Do SOD2 and SOD3 gene polymorphisms impact the oral health-related quality of life in Para athletes?

The aim of this study was to evaluate whether polymorphisms in SOD2 and SOD3 genes modulate the oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) of Para athletes with dental caries experience. The cross-sectional study included 264 Para athletes (143 in athletics, 61 in weightlifting and 60 in swimming). A trained and calibrated team recorded the decayed, missing and filled teeth index (DMFT). The Brazilian version of the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14) was used to measure OHRQoL. Genomic DNA was extracted from the athletes' saliva, and genetic polymorphisms in the SOD2 (rs5746136 and rs10370) and SOD3 (rs2855262 and rs13306703) genes were analyzed by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed. A multivariate General Linear Model analysis, adjusted for sex, revealed that the SOD3 gene polymorphism (rs2855262) had a significant effect on the psychological disability domain [codominant (p = 0.045) and recessive (p=0.038) models]. The SOD2 gene polymorphism (rs5746136) had a significant effect on the total OHIP-14 score [dominant model (p = 0.038)] and the psychological discomfort [dominant model (p = 0.034)] and physical disability [codominant model (p=0.037)] domains. Presence of the SOD2 rs10370 polymorphism led to statistical differences in the total score [codominant (p = 0.026) and dominant (p = 0.023) models] and the handicap domain scores [codominant (p = 0.027) and dominant (p = 0.032) models]. Polymorphisms of the SOD2 and SOD3 genes may be important biomarkers of OHRQoL in Para athletes with dental caries experience.

Physiological and metabolic responses of Parabadminton athletes to field simulated effort.

BACKGROUND: Due to the increase in the number of Parabadminton (PBd) athletes and the lack of scientific knowledge of the sport, it is important to evaluate performance variables in different game stimuli. Thus, this study sought to examine the physiological and metabolic responses in a simulated effort protocol in PBd athletes. METHODS: Forty-seven volunteers (WH1=7; WH2=9; SL3=8; SL4=9; SU5=6; SH6=8) performed a simulated effort protocol, consisting of 2 blocks of activities (1st change of direction + 1st simulated effort; 2nd change of direction + 2nd simulated effort). Peak and average oxygen consumption (VO2peak and VO2avg), peak, percentage, and average heart rate (HRmax, %HRmax, and HRavg), percentage of carbohydrates and lipids contributions (%CARB and %FAT), and average and total energy expenditure (EEavg and EEtotal) were evaluated. The data was compared between protocol stages, functional classes (FCs), and court size. It was adopted P<0.05. RESULTS: Differences were found between the stages of the protocol in VO2peak (P=0.0008), VO2avg (P=0.0004); HRmax (P<0.0001); %HRmax (P=0.0001), HRavg (P=0.0001), %CARB (P=0.0001), %FAT (P=0.0001), EEavg (P=0.0002), and EEtotal (P=0.008). Among FCs, SL4 athletes were superior to WH1 athletes for VO2peak (P=0.075), VO2avg (P=0.022), EEavg (P=0.011), and EEtotal (P=0.022). Athletes who completed protocol in the full court were greater than half court for VO2peak (P<0.001), VO2avg (P<0.001), %HRmax (P=0.032), HRavg (P=0.018), %CARB (P=0.022), %FAT (P=0.022), and EEavg (P=0.016). CONCLUSIONS: PBd athletes belonging to higher FCs (4, 5, and 6) and who cover greater distances on the court exhibit physiological and metabolic responses under greater influence of the type of disability.

Paralympic Versus Olympic Canoe Sprint: Comprehension of the Development Trajectory of the Kayak 200 Meters.

