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Background: Quarantine is one of the most effective strategies to control outbreaks of communicable diseases. Individuals under isolation or quarantine experience both physical and mental effects. Therefore, given its widespread implementation around the world, it is pertinent to analyze this effect on physical and mental health. The psychosocial impact model, which divides four dimensions into two main points, exposure or protection and positive or negative responses, was used to analyze the psychosocial impact of quarantine. Objectives: The present study aimed to investigate the psychosocial impact of people exposed to or protected from quarantine. Methods: We conducted a search for primary articles in the Web of Science and Scopus databases, and after applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, we meta-analyzed five of them. Results: Quarantined individuals were more likely to experience anxiety (K = 4; OR = 2.62) and depressive symptoms (K = 6; OR = 1.61) compared to those who did not undergo quarantine. Researchers discuss a twofold increase in the probability of anxiety or depression among those in quarantine. As a result, advancing interventions that reduce this impact is critical for both health and the global economy. Conclusions: In terms of economic variables, the non-moderation of GDP per capita and the moderation of the GINI index stand out, demonstrating that countries must move toward policies that promote the reconstruction of more resilient and inclusive societies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Objectives: This study aimed to assess and compare the effects of an adapted taekwondo (TKD) program, multicomponent training (MCT), walking exercise (WE), and inactive control group (CG) on blood pressure, morphological variables, frequency of food consumption, cognitive status, health-related quality of life (HRQoL), physical fitness tests, and postural balance in independent older females. Methods: A randomized controlled trial study was conducted with the following groups: TKD (n = 13), MCT (n = 12), WE (n = 12), and CG (n = 14), considering three/weekly 60-min/sessions for 16-weeks. A two-factor mixed analysis of the variance model with repeated measures was performed. Results: TKD improved significantly more in phonetic fluency (p = 0.021; ES = 1.89) than WE and in general health (p = 0.033; ES = 1.11) than CG. Both TKD and MCT improved significantly more than CG in the 30 s chair stand, arm curl, chair sit-and-reach, timed up-and-go, maximal isometric handgrip strength, and postural balance for the eyes closed condition in the area and anteroposterior velocity (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Only TKD improved the area (p = 0.008; ES = 1.00) and mediolateral velocity (p = 0.019; ES = 0.79) for the eyes open condition, and mediolateral velocity (p = 0.021; ES = 1.57) for the eyes closed condition. Blood pressure, morphological variables, and food consumption frequency showed no significant intragroup or intergroup interactions. TKD equivalently improved HRQoL and physical fitness to MCT, with better postural balance in older females. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Objectives: Research indicates that children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) exhibit a deficiency in skills and initiative when it comes to adhering to daily oral hygiene routines. This, in turn, increases the likelihood of oral pathologies, thereby placing a significant emotional strain on their parents. In addition to the typical stress they already experience, parents of children with ASD are also burdened with pediatric oral health issues. However, a review of the literature reveals a lack of studies measuring stress in parents of children whose oral health affects their autistic condition. This research aimed to design and to validate a stress scale for parents of autistic children with poor oral hygiene. Methods: The study used an exploratory, non-experimental design to validate and determine the reliability of the scale. Scale reliability was assessed through a cross-sectional pilot test to evaluate internal scale consistency, with a focus on item similarity. We used Aiken's V to estimate the validity of the scale, and Cronbach's α for calculating scale reliability. Calculations, estimations, and statistical analysis were conducted using SPSS. Results: Expert validation, a pilot test, and a cross-sectional, non-experimental design established the reliability of the scale. Conclusions: We conclude that the 20-item scale exhibits