Association of Sports Practice in Childhood and Adolescence with Cardiac Autonomic Modulation in Adulthood: A Retrospective Epidemiological Study.

BACKGROUND: Practicing sports during childhood and adolescence provides benefits to cardiac autonomic modulation (CAM) at these stages of life. However, it is not known whether these benefits to CAM persist into adulthood. Therefore, the objective of this study was to analyze the association of early sports practice (sports practice in childhood and/or adolescence) with CAM in adult life, regardless of habitual moderate-to-vigorous PA. METHODS: The sample of the present study consisted of 242 adults (141 women and 101 men; age: 41.99 ± 16.24). The assessment of CAM was performed using heart rate variability indices. Sports practice in childhood and adolescence was assessed using a questionnaire. The intensity of physical activity was assessed using accelerometry. To analyze the association between previous sports practice (childhood and/or adolescence) and CAM, the Generalized Linear Model was adopted, considering CAM indices as continuous variables and early sports practice as a 3-fold factor (no sports practice; sports practice in childhood or adolescence; and sports practice in both childhood and adolescence) adjusted by sex, age, socioeconomic condition, and moderate to vigorous PA. RESULTS: Sports practice in childhood was associated with the average standard deviation of all normal RR intervals expressed in milliseconds (SDNN): ß = 5.89; 95%CI: 0.25;11.52, and the standard deviation of the long-term intervals between consecutive heartbeats (SD2): ß = 7.63; 95%CI:1.04; 14.23 indices. Sports practice in adolescence was associated in adulthood with the SD2 index: ß = 7.37; 95%CI: 0.71;14.04. Sports practice in at least one of the periods (childhood or adolescence) was significantly associated with the square root of the mean square of the differences between adjacent normal RR intervals for a period of time expressed in milliseconds (RMSSD) (ß = 8.86; 95%CI = 0.71;17.01), and the standard deviation of the instantaneous beat to beat variability (SD1) (ß = 6.21; 95%CI = 0.45;11.97). Sports practice at both stages of life was significantly associated with better SDNN (ß = 7.70; 95%CI = 1.16;14.23) and SD2 (ß = 10.18; 95%CI = 2.51;17.85). CONCLUSION: Early sports practice was associated with better CAM in adulthood, independently of the current physical activity level. Based on these findings, sports practice is encouraged from childhood and adolescence, for benefits to CAM in adult life.

"Ajuda a Não Ficar Louco": Estudo Qualitativo Sobre a Prática de Esportes na Integração Acadêmica / "It Helps Not to Go Crazy": Qualitative Study on the practice of Sports in Academic Integration / "Ayuda a No Volverse Loco": Estudio Cualitativo Sobre la Práctica Deportiva en la Integración Académica

A prática de esportes é associada à formação acadêmica em diversos países, como forma de promover saúde e desenvolver competências pessoais e sociais. Este estudo buscou compreender como os universitários brasileiros percebem a influência das práticas esportivas no seu processo de integração à universidade e em seu desempenho acadêmico. Participaram 260 universitários, provenientes de um grupo maior de participantes de um estudo quantitativo, realizado online, que também apresentava perguntas abertas. As respostas a essas perguntas foram submetidas a uma análise temática. Os estudantes descrevem diferentes formas como a prática de esportes pode contribuir para a obtenção de uma melhor adaptação e desempenho acadêmico (integração e reconhecimento social, manejo do estresse e aprendizagem de competências transversais). Também foram enumeradas dificuldades para conciliar as atividades acadêmicas e esportivas (falta de tempo, incompatibilidade de calendários, cansaço associado à prática esportiva). A partir desses relatos, conclui-se que ainda são necessárias maiores medidas institucionais que estimulem a prática de esportes no ensino superior e que facilitem a sua conciliação com as atividades acadêmicas.

The practice of sports is associated with academic studies in several countries, as a way to promote health and develop personal and social skills. This study aimed to comprehend how brazilian college students perceive the influence of sports practices on their integration process at university and on their academic performance. Participants were 260 college students, from a larger group of participants in a quantitative online study, which also had open-ended questions. The answers to these questions were subjected to a thematic analysis. Students describe different ways in which sports can contribute to a better academic performance and integration (social integration and recognition, stress management and learning soft skills). Difficulties to concile academic and sports activities (lack of time, schedule incompatibility, fatigue associated with sports practice) were also listed. Based on these reports, it is concluded that greater institutional measures are still needed to encourage the practice of sports in higher education and to facilitate its conciliation with academic activities.