Improvements in race times for male and female Para canoe athletes across different sports classes have led to a reduction in relative differences between classes over time. However, there is a lack of research examining the comparative developmental trajectories between high-performance Paralympic (PCS) and Olympic (OCS) canoe sprint. In this study, we compared the developmental trajectories of 200-meter kayak performances among PCS and OCS athletes. In total, we analyzed 628 race results obtained from public online databases, for nine competitions between 2015 and 2023. Race times were reduced over the years except in specific sports classes (KL3-M, K1-M, and K1-F; KL: Kayak Level, M: male, F: female), with a poor positive correlation (r = 0.17 to 0.33) between time and the years. For the remaining sports classes, these correlations ranged from poor to fair (r = -0.58 to -0.13). OCS K1 athletes outperformed their Paralympic counterparts. Among Paralympic classes, KL1 had slower times than KL2 and KL3 (p ≤ .05), with KL2 times significantly lower than KL3 in the female category. OCS athletes exhibited less variability in race times compared to PCS athletes. In the male category, there were no significant differences in the coefficients of variation (CV) and amplitude of race times between sport classes, except for KL1-M, which had a larger CV than K1 (p ≤ .05). In the female category, the CV and amplitude of race times were significantly higher in KL1-F compared to KL3-F and K1-F. OCS times remained stable from 2015, with KL3-M following a similar trend. PCS displayed greater race time variability, particularly in higher impairment classes, notably KL1. This underscores the existence of distinct developmental stages within the canoe sprint modality, particularly emphasizing the early developmental phase of KL1. It also provides valuable insights for coaches and sports selection, especially concerning athletes with more severe impairments, including those in Rehabilitation Centers and during athlete recruitment.

Do SOD2 and SOD3 gene polymorphisms impact the oral health-related quality of life in Para athletes?

Abstract The aim of this study was to evaluate whether polymorphisms in SOD2 and SOD3 genes modulate the oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) of Para athletes with dental caries experience. The cross-sectional study included 264 Para athletes (143 in athletics, 61 in weightlifting and 60 in swimming). A trained and calibrated team recorded the decayed, missing and filled teeth index (DMFT). The Brazilian version of the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14) was used to measure OHRQoL. Genomic DNA was extracted from the athletes' saliva, and genetic polymorphisms in the SOD2 (rs5746136 and rs10370) and SOD3 (rs2855262 and rs13306703) genes were analyzed by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed. A multivariate General Linear Model analysis, adjusted for sex, revealed that the SOD3 gene polymorphism (rs2855262) had a significant effect on the psychological disability domain [codominant (p = 0.045) and recessive (p=0.038) models]. The SOD2 gene polymorphism (rs5746136) had a significant effect on the total OHIP-14 score [dominant model (p = 0.038)] and the psychological discomfort [dominant model (p = 0.034)] and physical disability [codominant model (p=0.037)] domains. Presence of the SOD2 rs10370 polymorphism led to statistical differences in the total score [codominant (p = 0.026) and dominant (p = 0.023) models] and the handicap domain scores [codominant (p = 0.027) and dominant (p = 0.032) models]. Polymorphisms of the SOD2 and SOD3 genes may be important biomarkers of OHRQoL in Para athletes with dental caries experience.

Cross-Cultural Translation and Adaptation of the Perceived Recovery Status Scale to Brazilian Portuguese.

CONTEXT: One of the primary training variables, although often overlooked, is recovery level achieved before starting subsequent training sessions. To find a more practical measurement that is consonant with the daily training routine, the Perceived Recovery Status (PRS) scale is proposed. In this perspective, the present study aimed to translate and culturally adapt the PRS scale into Brazilian Portuguese. DESIGN: This was a clinical measurement. METHODS: The cross-cultural translation was performed according to guidelines. Linguistic validation consisted of 5 stages: forward translation, translation synthesis, back translation, analysis of inconsistencies, and cognitive debriefing. RESULTS: During forward translation, different interpretations were obtained from the 2 translators (versions V1 and V2). Supported by an expert committee, a combined version (V3) was obtained from V1 and V2. During back translation, different interpretations were obtained from the 2 translators (versions V4 and V5). Discrepancies, applicability, and cultural equivalence were documented and analyzed by the expert committee participating in the cross-cultural translation procedure. During the cognitive debriefing, a group of 5 Brazilian people from the general population were asked to participate in a cognitive debriefing to assess the comprehensibility of the translated items. CONCLUSIONS: The PRS was translated and culturally adapted to Brazilian Portuguese (PRS-Brasil).

Psychophysiological Stress Markers During Preseason Among Elite Female Soccer Players.