validity (0.95) and reliability (0.965), ensuring its applicability in future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study aimed to analyze the effects of elastic band training (EBT) versus multicomponent training (MCT) and group-based dance (GBD) on waist circumference, body composition (body fat percentage and fat-free mass), and physical performance (handgrip strength, HGS; 30-s chair stand; timed up-and-go, TUG) in Chilean older women. Methods: This is a randomized controlled trial with three parallel groups: EBT (n = 10), MCT (n = 10), and GBD (n = 10). Two 60-min sessions per week for 8 weeks were dedicated to the interventions with pre- and post-assessments. A two-factor mixed ANOVA model with repeated measures was performed to measure the time × group effect. Results: Multiple comparisons revealed significant differences between EBT and MCT in the body fat percentage (p = 0.001; ES = 2.488, large effect) in favor of MCT, while HGS in the non-dominant hand (p = 0.044; ES = 0.158) was in favor of EBT. In the intragroup results, only the MCT significantly decreased the body fat percentage (p = 0.044; ES = 0.426, small effect), and EBT significantly increased HGS in the dominant (p < 0.001; ES = 0.977, large effect) and non-dominant (p < 0.001; ES = 0.583, moderate effect) hands and improved the 30-s chair stand (p = 0.003; ES = 1.612, large effect) test. The GBD did not report significant changes. Conclusions: MCT significantly reduced the body fat percentage regarding EBT, and EBT significantly improved HGS in the non-dominant hand regarding MCT, with no differences reported in the rest of the analyzed variables between the groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to identify the relationship between body composition (fat-free mass and body fat percentage) and physical performance (countermovement jump, CMJ; throwing ball; maximal isometric handgrip strength, MIHS dominant and non-dominant hands; 10-m and 20-m sprints with and without ball) in Chilean professional basketball players. Its secondary aim was to analyze if there were differences in body composition and physical performance according to sex. This was a cross-sectional study that analyzed 23 professional basketball players with a mean age of 24.0 ± 4.92 years, distributed among male professional basketball players (male professional BPs, n = 12) and female professional basketball players (female professional BPs, n = 14). The main results indicate the correlation presented significant relationships between fat-free mass with CMJ (r = 0.760; p < 0.0001; ES = 1.43), MIHS dominant hand (r = 0.783; p < 0.0001; ES = 1.50) and MIHS non-dominant hand (r = 0.805; p < 0.0001; ES = 1.85), throwing ball (r = 0.586; p = 0.001; ES = 0.56), 10 m sprint with ball (r = −0.510; p = 0.007; ES = 0.35), and 20 m sprint with ball (r = −0.143; p = 0.046; ES = 0.16). As did body fat percentage with CMJ (r = −0.647; p = 0.000; ES = 0.56), throwing the ball (r = −0.657; p = 0.000; ES = 0.58), MIHS dominant hand (r = −0.745; p < 0.0001; ES = 1.17), and MIHS non-dominant hand (r = −0.820; p < 0.0001; ES = 1.50). In conclusion, body composition is related to physical performance in professional basketball players. Meanwhile, male professional BPs had better body composition and physical performance than female professional BPs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/objectives: Considering the diverse symptomatology of COVID-19—ranging from mild to severe cases—multi-professional interventions are crucial for enhancing physical recovery, nutritional status, and mental health outcomes in affected patients. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the effects of such an intervention on health-related physical fitness and biomarkers in overweight COVID-19 survivors with varying degrees of symptom severity after 8 weeks and 16 weeks. Methods: This non-randomized clinical trial included 59 overweight COVID-19 survivors (32 males and 27 females) divided into three groups: mild (n = 31), moderate (n = 13), and severe/critical (n = 15). The participants underwent a multi-professional program and were assessed for anthropometric and body composition (primary outcome), as well as physical fitness and biochemical markers (secondary outcome) 8 and 16 weeks before the intervention. Results: After 8 weeks, time effects were observed for the maximum isometric handgrip strength (p < 0.001), maximum isometric lumbar-traction strength (p = 0.01), flexibility (p < 0.001), abdominal strength–endurance (p < 0.001), the sit-and-stand test (p < 0.001), maximum oxygen consumption (p < 0.001), and