MHSalud: Revista en Ciencias del Movimiento Humano y Salud

The Professional Level and its Impact on Muscle Mechanical and Functional Performance in Costa Rican Soccer Players

Daniel Rojas-Valverde — 2023-03-29

This study aimed to compare the mechanical and functional muscle performance of three different competitive soccer teams of the Costa Rica professional league (U17, Pro A, and Pro B). Age 20.09 ± 4.32 years old, weight body mass 70.85 ± 7.45 kg, height 174.56 ± 4.97 cm; body fat percentage 13.9 ± 5.06 %; lean body mass 57.90 ± 4.88 kg; lean body mass right lower limb 10.11 ± 0.87 kg; lean body mass left lower limb 10.09 ± 0.92 kg. The variables assessed were muscle time of contraction, muscle radial displacement, delay time, squat jump, and countermovement jump. The devices used were dual ray absorptiometry, tensiomyography, and jump platform. There were differences in weight, body mass, and body fat % (Pro A< U17<Pro B). There was a difference in group squat jump performance (Pro A> U17). There were no significant differences in muscle time of contraction, delay time, or radial deformation. The knowledge of differences in both muscle functional and mechanical performance could lead to new training and recovery methods and protocols considering the player’s professional levels.

Physical Activity in School Recess: Measurements of Physical Activity and the Perspective of School Children from Educational Centers in Urban and Rural Areas

Jennifer Vargas-Tenorio — 2023-03-22

Objective: This study aimed to examine the number of active students and sedentary behaviors, as well as their perceptions of motivation and barriers that prevent the practice of physical activity during recess in rural and urban schools in the province of Heredia, Costa Rica.

Methodology: A mixed research study was conducted using the SOPLAY instrument to measure and classify the type of physical activity. In addition, focus groups were held with selected schoolchildren; they were asked about their perception of barriers and motivation to engage in physical activity. The population studied was schoolchildren between 7 and 12 years old enrolled in urban and rural public schools in the province of Heredia.

Results: Among the results obtained, statistically significant differences were found. Regarding moderate physical activity (MPA), urban school students were more active than those from rural schools. Concerning vigorous physical activity (VPA), the statistically significant differences were only between the sexes, being greater in boys than in girls. Among the main reasons for the motivation to do physical activity were learning, playing, and socializing. The main barriers the children mentioned were space, the dangers of infrastructure, and violence or bullying.

Discussion: It is recommended to invest in improving the infrastructure of schools, disposing of waste materials that put children’s safety at risk so that they can have more room to play, in addition to the acquisition of materials to provide more options and promote the realization of physical activity during recess.

Training Monitoring With GPS Data and Subjective Measures of Fatigue and Recovery in Honduran Soccer Players During a Preparatory Period for Tokyo 2020/2021 Olympic Games

Aldo Alfonso Vasquez Bonilla — 2023-03-30

Background: Training monitoring is essential to optimize performance. Therefore, methodologies that improve the preparation of national teams in events such as the Olympic Games should be documented.

Purpose: To determine whether GPS data, in combination with subjective measures of well-being, fatigue, and recovery, are appropriate for load monitoring during a preparatory period for the Olympic Games.

Methodology: Twenty-two under-23 professional players participated during 5 micro-cycles and 27 training sessions. External load data was collected via a global positioning system (GPS): Total distance (DT), performance zones Z0 (0-15 km/h), Z1 (15.1-18 km/h), Z2 (18.1 -24 km/h), Z3 (>24.1 km/h), maximum speed (km/h), accelerations (>2.5m/s²) and decelerations (<2.5m/s²). Also, the internal load was obtained through subjective measures of Rating Perceived Exertion (RPE), Total Quality Recovery (TQR), Readiness to Train (RTT%) obtained from the sleep quality, muscle pain, energy levels, mood, stress, food quality, and health. The subjective rate of fatigue-recovery (F-R) was then calculated. An ANOVA test, Principal Component Analysis (PCA), and multiple linear regression were applied.

Results: the variables DT (p=0.00 ES=0.22), Z0 (p= 0.00 TE=0.08), Z2 (p=0.00 ES= 0.05), maximum speed (p= 0.00 ES=0.42), sum of acceleration and deceleration (p=0.00 ES=0.08) and values relative to load/min (p=0.00 ES=0.17) were identified as variables more sensitive to load change between micro-cycles. RTT% and subjective rate F-R showed a moderate effect size (p=0.04 ES=0.06 and p=0.06 ES=0.06), but were sensitive to change between micro-cycles. PCA extracted 15 GPS variables and 11 subjective variables that explained 78% of the training load variance.

Conclusion: Using GPS data together with subjective measures involved in fatigue-recovery may be a good strategy to monitor the training load in soccer players.

