Effects of multicomponent and dual-task exercise on falls in nursing homes: The AgeingOn Dual-Task study.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effects of a multicomponent exercise program and a dual-task exercise program on the number of falls (fall rate) and number of fallers (fall incidence) and on parameters associated with fall risk in older adults living in long-term nursing homes (LTNH). STUDY DESIGN: This is a secondary analysis of a single-blind randomized controlled trial involving 85 older adults in nine LTNHs (Gipuzkoa, Spain). Participants allocated to the multicomponent group underwent a twice-a-week 3-month individualized and progressive resistance and balance program. The dual-task group performed simultaneous cognitive training with the same multicomponent exercises. MAIN OUTCOMES: Fall rate and incidence were analyzed using Poisson regression (adjusting for cognitive function and previous fall rate) and Kaplan-Meier analysis, respectively. Handgrip asymmetry, single- and dual-task TUG velocity and cost were assessed using two-way ANOVA for repeated measures and paired Student's t-tests. RESULTS: The dual-task group showed a 3.8 times greater risk of falling than the multicomponent group during the intervention, and a 2.59 times greater risk during the 12-month follow-up. There were no between-group differences in fall incidence. There were between-group differences in handgrip strength asymmetry in favor of the multicomponent group. While only the multicomponent group improved on the TUG test, the dual-task group improved on dual-task cost. CONCLUSIONS: Compared with the dual-task program, the multicomponent exercise program showed more benefits in reducing falls and in parameters associated with fall risk in LTNH residents. Future studies are warranted to confirm our results and continue to explore physical and cognitive interventions to prevent falls in LTNHs. Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12618000536268.

[Women over 65 years of age performing supervised physical exercise: Differences in physical capacity, physical activity and quality of life according to walking speed]. / Mujeres mayores de 65 años que realizan ejercicio físico supervisado: diferencias en la capacidad física, la actividad física y la calidad de vida en función de su velocidad de la marcha.

INTRODUCTION: Walking speed (WS) is an easy, quick and inexpensive measure that could be used to discern between older people with greater and lesser function and thus individualize physical exercise programs. OBJECTIVES: To analyze the differences in physical capacity, physical activity, and quality of life in people over 65years of age who attended a physical exercise program according to their WS and age. METHODS: 55 women (mean age: 76.67±6.66years) were divided into groups based on their WS (low WS: ≤1.59m/s and high WS: >1.59m/s) and age (older-younger: ≤76years and older-older: >76years). The following parameters were compared: 10Meters Walk Test (10MWT), Arm Curl Test, Handgrip, Chair Stand Test, 8Foot Up and Go Test (8FUG), 6Minute Walk Test (6MWT), and the Minnesota and The Short Form-36 Health Survey (SF-36) questionnaires. RESULTS: The level of physical activity was higher than 3000METs/week in all groups. The high WS group had better results in the Arm Curl Test, 10MWT, 8FUG and 6MWT and in the Physical Role and Vitality dimensions of the SF-36 (P<.05). The older-older group had lower weight, BMI and Handgrip (P<.01). CONCLUSIONS: The best results in physical capacity and quality of life are in those women with higher WS, suggesting that WS could be useful to individualize physical exercise programs.

