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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.

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.

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.

Background: The aim was to investigate the effects of 12 and 24 weeks of interdisciplinary interventions on health-related physical fitness, biochemical markers, and food processing levels in overweight or obese adolescents., Methods: Thirty-one adolescents completed 24 weeks of nutritional, psychoeducational, and physical activity interventions in addition to assessments and tests carried out before, at 12 weeks, and after 24 weeks., Results: There were increases in lean mass ( p = 0.003) and decreases in absolute and relative fat mass ( p < 0.001) for both sexes, as well as increases in flexibility on the right and left sides ( p < 0.001), maximum oxygen consumption ( p < 0.001) increased after the interventions, time spent in isometric exercises on the plank increased ( p > 0.05), total cholesterol after 12 weeks decreased ( p = 0.014), triglycerides were reduced ( p = 0.002), low-density lipoproteins were reduced ( p < 0.001), consumption of more processed foods after 24 weeks decreased ( p < 0.001), consumption of fresh foods in grams and kilocalories increased ( p < 0.001), and, in addition, the consumption of processed and ultra-processed foods was reduced ( p = 0.020)., Conclusions: The 24-week interventions promoted superior benefits for adolescents' physical, nutritional, and biochemical health, although the dropout rate was high (~50%).

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.

Objectives: 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., Methods: 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)., Results: 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; I 2  = 100 %; p = 0.04), sit-and-reach (SMD = 2.09; 95 % CI = 0.15 to 4.03; I 2  = 100 %; p = 0.04) and timed up-and-go (SMD = 3.10; 95 % CI = 1.67 to 4.53; I 2  = 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., Conclusion: 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., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare no conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2024 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

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.

With COVID-19, evidence indicates that the elderly will have worse biochemical markers related to health in social isolation. The objective was to analyze the impacts on physical fitness and biochemical parameters of older adults' health during COVID-19 social isolation. Quantitative, longitudinal, and observational study was conducted between 2020, 2021, and 2022. Thirty-three older adults of both sexes were evaluated. A sociodemographic questionnaire, biomarkers, and health-related physical fitness were used. Significant differences were observed for the sum of maximum isometric right and left handgrip strength, with a reduction in 2022 ( p = 0.009); getting up and walking ( p < 0.001), reduction in 2021 and 2022 ( p < 0.05); elbow flexion and extension ( p = 0.004), reduction in 2021 ( p = 0.006); and sitting and standing ( p = 0.002), reduction in 2022 ( p = 0.003) and peak oxygen consumption ( p < 0.001), reduction in 2021 and 2022 ( p < 0.05). Differences were observed in fasting blood glucose ( p < 0.001), with increase in 2021 and 2022 ( p < 0.05), triglycerides ( p < 0.001), with increase in 2021 and 2022 ( p < 0.05), triglyceride-glucose index ( p < 0.001), with increase in 2021 and 2022 ( p < 0.05), triglyceride-glucose index with waist circumference ( p < 0.001), with increase in 2021 ( p < 0.001); and triglyceride-glucose index with body mass index ( p < 0.001), with increase in 2021 ( p < 0.001). However, no differences were observed between anthropometric and body composition ( p > 0.05). Conclusions: Older people had changes in biochemical and physical fitness parameters related to health during the social isolation of the COVID-19 pandemic.

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; ηp 2 = 0.226, large effect), 30-S (F (2,18) = 20.7; p = 0.000; ηp 2 = 0.496, large effect), TUG (F (2,18) = 10.0; p = 0.000; ηp 2 = 0.323, large effect), sit-and-reach (F (2,18) = 37.3; p = 0.000; ηp 2 = 0.640, large effect), and 2-min step (F (2,18) = 9.85; p = 0.000; ηp 2 = 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.

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.

This study aimed to investigate the resting metabolic rate (RMR) in cross-training practitioners (advanced and novice) using indirect calorimetry (IC) and compare it with predictive equations proposed in the scientific literature., Methods: A cross-sectional and comparative study analyzed 65 volunteers, both sexes, practicing cross-training (CT). Anthropometry and body composition were assessed, and RMR was measured by IC (FitMate PRO ® ), bioimpedance (BIA-InBody 570 ® ), and six predictive equations. Data normality was tested by the Kolgomorov-Smirnov test and expressed as mean ± standard deviation with 95% confidence intervals (CI), chi-square test was performed to verify ergogenic resources, and a Bland-Altman plot (B&A) was made to quantify the agreement between two quantitative measurements. One-way ANOVA was applied to body composition parameters, two-way ANOVA with Bonferroni post hoc was used to compare the RMR between groups, and two-way ANCOVA was used to analyze the adjusted RMR for body and skeletal muscle mass. The effect size was determined using Cohen's d considering the values adjusted by ANCOVA. If a statistical difference was found, post hoc Bonferroni was applied. The significance level was p < 0.05 for all tests., Results: The main results indicated that men showed a higher RMR than women, and the most discrepant equations were Cunningham, Tinsley (b), and Johnstone compared to IC. Tinsley's (a) equation indicated greater precision in measuring the RMR in CM overestimated it by only 1.9%, and BIA and the Harris-Benedict in CW overestimated RMR by only 0.1% and 3.4%, respectively., Conclusions: The BIA and Harris-Benedict equation could be used reliably to measure the RMR of females, while Tinsley (a) is the most reliable method to measure the RMR of males when measuring with IC is unavailable. By knowing which RMR equations are closest to the gold standard, these professionals can prescribe a more assertive diet, training, or ergogenic resources. An assertive prescription increases performance and can reduce possible deleterious effects, maximizing physical sports performance.

