The Relative Age Effect in the Two Professional Men's Football Leagues in Spain.

The age difference among individuals of the same group is known as Relative Age. Relative Age Effect refers to the consequences derived from it, such as delayed physical, cognitive and mental development of children born later in the year. The aim of this study was to observe the Relative Age Effect by analyzing players' dates of birth throughout three seasons in the two professional football competitions in Spain based on the game positions and the teams' classification at the end of the season. The sample was made up of players (n=4097) from both professional competitions (nLaLiga Santander=1864), and (nLaLiga Smartbank=2233). The data were collected from two public-access football statistics websites. The cut-off date was established on January 1, the year was divided into four quartiles (Q1: January-March, Q2: April-June, Q3: July-September and Q4: October-December). Results confirmed significant differences on dates of births' distribution (p<0.05) for the competitions - LaLiga Santander and LaLiga Smartbank - during three seasons, as well as for player position, with a larger effect observed for goalkeepers and defenders. Significant difference was also observed depending on classification. Results show a clear decreasing percentage of those born in quartile 4 in relation to those born in quartile 1, it can be concluded that the Relative Age Effect phenomenon is present in the Spanish professional football which may lead to an inappropriate talent selection technique in football, with recruitment oriented to the short term, to immediate results, and possibly caused by the early start of the player selection process.

Modelo predictivo de los niveles de estrés y recuperación en nadadores de competición / Predictive model of stress levels and recovery in competitive swimmers

El presente estudio examinó los niveles de resiliencia, el optimismo disposicional y las estrategias de afrontamiento como predictores de los niveles de estrés-recuperación y aspectos correlaciónales asociados. 91 nadadores, con edades comprendidas entre 13 y 29 años (M = 15.73; DT = 2.62), participaron en el estudio cumplimentando la siguiente batería de cuestionarios: la Escala de Resiliencia (RS), la Escala de Orientación hacia la vida-Revisado (LOT-R), el Cuestionario de Estrategias de Afrontamiento en Competición Deportiva (ISCCS) y el Cuestionario de Estrés-Recuperación para Deportistas (RESTQ-Sport). El objetivo principal del estudio fue realizar un modelo predictivo del estrés y de la recuperación en una muestra de nadadores de competición. El modelo de regresión ajustado reveló asociación positiva entre la resiliencia y el optimismo disposicional con la utilización de estrategias orientadas a la tarea. Elevados niveles de resiliencia y optimismo se relacionaron con menores niveles de estrés y mayores de recuperación, siendo el modelo invariante al sexo. Nuestros hallazgos reflejan que la resiliencia, el optimismo disposicional y las estrategias de afrontamiento son características psicológicas que influyen en el estado de forma del deportista.(AU)

Evidence for the Relative Age Effect in the Spanish Professional Soccer League.

The concept of the relative age effect refers to the consequences of the physical and psychological differences that may exist between those born earlier or later within the same calendar year. The objective of the present study was to examine this phenomenon in Spanish professional soccer, identifying the influences of the competitive level and the club of origin. The sample comprised 2,130 individuals from five competitive categories: under 12 (U12; n = 480), under 14 (U14; n = 338), under 16 (U16; n = 390), under 19 years old (U19; n = 489) and professional players (n = 433), with nine teams from the Spanish professional soccer league (PSL). Statistical analysis was based on a chi-squared test followed by calculation of the odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals. The main results show that at all levels of competition there was over-representation of individuals born in the first few months of the year. By clubs, the same over-representation was observed. It may be concluded that the relative age effect is consistent and exists throughout Spanish soccer, whether at youth or professional levels. An analysis by age categories showed a more pronounced effect in those competitions in which the youngest players participate, while in clubs the effect continued to be significantly present in all cases investigated in the study.

Exercise Addiction in Practitioners of Endurance Sports: A Literature Review.