Effectiveness of equine-assisted therapies for improving health outcomes in people with multiple sclerosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Scientific evidence has shown that equine-assisted therapies (EAT) lead to improvements in the physical function and the quality of life (QoL) of people with disabilities through the practice of hippotherapy or therapeutic riding (TR). There is a need to confirm whether people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) can also benefit from its practice. This review aimed to systematically evaluate and meta-analyze the available data on the potential health benefits of EAT in PwMS. METHODS: Four electronic databases (MEDLINE/PubMed, Web of Science, SPORTDiscus, and Scopus) were searched systematically from their inception until June 2021 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and comparative studies that provided information regarding the effects of EAT on PwMS. The studies' methodological quality assessment was performed using the PEDro and the MINORS scales. For the meta-analysis, heterogeneity across studies was quantified using the I2 statistic. Fixed-effect or random-effects models were applied to obtain the pooled results in the case of low (I2 < 30%) or high (I2 > 30%) heterogeneity values, respectively. Standardized mean differences (SMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to assess the change in each outcome. RESULTS: After removing duplicated studies, 234 results were retrieved by the literature search and 11 were eligible for full text search. Finally, 9 studies with a methodological quality ranging from good to low quality met the inclusion criteria. Six of them focused on hippotherapy and 4 of them were included in the quantitative analysis. Totally, 225 PwMS patients were evaluated. Findings from the meta-analysis indicated that this therapy improved static (SMD = 0.42; 95% CI: 0.05, 0.78) but not dynamic balance (SMD = 0.51; 95% CI: -0.04, 1.06), while significant benefits were observed on the patients' QoL (SMD = 0.37; 95% CI: 0.00, 0.73). Hippotherapy showed effectiveness for reducing self-perceived fatigue (SMD = 0.70; 95% CI: 0.33, 1.07), while TR showed mixed effects on balance and QoL. CONCLUSION: The actual evidence on the effectiveness of EAT in PwMS is mainly limited to hippotherapy. This rehabilitation approach seems to have beneficial effects on static balance, QoL and fatigue, but not directly on gait and dynamic balance. Altogether, the findings suggest that hippotherapy could be incorporated as a complementary therapy when developing comprehensive care plans for PwMS.

Physical exercise interventions have no effect on serum BDNF concentration in older adults living in long-term nursing homes.

Physical exercise protects against age-related cognitive decline. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) may mediate some of the cognitive benefits of physical exercise, but the effect of physical exercise on serum BDNF is unclear. Indeed, differential findings have been reported depending on the characteristics of the participants and the intensity, duration, and type of exercise. The aim of this study was to determine whether three different physical exercise interventions alter serum BDNF levels in older adults living in long-term nursing homes (LTNHs) and whether changes in physical, cognitive, and dual-task performance are related to changes in serum BDNF. LTNH study participants (n = 126) were randomly assigned to multicomponent or dual-task training or a walking program and serum BDNF levels were analyzed by ELISA. We also assessed physical, cognitive, and dual-task parameters. Neither the multicomponent, dual-task, nor walking exercise programs caused changes in serum BDNF concentration in older adults living in LTNHs. Changes in BDNF during the interventions were not significantly associated with modifications in physical, cognitive or dual-task performance parameters. Our results provide new evidence clarifying the relationship between physical and cognitive exercise and BDNF.

Comparison Between Multicomponent Exercise and Walking Interventions in Long-Term Nursing Homes: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: There is evidence that exercise interventions counteract the functional and cognitive decline experienced by long-term nursing home (LTNH) residents. To determine the most effective exercise intervention, we compared the effects of a multicomponent exercise intervention and a walking intervention on physical and cognitive performance, habitual physical activity, affective function, and quality of life among older adults living in LTNHs. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: This 3-month single-blind randomized controlled trial (NCT03996083) involved 81 participants at 9 LTNHs randomly assigned to a multicomponent (MG) or a walking (WG) group. The MG participated in a twice-a-week individualized and progressive program composed of strength and balance exercises for 3 months. The WG was also individualized and participants walked up to 20 min per day. The primary outcome was the score on the short physical performance battery (SPPB). Secondary outcomes included other physical performance tests, habitual physical activity, cognitive performance, affective function, and quality of life. RESULTS: Compared with the WG, the MG group showed greater improvements in physical performance, including the SPPB (p < .05). No significant differences were observed in cognitive performance or habitual physical activity. Both groups showed improvements in anxiety and quality of life (p < .05). DISCUSSION AND IMPLICATIONS: Although both interventions were effective in maintaining or improving affective function, the MG conferred greater improvements in physical function. Therefore, multicomponent interventions would be preferable over walking-only interventions. Otherwise, individualized and progressive walking interventions should be implemented to face the rapid decline in functionality encountered in LTNHs.

Comparison between multicomponent and simultaneous dual-task exercise interventions in long-term nursing home residents: the Ageing-ONDUAL-TASK randomized controlled study.