La práctica del deporte está asociada a la formación académica en varios países, como una forma de promover la salud y desarrollar habilidades personales y sociales. Este estudio buscó comprender cómo los universitarios brasileños perciben la influencia de las prácticas deportivas en su proceso de integración universitaria y en su rendimiento académico. Participaron 260 universitarios, provenientes de un grupo más amplio de participantes en un estudio cuantitativo, realizado online, que también tenía preguntas abiertas. Las respuestas a estas preguntas fueron sometidas a un análisis temático. Los estudiantes describen diferentes formas en las que el deporte puede contribuir a una mejor adaptación y rendimiento académico (integración y reconocimiento social, manejo del estrés y aprendizaje de habilidades transversales). También se enumeraron las dificultades para conciliar las actividades académicas y deportivas (falta de tiempo, incompatibilidad de horarios, cansancio asociado al deporte). De estos informes se concluye que aún son necesarias mayores medidas institucionales para fomentar la práctica del deporte en la educación superior y facilitar su conciliación con las actividades académicas.

Impact of a mixed, multi-sport and comprehensive municipal after-school sports program / Impacto de un programa municipal de deporte extraescolar mixto, polideportivo y comprensivo

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the development of a non-competitive after-school sports program that promoted youth positive development in a Spanish town during the period that spans from 2011 to 2018. A sample of 4222 participants (2838 schoolchildren, 1071 family’s members, 261 sports leaders and coaches, and 52 PE teachers) involved in the after-school sports program were administered the annual questionnaire to evaluate the program. First, descriptive statistical analysis tests were performed. Spearman correlations analysis followed to establish relationships between studied variables. Results present a continuous improvement in the program as well as the sports facilities satisfaction, positive attitudes toward sport practice, positive stakeholders motor competence perception and educational quality. We conclude that non-competitive this after-school sports program has a higher potential to achieve better educational outcomes than in other sport competitive contexts of sports competition and increase recommended physical activity levels. (AU)

El propósito de este estudio es analizar el desarrollo de un programa deportivo extraescolar no competitivo que promovía el desarrollo positivo de los jóvenes en una ciudad española entre los años 2011 y 2018. Se administró el cuestionario anual para evaluar el Programa a una muestra de 4222 participantes (2838 escolares, 1071 familiares, 261 monitores/as deportivos y 52 profesores de educación física). Se realizaron análisis estadísticos descriptivos y correlacional de Spearman para establecer relaciones entre las variables estudiadas. Los resultados presentan una mejora continua en la satisfacción del Programa y de las instalaciones deportivas, las actitudes positivas hacia la práctica deportiva, la percepción positiva de la competencia motriz de los escolares y la calidad educativa. Se concluye que este programa extraescolar tiene un potencial superior para lograr mejores resultados educativos que en otros contextos anteriores de competición deportiva, así como favorecer el aumento de los niveles de actividad física recomendados. (AU)

Physical Fitness and Body Composition of Youth Referees in Invasion Games.

BACKGROUND: Referees' activity can be an instrument for training students with an impact on health-related physical fitness (PF). This study aimed to investigate the differences in PF and body composition between students without sports practice (G1), students with regular sports practice (G2), and student referees in team invasion games (G3). METHODS: This study followed a cross-sectional design. The sample comprised 45 male students between 14 and 20 years old (16.40 ± 1.85). Three groups (G1, G2, and G3) of 15 participants each were selected. PF was assessed by a 20 m shuttle run, change-of-direction test, and standing long jump. Body composition was determined by body mass index (BMI; kg/m2) and the percentage of body fat (%BF) predicted by skinfold. RESULTS: After controlling for age as a covariate, the block of variables used to characterize PF was statistically different between sports practice groups favoring student referees (p < 0.001; r = 0.26). Similar results were achieved for body composition (i.e., BMI and %BF) (p < 0.001; r = 0.17). However, when the dependent variables were evaluated separately, there were only differences between groups in %BF (p = 0.007; r = 0.21). Student referees had statistically significantly lower values than the remaining groups. CONCLUSION: Refereeing activity benefits PF related to health and performance, including body composition. This study confirms the benefits related to health in children and adolescents who are involved in refereeing activity.

Association of Early Sports Participation With Sedentary Behavior in Community-Dwelling Adults-The Role of Sociodemographic Factors in a Retrospective Epidemiological Study.