This overview assessed the available body of published peer-reviewed systematic reviews and meta-analyses related to the effects of active exergames compared with active/passive control on physical performance outcomes in older people. The methodological quality and certainty of evidence were assessed using PRISMA, AMSTAR 2, and GRADE. The protocol was registered in PROSPERO (code: CRD42023391694). The main outcomes indicate that 4,477 records, five systematic reviews, and 10 meta-analyses were included. The AMSTAR-2 reported six meta-analyses with high methodological quality, four moderate quality, two systematic reviews with low quality, and three very-low quality. Meta-analysis was performed on balance using the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and Timed Up-and-Go (TUG) tests, on cardiorespiratory fitness using the 6-min walk test, and on upper and lower limbs muscle strength using the handgrip strength, knee extension, and 30-s chair stand tests. Significant differences in favor of the active exergames groups concerning active/passive groups were reported in BBS (SMD = 0.85; 95% CI = 0.12-1.58; I 2 = 96%; p  = 0.02), TUG (SMD = 1.44; 95% CI = 0.71-2.16; I 2 = 97%; p  < 0.0001), and 30-s chair stand test (SMD = 0.79; 95% CI = 0.33-1.25; I 2 = 88%; p  = 0.0008). However, no significant differences were reported in favor of the active exergames groups in 6-min walk (SMD = 0.93; 95% CI = -0.64 to 2.50; I 2 = 95%; p  = 0.24), handgrip strength (SMD = 0.67; 95% CI = -0.04 to 1.38; I 2 = 84%; p  = 0.06), and knee extension tests (SMD = 0.20; 95% CI = -0.05 to 0.44; I 2 = 95%; p  = 0.12) compared to active/passive control. However, it was impossible to perform a meta-analysis for the variables of walking speed as a fall risk due to the diversity of instruments and the small number of systematic reviews with meta-analysis. In conclusion, interventions utilizing active exergames have shown significant improvements in the static and dynamic balance and lower limb muscle strength of apparently healthy older people, compared to control groups of active/inactive participants, as measured by BBS, TUG, and 30-s chair stand tests. However, no significant differences were found in the 6-min walk, HGS, and knee extension tests., Systematic Review Registration: PROSPERO, CRD42023391694., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2024 Hernandez-Martinez, Ramos-Espinoza, Muñoz-Vásquez, Guzman-Muñoz, Herrera-Valenzuela, Branco, Castillo-Cerda and Valdés-Badilla.)

Background: Sarcopenia is a syndrome associated with aging that causes progressive loss of skeletal muscle mass and muscle function. In this pilot study, we compared the effectiveness of elastic band training regarding group-based dance on fat mass, fat-free mass, handgrip strength (HGS; dominant and non-dominant hand), leg strength, timed up-and-go (TUG) and walking speed in older women with sarcopenia., Methods: This is a randomized controlled trial, single-blind, repeated measures of parallel groups (elastic band group: EBG, n = 21; group-based dance: GBD, n = 19), and a quantitative methodology. Three 60-minute sessions per week for 12 weeks were dedicated to the interventions with pre- and post-assessments. A two-factor mixed analysis of variance (ANOVA) model with repeated measures was performed to measure the group×time effect., Results: A significant interaction revealed for fat-free mass (F 1,16 = 18.91; p < 0.001; EBG + 10.9% vs. GBD - 1.97%), HGS dominant hand (F 1,16 = 7.44; p = 0.014; EBG + 10.9% vs. GBD + 0.59%), HGS non-dominant hand (F 1,16 = 6.41; p = 0.022; EBG + 10.21% vs. GBD + 3.80%), leg strength (F 1,16 = 17.98; p < 0.001; EBG + 9.1% vs. GBD + 3.83%), TUG (F 1,16 = 7.52; p = 0.014; EBG - 14.7% vs. GBD - 1.0%) and walking speed (F 1,16 = 6.40; p = 0.019; EBG - 7.6% vs. GBD - 4.35%) in favor of EBG., Conclusion: Elastic band training produces significantly greater responses on physical-functional performance regarding group-based dance in older women with sarcopenia. On the other hand, the EBG revealed a significant improvement in fat-free mass and upper and lower limb muscle strength, as well as a significant decrease time in TUG, and walking speed. Elastic band exercise is a safe, easy, affordable, and effective physical activity strategy, according to the findings., (© 2023. The Author(s).)