BACKGROUND: the potential benefits of dual-task interventions on older adults living in long-term nursing homes (LTNHs) from a multidimensional perspective are unknown. We sought to determine whether the addition of simultaneous cognitive training to a multicomponent exercise program offers further benefits to dual-task, physical and cognitive performance, psycho-affective status, quality of life and frailty in LTNH residents. Design: a single-blind randomized controlled trial. SETTING: nine LTNHs in Gipuzkoa, Spain. SUBJECTS: 85 men and women (ACTRN12618000536268). METHODS: participants were randomly assigned to a multicomponent or dual-task training group. The multicomponent group performed two sessions per week of individualized and progressive strength and balance exercises for 3 months. The dual-task group performed simultaneous cognitive tasks to the same tasks as in the multicomponent group. Gait speed under single- and dual-task conditions, physical and cognitive performance, psycho-affective status, quality of life and frailty were measured at baseline and after 3 months of intervention. RESULTS: both groups showed clinically significant improvements on gait performance under single- and dual-task conditions and on the short physical performance battery (P < 0.05). Both interventions were effective in maintaining cognitive function (P > 0.05). Only the multicomponent group significantly improved quality of life, and reduced anxiety and Fried frailty score (P < 0.05). No group-by-time interactions were found except for the chair-stand test in favour of the multicomponent group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: the addition of simultaneous cognitive training does not seem to offer significantly greater benefits to the evaluated multicomponent exercise program in older adults living in LTNHs.

A randomized controlled trial protocol to test the efficacy of a dual-task multicomponent exercise program in the attenuation of frailty in long-term nursing home residents: Aging-ONDUAL-TASK study.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of the Aging-ONDUAL-TASK study is to determine if a supervised dual-task program carried out in long-term nursing homes is able to attenuate frailty in a greater extent than the same multicomponent exercise program alone. METHODS: This multicenter randomized controlled trial will include 188 participants who will be randomly allocated to either a multicomponent exercise program or to the same multicomponent program with simultaneous cognitive training (dual-task training). Inclusion criteria are as follows: ≥ 70 years, ≥ 50 on the Barthel Index, ≥ 20 on the Mini Examen Cognoscitivo (MEC-35) who are able to stand up and walk independently for 10 m. Subjects in the multicomponent group will attend a twice-a-week multicomponent exercise program of 1-h duration per session, consisting of strength and balance exercises. Participants in the dual-task group will perform the same multicomponent exercise program with concurrent individually tailored cognitive tasks. Study assessments will be conducted at baseline and at 3 months. The primary outcome measure will be gait speed under dual-task conditions and secondary outcomes will include physical fitness measurements, gait spatiotemporal parameters, cognition and emotional assessments, several frailty scales and objectively measured physical activity. DISCUSSION: The present research will add valuable information to the knowledge around the effects of the dual-task program in long-term nursing home residents, taking altogether physical, cognitive and emotional variables linked to frailty. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR) with the identifier: ACTRN12618000536268 . Registration date: 11/04/2018.

Serum Myostatin Levels Are Higher in Fitter, More Active, and Non-Frail Long-Term Nursing Home Residents and Increase after a Physical Exercise Intervention.

BACKGROUND: Myostatin has been proposed as a candidate biomarker for frailty and sarcopenia. However, the relationship of myostatin with these conditions remains inconclusive. OBJECTIVE: To determine the association of serum myostatin concentration with body composition, physical fitness, physical activity level, and frailty in long-term nursing home residents. We also aimed to ascertain the effect of an exercise program on myostatin levels. METHODS: We obtained study data on 112 participants from long-term nursing homes. Participants were randomly assigned to a control or an intervention group and performed a 6-month multicomponent exercise program. Serum myostatin levels were analyzed by ELISA. Assessments also included body composition (anthropometry and bioelectrical impedance), physical fitness (Senior Fitness Test), physical activity level (accelerometry), and frailty (Fried frailty criteria, Clinical Frailty Scale, and Tilburg frailty indicator). RESULTS: The concentration of myostatin at baseline was positively correlated with: a leaner body composition (p < 0.05), and a higher number of steps per day and light and moderate-vigorous physical activity in women (p < 0.005); greater upper and lower limb strength, endurance, and poorer flexibility (p < 0.05) in men; and better performance (less time) in the 8-ft timed up-and-go test in both women (p < 0.01) and men (p < 0.005). We observed higher concentrations of serum myostatin in non-frail than in frail participants (p < 0.05). Additionally, we found that the implemented physical exercise intervention, which was effective to improve physical fitness, increased myostatin concentration in men (p < 0.05) but not in women. The improvements in physical condition were related with increases in serum myostatin only in men (p < 0.05-0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Higher serum levels of myostatin were found to be associated with better physical fitness. The improvements in physical fitness after the intervention were positively related to increases in myostatin concentrations in men. These results seem to rule out the idea that high serum myostatin levels are indicative of frailty in long-term nursing home residents. However, although the direction of association was opposite to that expected for the function of myostatin, the use of this protein as a biomarker for physical fitness, rather than frailty, merits further study.