BACKGROUND: The role of sociodemographic factors in the association between early sports participation (ESP) and sedentary behavior is unclear. We analyzed the association of ESP with sedentary behavior and identified the influence of sociodemographic factors in adulthood. METHODS: A sample of 264 community-dwelling adults was randomly assessed (42.6 [17.0] y old, 57.6% women). Sociodemographic factors (age, gender, and socioeconomic status) and ESP (retrospectively) were assessed by questionnaire. Sedentary behavior was measured by accelerometer and self-reported for domains identification. The association between ESP and sedentary behavior domains and sociodemographic factors was analyzed by Poisson regression and presented in prevalence ratio (PR). Sociodemographic factors were separately included as covariates to identify their role in the main association analysis. RESULTS: The ESP prevalence was 56.4% (n = 149). ESP participants included a higher proportion of men (59.7% vs 20.0%), had a lower age (36.8 [15.3] vs 50.8 [15.9]), and included a smaller proportion of individuals with low socioeconomic status (24.8% vs 43.5%) compared with those without ESP. The ESP was inversely associated with older age (PR = 0.58, P < .001 for middle aged; PR = 0.34, P < .001 for older participants), female gender (PR = 0.79, P < .001), low socioeconomic status (PR = 0.63, P = .036), and TV watching (PR = 0.67, P = .011). ESP was associated with driving (PR = 1.50, P = .028), office/paper work (PR = 1.63, P = .012), and using a cellphone (PR = 1.60, P = .009). The age was the main confounding factor of association between ESP and sedentary behavior, followed by socioeconomic status. No mediation role was identified. CONCLUSION: The ESP was associated with mentally active behavior domains and inversely associated with mentally passive sedentary behavior domains, but this association was majorly affected by sociodemographic factors, mainly by age.

Relationship between Sports Practice, Physical and Mental Health and Anxiety-Depressive Symptomatology in the Spanish Prison Population.

The objective of this study was to evaluate, in a group of Galician inmates, if there were variations in the levels of physical and mental health and anxiety-depressive symptomatology, depending on the sports' practice performed. The relationship between these constructs was also investigated. The sample was composed of 509 people deprived of liberty in prisons in the Autonomous Community of Galicia, Spain. A quantitative methodology was used, with the questionnaire as an information collection instrument, Student's t-tests, Pearson's correlation analysis and a stepwise regression analysis were carried out. The results indicated that those who performed physical activity during their stay in prison had higher levels of physical and mental health, as well as lower indicators of anxiety-depressive symptoms. People who did not practice sports showed a decrease in their perceived health levels when compared to those perceived in their pre-prison stage. A negative association was shown between perceived health levels and anxiety-depressive symptomatology. Perceived physical health, alone, explained 35% of the variance in perceived mental health. These results add to knowledge about the relationships between perceived health, anxiety-depressive symptoms and sports practice in the group of people deprived of liberty, highlighting the importance of promoting physical activity in penitentiary institutions.

Dropped Interest: Generation Z Students’ Demotivating Reasons on Gradual Dislike on Sports and Recreation / Descenso de interés: las razones desmotivadoras de los estudiantes de la Generación Z sobre la aversión gradual a los deportes y la recreación

Gen Zs are different from older generations because they are the first consumers to have grown up wholly in the digital era. They're tech-savvy and mobile-first—and they have high standards for how they spend their time online. Scholars have identified a decreasing involvement of Gen Zs in sports and recreation. This problem was worsened by the huge influence of social media and other platforms, which made them get distracted and lose interest in sports and recreation. Some scholars revealed few explanations on this problem; however, there is no concrete evidence scrutinizing the reasons behind this phenomenon to the generation z students. Hence, this study was conducted primarily to investigate the demotivating reasons of generation z students' gradual dislike of sports and recreation. Using a phenomenology approach, gen zs in Southern Philippines who are identified as not interested in sports and recreation served as primary participants of this study. The triangulation of results revealed six significant concerns from research participants. These include the inadequate childhood exposure to sports and recreation, influence of technological advancements, reduced physical interaction due to the pandemic, and health difficulties. The data were then used to generate conclusions and recommendations to help generation z students boost their interests to participate in sports and recreational activities. (AU)