distance covered in the 6 min walk test (p < 0.001). Additionally, time effects were also observed for fat mass (p = 0.03), body fat percentage (p = 0.02), abdominal circumference (p = 0.01), total cholesterol (p < 0.001), low-density lipoproteins (p < 0.001), and glycated hemoglobin (p < 0.001), with lower values after multi-professional interventions. After 16 weeks, the systolic and diastolic blood pressure showed significant reductions independently of the intervention group (p < 0.001). Conclusion: These findings suggest that multi-professional interventions can provide substantial benefits for post-COVID-19 patients, regardless of the severity of their initial symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Objectives: This study aimed to compare the effects of Xbox Kinect Sports (XKS) regarding Nintendo Switch Sports (NSS) and an inactive control group (CG) on body composition (body fat percentage, BFP; and fat-free mass) and physical performance (maximal isometric handgrip strength, MIHS; 30-s chair stand, 30-S; timed up-and-go, TUG; sit-and-reach; and 2-min step) in physically inactive older females. Methods: A randomized controlled trial study was conducted with three parallel groups: XKS (n = 13), NSS (n = 14), and CG (n = 16) considering three weekly 60-min sessions for 12 weeks with pre- and post-assessments. Results: A two-factor mixed analysis of variance (ANOVA) model with repeated measures was performed to measure the time × group effect. Multiple comparisons revealed significant differences in BFP (F(2,18) = 6.12; p = 0.005; ηp2 = 0.226, large effect), 30-S (F(2,18) = 20.7; p = 0.000; ηp2 = 0.496, large effect), TUG (F(2,18) = 10.0; p = 0.000; ηp2 = 0.323, large effect), sit-and-reach (F(2,18) = 37.3; p = 0.000; ηp2 = 0.640, large effect), and 2-min step (F(2,18) = 9.85; p = 0.000; ηp2 = 0.319, large effect) in favor of XKS regarding NSS and CG. The intragroup results only present in XKS a significant decrease in BFP (p = 0.02; d = 0.98) and significant improvements in the 30-S (p = 0.000; d = 1.88), TUG (p < 0.01; d = 2.00), sit-and-reach (p = 0.003; d = 2.58), and 2-min step (p = 0.004; d = 1.05). Conclusions: training using XKS significantly decreases BFP and improves 30-S, TUG, sit-and-reach, and 2-min step in physically inactive older females. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders are shown to have poor periodontal health and dental hygiene habits. Extensive research has revealed that parents of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) frequently encounter heightened levels of stress, despair, and anxiety in comparison to parents of neurotypical children. The aim was to understand the relationship between the dental hygiene of children with ASD and the stress generated in their parents. Methods: A scoping review was carried out to identify any gaps or research opportunities for clinical practice concerning oral care and stress levels in parents in the PubMed, Medline, ScienceDirect, and Scopus databases. Results: A total of 139 articles were reviewed. Of these, only 10 met the selection criteria for inclusion. Our results reveal a lack of studies presenting evidence on the topic of poor dental hygiene in children with ASD and high stress levels in their parents. Discussion: There is ample evidence that children with ASD have poor dental hygiene, as well as higher levels of stress in their parents. However, little or no evidence links these two variables. Future studies should focus on this link, which could have practical implications for improving dental care for children with ASD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study analyzed differences in body composition, jump performance, running speed, and ball-kicking speed according to playing position in amateur female soccer players. This cross-sectional study involved 160 females distributed into groups of goalkeepers (n = 20), defenders (n = 38), midfielders (n = 52), and forwards (n = 50), with a mean age of 27.1 ± 3.23 years. They were assessed for body fat percentage (BFP), fat-free mass (FFM), squat jump, countermovement jump, drop jump (DJ), and running sprint speed for 10 m, 20 m, and 30 m, and ball-kicking speed (BKS) with both feet. Significant differences were found between groups in FFM (F(3,96) = 17.4; p = 0.000) and BFP (F(3,96) = 7.00; p = 0.000), with a higher FFM in midfielders with respect to goalkeepers (p = 0.00; ES = 1.77; ∆ = 27%), defenders (p = 0.00; ES = 2.14; ∆ = 26.5%), and forwards (p = 0.00; ES = 1.13; ∆ = 15.8%), and a lower BFP in midfielders with respect to goalkeepers (p = 0.00; ES = 1.41; ∆ = 