Search

Purpose: The talent identification and selection process in young male soccer players is mainly focused on anthropometrics and physical performance, but social factors are also considered in this process. The purpose of this study was to test the existence of the relative age effect and its possible influence on anthropometrics and physical performance and to analyze coaches' efficacy expectations. Method: Data for 564 young male soccer players (M[subscript age] = 13.7 ± 1.5 years; M[subscript weight] = 53.7 ± 11.6 kg; M[subscript height] = 160.2 ± 11.6 cm) included their birth quartile, maturity status, anthropometrics, a physical test battery, and coaches' efficacy expectations. Results: Early-born players were overrepresented (p < 0.05). Early-born players were not statistically taller, heavier, or better at physical performance (p > 0.05) when maturation and chronological age were controlled as confounding factors. However, coaches expected more from early-born players (p < 0.05), and the inferential analysis showed likely to very likely worthwhile differences between the coaches' expectations for players born in the first quartile of the year and those born in the fourth quartile of the year. Conclusions: Anthropometrical and physical performance variables were not affected by birth quartile, and coaches' efficacy expectations were related to the relative age effect.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy states that Experiential Avoidance contributes to the development of psychological issues. The Acceptance and Action Questionnaire-II measures Experiential Avoidance. The objective of the current study is to perform a validation of the Acceptance and Action Questionnaire-II in the general Spanish population. A sample of 964 participants from all over Spain was used (M = 43.43 years; SD = 15.27). The psychometric properties of the questionnaire were examined according to Classical Test Theory. In addition, assessments were made of participants' personality, Emotional Intelligence, Anxiety, and Depression, and the influence of sex and age on Experiential Avoidance was examined. The Acceptance and Action Questionnaire-II is a unidimensional instrument, with excellent reliability (α =.93) and adequate evidence of validity. Differences were observed based on sex, with women scoring higher, and based on age, with lower scores in the older age groups. The Acceptance and Action Questionnaire-II is a valid, reliable instrument for use in the general Spanish population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study examines three variables that are associated with psychological issues in merchant seafarers: anxiety, depression and well-being. Furthermore, cut-off points have been established for three psychological scales: the Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7) questionnaire, the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) and the World Health Organization's Well-Being Index (WHO-5). Two cross-sectional surveys were employed in this study, with a total sample size of 170 Spanish seafarers working on international merchant vessels. The participants were recruited at a branch of the Social Marine Institute situated in Gijón, northern Spain. The PHQ demonstrated the greatest discriminatory ability at each of the cut-off points, followed by the GAD and the WHO. The analysis revealed that while the PHQ exhibited the highest sensitivity, the GAD demonstrated the highest specificity, making it the most balanced questionnaire overall. Holiday duration was the only variable significantly related to any of the psychological scales, specifically the WHO. The findings of this study provide a foundation for further research in maritime mental health, with a particular focus on the prevention of maritime accidents. • Maritime environment can exacerbate psychological problems, posing a risk to seafarers' well-being and their safety. • A total of 170 Spanish seafarers underwent screening for symptoms of anxiety, depression and well-being. • Seafarers who have difficulties to perform their job show lower well-being scores. • Obtained cut-off points aid in detection of seafarers' mental problems and prevention of maritime accidents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Purpose: Arterial hypertension is an insulin-resistant condition that has been associated with an increased incidence of diabetes. We assessed the prevalence of glucose abnormalities in a population of patients with essential hypertension. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 420 consecutively referred essential hypertensive patients were studied at 16 hypertension clinics in university and community hospitals of Spain. Fasting and 2-hour plasma glucose and insulin levels were determined in nondiabetic patients. Results: An abnormal glucose metabolism was diagnosed in 68.5% (95% confidence interval [CI], 63.7%-72.9%) of the patients. Isolated insulin resistance, defined by a homeostasis model assessment-estimated insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) equal to or above 3.8, was shown in 9.3% (95% CI, 6.7%-12.5%); impaired fasting glucose in 11.2% (95% CI, 8.6%-14.7%); impaired glucose tolerance in 22.5% (95% CI, 18.5%-26.9%); silent undiagnosed type 2 diabetes in 11.5% (95% CI, 8.6%-14.5%); and known diabetes mellitus in 13.9% (95% CI, 10.4%-17.2%) of the patients. According to the European Group for the Study of Insulin Resistance and the Adult Treatment Program III criteria, the metabolic syndrome was diagnosed in 41.5% (95% CI, 35.9%-47.3%) and 47.9% (95% CI, 43.1%-52.8%) of the patients, respectively. The prevalence of left ventricular hypertrophy (defined by a left ventricular mass index [LVMI] >125 g/m2) was 44.2%. The relation between HOMA-IR and LVMI was statistically nonsignificant, and the LVMI values in the HOMA-IR quartiles were similar. Only 27 patients (6.4%) showed good control of cardiovascular risk factors. In most patients (273, 65%; 95% CI, 60.3%-69.4%) 2 or more cardiovascular risk factors were identified as not being under control. Conclusions: Two thirds of the patients attending hypertension clinics with essential hypertension show an abnormal glucose metabolism. The metabolic syndrome can be identified in a substantial number of these patients, and 2 or more cardiovascular risk factors are not controlled in the majority of patients. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: Off-label prescription of inhaled bronchodilators (IB) is frequent, despite the fact that they can be ineffective and increase avoidable healthcare costs., Objective: To analyse the frequency of off-label prescription of IB in hospitalised patients. Indications and level of evidence, involved drugs, medical specialties prescribing off-label IB and patients' adherence to IBs were also evaluated., Method: A descriptive, observational, cross-sectional study was performed in four tertiary hospitals in Spain. The main outcome measure was the number of patients prescribed off-label IBs. Prescriptions were checked against the European Medicines Agency-approved indications. The level of evidence supporting off-label prescription of IBs (according to MICROMEDEX 2.0) was also analysed. Patients were interviewed to test differences (off-label vs on-label) in adherence and knowledge about their inhaled therapy., Results: 217 patients were prescribed IBs, 92 of whom were givend off-label IBs (54.7% men, mean age 73.9±12.9 years). The most common off-label prescriptions for IBs were: unspecified dyspnoea (not related to COPD or asthma) (27.2%), respiratory infections (23.9%) and heart failure (22.8%). 76.8% of patients did not have evidence supporting them. Beta 2 -agonist+corticosteroids and anticholinergics were most commonly prescribed off-label. Internal Medicine was the main medical specialty involved. There were no differences between off-label and on-label users in terms of patients' knowledge about treatment and adherence., Conclusion: Off-label indications for IBs are common in hospitalised patients and are generally indicated without scientific support. Dyspnoea not related to COPD or asthma, respiratory infections and heart failure were the main off-label indications, most frequently treated with anticholinergics and beta 2 -agonists+corticosteroids, for which their efficacy and safety has not been proved. Our results show that prescribing needs to be improved to follow the evidence that exists. Moreover, further research focused on off-label indications is needed to clarify whether they are effective, safe and cost-effective., Competing Interests: Competing interests: None declared., (© European Association of Hospital Pharmacists 2021. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ.)