ABSTRACT: Botelho, R, Abad, CCC, Spadari, RC, Winckler, C, Garcia, MC, and Guerra, RLF. Psychophysiological stress markers during preseason among elite female soccer players. J Strength Cond Res 36(6): 1648-1654, 2022-This study aimed to investigate changes and correlations between mood states and various physiological stress markers after a 7-week preseason period among elite female soccer players. Twenty-four elite female soccer players participated in this study (26.4 ± 3.7 years). Their internal training load, mood states, day and evening salivary testosterone and cortisol concentrations, blood creatine kinase concentration (CK), and heart rate variability (HRV) were assessed during the first week of preseason (PRE), and again 7 weeks after a systematic training period (END). After the preseason, there were significant increases in subject negative mood scales (p ≤ 0.03; Effect Size [ES] > 0.60), total mood scores (p = 0.01; QI = 100/0/0; ES = 1.32), day and evening testosterone and cortisol concentrations (p ≤ 0.03; ES > 0.54), and CK concentrations (p = 0.01; QI = 100/0/0; ES = 1.54). Correlations were found between cortisol and tension (r = 0.53 and 0.60; p ≤ 0.02), cortisol and confusion (r = 0.75; p = 0.01), and cortisol and the LF/HF index of HRV (r = -0.52; p = 0.04). Mood states (except vigor), salivary testosterone, and cortisol concentrations, as well as CK, showed significant changes after a 7-week systematic training system. The cortisol was the factor most highly related to various mood states (including tension and confusion), and with the HRV indices. Coaches and researchers can use these data to design, monitor, and control soccer training programs, in particular throughout the preseason period.

Interleukin 1 alpha genetic polymorphisms as potential biomarkers for oral health-related quality of life in Para athletes.

AIMS: To assess the impact of dental caries on OHRQoL in Para athletes and to evaluate whether interleukin 1 alpha (IL1A) (rs17561, rs1304037), interleukin 10 (IL10) (rs1800871), and interleukin 1 receptor antagonist (IL1RN) (rs9005) genes are potential biomarkers for OHRQoL in Para athletes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study consisting of 264 Para athletes (athletics, 143; powerlifting, 61; and swimming, 60) aged between 14 and 79 years was conducted. The decayed-missing-filled teeth index was used for the clinical evaluation. The Brazilian version of the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14) was used to measure the OHRQoL. Genomic DNA was extracted from the saliva. Genetic polymorphisms were analyzed by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Descriptive and bivariate analyses were performed. RESULTS: The overall mean OHIP-14 score observed was 6.24 (standard deviation, 7.05) and 10.03 (standard deviation, 8.11) in Para athletes with no caries experience and with caries experience, respectively (p = .002). Para athletes with the A allele in the IL1A gene (rs17561), in a dominant model, had a significantly higher risk of poor psychological discomfort than those with the other allele (p = .03). CONCLUSION: Dental caries affected the OHRQoL in Para athletes. IL1A genetic polymorphisms were the potential biomarkers for OHRQoL in Para athletes.

Bruxism and type of breathing as factors associated with oral herpes lesion in Brazilian para-athletes.

AIMS: The present study investigated if recurrent manifestation of oral herpes lesions is associated with other factors and impacts the oral health-related quality of life in para-athletes. METHODS AND RESULTS: The studied population was composed of a convenience sample of 370 Brazilian para-athletes. All included individuals answered questionnaires and were submitted to an oral examination. A self-reported questionnaire addressed demographic and oral health data, including the recurrent manifestation of oral herpes lesions. The Oral Health Impact Profile was also applied in its reduced version with 14 questions (OHIP-14). The population was categorized according to results from previous competitions into a high-performance level, medium-performance level, and regional-performance level. Chi-square or Fisher's exact tests, odds ratio calculation, logistic regression analysis, and t-tests were performed (α = 5%). Sixty (16.2%) para-athletes reported recurrent manifestations of oral herpes lesions. Para-athletes with sleep bruxism (p = .007) and awake bruxism (p = .048) had a higher chance of reporting oral herpes lesions. Type of breathing was also associated with oral herpes lesions (p = .031). The OHIP-14 mean distribution among the groups was not statistically significant (p > .05). CONCLUSION: Bruxism and type of breathing were associated with self-reported oral herpes lesions in Brazilian para-athletes.

Salivary pH and oral health of Brazilian para-athletes: Saliva and oral health of para-athletes.