Los Gen Z son diferentes de las generaciones anteriores porque son los primeros consumidores que crecieron completamente en la era digital. Son expertos en tecnología y primero en dispositivos móviles, y tienen altos estándares sobre cómo pasan su tiempo en línea. Los académicos han identificado una participación decreciente de la Generación Z en los deportes y la recreación. Este problema se vio agravado por la enorme influencia de las redes sociales y otras plataformas, que les hizo distraerse y perder interés en los deportes y la recreación. Algunos estudiosos revelaron pocas explicaciones sobre este problema; sin embargo, no existe evidencia concreta que escrute las razones detrás de este fenómeno para los estudiantes de la generación z. Por lo tanto, este estudio se realizó principalmente para investigar las razones desmotivadoras de la aversión gradual de los estudiantes de la generación z hacia los deportes y la recreación. Utilizando un enfoque fenomenológico, las personas de la generación z en el sur de Filipinas que se identificaron como no interesadas en los deportes y la recreación sirvieron como participantes principales de este estudio. La triangulación de los resultados reveló seis preocupaciones importantes de los participantes de la investigación. Estos incluyen la exposición infantil inadecuada a los deportes y la recreación, la influencia de los avances tecnológicos, la interacción física reducida debido a la pandemia y las dificultades de salud. Luego, los datos se usaron para generar conclusiones y recomendaciones para ayudar a los estudiantes de la generación z a impulsar sus intereses para participar en deportes y actividades recreativas. (AU)

Effects of sports experience on children's gross motor coordination level.

Background: Gross motor coordination (GMC) development could be influenced by age, gender, weight status, geographical area, living setting, home environment, socio-economic status, sports practice. Purpose: To verify whether practicing sports and practicing different sports could influence children's GMC level. Methods: A total of 295 children aged 8-11 years were involved in the study and divided into 5 groups in relation to the sport they practiced: gymnastics group (n = 67; 51F, 16M), cycling group (n = 64; 15F, 49M), athletics group (n = 47; 22F, 25M), swimming group (n = 35; 20F, 15M), control group (n = 82; 42F, 40M). The four subtests of the Körperkoordinations Test für Kinder (KTK) assessed children's GMC level. The scores from each of the four subtests were summed into the KTK total raw score (RS) and then converted into a gender- and age-specific motor quotient (MQ). Results: Children practicing sports showed significantly higher RS and MQ score than children of control group (203.14 ± 38.55 vs. 163.63 ± 43.50 and 98.56 ± 15.79 vs. 83.01 ± 16.71, respectively; p < 0.001). Children practicing gymnastics had a significantly higher RS and MQ than children of cycling, swimming, and control groups (p < 0.05), children of control group had a significantly lower RS and MQ than children of all other groups (p < 0.05). Children practicing gymnastics performed better walking backwards subtest than all other children's groups (p < 0.001). Children of control group performed worse jumping sideways subtest than children of gymnastics, athletics and swimming groups (p < 0.01). Children practicing gymnastics performed better moving sideways subtest than children of athletics, cycling and control groups (p < 0.01); children of control group performed worse than children of all other groups (p < 0.01). Children of control group performed worse hopping for height subtest than children of gymnastics, athletics and cycling groups (p < 0.05); children practicing gymnastics performed better than children of swimming and control groups (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The performance model and therefore the specialized training that each sport discipline required, could justified the differences in children's GMC level among sports groups. Thus, coaches should plan individualized interventions and choose activity contents to support children's GMC development.

Impacto de la Covid19 en las barreras percibidas para practicar actividad física en las personas usuarias de centros fitness en España / Impacto da Covid19 nas barreiras percebidas para a prática de atividade física em pessoas em centros de fitness na Espanha / Impact of Covid19 on perceived barriers to practice physical activity in users of fitness centers in Spain

Esta investigación pretende conocer las barreras percibidas, así como posibles variables predictoras, en personas que practican actividad física en centros fitness que se encontraban confinadas en el hogar porla pandemia de COVID-19. La muestra estuvo conformada por 8.087 practicantes de actividad física. Se administró un cuestionario en línea por correo electrónico. Se realizó un análisis descriptivo de las barreras percibidas y un análisis de regresión logística para determinar posibles variables predictoras. Las barreras percibidas más importantes fueron el precio y la suerte de la seguridad. La edad, el sexo, la frecuencia de práctica física vigorosa y la observación de las recomendaciones de la OMS serían las variables predictoras en mayor medida de las barreras percibidas. Los resultados son relevantes para que las organizaciones deportivas planifiquen su oferta de servicios después del confinamiento. (AU)

