities post-match, while regional referees did so less frequently. Approximately 30.7% of referees across all competitive levels engaged in re-warm-up (RW-U) activities, with stretching and joint mobility being the most prevalent. Conclusions: Spanish basketball referees participate in routine physical exercise and fitness practices, irrespective of their competition level. While warm-up activities are prevalent, some sub-elite and regional referees do not consistently perform them, and re-warm-up routines are not extensively embraced.

Comparative Effects of Two High-Intensity Intermittent Training Programs on Sub-Elite Male Basketball Referees' Fitness Levels.

This study aimed to compare the effects of an 8-week short-term training program, comprising repeated sprints or running-based high-intensity intermittent training (HIIT), on the aerobic fitness and repeated sprint ability (RSA) performance of sub-elite basketball referees. Twenty male referees participated in supervised training sessions twice a week. They were randomly assigned to either the RSA-based group (RSAG) or the running-based HIIT group (HIITG). The RSAG conducted 3-4 sets of 8 × 20-m all-out sprints, while the HIITG performed 2-3 sets of 6 × 20-s runs at 90% of their maximal velocity achieved in the 30-15 intermittent fitness test (30-15IFT). Referees underwent a graded exercise test on a treadmill, the 30-15IFT, and an RSA test before and after the training program. Both groups showed significant improvement (~3%) in the fastest (22.6 ± 1.4 vs. 23.4 ± 1.7 and 22.0 ±1.9 vs. 22.4 ± 1.7 km·h-1 in RSAG and HIITG, respectively) and mean (21.5 ± 1.2 vs. 22.4 ± 1.4 and 21.3 ± 1.8 vs. 21.7 ± 1.6 km·h-1 in RSAG and HIITG, respectively) sprint velocity of the RSA test (p < 0.05). Moreover, positive changes (p < 0.05) were observed in the 30-15IFT maximal velocity (18.6 ± 1.1 vs. 19.3 ± 1.0 and 19.4 ± 0.9 vs. 20.5 ± 0.9 km·h-1 in RSAG and HIITG, respectively). In conclusion, an 8-week training intervention using either RSA or running-based HIIT led to similar improvements in referees' RSA performance and specific aerobic fitness measures. These findings could assist in devising tailored training programs for basketball referees.

The discriminative, criterion, and longitudinal validity of small-sided games to assess physical fitness in female basketball players.

The validity of small-sided games (SSG) for assessing physical fitness was evaluated in 21 female basketball players from senior (n = 8), under-18 years (n = 6), and under-16 years (n = 7) age categories. Players underwent fitness testing (countermovement jump [CMJ], agility T-test, repeated-sprint ability (RSA) test, and Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test [YYIRT1]) and 3vs3-SSG before and after a 6-week preseason. Player demands were monitored during SSG using local positioning system and heart rate technology. Regarding discriminative validity, senior players produced better CMJ, agility T-test, and YYIRT1 performance (p < 0.05, effect size [ES] = 1.72-2.25), and more distance and PlayerLoad (p < 0.05, ES = 1.53-2.47) during SSG than under-18 players following the preseason. For criterion validity, total distance and distance completing high-intensity decelerations during SSG were significantly (p < 0.05) correlated with CMJ (r = 0.44-0.66), YYIRT1 (r = 0.43-0.63), agility T-test (total distance only, r=-0.51), and RSA test performance (r=-0.49 to -0.52) among all players combined following the preseason. Regarding longitudinal validity, significantly better agility T-test and YYIRT1 performance (p ≤ 0.001, ES = 0.88-0.93) alongside lower heart rate during SSG (p = 0.001, ES = 0.88) were evident for all players combined following the preseason. These results partially support the validity of 3vs3-SSG to assess physical fitness in female basketball players.

Actigraphy-Based Sleep Parameters in Wheelchair Basketball Athletes: Influence of Training and Competition Load.