AIMS: This study aimed to investigate the association of the salivary pH and parameters of oral health in Brazilian para-athletes. METHODS AND RESULTS: The sample was composed of 271 Brazilian para-athletes (147 athletics, 61 powerlifting, and 63 swimming); mean age was 31.2 ± 11.7 years. Data collected during anamnesis, clinical examination, and saliva collection revealed that salivary pH was different among sports (p = .01) and tends to decrease as age and body mass index (BMI) increase (p = .026, .027, respectively). The mean decay missing filled teeth was 8.8 (±0.57), but there is no correlation with salivary pH (R2  = -0.0852; CI 95%, -0.215-0.047; p = .194) as habits of grinding, clenching teeth, or bruxism was not associated with salivary pH (p = .317, .932, and .444, respectively). Regarding breathing, para-athletes that have buccal breathing had significantly higher salivary pH (p = .04). This data were confirmed by multiple logistic regression (p = .05). Open bite, lip seal, geographic or fissured tongue also were not associated with variation of salivary pH (p > .05). CONCLUSIONS: This study provided evidence of an association between salivary pH with age, BMI, type of breathing, and type of sport practiced by the para-athletes.

Relationship Between Power Output and Speed-Related Performance in Brazilian Wheelchair Basketball Players.

This study aimed to investigate the association between the optimum power load in the bench press (BP), shoulder press (SP), and prone bench pull (PBP) exercises and acceleration (ACC) and speed performances in 11 National Team wheelchair basketball (WB) players with similar levels of disability. All athletes were previously familiarized with the testing procedures that were performed on the same day during the competitive period of the season. First, athletes performed a wheelchair 20-m sprint assessment and, subsequently, a maximum power load test to determine the mean propulsive power (MPP) in the BP, SP, and PBP. A Pearson product-moment correlation was used to examine the relationships between sprint velocity (VEL), ACC, and the MPP in the three exercises. The significance level was set as p < .05. Large to very large significant associations were observed between VEL and ACC and the MPP in the BP, SP, and PBP exercises (r varying from .60 to .77; p < .05). The results reveal that WB players who produce more power in these three exercises are also able to accelerate faster and achieve higher speeds over short distances. Given the key importance of high and successive ACCs during wheelchair game-related maneuvers, it is recommended that coaches frequently assess the optimum power load in BP, SP, and PBP in WB players, even during their regular training sessions.

Introdução e condução dos métodos mistos de pesquisa em educação física / Introduction and conduct of mixed research methods in physical education / Introducción y conducta de métodos de investigación mixta en educación física

Os métodos mistos de pesquisa são definidos como um processo de recolhimento, análise e "mistura" de dados quantitativos e qualitativos durante determinado estágio da pesquisa em um único estudo. Na área da Educação Física, esse método de pesquisa é uma combinação de abordagens relativamente nova. Assim, o presente ensaio teve como objetivo construir orientações fundamentais para o desenvolvimento de estudos de métodos mistos na área da Educação Física. Conclui-se, pois, que a busca pelo entendimento de como se dá o desenvolvimento de um estudo de métodos mistos pode auxiliar o pesquisador diante das construções de pesquisas, além de trazer contribuições para os avanços científicos.

Mixed research methods are defined as a process of collecting, analyzing and "mixing" quantitative and qualitative data during a given stage of research and in a single study. In the area of Physical Education, this research method is a relatively new combination of approaches. Thus, this essay aimed to build fundamental orientations for the development of mixed methods studies in the Physical Education area. It is concluded, therefore, that the search for the understanding of how the development of a mixed methods study takes place can help the researcher in the face of the research constructions, besides bringing contributions to the scientific advances.

Los métodos de investigación mixtos se definen como un proceso de recopilación, análisis y "mezcla" de datos cuantitativos y cualitativos durante una etapa dada de investigación y en un solo estudio. En el área de Educación Física, este método de investigación es una combinación relativamente nueva de enfoques. Por lo tanto, este ensayo tuvo como objetivo construir orientaciones fundamentales para el desarrollo de estudios de métodos mixtos en el área de Educación Física. Se concluye, por lo tanto, que la búsqueda de la comprensión de cómo tiene lugar el desarrollo de un estudio de métodos mixtos puede ayudar al investigador frente a las construcciones de investigación, además de aportar contribuciones a los avances científicos.