26.7%) and forwards (p = 0.00; ES = 1.05; ∆ = 27%). In addition, significant differences were found between groups in DJ (F(3,96) = 20.8; p = 0.000), with midfielders achieving greater height compared to goalkeepers (p = 0.00; ES = 1.94; ∆ = 25.1%), defenders (p = 0.00; ES = 1.59; ∆ = 19%), and forwards (p = 0.00; ES = 1.73; ∆ = 16.3%). Significant differences were found between groups in BKS for dominant (F(3,96) = 5.84; p = 0.001) and non-dominant (F(3,96) = 3.29; p = 0.02) feet, and these were lower in goalkeepers than defenders (p = 0.00; ES = 0.99; ∆ = 8.83%) and midfielders (p = 0.00; ES = 1.21; ∆ = 11.8%). In conclusion, midfielders presented significantly better body composition and physical performance than other playing positions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Moderate-intensity interval training (MIIT) may be a viable exercise format for improving body composition, aerobic fitness, and health-related variables. OBJECTIVES: This randomized trial aimed to analyze the effect of MIIT or high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on aerobic fitness, body composition variables, and resting metabolic rate (RMR) in women with overweight or obesity. METHODS: 31 sedentary adult women with overweight or obesity performed 7 weeks × 3 weekly sessions of either HIIT or MIIT. Physical and physiological tests were applied before and after training. RESULTS: In both analyses (intention-to-treat and by adherence to the training), aerobic fitness showed a time effect (p = 0.041 and p = 0.015), but without differences between groups (p > 0.05). No group (HIIT vs. MIIT), time (pre vs. post), or interaction effects (group vs. time) were found for RMR, body composition markers (fat mass, body fat percentage, lean mass), or body mass index – BMI (p > 0.05). In addition, MIIT induced a relatively high drop-out rate. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggested that the short-term (7-weeks) interval exercise training was effective for increasing aerobic fitness, and moderate-intensity intervals were as effective as high-intensity intervals. However, neither training format was effective for changing RMR, body composition variables, or BMI of women with overweight or obesity. Clinical trial ID: RBR-9jd7b7. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The benefits of regular physical activity on various health variables in older people have been extensively reported in scientific evidence. Resistance training, multi-component training, and walking exercise are the most commonly used physical activity interventions in older people, while interventions with adapted taekwondo are less common but have similar results to the strategies mentioned above. As a result, this study protocol aims to analyze and compare the effects of an adapted taekwondo program with respect to multi-component training and walking exercise on health status in independent older women. Secondarily, we analyze the variability of the inter-individual response and compare it according to the designated training system. According to the current scientific evidence we expect that adapted taekwondo will produce more significant effects and greater inter-individual responses in cognitive status, brain activity, health-related quality of life, and postural balance than the other training methods. If this intervention proves effective, it could be an alternative for older women. This study protocol aims to analyze and compare the effects of an adapted taekwondo program with respect to multi-component training and walking exercise on health status in independent older women. Secondarily, we analyze the variability of the inter-individual response and compare it according to the designated training system. The sample will consist of 64 women between 60 and 65 years, randomly assigned to experimental group 1 (n = 16; adapted taekwondo), experimental group 2 (n = 16; multi-component training), experimental group 3 (n = 16, walking exercise) or control group (n = 16; no intervention). The experimental groups will perform the designated training for three sessions (60 min per session) per week over 16-weeks, while the control group will not receive any treatment. The main outcome will provide information about (i) blood pressure, (ii) lipid profile, (iii) frequency of food consumption, (iv) body composition, (v) cognitive status, (vi) brain activity, (vii) health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and (viii) physical-functional fitness. Our hypothesis indicates that adapted taekwondo produces more significant effects and greater inter-individual responses