Objective This study aimed to analyze the actigraphy-based sleep parameters in wheelchair basketball (WB) athletes during the 3 weeks leading up to the playoffs, the week of playoffs, and the week after playoffs. Secondarily, the relationship between training load, sleep, and recovery was evaluated. Methods During 5 consecutive weeks, 10 male elite WB athletes wore a triaxial accelerometer. The session rating of perceived exertion (sRPE) and athletes' quality of recovery were also measured. Results There were no significant differences ( p > 0.05) in any of the studied parameters between the 3 weeks leading up to the playoffs, the week of playoffs, and the week after playoffs. No significant relationship between training load, sleep parameters, and recovery values was detected. Discussion The WB competition does not affect sleep quantity and quality.

Aquatic exercise for people with intellectual disabilities: findings from a systematic review.

Background: There is a need for promoting exercise practice among people with intellectual disabilities (ID). Aquatic exercise (AE) could be a viable option in this regard. Objective: To identify and critically analyze the best available evidence concerning the effects of AE in the physical and mental health of people with ID. Methods: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and comparative studies was performed after searching within several databases up to March 2021. Results: A total of 4 RCTs and 3 comparative studies were found. Their methodological quality ranged from high to low. Aquatic interventions had positive effects on cardiorespiratory, muscular fitness and balance. Mixed effects were seen on parameters related to obesity and cognition. Scant information regarding feasibility and intervention fidelity was provided. In general, interventions details were not discussed in deep. Conclusion: Preliminary evidence shows that aquatic exercise can be prescribed to people with ID in order to improve their physical health. The impact of aquatic exercise on motor skills, cognitive function and mental health remains unclear. Further research on this topic should provide a detailed description of the interventions carried out, including information on the feasibility and intervention fidelity.

Prevalence of urinary incontinence in female CrossFit athletes: a systematic review with meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: Studies on the prevalence of urinary incontinence (UI) among CrossFit practitioners are on the rise. This systematic review with meta-analysis was aimed at determining the prevalence of UI among CrossFit practitioners. METHODS: A systematic review of the literature was performed by searching MEDLINE/PubMed, Scopus, and SPORTDiscus through January 2021. The search strategy included the keywords CrossFit, urine incontinence, exercise, high impact and pelvic floor dysfunction. The inclusion criterion was any study with a sample of CrossFit practitioners and results separated from the other fitness modalities analysed. The subjects were women with no restriction of age, parity, experience or frequency of training. Quality assessment of the studies included was conducted using the Oxford Centre of Evidence-Based Medicine scale and the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) adapted for cross-sectional studies. RESULTS: Thirteen studies (6 comparative and 7 non-comparative) were included for the systematic review, all using a cross-sectional design. The level of evidence was 4, with their quality ranging from poor (n = 10) to fair (n = 3). A total of 4,823 women aged 18 to 71 were included, 91.0% participated in CrossFit, and 1,637 presented UI, which indicates a prevalence of 44.5%. Also, 55.3% and 40.7% presented mild or moderate UI respectively. Stress UI was the most common type reported (81.2%). CONCLUSIONS: The factors that increased the likelihood of UI were age, body mass index and parity. Exercises based on jumps were commonly associated with urine leakage. CrossFit practitioners presented higher UI than control groups.

Relationships between RPE-derived internal training load parameters and GPS-based external training load variables in elite young soccer players.

This study aimed to identify the GPS-based external training load variables that influence the internal training loads (RPE-derived parameters: RPE and session RPE - sRPE), and generate a model to predict GPS-based external load variables from RPE and perceived wellness values. Training load data for 21 elite young players were collected over 72 training sessions and 23 matches from the same competitive season, and 564 observations (training sessions, 462; matches, 102) were analysed. Considering all observations (training sessions and matches), significant moderate and large correlations (p < 0.01) were detected between RPE values and EL measures. The correlation between the GPS outcomes with both the RPE and sRPE values was higher during training sessions than during matches. Moreover, increased RPE and perceived wellness measures had a significant positive effect on external load variables (p < 0.001). The present work provides preliminary evidence of the utility of the RPE and sRPE method to quantify the training loads in young soccer players since most of the GPS-based EL indicators were moderate to highly correlated with the RPE-derived parameters. Additionally, EL variables may be estimated when combining perceived IL and subjective wellness indicators in young soccer players.

A Scoping Review on Para Judo.