This research intends to know the perceived barriers, as well as their predictor variables, in people who practice Physical Activity in fitness centers and were home confined due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The sample was conformed of 8,087 physical activity practitioners. An online questionnaire was administered by email. A descriptive analysis of the perceived barriers was done, and logistic regression analysis to determine possible predictor variables. The most important perceived barriers were price and a lack of safety. Age, gender, the vigorous physical practice frequency and the observation of the WHO recommendations would be the predictor variables to a larger extend for the perceived barriers. The results arerelevant for sport organizations to plan their services offer post lockdown. (AU)

Esta pesquisa tem como objetivo conhecer as barreiras percebidas, bem como possíveis variáveis preditivas, em pessoas que praticam atividade física em academias de ginástica que ficaram confinadas em casa pela pandemia do COVID-19. A amostra foi composta por 8.087 praticantes de atividade física. Um questionário online foi administrado pore-mail. Uma análise descritiva das barreiras percebidas e uma análise de regressão logística foram realizadas para determinar possíveis variáveis preditoras. As barreiras percebidas mais importantes foram o preço e a sorte na segurança. Idade, sexo, frequência de prática física vigorosa e observância das recomendações da OMS seriam as variáveis preditoras em maior extensão das barreiras percebidas. Os resultados são relevantes para que as organizações esportivas planejem sua oferta de serviços após o confinamento. (AU)

Bioelectrical Impedance Vector Analysis Discriminates Aerobic Power in Futsal Players: The Role of Body Composition.

Aims: The present study aimed to assess the ability of bioelectrical impedance vector analysis (BIVA) in discriminating fitness levels in futsal players, exploring the association of body composition and bioelectrical parameters with aerobic power. Methods: Forty-eight professional futsal players (age 23.8 ± 5.3 years) were involved in a cross-sectional study during their pre-season phase. Fat mass (FM) and muscle mass were determined by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. VO2max was obtained by indirect calorimetry through a graded exercise test performed on a treadmill. Bioelectrical resistance (R), reactance (Xc), and phase angle (PhA) were directly measured using a foot-to-hand bioimpedance technology at a 50 kHz frequency. Bioelectric R and Xc were standardized for the participants' height and used to plot the bioimpedance vector in the R-Xc graph according to the BIVA approach. Results: The participants divided into groups of VO2max limited by tertiles showed significant differences in mean vector position in the R-Xc graph (p < 0.001), where a higher VO2max resulted in a longer vector and upper positioning. FM, muscle mass, and PhA differed (p < 0.01) among the athletes grouped by tertiles of VO2max, where athletes with a greater aerobic power showed a lower percentage of FM and a higher percentage of muscle mass and PhA. FM and PhA were associated with VO2max (FM: r = −0.658, p < 0.001; PhA: r = 0.493, p < 0.001). These relationships remained significant after adjusting for age and body mass (FM: ß = −0.335, p = 0.046; PhA: ß = 0.351, p = 0.003). Conclusions: Bioelectrical impedance vectors positioned on the lower pole of the R-Xc graph identified futsal players with a lower VO2max, while longer vectors corresponded to a greater aerobic power. Additionally, PhA, that describes the vector direction, was positively associated with VO2max, while a higher FM negatively affected VO2max in the futsal players. BIVA and PhA evaluation may represent a valid support for screening the aerobic fitness level in professional futsal players, when more sophisticated assessment methods are not available.

Physical Activity Practice and Healthy Lifestyles Related to Resting Heart Rate in Health Sciences First-Year Students.

The expression lifestyle describes a frame of expressed behaviors, usually in the form of patterns of consumption, that defines how an individual or social group fits into society. It presents as a focus of interest by researchers in this field, who classically favor the study of alcohol consumption, tobacco, eating habits, and physical activity. The aim of this study was to identify the relationship between physical activity and healthy lifestyles, especially in terms of eating habits, tobacco, alcohol consumption, resting habits, and resting heart rate (RHR) in Health Sciences first-year students. A total of 177 students of both genders participated, of whom 31 (17.5%) were male and 146 (82.5%) were female, with a mean age of 20.20 years, from 18 to 30 years. The data collection instrument used was the Healthy Lifestyle Questionnaire (EVS), using SPSS 21.0 for descriptive statistics and the Cronbach α to evaluate the internal consistency of the questionnaires. A level of significance was adopted with a margin of error of 5% for a probability of at least 95% using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov technique and Mann-Whitney test for comparisons between practitioners' students and genders. The results obtained demonstrate more favorable results in all variables in students practicing physical activity with significant differences in eating habits and RHR. In terms of gender, there were significant differences in all variables except for eating habits. We conclude that students practicing physical activity present more favorable results in terms of lifestyles combined with lower RHR values, considered as positive factors in terms of quality of life.