Physical activity and fitness are associated with verbal memory, quality of life and depression among nursing home residents: preliminary data of a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Few studies have simultaneously examined changes in physical, cognitive and emotional performance throughout the aging process. METHODS: Baseline data from an ongoing experimental randomized study were analyzed. Physical activity, handgrip, the Senior Fitness Test, Trail Making Test A, Rey Auditory-Verbal Learning Test, Quality of Life-Alzheimer's Disease Scale (QoL-AD) and the Goldberg Depression Scale were used to assess study participants. Logistic regression models were applied. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ACTRN12616001044415 (04/08/2016). RESULTS: The study enrolled 114 participants with a mean age of 84.9 (standard deviation 6.9) years from ten different nursing homes. After adjusting for age, gender and education level, upper limb muscle strength was found to be associated with Rey Auditory-Verbal Learning Test [EXP(B): 1.16, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.04-1.30] and QoL-AD [EXP(B): 1.18, 95% CI: 1.06-1.31]. Similarly, the number of steps taken per day was negatively associated with the risk of depression according to the Goldberg Depression Scale [EXP(B): 1.14, 95% CI: 1.000-1.003]. Additional analyses suggest that the factors associated with these variables are different according to the need for using an assistive device for walking. In those participants who used it, upper limb muscle strength remained associated with Rey Auditory-Verbal Learning Test [EXP(B): 1.21, 95% CI: 1.01-1.44] and QoL-AD tests [EXP(B): 1.19, 95% CI: 1.02-1.40]. In those individuals who did not need an assistive device for walking, lower limb muscle strength was associated with Rey Auditory-Verbal Learning Test [EXP(B): 1.35, 95% CI: 1.07-1.69], time spent in light physical activity was associated with QoL-AD test [EXP(B): 1.13, 95% CI: 1.00-1.02], and the number of steps walked per day was negatively associated with the risk of depression according to the Goldberg Depression Scale [EXP(B): 1.27, 95% CI: 1.000-1.004]. CONCLUSIONS: Muscle strength and physical activity are factors positively associated with a better performance on the Rey Auditory-Verbal Learning Test, QoL-AD and Goldberg Depression Scale in older adults with mild to moderate cognitive impairment living in nursing homes. These associations appeared to differ according to the use of an assistive device for walking. Our findings support the need for the implementation of interventions directed to increase the strength and physical activity of individuals living in nursing homes to promote physical, cognitive and emotional benefits. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ACTRN12616001044415 (04/08/2016).

Physical training maintains or improves gait ability in long-term nursing home residents: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials.

Numerous studies have reported the benefits of physical exercise in older adults. However, studies performed in long-term nursing home (LTNH) residents are scarce. A literature search was conducted to identify physical exercise intervention studies that were randomized and controlled and that assessed gait ability in older LTNH residents using both walking speed and timed up-and-go (TUG) tests simultaneously. Together, these tests have been defined under the term "gait ability"; they are widely used to screen for impaired physical function, and can predict accelerated functional decline, difficulty with activities of daily living (ADL), falls, and disability in older adults. Multicomponent physical exercise programs are effective in improving or maintaining gait ability in older LTNH residents. The studies included in this review show substantial heterogeneity in terms of participant characteristics (age, baseline TUG performance, and walking speed), types of evaluated intervention (multicomponent and gait retraining programs), duration of the intervention (ranging from four weeks to 12 months), duration of physical exercise sessions (ranging from 30 min to 1 h), and exercise intensity (from 40% to 60-70% RM). Due to this heterogeneity, no firm conclusions can be drawn regarding the impact of exercise programs on gait ability in LTNH residents. However, the results of this review should encourage the gathering of additional evidence to support the use of multicomponent exercise programs by older individuals.