in cognitive status, brain activity, HRQoL, and postural balance than the others training methods. If this intervention proves effective, it could be an alternative for older women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Resistance exercises have been suggested as a good strategy for the treatment of metabolic syndrome (MS). However, given the heterogeneity of intervention protocols, there is still no consensus on the best exercise program prescribed for MS patients. Thus, the present review aimed to systematically assess, summarize and present the available evidence on the use of interventions based on the practice of resistance exercise indicated for MS treatment in young adults. The search for articles was carried out in the "PubMed" and "Cochrane" electronic databases up to September 2019 using the descriptor "metabolic syndrome" associated with "resistance training". The review followed the PRISMA guidelines and was filed in the PROSPERO registry base (CRD n ° 42020180252). Three hundred and eighteen studies were identified, 284 of which were excluded because they did not meet the inclusion criteria, and seven were analyzed in total. At 14 weeks, resistance exercise can improve inflammation and anthropometric parameters (body fat content), regardless of significant changes in body mass and SM classification factors. Resistance exercise also promoted increased exercise load during the 1RM test, indicating a functional adaptation to the stimulus generated in resistance exercise sessions. It has also been shown that resistance exercise can provide evidence of improvement in metabolic health and functional fitness in premenopausal women with moderate cardiovascular risk. For more extended periods of activity, 16 weeks, resistance exercise promoted muscle fiber hypertrophy and an increased proportion of type IIx fibers in the vastus lateralis muscle. With 24 weeks of resistance exercise, it was possible to demonstrate significant reductions in plasma levels of ALT, decreases in HOMA-IR and liver adiposity, and there was an improvement in glycolipid metabolism due to a decrease in ALT levels and the triglyceride content of the liver. The studies were unanimous in claiming that resistance exercise protocols effectively improve aspects of MS, such as benefiting the inflammatory profile and reducing body fat. Although the protocols were slightly different from each other, it is considered that resistance exercises can be a strategy for MS treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recovery in the intervals between high-intensity efforts is associated with high heart rate variability (HRV) in sports. The current study analysed the association of heart rate (HR) and HRV with performance in a specific test for Brazilian jiu-jitsu athletes (JJAPT) and the HR recovery (HRR). Twenty Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ) male athletes (aged: 18 to 45 years, 1.76 ± 0.07 m, 82.6 ± 12.6 kg), graduated from white to black belt, underwent HRV analysis at rest and the JJAPT. The number of repetitions in each set, fatigue index, power drop, and HR were recorded. Repeated measures ANOVA and the Bonferroni post hoc test were used to analyse performance. Multivariate linear regression analysis and the Spearman rank correlation test were used to detect associations between performance and age, BMI, time of BJJ practice, HR, and HRV indices. HR and HRV indices did not demonstrate associations with performance in the JJAPT. Performance showed moderate correlations with BMI (r = −0.50, p = 0.02), HRpeak (r = −0.47, p = 0.03), HRRset4 (r = −0.48, p = 0.03), and HRRset5 (r = −0.47, p = 0.03). HR was correlated with anaerobic performance. However, HRV indices had little impact on recovery between sets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The main objective of this study was to investigate the effects of the order of physical exercises on body composition, physical fitness, and cardiometabolic risk in adolescents participating in an interdisciplinary program focusing on the treatment of obesity. The final 12-week analyses involved 33 female adolescents who were split into two groups of concurrent training (CT): resistance plus aerobic training and aerobic plus resistance training, with equalization performed in all physical exercises. The only difference between the two groups was the order in which the exercises were performed. The results showed reductions in fat mass, body fat, and waist circumference, as well as increases in musculoskeletal mass and resting metabolic rate (p < 0.05) following the multiprofessional intervention