Barriers and incentives for mobility in a bike-sharing system in a Spanish municipality

Alberto Sanmiguel-Rodríguez — 2023-04-07

Introduction: Interest in urban cycling is increasing and the number of shared bike programs has grown rapidly in recent years. Therefore, the objective that is intended to be achieved in this study is to know if factors such as seasons, routes and altitudes affect the use of the shared bicycle system in a Spanish municipality.

Methods: A quantitative and longitudinal study has been designed with the collection and analysis of data from the BSS of Vilagarcía de Arousa, registering a total of 84,183 observations (men n = 59,159; women n = 25,024). The data extracted from the system was collected and statistically analyzed through the IBM SPSS version 21.0 program. A significance value of p < 0.05 has been established.

Results: The most used station was the one located in the center of the city, representing a total of 39% of the observations. The neutral elevation, that is, leaving a station and depositing the bicycle in another with the same altitude, represented 65.5% of the total records.

Conclusions: The municipality of Vilagarcía de Arousa has some favorable topographical characteristics to be a profitable service that promotes healthy habits as a means of active transportation in the urban environment, as well as an improvement in urban mobility and a less polluted environment.

Effects of a Multicomponent Physical Exercise Program on the Physiological Functions of People With Parkinson’s Disease

Sara Gomez-Lopez — 2023-07-27

Introduction: Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive neurological disorder characterized by motor and non-motor symptoms that influence the impairment of quality of life.

Objective: This research aims to analyze the effects of a multicomponent intervention program based on physical exercise and sport on the physiological functions of people with PD, both with high and low impairment.

Methodology: For this purpose, sixteen people (13 men and 3 women) with PD participated in this study, divided into two groups according to their level of impairment, low (GBA, n = 12) and high (GAA, n = 4). A multicomponent physical exercise program intervention was administered to all participants for 4 weeks (2 sessions of 50 minutes per week). A battery of functional tests [Six minutes walk test (6MWT); Single-leg Stance test (SLS); Time Up and Go (TUG) and The five times sit-to-stand Chair (FTSTS)] was performed one week before (T1) and one week after the intervention (T2).

Results: The total sample improved significantly on the SLS test (P < 0.05; d > 0.56, moderate). However, analyzing each group according to their level of impairment, the GBA group obtained significant improvements in SLS and 5STS (d= 0.44 - 0.68, P < 0.05), while no significant differences were observed in the GAA group in any of the variables analyzed.

Conclusion: The results of the present study show the need for further studies with longer duration and more frequent weekly programs.

Effects of a School-Based Intervention Program to Promote Adolescents’ Active Commuting by Cycling

Javier Rodrigo-Sanjoaquín — 2023-07-27

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a school-based intervention program on competence satisfaction, the predisposition to participate in a cycling Didactic Unit (DU) in Physical Education, and the behavior of commuting by bicycle.

Method: The study had a quasi-experimental design without a control group, in which 98 Spanish students (M=13.95±0.67; 50% girls) from a high school participated. The intervention program based on supporting competence consisted of a cycling DU (12 sessions), a tutorial action plan (4 sessions), and an extracurricular activity.

Results: An increase in competence satisfaction was found only in boys, and the predisposition towards cycling DU was found in both genders. Likewise, the states of "Action" and "Maintenance" in the behavior of commuting by bicycle increased by 39% in boys and 43% in girls.

Conclusion: This multi-component program based on strategies to support competence effectively promotes active bicycle travel among adolescents.

Knowledge about First Aid in Students of Physical Education Program at the University of Tarapacá, Chile

Luis Antonio Barrio Mateu — 2023-07-27

Introduction: To evaluate knowledge about first aid (FA) in students of the Physical Education program at the University of Tarapacá, Chile, comparing the study center of origin and the gender of the students.

Methodology: A mixed study was conducted, with qualitative and quantitative variables, inquiring about knowledge of first aid in students of the Physical Education Program at the University of Tarapacá. The study evaluated 169 students, 99 from the Tarapacá Technical Training Center and 70 who passed the entrance examination. First, an expert-validated survey was administered, inquiring about knowledge concerning first aid. Then, a pre-test was applied, and a theoretical-practical training course in first aid was given. At the end of the course, a post-test was conducted to verify the knowledge acquired on first aid.

Results: It was observed that the men showed greater knowledge during the pre-test and the post-test, with 95.1% and 100%, respectively, while the women showed 75% in the pre-test and 90.1% in the post-test. On the other hand, students from the Technical Training Center maintained higher indicators in both analyses.

Conclusions: The knowledge acquired in secondary school, as well as the completion of initial courses in first aid, favor the preparation of future Physical Education teachers; this leads to better actions in emergency situations, both in schools and in everyday life.

Anthropometric and Physical Condition Evaluations in a Population with Down Syndrome: A Longitudinal Study Over 10 Year

Marcelo Pino-Valenzuela — 2023-08-29

Introduction: Although there is consensus that the physical condition of people with Down syndrome is lower than their non-disabled counterparts, the specific behavior of this variable during the life cycle is unknown.

Objective: To determine the behavior of anthropometry and physical condition variables in a population with Down syndrome over 10 years.