Practice of endurance sports/activities has gained most devotees over recent decades, thanks to its capacity to maintain and improve health. However, their characteristics and accessibility have facilitated the emergence of addictive behaviors. Excessive practicing can lead to adverse physical and psychological effects seriously prejudicial to health, to the extent that individuals are unable to control this behavior. Recognizing that exercise addiction is still a controversial concept, the aim of the present review is to analyze the state of research into addictive exercise behaviors, specifically centering on running and endurance sports. To this end, a search covering article written in English and dated from 2010 onward was carried out in the Pubmed, Scopus, Web of Science and EBSCOhost databases. Of a total of 2,675 articles in the four databases, 25 were eligible for the final review. The studies reviewed confirmed that excessive practice could encourage the appearance of addictive behaviors and health problems. Most research has reported no age or sex differences in exercise dependence among endurance sport practitioners; however, obsessive passion and dedication to sports activities may be predictors for addiction to exercise. Owing to terminological confusion and the variety of tools used to measure addiction, figures for prevalence differ widely among studies, with values quoted ranging from 3 to 42%. Furthermore, it is clear that there are problems in delimiting, defining and diagnosing this sort of behavior, which has led to addiction to exercise not yet being considered a behavioral disorder.

The Relative Age Effect in the 10 Best Leagues of Male Professional Football of the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA).

The aim of the present research was to observe the relative age effect on professional soccer players of the ten best leagues of the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA), according to the IFFHS (International Federation of Football History and Statistics). The sample consisted of 5201 professional players who participated in the professional leagues during the 2016-2017 season. The birth date of each player was classified in four quartiles (Q1, Q2, Q3 and Q4). The frequencies (fr) and percentages (%) of the birth quartiles were analyzed. The chi square test (X2) and degrees of freedom (gl) were performed to check the differences in the intergroup distribution. Likewise, odd ratios were calculated for the different quartiles, where Q4 was the reference group according to the different leagues studied, playing positions (goalkeeper, defender, midfielder and forward) and classification (first four places, half-of the table and four last places). To calculate the size of the effect on the nominal variables, the Cramer V test was carried out. The results confirmed a greater representation of players born in Q1 and Q2, indicating statistically significant values (p < 0.05) for all the leagues studied, except in the Eerste Klasse A (Belgium). This significance was repeated for the demarcation variables in the field, with a greater effect in the case of the midfielders. Finally, the RAE also affected the three groups according to teams´ classification. The conclusions confirm the effect of the RAE in the sample studied, which would require a review of the talent selection processes in football in order to balance the chances of success of players born at the end of the year.

Identification of gender discrimination in sports: Training of agents of change

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Relationship Between Resilience and Coping Strategies in Competitive Sport.

Resilience is important in sport performers to withstand the pressure they experience. This study analyzed the relationship among resilient qualities and coping strategies in 235 Spanish athletes (126 males, 109 females; M age = 20.7 yr) who practiced different sports (79.1% team sports, 20.9% individual sports). They were evaluated at the beginning of the last competitive mesocycle and after an important competition. Coping strategies and level of resilient qualities were measured by the Coping Inventory for Competitive Sport and the Resilience Scale. There was no significant difference in resilience scores between evaluations performed during the last mesocycle or competition. A significant increase occurred in the scores for emotion-oriented and distraction-oriented coping during competition. Resilience scores correlated positively to task-oriented coping and negatively to disengagement- and distraction-oriented coping during both periods. Analysis of variance indicated that athletes with high individual resilient qualities reached higher scores in task-oriented coping, using to a lower extent disengagement- and distraction-oriented coping. Results obtained suggest that resilient characteristics may associate in athletes to the use of more potentially adaptative coping strategies.

La resiliencia en el deporte: fundamentos teóricos, instrumentos de evaluación y revisión de la literatura / Resilience in sport: Theoretical foundations, instruments and literature review / Resiliência no esporte: Fundamentos teóricos, instrumentos e revisão da literatura

El constructo de resiliencia, definido como la capacidad de hacer frente y adaptarse, de manera positiva, a las situaciones altamente estresantes, ha sido estudiado desde hace más de 60 años, sin embargo, parece que solo en estas últimas dos décadas ha suscitado un justificado y especial interés por parte de la Psicología del Deporte y del Ejercicio. Es por esto que, cada vez más, crece la demanda por artículos que sean capaces de compilar toda esta novedosa información. Nuestra investigación, por tanto, persigue el objetivo general de revisar los avances entorno a la resiliencia en el contexto deportivo, tratando de ofrecer una visión integradora, actualizada y sintética de la conceptualización del término y de los resultados delas investigaciones realizadas hasta el momento. De manera más específica, también se muestran los instrumentos de evaluación más referenciados y las posibles líneas de investigación a seguir entorno al constructo. Como conclusión, esta revisión subraya los descubrimientos más interesantes sobre la resiliencia y otros factores psicológicos y/o de rendimiento, facilitando la elaboración de estrategias de intervención para la optimización del resultado deportivo y aporta una visión holística del constructo y de sus perspectivas de investigación futuras (AU)