period. However, no significant differences were observed in regard to body mass, body mass index, neck circumference, or arm circumference (p > 0.05). Maximal isometric strength and maximal oxygen consumption showed significant increases after the intervention period (p < 0.05). There were reductions in insulin, HOMA-IR, total cholesterol, triglycerides, and low-density lipoproteins (p < 0.05), and an interaction within the resistance plus aerobic training group showed lower values for triglycerides when compared to itself (p = 0.002). No difference was found in fasting glycemia for either group (p > 0.05). It is worth noting that the equalization training variables presented no differences between the two groups (p > 0.05). Based on these results, both CT methods were found to be effective in promoting health parameters in overweight and obese female adolescents, and triglyceride values decreased more in the resistance plus aerobic group. Future studies with larger samples and feeding control should be conducted to confirm or refute our findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thoracic expandability can be affected by excess body fat. Therefore, the present study aimed to compare forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume (FEV) in the first second before and after a respiratory exercise program for obese elderly patients. It is a quasi-experimental and longitudinal study, which used respiratory kinesiotherapy as a method of intervention in obese elderly people. Participants were assessed before and after the intervention using spirometry. There was no significant difference in the values of FVC (p = 0.39) and FEV1 (p = 0.53), both before and after intervention. Based on the results presented, it is concluded that 12 weeks of intervention of respiratory kinesiotherapy does not cause significant changes in lung capacity in obese elderly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of using hyperbaric oxygen therapy during post-training recovery in jiu-jitsu athletes. Methods: Eleven experienced Brazilian jiu-jitsu athletes were investigated during and following two training sessions of 1h30min. Using a cross-over design, the athletes were randomly assigned to passive recovery for 2 hours or to hyperbaric oxygen therapy (OHB) for the same duration. After a 7-day period, the interventions were reversed. Before, immediately after, post 2 hours and post 24 hours, blood samples were collected to examine hormone concentrations (cortisol and total testosterone) and cellular damage markers [creatine kinase (CK), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH)]. Moreover, the rating of perceived exertion (RPE) and recovery (RPR) scales were applied. Results: Final lactate [La] values (control: 11.9 ± 1.4 mmol/L, OHB: 10.2 ± 1.4 mmol/L) and RPE [control: 14 (13–17 a.u.), OHB: 18 (17–20 a.u.)] were not significantly different following the training sessions. Furthermore, there was no difference between any time points for blood lactate and RPE in the two experimental conditions (P>0.05). There was no effect of experimental conditions on cortisol (F1,20 = 0.1, P = 0.793, η2 = 0.00, small), total testosterone (F1,20 = 0.03, P = 0.877, η2 = 0.00, small), CK (F1,20 = 0.1, P = 0.759, η2 = 0.01, small), AST (F1,20 = 0.1, P = 0.761, η2 = 0.01, small), ALT (F1,20 = 0.0, P = 0.845, η2 = 0.00, small) or LDH (F1,20 = 0.7, P = 0.413, η2 = 0.03, small). However, there was a difference between the two experimental conditions in RPR with higher values at post 2 h and 24 h in OHB when compared to the control condition (P<0.05). Conclusions: Thus, it can be concluded that OHB exerts no influence on the recovery of hormonal status or cellular damage markers. Nonetheless, greater perceived recovery, potentially due to the placebo effect, was evident following the OHB condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of caffeine ingestion on performance and estimated energy system contribution during simulated taekwondo combat and on post-exercise parasympathetic reactivation. Methods: Ten taekwondo athletes completed two experimental sessions separated by at least 48 hours. Athletes consumed a capsule containing either caffeine (5 mg∙kg-1) or placebo (cellulose) one hour before the combat simulation (3 rounds of 2 min separated by 1 min passive recovery), in a double-blind, randomized, repeated-measures crossover design. All simulated combat was filmed to quantify the time spent fighting in each round. Lactate concentration and rating of perceived exertion were measured before and after each round, while heart rate (HR) and the estimated