Methods: This is a longitudinal comparative study, panel design, conducted with 16 subjects (13 males and 3 females) with Down syndrome between the ages of 10 and 25. Anthropometric and physical condition evaluations were conducted in 2009, 2014, and 2019 over a 10-year period. The variables measured were body mass, height, waist and hip circumference, and skinfolds. Along with body mass index, waist/hip ratio, and body fat percentage, static grip strength, abdominal muscle capacity, trunk flexibility, and aerobic capacity were also calculated.

Results: Anthropometry and physical condition presented a negative development during the 10 years of study. The most significant change was the increase in fat percentage between 2009 and 2019 (p=0,00). In addition, a decrease in abdominal capacity was also found between 2009 and 2019 (p=0,00).

Conclusion: Subjects with Down syndrome present a decreasing trend regarding the physical condition and anthropometry variables and a negative evolution from the health point of view, considering a follow-up period of 10 years.

Systematization of the Research and Analysis Process of Administration and Management of a Dance, Human Movement and Health Project: Lines of Work in Health and Primary Prevention of Danza Universitaria

Inés Revuelta Sánchez — 2023-03-29

Introduction: In the context of a professional dance company, the pandemic has generated changes in the existing work dynamics in its professional and managerial areas.

Purpose: to show the organization and management actions taken by a professional dance company, aiming to position its work at the service of society through Lines of work in health and primary prevention of Danza Universitaria, a project that arises in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methodology: systematization of exploratory experience whose reported findings are the result of data collection and organization process between the months of August 2020 to October 2021.

Results: detailed and precise information was obtained on each aspect related to the organization and project management.

Systematization: the dance company, its human resources, visions and dance practices are contextualized and analyzed, positioning dance as a movement skill for integral health and encompassing the role of the dance professional to lead to the administrative and management processes of the company.

Conclusions: the dimensions of the project as an integrated system in the community are clarified and its response capacity to the needs of the environment as well as the contribution of dance and movement for integral health is made visible.

Recommendations: to value this project as a unique space that has served as an object of study and part of an academic experience that contributes to the development and management of the arts, human movement, education, and health.

Effects of Exercise and Physical Activity on Quality of Life in Patients with Parkinson’s Disease: A Systematic Review

Jason Daniel Corrales Gómez — 2023-07-27

Objective: This study aimed to conduct a systematic review of the effects of exercise and physical activity on the quality of life in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD).

Methodology: Under the preferred reporting elements for systematic reviews and meta-analyses of the PRISMA methodology, a literature review was conducted using the Scopus, Springer, and Oxford academic databases. Inclusion criteria were established where documents were filtered, classified, and selected according to their relation to the object of study, and exclusion criteria under the criteria established for the PICOS strategy. The review was not registered a priori in any database, and a review protocol was not published. Sixteen studies were included in the review.

Results: The data show that the factors influencing the effects of physical exercise on the quality of life in PD patients are related to low levels of physical activity and lack of acute physical exercise. In terms of interventions, exercise advised by physiotherapy, boxing, Tai Chi, aquatherapy, and different types of training are highlighted.

Conclusion: The effects of exercise and physical activity on PD patients are related to the well-being experienced by each person in their quality of life. In turn, exercise and physical activity interventions within 6 and 12 weeks are presumed to improve motor and cognitive symptoms and alter brain activity in people with PD. This review may guide future studies that aim to fill existing gaps regarding the effects of exercise and physical activity on the quality of life in people with Parkinson's disease.

Effects of Functional Training, Compared to Traditional Strength Training, on Physical Fitness in Older Adults: A Systematic Review

Juan Erices-Olivo — 2023-07-27

Introduction: Older adults (OA) represent a growing population group that is especially susceptible to a loss of physical fitness associated with functional impairment. Traditional resistance training (TRT) has proven to be effective, improving or limiting the loss of muscle mass and frailty. Functional training (FT) has emerged as an affordable alternative to prevent physical changes caused by aging. However, there is little evidence regarding the effectiveness of functional training, versus traditional resistance training, on physical capacity in older adults.

Purpose: To systematically review the effectiveness of FT, compared to TRT, on improving physical fitness in OA.

Methodology: Pubmed, SPORTDiscus (EBSCO), SCOPUS, PEDro, and Web of Science databases were consulted. In addition, search strategies were performed, including the terms "resistance training," "aged," "physical fitness," and "functional training."

Results: Five articles meeting inclusion criteria were identified. From the qualitative analysis conducted, it was observed that both FT and TRT training are effective in improving various manifestations of strength. In addition, compared to TRT, FT presents a higher proportion of effectiveness on functional fitness elements such as cardiorespiratory capacity (3.3 times), agility (2.7 times), and functional lower body strength (1.7 to 2.8 times).

Conclusion: Both FT and TRT can be valid alternatives to improve general physical fitness in OA. Likewise, EF is more effective on parameters related to functionality in OA.