The construct of resilience, defined as the capacity to cope and adapt, in a positive way, to highly stressful situations has been studied for more than 60 years ago. However, it seems that only in the last two decades Psychology of Sport and Exercise has led a justified and special interest on it. That is why the demand for these researches that are able to compile all this new information are growing. Therefore, our paper pursues the general aim of reviewing advances in sport context resilience, trying to offer an integrated, current and synthetic vision of conceptualization and results of researches developed. More specifically, the most referenced assessment instruments and future investigations are also shown. In conclusion, this review highlights the most interesting findings on resilience and its relationship with other psychological and/or performance factors, in order to facilitate the development of intervention strategies to optimize sport performance and provides a holistic view of the construct and its future research outlooks (AU)

O construto de resiliência, definida como a capacidade de enfrentar e adaptar-se de forma positiva as situações altamente estressantes, vem sendo estudada a mais de 60 anos, entretanto, parece que somente nas duas últimas décadas obteve um especial interesse por parte da Psicologia do Esporte y do Exercício. Por conseguinte, aumenta cada vez mais a demanda de artigos capazes de reunir estas novas informações. Portanto, nossa investigação busca o objetivo geral de revisar os avanços realizados em torno àresiliência no contexto esportivo, procurando oferecer uma visão integrada,atualizada e sintetizada dos conceitos da terminologia e dos resultados de investigações realizadas até a atualidade. De forma mais específica, também se mostram os instrumentos de avaliação mais reverenciados e as possíveis linhas de investigação a este respeito. Em conclusão, esta revisão ressalta os resultados mais relevantes sobre resiliência e outros fatores psicológicos e/ou de desempenho para facilitar a elaboração de estratégias de intervenção para aperfeiçoar o desempenho esportivo e aportar uma visão holística do construto e das suas perspectivas de investigações futuras (AU)

Energy availability, menstrual dysfunction and bone health in sports; an overwiew of the female athlete triad / Disponibilidad de energía, disfunción menstrual y salud ósea en el deporte; una revisión de la tríada de la atleta femenina

INTRODUCTION: The female athlete triad (FAT) is a serious health-related problem that threatens women who exercise. This condition is an interrelated multifactorial syndrome which includes low energy availability, menstrual cycle disturbances and decreased bone mineral density. OBJECTIVE: To review the major components of the FAT and their relationships, as well as strategies for diagnosis and treatment. METHODS: Articles related to the topic were reviewed through PubMed and SportDiscus databases. RESULTS: Interrelationship between components of the FAT may result in clinical manifestations, including eating disorders, amenorrhea and osteoporosis. Clinical conditions are not always exhibited simultaneously. Prevention is important to minimize complications. Diagnosis and treatment is complicated and often must involve an interdisciplinary therapeutic approach. CONCLUSIONS: Understanding of the disease may be facilitated by a unified framework focusing on energy deficiency. Preventive or early interventions require to increase energy availability through a higher total energy intake or a decrease in energy expenditure trough excessive physical exercise. A healthy lifestyle, and support by parents and coaches should be included. Psychotherapy may be necessary when eating disorders are present (AU)

Introducción: La tríada de la atleta femenina es un importante problema de salud que amenaza a las mujeres que practican ejercicio. Este trastorno constituye un síndrome multifactorial e interrelacionado que incluye una baja disponibilidad de energía, alteraciones del ciclo menstrual y disminución de la densidad mineral ósea. Objetivo: Revisar los componentes de la tríada de la atleta femenina y sus interacciones, así como las estrategias de diagnóstico y tratamiento. Métodos: Se revisaron artículos relacionados con el tema en las bases de datos Pubmed y Sportdiscus. Resultados: La interrelación entre los componentes de la tríada de la atleta femenina puede resultar en manifestaciones clínicas, que incluyen trastornos de la conducta alimentaria, amenorrea y osteoporosis. Estas manifestaciones no siempre se presentan de forma simultánea. La prevención es importante para minimizar las complicaciones. El diagnostico y el tratamiento son complicados y pueden requerir a menudo un abordaje terapéutico multidisciplinar. Conclusiones: El conocimiento de la enfermedad puede facilitarse por el desarrollo de un marco unificado centrado en la deficiencia de energía. Las intervenciones preventivas y tempranas requieren un incremento de la disponibilidad de energía a través de un mayor aporte energético o una reducción del gasto asociado a un ejercicio físico excesivo. Debe incluirse un estilo de vida saludable y el apoyo por parte de padres y entrenadores. La psicoterapia puede ser necesaria si se presentan trastornos alimentarios (AU)

Energy availability, menstrual dysfunction and bone health in sports; an overview of the female athlete triad.