ABSTRACT: This scoping review aimed to summarize the literature on Para judo comprehensively. A systematic search on WOS, PubMed, SPORTDiscus, and Scopus was carried out up to July 2022, combining the key words "judo" and "visual impairment," "visual disability," "visual deficiency," "visually handicapped," "low vision," "sight loss," "blind," "disability," "deficiency," and "Paralympic." The research question was focused on athletes with visual impairment who practiced judo at a competitive level. The following five methodological phases were followed: (1) identifying the research question, (2) identifying relevant studies, (3) study selection, (4) charting the data, and (5) collating, summarizing, and reporting the results. A total of 44 studies were analyzed. Three lines of research emerged: physical fitness ( n = 18), performance and/or sport class ( n = 15), and physical and mental health ( n = 11). Findings indicated that judokas with visual impairment showed a similar fitness level to able-sighted judokas. In addition, it was observed that Para judo shows a considerable injury incidence, which is not influenced by the degree of visual impairment. The temporal structure of the combats, together with the studies focused on the optimal cutoff points between sports classes, confirmed the appropriateness of the recent changes in the regulations by which partially sighted judokas and functional blind judokas compete separately.

Re-warm-up practices in elite and sub-elite Spanish men's and women's basketball team: practitioners' perspectives / Prácticas de re-calentamiento en equipos de baloncesto masculino y femenino de élite y sub-élite españoles: perspectivas de los profesionales / Práticas de reaquecimento nas equipas de elite e subelite espanholas de basquetebol masculino e feminino: perspectivas dos praticantes

Objective: Research suggests that an active re-warm-up (RW-U) during half-time improves performance capacity in team sports, despite limited evidence in basketball. This study aimed to identify the practice of RW-U activities during the half-time period in elite and sub-elite Spanish men's and women's basketball teams. Methods: We asked strength and conditioning coaches from all teams competing at ACB, LF, LF2, LEB Oro, LEB Plata and EBA leagues during the 2020/21 season to fill in a web survey. Results: All respondents reported familiarization with the RW-U concept, although 45% only reproduced traditional strategies. Half of the coaches indicated that they always performed some activity, while the other half pointed out lack of time (45.7%) and player demands (62.9%) as the main constraints impeding its regular use. Conclusion: Spanish basketball teams continue to reproduce traditional practices of active re-warm-up during half-time, regardless of their competitive level.(AU)

Objetivo: La investigación sugiere que un recalentamiento activo (RW-U) durante el descanso mejora la capacidad de rendimiento en los deportes de equipo, a pesar de que la evidencia en el baloncesto es limitada. Este estudio tiene como objetivo identificar la práctica de actividades de RW-U durante el periodo de descanso en equipos de baloncesto españoles de élite y sub-élite. Métodos: Se pidió a los preparadores físicos de todos los equipos que compiten en las ligas ACB, LF, LF2, LEB Oro, LEB Plata y EBA durante la temporada2020/21 que rellenaran una encuesta web. Resultados: Todos los encuestados declararon estar familiarizados con el concepto RW-U, aunque el 45% sólo reprodujo las estrategias tradicionales. La mitad de los entrenadores indicó que siempre realizaba alguna actividad, mientras que la otra mitad señaló la falta de tiempo (45,7%) y la exigencia de los jugadores (62,9%) como las principales razones que limitan su uso regular. Conclusión: Los equipos de baloncesto español siguen reproduciendo prácticas tradicionales de re-calentamiento activo durante el medio tiempo, independientemente de su nivel competitivo.(AU)

Objectivos: A investigação sugere que um reaquecimento activo (RW-U) durante o intervalo melhora a capacidade de desempenho nos desportos de equipa, apesar das provas limitadas no basquetebol. Este estudo visava identificar a prática de actividades de RW-U durante o intervalo nas equipas de elite e subelite espanholas de basquetebol masculino e feminino. Métodos: Pedimos força e condicionamento aos treinadores de toda as equipas que competiram nas ligas ACB, LF, LF2, LEB Oro, LEB Plata e EBA durante a época de 2020/21 para preencher um inquérito na web. Resultados: Todos os inquiridos relataram familiarização com o conceito de RW-U, embora 45% reproduzissem apenas estratégias tradicionais. Metade dos treinadores indicaram que sempre realizaram alguma actividade, enquanto a outra metade apontou a falta de tempo (45,7%) e as exigências dos jogadores (62,9%) como os principais constrangimentos que impedem a sua utilização regular.Conclusão: As equipas espanholas de basquetebol continuam a reproduzir práticas tradicionais de reaquecimento activo durante o intervalo, independentemente do seu nível competitivo.(AU)