Diet Quality Profile of Track-and-Field Paralympic Athletes.

This study aimed to assess the diet quality of Brazilian Paralympic track-and-field team sprinters and its variation between days. All sprinters (n = 28) were invited, and 20 (13 men and seven women) accepted the invitation consisting of 13 athletes with visual impairment, four with cerebral palsy, and three with limb deficiency. The dietary intake was recorded by photographic register on four consecutive days, and diet quality was determined using a revised version of the Healthy Eating Index for the Brazilian population. Physical activity was assessed using an accelerometer, and metabolic unit information was used to classify exercise intensity. Variance Analysis Model and Bonferroni multiple comparisons were used to assess relationships between variables. The correlations between variables used Pearson linear correlation coefficient. The results show that revised version of the Healthy Eating Index score was classified as "needs to be modified" for all athletes. The maximum score for the components "Whole fruits," "Total vegetables," and "Dark green and orange vegetables and legumes" was achieved by 23.1% and 14.3%, 7.7% and 14.3%, and 46.2% and 57.8% of male and female athletes, respectively. Only 38.5% of the male athletes achieved the maximum score for the "Total cereal" component. Female athletes achieved higher scores than male athletes for the "Milk and dairy products" component (p = .03). Intake of whole grain cereals, dairy products, vegetables, and whole fruits needs modifications to improve adequate intake of vitamins and antioxidants, highlighting the need of continuous actions of nutrition education for this population.

Vertically and horizontally directed muscle power exercises: Relationships with top-level sprint performance.

The capacity to rapidly generate and apply a great amount of force seems to play a key role in sprint running. However, it has recently been shown that, for sprinters, the technical ability to effectively orient the force onto the ground is more important than its total amount. The force-vector theory has been proposed to guide coaches in selecting the most adequate exercises to comprehensively develop the neuromechanical qualities related to the distinct phases of sprinting. This study aimed to compare the relationships between vertically-directed (loaded and unloaded vertical jumps, and half-squat) and horizontally-directed (hip-thrust) exercises and the sprint performance of top-level track and field athletes. Sixteen sprinters and jumpers (including three Olympic athletes) executed vertical jumps, loaded jump squats and hip-thrusts, and sprinting speed tests at 10-, 20-, 40-, 60-, 100-, and 150-m. Results indicated that the hip-thrust is more associated with the maximum acceleration phase (i.e., from zero to 10-m; r = 0.93), whereas the loaded and unloaded vertical jumps seem to be more related to top-speed phases (i.e., distances superior to 40-m; r varying from 0.88 to 0.96). These findings reinforce the mechanical concepts supporting the force-vector theory, and provide coaches and sport scientists with valuable information about the potential use and benefits of using vertically- or horizontally-based training exercises.

Do paralympic track and field athletes have low energy availability? / Os atletas do atletismo paralímpico tem baixa energia disponível?

Abstract One of the greatest challenges when working with athletes is to achieve the energy demands for physiological processes and exercise expenditure. The aim of this study was to assess the energy availability (EA) of Paralympic track and field athletes (sprinters). Seventeen athletes (9 male and 8 female) with visual impairment (VI, n=10), cerebral palsy (CP, n=4) and limb deficiency (LD, n=3) were assessed for energy intake (EI) (4-day food photographic record), energy expenditure with exercise (EEex) (motion sensor), and body composition (skinfolds method). Energy availability was estimated using the equation: EA = (EIkcal - EEexkcal) / fat-free mass (FFM) / day, and values ≤ 30kcal/kgFFM/day were considered as low energy availability (LEA). EEex varied from 130 to 477kcal/h and athletes trained in average for 3.2 hours per day. Mean EA for VI, LD and CP were 36 (2.19), 37 (1.90) and 38 (3.38) kcal/kgFFM/day, respectively. Most (82.3%) participants presented EA below ≥ 45kcal/kgFFM/day, throughout the days, which are the recommended values for athletes without disability. Athletes should be encouraged to consume adequate EA to avoid consequences related to low energy availability. There is need of further research to identify cut-off values adequate for this population.