INTRODUCTION: The female athlete triad (FAT) is a serious health-related problem that threatens women who exercise. This condition is an interrelated multifactorial syndrome which includes low energy availability, menstrual cycle disturbances and decreased bone mineral density. OBJECTIVE: To review the major components of the FAT and their relationships, as well as strategies for diagnosis and treatment. METHODS: Articles related to the topic were reviewed through PubMed and SportDiscus databases. RESULTS: Interrelationship between components of the FAT may result in clinical manifestations, including eating disorders, amenorrhea and osteoporosis. Clinical conditions are not always exhibited simultaneously. Prevention is important to minimize complications. Diagnosis and treatment is complicated and often must involve an interdisciplinary therapeutic approach. CONCLUSIONS: Understanding of the disease may be facilitated by a unified framework focusing on energy deficiency. Preventive or early interventions require to increase energy availability through a higher total energy intake or a decrease in energy expenditure trough excessive physical exercise. A healthy lifestyle, and support by parents and coaches should be included. Psychotherapy may be necessary when eating disorders are present.

Introducción: La tríada de la atleta femenina es un importante problema de salud que amenaza a las mujeres que practican ejercicio. Este trastorno constituye un síndrome multifactorial e interrelacionado que incluye una baja disponibilidad de energía, alteraciones del ciclo menstrual y disminución de la densidad mineral ósea. Objetivo: Revisar los componentes de la tríada de la atleta femenina y sus interacciones, así como las estrategias de diagnóstico y tratamiento. Métodos: Se revisaron artículos relacionados con el tema en las bases de datos Pubmed y Sportdiscus. Resultados: La interrelación entre los componentes de la tríada de la atleta femenina puede resultar en manifestaciones clínicas, que incluyen trastornos de la conducta alimentaria, amenorrea y osteoporosis. Estas manifestaciones no siempre se presentan de forma simultánea. La prevención es importante para minimizar las complicaciones. El diagnostico y el tratamiento son complicados y pueden requerir a menudo un abordaje terapéutico multidisciplinar. Conclusiones: El conocimiento de la enfermedad puede facilitarse por el desarrollo de un marco unificado centrado en la deficiencia de energía. Las intervenciones preventivas y tempranas requieren un incremento de la disponibilidad de energía a través de un mayor aporte energético o una reducción del gasto asociado a un ejercicio físico excesivo. Debe incluirse un estilo de vida saludable y el apoyo por parte de padres y entrenadores. La psicoterapia puede ser necesaria si se presentan trastornos alimentarios.

Estrés-recuperación en deportistas y su relación con los estados de ánimo y las estrategias de afrontamiento / Stress and recovery in athletes and their relationship to mood state disturbances and coping strategies