Effects of Nordic walking in people with Parkinson's disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Nordic walking (NW) may be a beneficial treatment for people with Parkinson's disease (PD). Since high-quality research has been published on the effects of NW on people with PD by now, an actualised and comprehensive, in-depth review is recommended to guide practitioners in prescribing this exercise modality. The purpose of this study was to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis on the effectiveness of NW as a rehabilitation strategy for PD. According to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, a literature search was performed using Pubmed, SportDiscus and Scopus up to May 2021. Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) addressing the impact of a NW intervention on any outcomes in people with PD were included. The critical appraisal of the RCTs was retrieved from the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) or evaluated using the PEDro scale. The Cochrane Collaboration's risk of bias tool was also employed. The review was not registered a priori on any database and a review protocol was not published. Twelve studies were included in the review. The investigations were mostly good-to-fair methodological quality, and risk of bias was acceptable. None of the reported statistically significant benefits of NW were clinically meaningful, except for walking ability. Although adherence to NW programs was good, some adverse effects derived from its practice were informed. The practice of Nordic Walking does not lead to clinically significant changes in global motor impairment, functional mobility, balance and physical fitness in patients with PD. This therapy seems to improve walking ability and quality of life, although further research in this latter outcome is needed.

[Estimación del aumento global del tiempo de sedentarismo durante los confinamientos de la COVID-19: una revisión sistemática y un metanálisis.] / Estimating the global increase in sedentary time during COVID-19 lockdowns: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Las estrategias restrictivas de movilidad derivadas de la pandemia por COVID-19 podrían afectar negativamente al estado de salud de la población debido a la disminución de los niveles de actividad física. El objetivo de este estudio es estimar el aumento del tiempo de sedentarismo durante los confinamientos en comparación con la situación anterior al brote de COVID-19 en muestras de población adulta de diferentes países del mundo. METHODS: Se realizó una búsqueda sistemática en tres bases de datos electrónicas, hasta el 27 de febrero de 2021, de estudios que informaran sobre el tiempo total de sedentarismo antes y durante los confinamientos por COVID-19 utilizando una herramienta validada. Se realizó un metanálisis utilizando modelos de efectos aleatorios para calcular las diferencias de medias ponderadas en el tiempo sedentario diario total antes y durante los confinamientos. El análisis se repitió estratificado y comparando por sexo. RESULTS: Se incluyeron 20 estudios, con una calidad metodológica buena (n=15) y regular (n=5). Para el metanálisis se agruparon los datos de 18 estudios, con 47.245 participantes. Los confinamientos por COVID-19 en todo el mundo condujeron a un aumento medio ponderado de 2,40 horas diarias en el tiempo total de comportamiento sedentario (intervalo de confianza del 95%: 1,95; 2,85). El análisis estratificado y comparativo por sexo en 8 estudios indicó un aumento similar para mujeres (n=20.455) y hombres (n=11.825). CONCLUSIONS: El tiempo total de sedentarismo diario aumentó en 2,40 horas en todo el mundo durante los confinamientos en comparación con la situación anterior al brote de COVID-19, sin diferencias significativas entre sexos.

OBJETIVO: This study aimed to estimate the increase in sedentary time during the lockdowns compared to the situation before the COVID-19 outbreak in adult population samples from different countries worldwide. METODOS: We systematically searched three electronic databases until 27th February 2021 for studies reporting data on total sedentary time before and during COVID-19 lockdowns using a validated tool. We performed a meta-analysis using random-effects models to calculate weighted mean differences in total daily sedentary time before and during the lockdowns. The analysis was repeated stratified and compared by sex. RESULTADOS: We included 20 studies, with a good (n=15) and fair (n=5) methodological quality. We pooled for meta-analysis the data from 18 studies, comprising 47,245 participants. The COVID-19 lockdowns across the globe led to a weighted mean increase of 2.40 hours per day in total sedentary behavior time (95% confidence interval: 1.95; 2.85). The stratified and comparative analysis by sex in 8 studies indicated a similar increase for women (n=20,455) and men (n=11,825). CONCLUSIONES: Total daily sedentary time increased by 2.40 hours worldwide during the lockdowns compared to the situation before the COVID-19 outbreak, with no significant difference between sexes.