Resumo Um dos maiores desafios ao trabalhar com atletas é alcançar as demandas de energia para os processos fisiológicos e despesas com exercícios. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a disponibilidade de energia (EA) dos atletas paralimpico de atletismo (velocistas). Dezessete atletas (9 homens e 8 mulheres) com deficiência visual (VI, n=10), paralisia cerebral (CP, n=4) e deficiência motora (LD, n=3) foram avaliados quanto à ingestão de energia (EI) (4 dias de registro fotográfico dos alimentos), gasto de energia com exercício (EEex) (sensor de movimento) e composição corporal (método de dobras cutâneas). A disponibilidade de energia foi estimada usando a equação: EA = (EIkcal - EEexkcal) / massa livre de gordura (FFM) / dia e, os valores ? 30kcal/kgFFM/dia foram considerados como baixa disponibilidade de energia (LEA). O EEex variou de 130 a 477kcal/h e os atletas treinaram em média por 3,2 horas por dia. A EA média para VI, LD e CP foi 36 (2,19), 37 (1,90) e 38 (3,38) kcal/kgFFM/dia, respectivamente. A maioria (82,3%) participantes apresentaram EA abaixo de ? 45kcal/kgFFM/ dia, ao longo dos dias, que são os valores recomendados para atletas sem deficiência. Os atletas devem ser encorajados a consumir EA adequada para evitar conseqüências relacionadas a baixa disponibilidade de energia. Há necessidade de pesquisas adicionais para identificar valores de corte adequados para essa população.

Individual study of anthropometric variation, energy and macronutrients intakes in Paralympic Track and Field athletes in different phases of the season

a) to measure individual variations in body mass (BM), sum of skinfolds (SSF) and energy intake of Paralympic track and field athletes b) to evaluate whether individual consumption of macronutrients meets recommended levels in three distinct periods of training. Methods: Ten Paralympic track and field athletes were evaluated during three periods: 1) end of season, 2) after vacation, and 3) preparation for the Paralympic Games London 2012. Food history and the 24-hour Dietary Recall methods provided information on daily food intake. To assess changes in body composition, we measured skinfolds and BM. Descriptive statistics were utilized to describe individual results. Results: BM varied among athletes and phases, but most (n=8) had higher SSF after vacation. Four athletes reported an increase in energy intake of more than 500 kcal during their vacation period, while eight athletes reported maintaining their intake in the preparatory phase for the competition. Carbohydrate intake was adequate for most athletes in the end of season period and in the preparatory phase for competition, and most athletes had reduced lipid intake after vacation and in the preparatory phase. Conclusion: We observed important variations in BM and SSF, in food intake and macronutrients between the three evaluated periods. The nutritional status of the athletes suggests that inadequacies that might affect the performance of sprinters and middle-distance runners are more likely to occur during the preparatory period before competitions.(AU)

Performance Changes of Elite Paralympic Judo Athletes During a Paralympic Games Cycle: A Case Study with the Brazilian National Team.

The aim of this study was to describe the variations in power performance of elite Paralympic judo athletes across three consecutive training cycles of preparation for the ParaPan American Games, the World Championship and the Paralympic Games. Eleven Paralympic judokas from the Brazilian National team participated in this study. They were repeatedly assessed using squat and countermovement jumps, mean propulsive power (MPP) in the jump-squat (JS), the bench press and prone bench pull at several moments of the preparation. Training supervision based on the optimum power zone (range of loads where power production is maximized) was provided in the final cycle, prior to the Paralympic Games. Magnitude-based inference was used to compare the repeated measurements of power performance. Lower and upper limb muscle power gradually increased throughout the cycles; however, the best results in all exercises were observed prior to the Paralympic Games, during which the team won four silver medals. As an illustration, prior to participation in the Paralympic Games the MPP in the JS was likely to very likely higher than prior to the World Championship (effect size [ES] = 0.77) and ParaPan American Games (ES = 0.53), and in January and March 2016 (ES = 0.98 and 0.92, respectively; months preceding the Paralympic Games). Power performance assessments can provide information about the evolution of Paralympic judokas, and training at the optimum power zone seems to constitute an effective method to improve lower and upper limb power in these athletes.