A multicomponent exercise program improves physical function in long-term nursing home residents: A randomized controlled trial.

To investigate the impact of a multicomponent exercise program on anthropometry, physical function, and physical activity on older adults living in long-term nursing homes (LTNH), we conducted a randomized controlled trial involving 112 participants aged 84.9 ±â€¯6.9 years. Participants were randomly assigned to an intervention (IG) or control group (CG). The IG participated in a 3-month multicomponent exercise intervention focused on strength, balance, stretching exercises, and walking recommendations. Subjects in the CG participated in routine activities. Analyses of outcome parameters were performed in the entire sample and in two subgroups, classified according to participants' physical function score at baseline. The group-by-time interaction, favoring the IG, was significant for the entire sample and for the participants in the low physical function subgroup for the following parameters: waist circumference, 30-s chair-stand, arm-curl, 8-ft timed up-and-go, SPPB score, gait speed, and Berg scale (p < .05). In participants with higher physical function at baseline, significant group-by-time interaction was observed in the SPPB score and Berg scale (p < .05). When differences were analyzed within groups, the IG maintained or improved in all assessed parameters, while participants in the CG showed a marked decline. Our study showed that a multicomponent exercise program is effective for older people living in LTNH. This is especially relevant in those with lower physical function scores. The lower efficacy of the program in participants with better function might be due to the insufficient exercise demands of our intervention for more fit residents. Future studies should analyze the effects of programs with higher intensities in older people with intermediate to high physical function.

Health-related quality of life, handgrip strength and falls during detraining in elderly habitual exercisers.

BACKGROUND: The effects of regular exercise on physical functioning and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) have been thoroughly studied. In contrast, little is known about the changes which occur following cessation of activity (detraining). Here, we have investigated the effect of a 3 month detraining period on HRQOL and on handgrip strength in elderly people who had regularly exercised, and examined the association of these variables with falls. METHODS: Thirty-eight women and 11 men (mean age, 75.5±5.7 years) took part in a supervised physical exercise program for 9 months, followed by a 3 month detraining period. Participants completed the SF-36 HRQOL questionnaire at the beginning of detraining (baseline) and 3 months later. Handgrip strength and number of falls were also recorded. RESULTS: Participants had been exercising for 12.1±8.7 years. After the detraining period, we found a significant (p < 0.001--0.05) decline in all SF-36 dimensions, with the exception of handgrip strength. Women presented a larger decline (p < 0.05) in more items than men. During the detraining period, 18.4% participants had a fall incident. HRQOL declined in both fallers and non-fallers during detraining. Interestingly, fallers already had at baseline significantly lower values in physical functioning (p < 0.05), emotional role (p < 0.05) and mental health (p < 0.01), than non-fallers. CONCLUSIONS: An important decline was found in most items of the SF-36 following a 3 month detraining period, particularly in women. In contrast, strength of the upper limb was not affected by the detraining. The prior lower HRQOL values of those who will subsequently fall suggest that this criterion should be studied as a candidate risk factor for falls. Efforts should be made to encourage the elderly to continue with exercise activities and/or to shorten holiday break periods, in order to maintain their quality of life. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The protocol was registered as a clinical trial in the ANZCTR (trial ID: ACTRN12617000716369 ).

Relative age effect and performance in the U16, U18 and U20 European Basketball Championships.

This study sought to determine the association of relative age and performance of young elite basketball players. The distribution of the birth dates, heights, positions, classification and performance of the male and female participants (n = 2395) of the U16, U18 and U20 European Basketball Championships were analysed. We found an over-representation of players born during the initial months of the year in all groups, with the relative age effect being more evident in players of the U16 and U18 groups, than of the U20 teams, particularly in male squads. Nevertheless, in the U20 championships, those teams that had the oldest players performed the best. In all championships, the oldest participants played more minutes. In addition, relatively older male players scored better in total points and in performance index rating when results were normalised to played time. This effect was not found for female players. Regarding playing position, different distributions of birth dates were observed due to each position's physical requirements. Thus, basketball coaches and managers should keep these results in mind when they select players because if not, they might subject players who are born towards the end of the year to a negative selection bias.

The Functional Classification and Field Test Performance in Wheelchair Basketball Players.