El objetivo del estudio es evaluar situaciones relacionadas con el sobreentrenamiento (RESTQ-Sport, Kellmann y Kallus, 2001; González- Boto et al., 2008c) en el contexto deportivo, e identificar su relación temporal con las modificaciones en los estados de ánimo (POMS, McNair y cols., 1971; Balaguer et al. 1993) y la posible influencia en la aparición de desequilibrios entre estrés y recuperación en función del tipo de estrategias de afrontamiento utilizadas (ISCCS, Gaudreau y Blondin, 2002; Molinero et al., 2006, 2008, 2009). Han participado 167 deportistas (62.5% hombres y 36.9% mujeres) entre 18 y 24 años pertenecientes a 11 modalidades deportivas. Los resultados muestran que se producen modificaciones a los largo de las tres tomas realizadas en los niveles de estrés general (p = .027*), conflictospresión (p = .000**), fatiga (p = .000**), bienestar general (p = .022*), burnout-fatiga emocional (p = .009**), forma física-lesiones (p = .000**), burnout- realización personal (p = .000**), autorregulación (p = .000**), Estrés no deportivo (p = .006**), Estrés y recuperación deportiva (p = .001**; p = .000**), Estrés Total (p = .001**) en relación a los índices medidos por el RESTQ Sport. A nivel emocional observamos cambios en los niveles de depresión (p = .040*), cólera, (p = .006**), confusión (p = 036*) y Alteración Emocional Total (p = .041*), y no se producen cambios en el uso de las distintas estrategias de afrontamiento. Es necesario prestar más atención a los cambios temporales durante la recuperación, que pueden inducir adaptaciones positivas tras periodos de sobreentrenamiento, y su relación con los estados de ánimo de los deportistas, que han sido utilizados habitualmente como indicadores de fatiga (González- Boto et al., 2009; Kellmann et al., 2001; Rietjens et al., 2005). Los deportistas utilizan una serie de estrategias de afrontamiento que podrían condicionar de forma diversa el balance entre estrés y recuperación y, por tanto, el posible desencadenamiento de situaciones de sobreentrenamiento (Márquez, 2006; González Boto et al., 2006, 2008a, 2009) (AU)

The aim of this study was to assess situations related to overtraining within the context of sport (RESTQ-Sport, Kellmann and Kallus, 2001; González-Boto et al., 2008c) and identify its temporal relationship with mood state disturbances (POMS, McNair et al., 1971; Balaguer et al., 1993) and its possible influence on the appearance of imbalances between stress and recovery according to the coping strategies used to deal with stress (ISCCS, Gaudreau and Blondin, 2002; Molinero et al., 2006, 2008, 2009). A total of 167 athletes (62.5% men, and 36.9% women) ranging in age from 18 to 28 years old in 11 sport modalities participated in the study. The results showed that modifications took place during the three measurements made of the levels of general stress (p = .027*), conflict/ pressure (p = .000**), fatigue (p = .000**), general wellbeing (p = .022*), burnout/ emotional fatigue (p = .009**), physical fitness/ injuries (p = .000**), burnout/ personal accomplishment (p = .000**), self-regulation (p = .000**), non-sport stress (p = .006**), sport stress (p = .001**), sport recovery (p = .000**), and total stress (p = .001**), which had changed compared with the main indices assessed by the RESTQ Sport. At the emotional level, we observed changes in the levels of depression (p = .040*), anger, (p = .006**), confusion (p = 036*) and total mood disturbance (p = .041*). We did not find any changes in the coping strategies used. According to these results, it is necessary to pay more attention to temporal changes during recovery, because they may lead to positive adaptations after overtraining periods and their relationship to athletes’ mood states, which have usually been used as fatigue indicators (González-Boto et al., 2009; Kellmann et al., 2001; Rietjens et al., 2005). Athletes use a number of coping strategies that may lead in different ways to the balance between stress and recovery and therefore, the possible triggering of overtraining (Márquez, 2006; González Boto et al., 2006, 2008a, 2009). This research project was supported by the Ministry of Science and Innovation (R+D Plan 008-2011) (Spain) (AU)

Análisis de la recuperación-estrés en deportistas y relación con los estados de ánimo: Un estudio descriptivo / Analysis of recovery-stress in athletes and relationship with the mind state: Descriptive study

El objetivo de la presente investigación es establecer los datos basales de la muestra participante en un amplio estudio longitudinal para el estudio de aspectos psicológicos del sobreentrenamiento en el deporte. Han participado un grupo de 141 sujetos de ambos sexos, con un rango de edades de 18 a 24 años (media: 20.8±2.4 años), practicantes de diversas modalidades deportivas a nivel competitivo. Se les aplicó la versión española del Cuestionario de Recuperación-Estrés para Deportistas (RESTQ-Sport) (González-Boto y cols. 2008) para el estudio del estrés y la recuperación y el Perfil de los Estados de Ánimo (POMS) (Balaguer y cols., 1993). Los resultados obtenidos muestran la existencia de estados agudos de estrés en los deportistas, que han sido afrontados de forma satisfactoria, posiblemente debido a la recuperación experimentada y a las bajas cargas de entrenamiento, correspondientes al comienzo de la pre-temporada. Se detectaron unos patrones de correlación entre las puntuaciones en las diversas escalas del RESTQ-Sport y del POMS que reproducen los obtenidos en otros estudios, y corroboran la posible existencia de algún tipo de relación teórica y conceptual entre las emociones, los estados de ánimo y el nivel de recuperación-estrés (AU)