Estimación del aumento global del tiempo de sedentarismo durante los confinamientos de la COVID-19: una revisión sistemática y un metanálisis / Estimating the global increase in sedentary time during COVID-19 lockdowns: a systematic review and meta-analysis

FUNDAMENTOS: Las estrategias restrictivas de movilidad derivadas de la pandemia por COVID-19 podrían afectar negativamenteal estado de salud de la población debido a la disminución de los niveles de actividad física. El objetivo de este estudio es estimar elaumento del tiempo de sedentarismo durante los confinamientos en comparación con la situación anterior al brote de COVID-19 enmuestras de población adulta de diferentes países del mundo.MÉTODOS: Se realizó una búsqueda sistemática en tres bases de datos electrónicas, hasta el 27 de febrero de 2021, de estudiosque informaran sobre el tiempo total de sedentarismo antes y durante los confinamientos por COVID-19 utilizando una herramientavalidada. Se realizó un metanálisis utilizando modelos de efectos aleatorios para calcular las diferencias de medias ponderadas en eltiempo sedentario diario total antes y durante los confinamientos. El análisis se repitió estratificado y comparando por sexo.RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron 20 estudios, con una calidad metodológica buena (n=15) y regular (n=5). Para el metanálisis seagruparon los datos de 18 estudios, con 47.245 participantes. Los confinamientos por COVID-19 en todo el mundo condujeron a unaumento medio ponderado de 2,40 horas diarias en el tiempo total de comportamiento sedentario (intervalo de confianza del95%: 1,95; 2,85). El análisis estratificado y comparativo por sexo en 8 estudios indicó un aumento similar para mujeres (n=20.455) yhombres (n=11.825).CONCLUSIONES: El tiempo total de sedentarismo diario aumentó en 2,40 horas en todo el mundo durante los confinamientos encomparación con la situación anterior al brote de COVID-19, sin diferencias significativas entre sexos.(AU)

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to estimate the increase in sedentary time during the lockdowns compared to the situationbefore the COVID-19 outbreak in adult population samples from different countries worldwide.METHODS: We systematically searched three electronic databases until 27th February 2021 for studies reporting data on total seden-tary time before and during COVID-19 lockdowns using a validated tool. We performed a meta-analysis using random-effects models tocalculate weighted mean differences in total daily sedentary time before and during the lockdowns. The analysis was repeated stratifiedand compared by sex.RESULTS: We included 20 studies, with a good (n=15) and fair (n=5) methodological quality. We pooled for meta-analysis the datafrom 18 studies, comprising 47,245 participants. The COVID-19 lockdowns across the globe led to a weighted mean increase of 2.40hours per day in total sedentary behavior time (95% confidence interval: 1.95; 2.85). The stratified and comparative analysis by sex in8 studies indicated a similar increase for women (n=20,455) and men (n=11,825).CONCLUSIONS: Total daily sedentary time increased by 2.40 hours worldwide during the lockdowns compared to the situationbefore the COVID-19 outbreak, with no significant difference between sexes.(AU)

Field-based tests for assessing fitness in referees: A systematic review.

This systematic review was aimed at identifying the psychometric properties of field-based tests for assessing physical fitness in soccer referees. Electronic databases were searched up to May 2020 for studies that informed about the reliability and/or validity of at least one field-based physical fitness test for soccer referees. A total of 13 studies analysed the psychometric properties of the field-based physical fitness tests proposed by the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) (aerobic endurance, n = 8; anaerobic endurance, n = 3; and speed, n = 8), while seven investigations focused on field-based physical fitness tests specifically designed for assessing aerobic endurance (n = 1) or change of direction (COD) (n = 6). According to the observed reliability and validity values, the Assistant Referee Intermittent Endurance test (ARIET), the 50-m sprint test and the Modified Agility test (MAT) seem, respectively, the best available options for assessing aerobic endurance, speed, and COD in soccer referees. Future investigations should consider the lack of research focusing on assistant and female referees. Further studies on the psychometric properties of anaerobic endurance and short distance speed tests are also needed.