Contextual Factors Influencing Young Athletes' Decision to Do Physical Activity and Choose a Sports' Club: The Case of Portugal.

Physical activity and sports are a central part of individuals' lives throughout the life cycle. During adolescence, its regular practice may contribute to the development of healthy adult lifestyles, decreasing chronic disease incidence. Therefore, the reasons that drive adolescents to start practicing sports in a certain club may be multiple and understanding such causes can be important to design and implement public policies to promote active lifestyles for everyone. In this article, we report the core findings of a research on why young athletes do sports, how they choose their team-training club and how COVID-19 has had an impact on their routines. From a methodological viewpoint, a questionnaire was developed and sent to sport clubs located in NUTS2 Centro Region, Portugal, and results were analyzed through the use of geographic information systems and statistical analysis, namely association tests (Chi-square test), difference tests (Mann-Whitney test and Kruskal-Wallis test), logistic regression and descriptive analysis. Findings show that family, age group, friends, proximity to sports facilities, teammates, and club conditions are the factors that influence adolescents the most. In short, external factors have a significant preponderance to practice physical activity and choose a sports' club. These findings can provide useful insights for clubs, coaches and policy-makers to become more aware of the relationship between sports practice and accessibility to sports halls, as well as the athletes' behavior and their connection with the club and basketball practice. As such, these findings can motivate the design of initiatives and strategies to boost sports practice and to find ways for clubs to attract more adolescents.

Urban green spaces in the proximity of residences can reduce the effect of socioeconomic inequalities in sports practice among teenage girls.

Background: We studied if proximity of urban green spaces to residences reduces the socioeconomic inequalities in sports practice, evaluating 17-year-old girls (n = 722) from EPITeen cohort, Porto, Portugal. Methods: The shortest routes from residences to urban green spaces were calculated using the street network from Geographic Information System. Distances were classified as: ≤400, >400 to ≤800, and >800 m. Parental education was used as a proxy of socioeconomic status (SES). We used chi-square test to compare proportions of teenagers practicing sports per SES, stratified by classes of distances to urban green spaces and logistic regression to estimate the association between sports practice and SES through odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals. Results: Strong inequalities were found. Girls from low SES have ≥75% less odds of sports practice (reference: high SES), regardless of the distance to urban green spaces. As distances are lowering the socioeconomic inequalities in the sports practice between girls from high and medium SES diminishes, being the OR 0.42 (0.22-0.80) at ≥800 m, 0.51 (0.24-1.09) at ≥400 to ≤800 m, and 0.63 (0.29-1.37) at ≤400 m. Conclusion: At closer distances inequalities in the proportion of sports practice between high and medium SES vanishes, but remain to low SES.

The relationship between serious leisure and recreation specialization in sportspeople with and without physical disabilities.

This study analyzes whether the relationship between serious leisure and recreation specialization differs for federated sportspeople with and without physical disabilities. Sportspeople with and without physical disabilities in the Basque Country (Spain) (n = 370) completed a questionnaire assessing the component dimensions of two constructs, "serious leisure" and "recreation specialization". The Serious Leisure Inventory and Measure (SLIM) and the Recreation Specialization Index (RSI) were used in the analysis. Results showed an association between these concepts in competitive sports in both samples. However, the magnitudes of association between the total of both concepts were higher in the group with physical disabilities. Regarding perceptions about their sports practice, the group without physical disabilities showed higher levels of specialization but there were no substantial differences between their levels of serious leisure participation. In conclusion, seriousness and specialization were found to be key issues for sportspeople's practice of leisure, regardless of their physical condition.

Handgrip Strength in Young Adults: Association with Anthropometric Variables and Laterality.