The purpose of the present study is to obtain basal information from a sample of athletes participating in a large longitudinal study on psychological aspects of overtraining, Participants were 141 athletes, of both sexes and a range of age from 18 to 24 years (mean: 20.8±2.4 years),. Subjects answered the Spanish version of the Recovery-Stress Questionnaire for Athletes (RESTQ-Sport) (Gonzalez-Boto et al. 2008) for the study of stress and recovery, and the Profile of Mood States (POMS) (Balaguer et al., 1993). Results obtained indicate the existence of acute stress states that are adequately coped, probably due to the experimented recovery and the low training loads, corresponding to the beginning of the season. Correlation patterns among the different RESTQ-Sport and POMS scales reproduced those previously obtained in different studies, and confirm the existence of some type of theoretical and conceptual relationship between emotions, mood states and level of stress-recovery (AU)

Physical activity, quality of life and symptoms of depression in community-dwelling and institutionalized older adults.

This study was aimed to investigate in a sample of Spanish elderly whether measures of physical activity are related to health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and symptoms of depression in community dwelling and institutionalized elderly. The sample was a cohort of 436 elderly (234 women and 202 men, aged 60-98 years) from the North of Spain. 58% were community-dwellers and 42% were institutionalized in senior residences. Participants completed measures of physical activity (Yale Physical Activity Survey, YPAS), HRQoL (Medical Outcomes Study 36-item Short Form Health Survey, SF-36) and symptoms of depression (Geriatric Depression Scale, GDS). All SF-36 domains, except role-emotional, were significantly correlated with the YPAS activity dimension summary index. Physical function, role-physical, general health and vitality correlated with total time activity, and correlations were observed between weekly energy expenditure and physical function, role physical, vitality and mental health. Depressive symptom scores correlated significantly with the YPAS activity dimension summary index and the weekly energy expenditure. Scores for various domains of the SF-36 and for depressive symptoms significantly differed among less and more active individuals of the same sex and institutionalization category. Differences generally reached a higher extent in institutionalized subjects in comparison to community dwellers. In conclusion, physical activity was related to different domains of both the physical and mental components of HRQoL and to decreased depressive symptoms. Results emphasize the positive effects of physical activity in both community-dwelling and institutionalized older adults.

[Psychometric properties and dimensional structure of the Spanish adaptation of the Coping Inventory for Competitive Sport]. / Propiedades psicométricas y estructura dimensional de la adaptación española del Cuestionario de Estrategiad de Afrontamiento en Competición Deportiva.

The purpose of this study was to adapt and validate a Coping Inventory for Competitive Sport (ISCCS), establishing its psychometric properties and its dimensional structure. Participants were 306 athletes from different sports, aged between 14 and 28 years (45.7% males and 54.3% females), who completed the ISCSS along with other measures of constructs theoretically related to coping. Factor analysis identified eight factors that merged in three high-order dimensions representing task-oriented coping, emotion-oriented coping and disengagement-oriented coping. The factors showed appropriate reliability (Cronbach alpha and factor correlations), convergent validity (correlations with COPE Inventory scales) and concurrent validity (correlations with CSAI-2 and PANAS scales). It is concluded that the Spanish version of the ISCCS has proved to be a valid and reliable instrument to identify and assess competitive coping strategies, allowing psychological intervention to improve athletes' performance.

Pautas de actividad física de adolescentes españolas: diferencias mediadas por la participación deportiva y el día de la semana / Patterns of physical activity in adolescent spanish girls: differences by participation in sport and day

El propósito del presente estudio fue investigar la existencia de diferencias en los niveles y pautas de prácticade actividad física mediadas por la participación deportiva y el día de la semana en una muestra de adolescentes españolas(N = 177, edad 11-16 años) a las que se aplicó la adaptación española del Four-by-One-Day Recall Physical ActivityQuestionnaire. Los resultados obtenidos indican que las chicas participaban fundamentalmente en actividades muy ligeras yligeras, invirtiendo una cantidad limitada de tiempo en actividades moderadas e intensas, tanto durante la semana comodurante el fin de semana. La práctica de actividades moderadas e intensas se reducía desde la adolescencia temprana a lamedia, y la participación en actividades deportivas no prevenía dicha reducción. Deberían desarrollarse programaseducacionales para la promoción de estilos de vida activos dirigidos a jóvenes con una menor práctica de actividad física y,al mismo tiempo, prevenir la reducción de la práctica con la edad (AU)