Wheelchair basketball players are classified in four classes based on the International Wheelchair Basketball Federation (IWBF) system of competition. Thus, the aim of the study was to ascertain if the IWBF classification, the type of injury and the wheelchair experience were related to different performance field-based tests. Thirteen basketball players undertook anthropometric measurements and performance tests (hand dynamometry, 5 m and 20 m sprints, 5 m and 20 m sprints with a ball, a T-test, a Pick-up test, a modified 10 m Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test, a maximal pass and a medicine ball throw). The IWBF class was correlated (p<0.05) to the hand dynamometry (r= 0.84), the maximal pass (r=0.67) and the medicine ball throw (r= 0.67). Whereas the years of dependence on the wheelchair were correlated to the velocity (p<0.01): 5 m (r= -0.80) and 20 m (r= -0.77) and agility tests (r= -0.77, p<0.01). Also, the 20 m sprint with a ball (r= 0.68) and the T-test (r= -0.57) correlated (p<0.05) with the experience in playing wheelchair basketball. Therefore, in this team the correlations of the performance variables differed when they were related to the disability class, the years of dependence on the wheelchair and the experience in playing wheelchair basketball. These results should be taken into account by the technical staff and coaches of the teams when assessing performance of wheelchair basketball players.

Applicability of an agility test in young players in the soccer field / Aplicabilidade de um teste de agilidade em jovens futebolistas em campo / Aplicabilidad de un test de agilidad en futbolistas jóvenes en el campo

INTRODUCTION: in soccer, agility is a relevant parameter that is defined as the ability to change the direction of the body rapidly and is a result of a combination of strength, speed, balance and coordination. OBJECTIVE: to demonstrated the reliability and validity of the modified Barrow test in soccer players aged 10 to 14 years, analyze its relationship with age, maturation, experience and body size and test the effectiveness of the protocol for distinguishing performance changes during a 10-month competitive season. METHODS: fifty-one adolescent Basque soccer players were enrolled. Age, maturation, experience, body size, vertical jump and 15-m sprint were measured. The reliability of the test was analyzed using replicate tests in a subgroup n = 34. Another subgroup of 33 players n =18, under-11, 10.4 ± 0.3 years; n = 15 under-13, 12.0 ± 0.8 years was evaluated at the beginning and the end of the season. RESULTS: the reliability of the test was good change in mean = -0.5%, 95% CI -1.2 to 0.2, SD=0.14; coefficient of variation = 0.9%, 95% CI - 0.7 to 1.5, SD=0.25. Chronological age and adiposity were significant predictors of agility performance P<0.01. An improvement in performance was observed over a 10-month soccer season, with a significant group effect P<0.01. CONCLUSION: the agility test demonstrated logic and validity, and proved to be a reliable and objective instrument for assessing adolescent soccer players. .

INTRODUÇÃO: a agilidade é um parâmetros relevante de desempenho no futebol, que pode de ser definido como a capacidade de alterar a direção do corpo com rapidez, sendo resultado da combinação de força, velocidade, equilíbrio e coordenação. OBJETIVO: demonstrar a confiabilidade e a validade do teste de Barrow modificado em jogadores de futebol com idade entre 10 e 14 anos, analisar sua relação com idade, amadurecimento, experiência e tamanho do corpo e comprovar a efetividade do protocolo para distinguir as mudanças no desempenho ao longo de uma temporada de 10 meses de competição. MÉTODOS: participaram 51 jovens jogadores de futebol bascos. Foram realizadas as seguintes mensurações: idade, maturação, experiência, composição corporal, salto vertical e corrida de velodidade de 15 metros. A confiabilidade do teste foi analisada pela repetição das medidas em um subgrupo de 34 jogadores n =18 sub-11, 10,4 ± 0,3 anos; n = 15 sub-13, 12,0 ± 0,8 anos. RESULTADOS: a confiabilidade do teste foi boa mudanças da média = -0,5%, IC 95% - 1,2 a 0,2, DP = 0,14; coeficiente de variação = 0,9%; IC 95% - 0,7 a 1,5, DP = 0,25. A idade cronológica e a adiposidade foram preditores do desempenho de agilidade P < 0,01. Foi observada melhora significante no desempenho durante os 10 meses de temporada, com efeito de grupo significante P < 0,01. CONCLUSÃO: o teste de agilidade demonstrou lógica e validade, além de ser um instrumento confiável e objetivo para avaliar a agilidade em jogadores de futebol adolescentes. .