The measurement of handgrip strength (HGS) is an indicator of an individual's overall strength and can serve as a predictor of morbidity and mortality. This study aims to investigate whether HGS is associated with handedness in young adults and if it is influenced by anthropometric characteristics, body composition, and sport-related parameters. We conducted a cross-sectional study on a sample of 544 young Italian adults aged 18-30 years. We measured HGS using a dynamometer and collected data on handedness and physical activity, along with anthropometric measurements. In both sexes, the HGS of the dominant side was significantly greater than that of the non-dominant side. Furthermore, in ambidextrous individuals, the right hand was stronger than the left. A comparison between the lowest and the highest tercile of HGS highlighted its significant association with anthropometric and body composition parameters in both sexes. Moreover, sex, dominant upper arm muscle area, arm fat index, fat mass, and fat-free mass were found to be significant predictors of HGS by multiple regression analysis. Our findings suggest that HGS is especially influenced by body composition parameters and handedness category. Therefore, HGS can be used as a proxy for unhealthy conditions with impairment of muscle mass, provided that the dominance in the laterality of the subject under examination is taken into account.

Effects of Anthropometric Growth and Basketball Experience on Physical Performance in Pre-Adolescent Male Players.

During pre-adolescence, several variables connected to growth and weight status could influence physical performance and technical skills. This study aims to assess the influence of growth-related anthropometric changes, weight status, and basketball experience on physical performance in pre-adolescent basketball players. The sample consisted of 50 male basketball players (12.2 ± 0.4 years-old) included in the U-13 category. Anthropometric characteristics were collected using standard procedures. Physical performance was evaluated by 20 m Dash, T-test, squat jump, countermovement jump, and medicine ball throw. In order to assess growth-related changes, we conducted two surveys within a 10-week time span. Student's t-test was used to compare the data collected in the two surveys and multiple regression analyses were performed to assess the effects of growth, weight status, and basketball experience on performance. After 10 weeks there was a significant increase in FFM (Fat-Free Mass) and a significant decrease in fat parameters. Moreover, between the two surveys, all motor tests significantly improved. The results of linear regression models showed that changes in %F (percentage of body fat) were significantly associated with speed and agility, while handgrip strength and weight status were associated with upper limb explosive strength. Basketball experience was a significant predictor of all three motor tests. In conclusion, body composition changes, years of experience, and weight status influenced physical performance and players' motor skills ability, especially speed, agility, and upper limb explosive strength.

How difficult is it for adolescents to maintain attention? The differential effects of video games and sports.

Despite a large body of evidence suggests positive effects of playing action video games and practising sports on various visual attentional skills, the impact of these activities on the ability to maintain attention over prolonged periods of time (i.e., sustained attention) has been largely neglected. Here, we first explored free-time habits on a group of 310 adolescents by means of a self-reported questionnaire. We found an inverse relationship between the time spent with sports and video games, but not with other extra-scholastic activities: the time spent practising sports and playing video games clearly competed with each other, with the more-intensive-sport practitioners being less involved in video game play. Next, we directly measured sustained attention and other attentional skills in a subgroup of 76 participants, divided as a function of their time spent in sports and action video games. In particular, sustained attention was assessed by means of two tasks: a classic exogenous task, requiring participants to attend to a flashing visual stimulus; and an internal (endogenous) sustained attention task, requiring participants to synchronise their manual responses to the rhythm of auditory pulses presented in an earlier phase. As previously documented, we found that action video game players displayed worse ability to maintain attention over time, as compared with non-action players. In striking contrast, intensive sports practice was associated with an increased ability to maintain attention over time. Overall, these findings unveil distinct cascading effects on sustained attention induced by doing sport and playing action video games.

Sports practice predicts better functional capacity in children and adults with Fontan circulation.

BACKGROUND: Peak oxygen uptake (peak VO2) and its decline predict death or serious cardiovascular adverse events in patients with Fontan circulation. Our aim was to study VO2 in a population of Fontan patients with variable age and contemporary surgical correction, and find predictors of functional status which could lead to management changes. METHODS: Prospective cardiopulmonary exercise test was performed on a treadmill. Blood tests and transthoracic echocardiogram were performed on the same day. Dependent variables were defined as: VO2 at ventilatory threshold (VT) as a percentage of the predicted peak VO2 and peak VO2 as a percentage of its predicted value. Statistical analysis was performed on SPSS® version 23 and significance was defined as a p-value < 0.05. RESULTS: Forty-eight patients were included for analysis. All had a lateral or extracardiac conduit. Mean age was 18.2 years (SD 6.2). Mean age at Fontan completion of 6.5 years (SD 2.3) showed no association with functional capacity. Mean percent VO2 at VT was 37.6% (SD 9.4) and percent peak VO2 was 67.8% (SD 16.7). VO2 both at ventilatory threshold and peak was associated with age, weekly sports practice, significant atrioventricular regurgitation and having a pacemaker or being on antiarrhythmic drugs. On multivariate analysis, weekly sports practice was the best predictor for VO2 values. CONCLUSIONS: Sports practice is a modifiable factor that significantly impacts functional capacity in Fontan patients despite their age. Clinicians should actively prescribe and promote physical activity in this population, either with regular sports practice or engagement in cardiac rehabilitation programs.