Strength-Power Performance of Visually Impaired Paralympic and Olympic Judo Athletes From the Brazilian National Team: A Comparative Study.

Loturco, I, Nakamura, FY, Winckler, C, Bragança, JR, da Fonseca, RA, Filho, JM, Zaccani, WA, Kobal, R, Cal Abad, CC, Kitamura, K, Pereira, LA, and Franchini, E. Strength-power performance of visually impaired paralympic and olympic judo athletes from the brazilian national team: a comparative study. J Strength Cond Res 31(3): 743-749, 2017-The aim of this study was to compare the muscle power and maximal isometric strength capacities of Olympic and visually impaired Paralympic judo athletes. Twenty-eight elite judo athletes (7 men and 7 women per group) from the permanent Brazilian National Paralympic and Olympic teams took part in this study. After a specific warm-up, the athletes performed loaded jump squat (JS), bench press (BP), and standing barbell row (SBR) exercises to determine their values of maximum mean propulsive power (MPP) in these respective exercises. The maximal isometric strength (MIS) was also determined for both upper and lower limbs, through the use of BP and half-squat (HS) exercises. Finally, the jumping ability was assessed using unloaded squat jump (SJ). The magnitude-based inference was used to compare the groups. The Olympic judo athletes presented a likely higher SJ height than the Paralympic athletes. The Olympic group presented almost certainly higher MPP in the loaded JS and in the SBR exercises and likely higher MPP in the BP exercise. Importantly, in the MIS assessments the differences between groups in the HS and BP exercises were rated as unclear. In conclusion, our results showed that both Olympic and Paralympic judo athletes present similar levels of maximal isometric strength, but muscle power performance is superior in Olympic athletes.

Percepção de qualidade de sono e de vida em atletas paralímpicos: comparação entre atletas com deficiência física e visual / Perception of sleep and quality of life in paralympic athletes: comparison between athletes with physical and visual disabilities

RESUMO O esporte paralímpico cresceu muito nos últimos anos, com isso, torna-se importante a avaliação do sono e da qualidade de vida dos atletas, as quais podem influenciar em seus desempenhos. O objetivo do estudo foi verificar a diferença de percepção de qualidade de sono e de vida entre atletas paralímpicos dois meses antes dos Jogos Paralímpicos de Londres. Foram avaliados 30 atletas com deficiência física (18 atletas) e deficiência visual (12 atletas). Para avaliar a qualidade subjetiva de sono, a sonolência e a qualidade de vida (QV) utilizou-se o questionário de Pittsburgh, a escala de Epworth e o WHOQOL-bref, respectivamente. Para comparação entre grupos de deficiência foi utilizado o teste Mann-Whitney. Para verificar diferenças entre os domínios de QV foi utilizado o teste de Friedman, seguido do teste de Wilcoxon. A associação entre variáveis nominais foi analisada pelo teste qui-quadrado. Houve predomínio de atletas com eficiência de sono >85%. Não houve diferença entre os grupos na comparação da percepção da qualidade de sono. O domínio "meio ambiente" apresentou menor escore comparado a todos os outros domínios, enquanto o domínio "relações sociais" apresentou menor escore comparado ao domínio "psicológico". Não houve diferença na qualidade de sono e QV entre as deficiências.

ABSTRACT Paralympic sport has grown significantly in recent years, andtherefore, is important to evaluate the sleep and the quality of life of these athletes, which can influence their performance. The objective of the study was to verify if there is a difference in perceptions of sleep and quality of life among Paralympic athletes, two months before the London Paralympic Games. A total of30 athletes with physical disability (18 athletes) and visual impairment (12 athletes) were evaluated. The Pittsburgh questionnaire, the Epworth scale and the WHOQOL-bref, respectively, were used to assess subjective sleep quality, somnolence and quality of life (QOL). For comparison between disability groups were used the Mann-Whitney test. To verify differences between the domains of QOL, the Friedman test was used, followed by the Wilcoxon test. The association between nominal variables was analyzed by the Chi-square test. There was a predominance of athletes with sleep efficiency >85%. There was no difference between the groups in the comparison of perception of the quality of sleep. The domain "environment" showed lower scores compared to the other domains, while the domain "social relations" showed lower score compared to the "psychological". There was no difference in the sleep and life between disabilities.