contribution of the oxidative (WAER), ATP-PCr (WPCR), and glycolytic (W[La-]) systems were calculated during the combat simulation. Furthermore, parasympathetic reactivation after the combat simulation was evaluated through 1) taking absolute difference between the final HR observed at the end of third round and the HR recorded 60-s after (HRR60s), 2) taking the time constant of HR decay obtained by fitting the 6-min post-exercise HRR into a first-order exponential decay curve (HRRτ), or by 3) analyzing the first 30-s via logarithmic regression analysis (T30). Results: Caffeine ingestion increased estimated glycolytic energy contribution in relation to placebo (12.5 ± 1.7 kJ and 8.9 ± 1.2 kJ, P = 0.04). However, caffeine did not improve performance as measured by attack number (CAF: 26. 7 ± 1.9; PLA: 27.3 ± 2.1, P = 0.48) or attack time (CAF: 33.8 ± 1.9 s; PLA: 36.6 ± 4.5 s, P = 0.58). Similarly, RPE (CAF: 11.7 ± 0.4 a.u.; PLA: 11.5 ± 0.3 a.u., P = 0.62), HR (CAF: 170 ± 3.5 bpm; PLA: 174.2 bpm, P = 0.12), oxidative (CAF: 109.3 ± 4.5 kJ; PLA: 107.9 kJ, P = 0.61) and ATP-PCr energy contributions (CAF: 45.3 ± 3.4 kJ; PLA: 46.8 ± 3.6 kJ, P = 0.72) during the combat simulation were unaffected. Furthermore, T30 (CAF: 869.1 ± 323.2 s; PLA: 735.5 ± 232.2 s, P = 0.58), HRR60s (CAF: 34 ± 8 bpm; PLA: 38 ± 9 bpm, P = 0.44), HRRτ (CAF: 182.9 ± 40.5 s, PLA: 160.3 ± 62.2 s, P = 0.23) and HRRamp (CAF: 70.2 ± 17.4 bpm; PLA: 79.2 ± 17.4 bpm, P = 0.16) were not affected by caffeine ingestion. Conclusions: Caffeine ingestion increased the estimated glycolytic contribution during taekwondo combat simulation, but this did not result in any changes in performance, perceived exertion or parasympathetic reactivation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The regular practice of physical activity has achieved greater diffusion in recent years as a strategy for fall prevention and improving or maintaining the general health status of older adults, which contributes to an active and healthy lifestyle. The strategies to promote active and healthy aging need to be reassessed due to the COVID-19 pandemic to promote the safe practice of physical activity among older adults, considering, among other measures, practicing social distancing or training at home. Such a scenario could provide the opportunity to promote physical activity that requires a limited number of participants in reduced spaces for its practice, such as Olympic combat sports. In this review, an overview of the effects of Olympic combat sports on balance, fall risk, or falls in older adults is presented. From 1496 records, eight studies were included, involving 322 older adults (64% female; mean age = 71.1 years). The available evidence does not allow a definitive recommendation for or against Olympic combat sports interventions as an effective strategy to improve balance and reduce the fall risk or falls in older adults. Therefore, more high-quality studies are required to draw definitive conclusions. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the available body of published peer-reviewed articles related to the effects of Olympic combat sports (OCS), compared with active/passive controls, on balance, fall risk, or falls in older adults. The TESTEX and GRADE scales assessed the methodological quality and certainty of the evidence. The protocol was registered in PROSPERO (code: CRD42020204034). From 1496 records, eight studies were included, involving 322 older adults (64% female; mean age = 71.1 years). The TESTEX scale revealed all studies with a score ≥ 60% (moderate-high quality). The GRADE scale indicated all studies with at least some concerns, up to a high risk of bias (i.e., was rated very low). Meta-analyses were planned, although the reduced number of studies precluded its incorporation in the final manuscript. Only two from six studies that assessed balance found improvements after OCS compared to controls. No differences were found between OCS vs. control groups for fall risk or falls. The available evidence does not allow a definitive recommendation for or against OCS interventions as an effective strategy to improve balance and reduce the fall risk or falls in older adults. Therefore, more high-quality studies are required to draw definitive conclusions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently in the Journal of Sports Sciences, Schaun et al. published a study on the comparison of energy expenditure between high-intensity interval training and moderate continuous training performed in water. With this Letter to the Editor, we would like to comment on the methodological