Exercício da atenção e resolução de problemas em atividades cotidianas da infância / Exercise for attention and problem solving in the daily activities of childhood / Ejercicio de atención y resolución de problemas en las actividades cotidianas de la infância

Este trabalho investiga a relação entre as atividades cotidianas desempenhadas na infância e as funções cognitivas de resolução de problemas e de atenção. Dentre as atividades cotidianas, analisaram-se a leitura, a prática de esportes, o acesso ao computador e a interação com games. Para tanto, aplicou-se um questionário organizado em três partes, contemplando dados do perfil das crianças, o registro da frequência das atividades cotidianas consideradas e a avaliação da presença de comportamentos tomados como indicadores do desempenho da capacidade de resolução de problema e de atenção. O questionário foi respondido pelos responsáveis das crianças, considerando sua percepção. Analisaram-se os resultados de uma amostra de 162 crianças na faixa etária de 6 a 11. Os resultados indicaram a associação entre a leitura e a atenção, e entre o acesso ao computador e o jogar games com a capacidade de resolução de problemas. (AU)

This study investigates the relation between the daily activities performed in childhood and the cognitive functions of problem solving and attention. Among daily activities, reading, sports practice, computer access, and interaction with games were analyzed. Therefore, a questionnaire was organized in three parts, including data on the children's profile, the record of the frequency of the daily activities and the evaluation of the presence of behaviors taken as indicators of problem solving and attention performance. The questionnaire was answered by the children's guardians, considering their perception. We analyzed data results from a sample of 162 children aged 6-11. The results revealed the association between reading and attention, and between computer access and playing games with problem-solving ability. (AU)

Este trabajo investiga la relación entre las actividades diarias desempeñadas en la infancia y las funciones cognitivas de resolución de problemas y de atención. Entre las actividades diarias, se analizaron: lectura, práctica de deportes, acceso a computador e interacción con juegos. Para verificar si hay asociaciones significativas se aplicó un cuestionario organizado en tres partes, 1) contempla los datos de perfil de los niños,2) el registro de frecuencia de las actividades diarias consideradas y 3) evaluación de la presencia de comportamientos, tomados como indicadores del desempeño de la capacidad de resolución de problemas y de atención. El cuestionario fue respondido por los responsables de los niños, teniendo en cuenta su percepción. Se analizaron las respuestas de una muestra de 162 niños con edades entre 6 a 11 años. Los resultados indicaron la asociación entre lectura y atención y entre acceso al computador y juegos con capacidades de resolución de problemas. (AU)

Health Regulatory Focus, Selection Optimization and Compensation Strategy and Sports Practice: A Mediational Analysis.

This study aimed to investigate associations of health promotion and prevention regulatory foci with sports practice, and examined the Selection, Optimization and Compensation (SOC) process behind the positive relationship between health promotion focus and sports practice. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 513 French volunteer sports participants aged from 18 to 82. Participants completed an online self-report survey measuring health regulatory foci, SOC strategy, Amount of Sports Practice (ASP), health condition, and educational level. Path analysis main results (χ2 = 16.64; df = 5; p < .01; RMSEA = 0.067; CFI = 0.98; R2 = .24) demonstrated that ASP was positively related with health promotion focus (ß = .13, p < .01), SOC strategy (ß = .28, p < .001) and negatively related with health prevention focus (ß = -.20, p < .001). SOC strategy was positively related with health promotion focus (ß = .39, p < .001) and bootstrapping analyses revealed that this strategy partially mediated the positive relationship between health promotion focus and ASP, 95% CI [.13, .29]. Finally, additional analyses showed that it was specifically the elective selection, optimization and compensation sub-components of SOC strategy which played mediating roles in this link, [.13, .29] < 95% CI < [.13, .29]. For the first time in the literature, these results evidenced direct links between health regulatory foci and sports practice, and a mechanistic pathway between health promotion focus and sports practice. The theoretical and applied implications of these results for sports promotion are discussed.