Effects of half-time re-warm-up implemented during a simulated match in U14 female basketball players.

Re-warm-up activities are recommended in team sports due to loss of muscle temperature during half-time. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a half-time re-warm-up strategy on female basketball players. Ten players U14, separated into two teams of five players, performed either a passive rest condition or repeated sprints (5×14 m) plus 2 min of a shooting wheel (re-warm-up condition), during the half-time break (10 min) of a simulated basketball match, where only the first three quarters were played. The re-warm-up did not elicit significant effects on jump performance and locomotory responses during the match, except for the distance covered at a very light speed, which was significantly higher than in the passive rest condition (1767 ± 206 vs 1529 ± 142 m; p < 0.05). Mean heart rate (74 ± 4 vs 70 ± 5%) and rate of perceived exertion (4.5 ± 1.5 vs 3.1 ± 1.44 a.u.) were higher in the re-warm-up condition during half-time (p < 0.05). In conclusion, performing re-warm-up activities based on sprints could be a valuable strategy to avoid the reduction of sport performance during prolonged breaks, but given the limitations of the study, these relationships need to be further explored in official competitions.

Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials on the effects of yoga in people with Parkinson's disease.

PURPOSE: Yoga may be a beneficial treatment for people with Parkinson's disease (PD). However, no studies have critically reviewed and meta-analyzed the scientific evidence for yoga's benefits regarding motor and non-motor symptoms. The purpose of this study was to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis on the effectiveness of yoga as a rehabilitation strategy for PD. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, a literature search was performed using MEDLINE/PubMed, PEDro, SPORTDiscus, and Scopus. Studies addressing any concepts on the impact of yoga intervention on physical and psychological outcomes in people with PD were included. RESULTS: Fourteen RCTs were selected, with heterogeneous protocols and outcomes measures. Yoga interventions were safe and well-accepted for patients with mild to moderate PD. The descriptive analysis indicated that its practice might provide both physical and psychological benefits. Preliminary evidence showed that yoga has comparable or superior efficacy to exercise. A subsequent meta-analysis on five RCTs detected that yoga was more effective than passive control in ameliorating motor symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Yoga appears to be a promising rehabilitative therapy for individuals with PD. Recommendations are proposed for future studies.IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONYoga is a safe and feasible therapy for people with mild to moderate PD.Yoga practice positively impacts physical and mental health in this population.When compared to exercise, yoga showed to have similar or even greater effects.

Feasibility and effects of a chair-based yoga program for adults with neurodisability.

Purpose: This study focuses on exploring the feasibility and the effects of practicing chair-based yoga for 10 weeks on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and interoceptive body awareness (BA) in adults with neurodisability and moderate to severe physical dependence.Materials and Methods: A pre- and post-testing control group design was followed. Participants were 34 service users at a rehabilitation center. The intervention group (IG, n = 17, 53% men, mean age of 48.6 ± 11.4 years) took part in the 10-week chair-based yoga program. The control group (CG, n = 17, 53% men, mean age of 53.1 ± 11.0 years) received usual care. The outcome measures were feasibility (recruitment rate, attrition, completion rate, adherence, participation, safety and tolerability), HRQoL (WHOQoL-BREF questionnaire), and BA (the Multidimensional Assessment of Interoceptive Awareness, MAIA). Participants in the IG completed a questionnaire to measure their personal experience of participating in the program.Results and Conclusions: This study provides implications for a 10-week chair-based yoga program as a feasible, well-tolerated, and safe intervention, reinforced by the participants' retrospective judgment. Compared to the CG, the program produced statistically significant improvements over BA, such as subscales of MAIA Noticing (p = .031, Hedges gs = 0.76), Emotional Awareness (p < .001, Hedges gs = 1.68), and Trusting (p = .036, Hedges gs = 0.74), but not HRQoL, for the IG. Chair-based yoga programs could be a rehabilitation strategy in the socio-health care of a varied population with physical mobility impairments leading to wheelchair use.Implications for RehabilitationA 10-week chair-based yoga intervention was shown to be a feasible, well-tolerated, and safe therapy which allowed people of varying abilities to participate equitable.Chair-based yoga can help people with moderate to severe physical dependence due to neurodisability to improve their interoceptive body awareness.Chair-based yoga does not have a significant impact on the health-related quality of life of this sample of participants.