This study investigates differences in physical activity levels and patterns by participation in sport and dayamong early and mid-adolescent Spanish girls (N = 177, aged 11-16 years) who responded to a Spanish adaptation of theFour-by-One-Day Recall Physical Activity Questionnaire. The results indicate that the girls spent most of their timeengaged in light and very light activity and spent limited amounts of time on moderate and vigorous activity on weekdaysand weekends. Moderate and vigorous activity declined from early to mid-adolescence and participation in sport did notappear to prevent a decline in overall physical activity. Educational programmes promoting a more active lifestyle shouldtarget young people who are less physically active, while preventing the general decline in physical activity (AU)

Propiedades psicométricas y estructura dimensional de la adaptación española del Cuestionario de Estrategias de Afrontamiento en Competición Deportiva / Psychometric properties and dimensional structure of the Spanish adaptation of the Coping Inventory for Competitive Sport

El objetivo del estudio fue adaptar y validar un Cuestionario de Estrategias de Afrontamiento en Competición Deportiva (ISCCS), estableciendo sus propiedades psicométricas y su estructura dimensional. Participaron 306 deportistas de distintas modalidades deportivas con un rango de edad de 14 a 28 años (45,7% hombres y 54,3% mujeres) a los que se aplicó el ISCCS junto con otras medidas de constructos teóricamente relacionados con el afrontamiento. Se identificaron mediante análisis factorial ocho factores que se agrupaban en tres dimensiones de segundo orden: afrontamiento centrado en la tarea, afrontamiento centrado en las emociones, y afrontamiento centrado en la distracción, consistentes con la teoría y las investigaciones previas. Los factores presentaron una fiabilidad adecuada (alfa de Cronbach y correlaciones entre factores), así como validez convergente (correlaciones con las escalas del COPE Inventory) y validez concurrente (correlaciones con las escalas de CSAI-2 y PANAS). Se concluye que la versión española del ISCCS es un instrumento válido y fi able para identificar y evaluar las estrategias de afrontamiento utilizadas en situaciones competitivas, posibilitando la intervención psicológica para la mejora de los resultados de los deportistas (AU)

The purpose of this study was to adapt and validate a Coping Inventory for Competitive Sport (ISCCS), establishing its psychometric properties and its dimensional structure. Participants were 306 athletes from different sports, aged between 14 and 28 years (45.7% males and 54.3% females), who completed the ISCSS along with other measures of constructs theoretically related to coping. Factor analysis identified eight factors that merged in three high-order dimensions representing task-oriented coping, emotion-oriented coping and disengagement-oriented coping. The factors showed appropriate reliability (Cronbach alpha and factor correlations), convergent validity (correlations with COPE Inventory scales) and concurrent validity (correlations with CSAI-2 and PANAS scales). It is concluded that the Spanish version of the ISCCS has proved to be a valid and reliable instrument to identify and assess competitive coping strategies, allowing psychological intervention to improve athletes’ performance (AU)

Feelings of well being in elderly people: relationship to physical activity and physical function.

The aim of the research was to investigate in a sample of Spanish elderly whether measures of physical activity and physical function are related to feelings of well being, and whether level of dependence is a moderator in the relation of well being, physical activity and physical function. The sample was a cohort of 151 elderly people (89 women and 62 men, aged 60-98 years) from the North of Spain. Participants completed surveys including demographic characteristics, and measures of physical activity (Yale Physical Activity Survey, YPAS), instrumental activities of daily living (Barthel Index, BI) and well being (Psychological Well Being Scale, from Spanish: Escala de Bienestar Psicológico=EBP). Components of the physical function were measured by the Senior Fitness Test (SFT). Upper and lower body strength, dynamic balance, aerobic endurance, self-reported weekly energy expenditure and physical activity total time were significantly correlated with both Material and Subjective well being. All components of physical function were significantly impaired in dependent subjects when compared to independent individuals of the same sex and physical activity category. Significant differences were also observed in Subjective well being among less active dependent or independent individuals. In conclusion, physical function and physical activity are related to feelings of well being, and results emphasize the positive functional and psychological effects of physical activity in dependent subjects.