INTRODUCCIÓN: en futbol, la agilidad es un parámetro relevante. Así, este parámetro está definido como la capacidad para cambiar de direcciones de forma rápida y es el resultado de una combinación de fuerza, velocidad, equilibrio y coordinación. OBJETIVO: demostrar la validez y confiabilidad del test modificado de Barrow en jóvenes jugadores de futbol de 10 a 14 años, analizar la relación con la edad, maduración, experiencia y tamaño corporal y comprobar la efectividad del protocolo para distinguir cambios de rendimiento durante una temporada competitiva de 10 meses. MÉTODOS: participaron 55 jugadores adolescentes vascos. Se realizaron las siguientes mediciones: edad, maduración, experiencia, composición corporal, salto vertical y sprint de 15 metros. La confiabilidad del test fue analizada mediante test replicado en un subgrupo de 34 jugadores. Otro subgrupo de 33 jugadores n = 18 sub-11, 10,4 ± 0,3 años; n = 15 sub-13, 12,0 ± 0,8 años fue analizado al principio y al final de la temporada. RESULTADOS: la confiabilidad del test fue buena cambios en la media = -0,5%, 95% IC - 1,2 a 0,2, ES-d = 0,14; el coeficiente de variación fue 0,9%, 95% IC - 0,7 a 1,5, ES-d = 0,25. La edad cronológica y la adiposidad fueron predictores del rendimiento de la agilidad P < 0,01. Se observó una mejora importante del rendimiento durante los 10 meses de temporada con un efecto de grupo significativo P < 0,01. CONCLUSIÓN: el test de agilidad demostró lógica y validez además de ser un instrumento confiable y objetivo para evaluar la agilidad en jugadores de futbol adolescentes. .

Talent identification and selection process of outfield players and goalkeepers in a professional soccer club.

Abstract The aim of this study was to analyse the talent identification process of a professional soccer club. A preselection of players (n = 64) aged 9-10 years and a final selection (n = 21) were performed by the technical staff through the observation during training sessions and matches. Also, 34 age-matched players of an open soccer camp (CampP) acted as controls. All participants underwent anthropometric, maturity and performance measurements. Preselected outfield players (OFs) were older and leaner than CampP (P < 0.05). Besides, they performed better in velocity, agility, endurance and jump tests (P < 0.05). A discriminant analysis showed that velocity and agility were the most important parameters. Finally, selected OFs were older and displayed better agility and endurance compared to the nonselected OFs (P < 0.05). Goalkeepers (GKs) were taller and heavier and had more body fat than OFs; also, they performed worse in the physical tests (P < 0.05). Finally, selected GKs were older and taller, had a higher predicted height and advanced maturity and performed better in the handgrip (dynamometry) and jump tests (P < 0.05). Thus, the technical staff selected OFs with a particular anthropometry and best performance, particularly agility and endurance, while GKs had a different profile. Moreover, chronological age had an important role in the whole selection process.

Influence of regression model and initial intensity of an incremental test on the relationship between the lactate threshold estimated by the maximal-deviation method and running performance.

This study investigated the influence of the regression model and initial intensity during an incremental test on the relationship between the lactate threshold estimated by the maximal-deviation method and performance in elite-standard runners. Twenty-three well-trained runners completed a discontinuous incremental running test on a treadmill. Speed started at 9 km · h(-1) and increased by 1.5 km · h(-1) every 4 min until exhaustion, with a minute of recovery for blood collection. Lactate-speed data were fitted by exponential and polynomial models. The lactate threshold was determined for both models, using all the co-ordinates, excluding the first and excluding the first and second points. The exponential lactate threshold was greater than the polynomial equivalent in any co-ordinate condition (P < 0.001). For both models, the lactate threshold was lower when all co-ordinates were used than when the first and the first and second points were excluded (P < 0.001). 10-km race pace was correlated with both the exponential and polynomial lactate thresholds for all the co-ordinate conditions (r ≥ 0.75, P < 0.001 and r ≥ 0.56, P < 0.05, respectively). The results suggest that the exponential lactate threshold should be used instead of the polynomial equivalent since it is more strongly associated with performance and is independent of the initial intensity of the test.