aspects that should be considered to analyze the results presented, as well as the conclusions. Abbreviations: CONT, moderate-intensity continuous training; EPOC, excess post-exercise oxygen consumption; HIIT, high-intensity interval training; VO2max, maximal oxygen consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This systematic review with meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effects of elastic band training (EBT) on body composition and physical performance in apparently healthy older people. A systematic literature search was conducted between October 2023 and May 2024 using the core collection of six generic databases: PubMed, ProQuest, EBSCOhost, CINAHL Complete, Scopus, and Web of Science. The PRISMA, TESTEX, RoB 2, and GRADE tools assessed the evidence's methodological quality and certainty. The protocol was registered in PROSPERO (code: CRD42024547050). Of 5916 records, 9 randomized and non-randomized controlled trials involving 477 healthy older people were included. Six meta-analyses were performed showing significant improvements in 30-second chair stand (SMD = 3.03; 95 % CI = 0.14 to 5.93; I2 = 100 %; p = 0.04), sit-and-reach (SMD = 2.09; 95 % CI = 0.15 to 4.03; I2 = 100 %; p = 0.04) and timed up-and-go (SMD = 3.10; 95 % CI = 1.67 to 4.53; I2 = 98 %; p < 0.0001) tests. However, in maximal isometric handgrip strength, back-scratch test, and fat-free mass, no significant improvements (p > 0.05) in favor of EBT were reported. EBT improves 30-second chair stand, sit-and-reach, and timed up-and-go in older people. Nevertheless, the certainty of evidence is very low; thus, not definitive recommendations can be made. • EBT significantly improved 30-second chair stand, TUG, and sit-and-reach tests. • EBT not significant improvements in fat-free mass. • The certainty of evidence is very low; thus, not definitive recommendations can be made. • However, recommended to use EBT with a frequency of 2 or 3 weekly sessions of 50 to 80 min on alternate days. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Background: we aimed to investigate the isolated effect of tele-exercises (TE) and their combined effect with nutritional coaching (NC) on health-related parameters of overweight and obese individuals. Methods: forty-one overweight (body mass index ≥ 25 kg/m2) and obese (body mass index ≥ 30 kg/m2) women were randomly assigned to the experimental groups: TE (n = 20) or TE+NC (n = 21). TE was applied 3 days/week in both groups, while TE+NC also received NC 1 day/week. Anthropometric, body composition, and exercise capacity-related outcomes, quality of life, and eating behavior were assessed before and after 8 weeks of the intervention. Results: a significant main time effect (p < 0.01) was detected for flexibility, isometric muscle strength and dynamic muscle endurance, but no main group effect was noted (p > 0.05). On the other hand, neither a significant main time nor group effect (p > 0.05) was detected in the anthropometric and body composition measures, quality of life, or eating behavior. Similarly, no significant between-group difference was observed in the absolute or relative change analysis (all comparisons, p > 0.05). Conclusions: an 8-week TE program enhanced exercise capacity, but did not impact anthropometric or body composition-related outcomes. The combination of NC+TE did not have a clinical advantage in the management of overweight and obesity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Objective: the objective of the present study was to analyze the relationship between vigorous physical activity and body composition in older people who attend primary care centers. Material and methods: this study is characterized by being a descriptive, cross-sectional epidemiological study in 654 older adults (288 men and 366 women), most of them between 60 and 69 years of age (59 %), attending primary care centers in the city of Maringá, Brazil. The participants were evaluated using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), anthropometric measurements, and a sociodemographic questionnaire to characterize the sample. Results: older adults who practice physical activities in primary care centers with vigorous intensity are associated with lower abdominal circumference, waist, hip, quadriceps, and calf measurements when compared to older people with low or moderate levels of physical activity. Conclusions: the practice of vigorous physical activity is related to low body perimeters (abdominal, hip, waist, calf) in older adults who attend primary care centers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]