The Efficacy of Re-Warm-Up Practices during Half-Time: A Systematic Review.

Background and Objectives: The passive nature of rest breaks in sport could reduce athletes' performance and even increase their risk of injury. Re-warm-up activities could help avoid these problems, but there is a lack of research on their efficacy. This systematic review aimed at analyzing the results of those randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that provided information on the effects of re-warm-up strategies. Materials and Methods: Four electronic databases (Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, and SPORTDiscus) were searched from their inception to January 2021, for RCTs on the effects of re-warm-up activities on sports performance. Interventions had to be implemented just after an exercise period or sports competition. Studies that proposed activities that were difficult to replicate in the sport context or performed in a hot environment were excluded. Data were synthesized following PRISMA guidelines, while the risk of bias was assessed following the recommendations of the Cochrane Collaboration. Results: A total of 14 studies (178 participants) reporting data on acute or short-term effects were analyzed. The main outcomes were grouped into four broad areas: physiological measures, conditional abilities, perceptual skills, and sport efficiency measures. The results obtained indicated that passive rest decreases physiological function in athletes, while re-warm-up activities could help to improve athletes' conditional abilities and sporting efficiency, despite showing higher fatigue levels in comparison with passive rest. The re-warm-up exercise showed to be more effective than passive rest to improve match activities and passing ability. Conclusions: Performing re-warm-up activities is a valuable strategy to avoid reducing sports performance during prolonged breaks. However, given that the methodological quality of the studies was not high, these relationships need to be further explored in official or simulated competitions.

Exercise training program in children with lower-limb amputation.

OBJECTIVE: Few physical exercise programs for children with limb loss have been described in detail recently. We provided information regarding the characteristics and effectiveness of an alternative rehabilitation exercise developed for children with lower-limb amputation. METHODS: An 8-year-old boy with a below-knee amputation and a 9-year-old bilateral amputee girl performed an exercise program of one 2-h session per week for 20 weeks, aimed at developing muscular strength and coordination. Walking ability and walking speed were assessed by using the L-test of functional mobility and 10-m walk test, respectively. Mechanical and neuromuscular muscle function was assessed by using tensiomyography. RESULTS: In case 1, a decrement of 9.5% and 10.5% was found in the L-test (42 s vs. 38 s) and in the 10-m test (19 s vs. 17 s) scores, respectively. In case 2, walking ability remained unchanged (L-test score: 38 s), while a 5.2% reduction in walking speed was observed (10-m test score: 19 s vs. 18 s). No relevant changes were observed in the muscular tone in both cases. CONCLUSIONS: Practitioners should be aware that, contrary to what could be expected, a multidisciplinary training program held once per week for 5 months had a minimal impact on the gait pattern and neuromuscular function of two children with lower-limb amputation.

Effects of Videogaming on the Physical, Mental Health, and Cognitive Function of People with Intellectual Disability: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials.

Videogames have been applied to improve health-related outcomes in people with intellectual disabilities (ID). For this purpose, it seems necessary to make available the best scientific information concerning the feasibility and potential benefits of playing videogames within this population. This study aimed to systematically review the existing scientific evidence regarding the effects of videogaming on the physical and mental health of people with ID. Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, a literature search was performed using MEDLINE/PubMed, PEDro, SPORTDiscus, and Scopus up to June 2020. The Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scale was used to rate the methodological quality of the included investigations. A total of 17 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were selected. Data synthesis examined physical health, including anthropometrics, physical fitness, and motor skills, and mental health and cognitive function. Intervention protocols were based on videogames of different nature (i.e., exergames and computerized cognitive training) and showed substantial heterogeneity in duration. Session length varied from 15 to 60 minutes. Five studies achieved a high intervention adherence rate, whereas a low drop-out rate was reported in eight RCTs. Videogaming is a useful therapy for improving physical and cognitive function in people with ID. Exergaming seems to be an interesting physical intervention for increasing fitness and motor skill levels, while sedentary videogaming has shown potential for stimulating cognitive function. Further research to analyze its feasibility and its impact on body composition and mental health is needed.