Relationship between the relative age effect and anthropometry, maturity and performance in young soccer players.

The presence of the relative age effect (RAE) has been widely reported; however, its underlying causes have not yet been determined. With this in mind, the present study examined if anthropometry and performance were different amongst older and younger soccer players born in the same year. Eighty-eight young soccer players participated in the study (age 9.75 ± 0.30). Anthropometric measurements, physical tests (sprint, agility, endurance test, jump and hand dynamometry) and the estimation of the maturity status were carried out. Most players (65.9%) were born in the first half of the year. Older players were taller (P < 0.05), had longer legs (P < 0.01) and a larger fat-free mass (P < 0.05). Maturity offset was smaller in the older boys (P < 0.05); however, age at peak height velocity was similar. Older boys performed better in velocity and agility (P < 0.05) and particularly in the overall score of performance (P < 0.01). Stepwise regression analysis revealed that chronological age was the most important variable in the agility test and the overall score, after the skinfolds (negative effect). We report differences in anthropometry and physical performance amongst older and younger pre-pubertal soccer players. These differences may underlie the RAE.

Influence of nutrient intake on antioxidant capacity, muscle damage and white blood cell count in female soccer players.

BACKGROUND: Soccer is a form of exercise that induces inflammatory response, as well as an increase in free radicals potentially leading to muscle injury. Balanced nutritional intake provides important antioxidant vitamins, including vitamins A, C and E, which may assist in preventing exercise-related muscle damage. The purpose of the present study was to determine the effect of macro/micronutrient intake on markers of oxidative stress, muscle damage, inflammatory and immune response in female soccer players. METHODS: Twenty-eight female players belonging to two soccer teams of the same professional soccer club participated in this study after being informed about the aims and procedures and after delivering written consent. Each team completed an 8-day dietary record and played one competition match the same week. Participants were divided into two groups: the REC group (who complied with recommended intakes) and the NO-REC group (who were not compliant). Laboratory blood tests were carried out to determine hematological, electrolytic and hormonal variables, as well as to monitor markers of cell damage and oxidative stress. Blood samples were obtained 24 h before, immediately after and 18 h after official soccer matches. Student t-test or Mann-Whitney U-test was used to compare both groups throughout the match. RESULTS: At rest, we observed that the REC group had higher levels of total antioxidant status (TAS), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and lower levels of creatine kinase (CK) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in comparison to the NO-REC group. Immediately after the match, levels of TAS, GPx, superoxide dismutase (SOD), LDH and % lymphocytes were higher and the % of neutrophils were lower in the REC group compared to the NO-REC group. These differences were also maintained 18 h post-match, only for TAS and GPx. CONCLUSIONS: Our data reveal an association between nutritional intake and muscle damage, oxidative stress, immunity and inflammation markers. The benefit of the intake of specific nutrients may contribute to preventing the undesirable physiological effects provoked by soccer matches.

Metabolic impact of a soccer match on female players.

The aim of this study was to examine the metabolic effect of a female soccer match in elite and sub-elite teams. Blood samples were taken (24 h before, immediately after and 18 h after official soccer matches) to determine haematological, electrolytic and hormonal variables, as well as the levels of cell damage and oxidative stress in 14 elite and 14 sub-elite players. Our results show increases in white blood cell count (P < 0.001) and the percentage of neutrophils (P < 0.001), and decreases in the percentage of lymphocytes (P < 0.05), eosinophils (P < 0.001), monocytes (P < 0.001) and basophils (P < 0.05) immediately post-match. Increases were also found in lactate dehydrogenase activity (P < 0.001), uric acid (P < 0.001), albumin (P < 0.001), total antioxidant status (P < 0.001) and free testosterone levels (P < 0.01). Creatine kinase activity significantly increased 18 h post-match (P < 0.01) and the concentrations of several ions, glucose and proteins were found to be altered immediately post-match. Overall, our results show that playing a soccer match exerts specific metabolic effects on female players, resulting in muscle damage, oxidative stress and biochemical and hormonal variations. On the basis of some interesting correlations, we also suggest that exercise-induced cell breakdown may enhance antioxidant capacity of the soccer players.