COVID-19 sequelae are varied, and whether they are temporary or permanent is still unknown. Identifying these sequelae may guide therapeutic strategies to improve these individuals' recovery. This prospective cohort aimed to assess body composition, cardiopulmonary fitness, and long-term symptoms of overweight individuals affected by COVID-19. Participants (n = 90) were divided into three groups according to the severity of acute COVID-19: mild (no hospitalization), moderate (hospitalization, without oxygen support), and severe/critical cases (hospitalized in Intensive Care Unit). We assessed body composition with a tetrapolar multifrequency bioimpedance, hemodynamic variables (heart rate, blood pressure, and peripheral oxygen saturation-SpO 2 ) at rest, and the Bruce test with direct gas exchange. Two assessments with a one-year interval were performed. The most prevalent long-term symptoms were memory deficit (66.7%), lack of concentration (51.7%), fatigue (65.6%), and dyspnea (40%). Bruce test presented a time effect with an increase in the distance walked after 1 year just for severe/critical group (p < 0.05). SpO 2 was significantly lower in the severe/critical group up to 5 min after the Bruce test when compared to the mild group, and diastolic blood pressure at the end of the Bruce test was significantly higher in the severe/critical group when compared to mild group (p < 0.05; for all comparisons). A time effect was observed for body composition, with increased lean mass, skeletal muscle mass, fat-free mass, and lean mass just for the severe/critical group after 1 year (p < 0.05). Cardiopulmonary fitness parameters did not differ among the groups, except for respiratory quotient with higher values for the severe/critical group when compared to itself after 1 year. All COVID-19 patients might present long-term sequelae, regardless of the acute disease severity. Reassessing and identifying the most prevalent long-term sequelae are essential to perform more precise health promotion interventions., (© 2023. Springer Nature Limited.)

This study, called the TKD and Aging Project, aimed to analyze and compare the effects of an adapted taekwondo program concerning multicomponent training on blood pressure, morphological variables, food consumption frequency, health-related quality of life (HRQoL), physical fitness, handgrip strength, and postural balance in independent older women. A randomized controlled trial study was conducted with parallel groups for 8 weeks (24 sessions of 60 min each), employing a double-blind design and incorporating repeated measures. Twenty-eight older women initially participated in the intervention. Three participants were excluded because they did not participate in the re-assessments. Thus, 14 older women from the adapted taekwondo group (TKD; age: 62.86 ± 2.38 years) and 11 from the multicomponent training group (MCT; age: 63.18 ± 1.94 years) participated in the final analysis. A two-factor mixed analysis of variance (ANOVA) model with repeated measures was performed to measure the time × group effect. The TKD showed significant improvements in the mental health ( p = 0.024; ES = 0.91) and general health ( p < 0.001; ES = 0.75) dimensions of the HRQoL, as well as in the chair stand ( p = 0.001; ES = 1.18), arm curl ( p < 0.001; ES = 2.10), 2-min step ( p < 0.001; ES = 1.73), and chair sit-and-reach ( p = 0.001; ES = 0.91) tests. Additionally, it showed a significant reduction in postural balance for the eyes-closed condition in the center of the pressure area ( p = 0.021; ES = 0.89), mean velocity ( p = 0.004; ES = 0.79), and mediolateral velocity ( p < 0.001; ES = 1.26). However, the MCT showed significant increases in the general health ( p = 0.013; ES = 0.95) dimension of the HRQoL and a significant reduction ( p = 0.039; ES = 0.28) in the mediolateral velocity of postural balance for the eyes-closed condition. Multiple comparisons showed that the TKD scored significantly higher in the chair stand ( p = 0.017; ES = 1.79), arm curl ( p = 0.003; ES = 1.77), and 2-min step ( p = 0.018; ES = 0.91) tests than the MCT. Compared to multicomponent training, taekwondo improves postural balance and provides better benefits in terms of physical fitness and HRQoL for older women. Therefore, it is possible to recommend it as a safe physical activity strategy, as long as it is well-dosed, since it showed high adherence to intervention in older women., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2023 Valdés-Badilla, Guzmán-Muñoz, Herrera-Valenzuela, Branco, Hernandez-Martinez and Nobari.)

Photobiomodulation (PBM) has ergogenic effects on aerobic and anaerobic efforts and may improve sports performance. As Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ) fighting requires both aerobic and anaerobic metabolism, so PBM may be effective in increasing the physical performance of BJJ athletes. Thus, this study aimed to verify the effects of PBM with different energy doses (6 or 12 J per point) on high-intensity intermittent anaerobic performance in BJJ athletes., Methods: Eleven male athletes performed three lower limb Wingate testing sessions. At the beginning of each session, in a randomized, crossover, double-blind fashion, the athletes received PBM with a dose of 6 J (4.5 J/cm 2 ) or 12 J (9.1 J/cm 2 ), or placebo (PLA) at 17 points in each lower limb. In each session, the squat jump (SJ) and three Wingate test series were performed, with a 3-minute interval between series. Heart rate (HR) was collected immediately before, after each Wingate test, and at 1, 3, and 5 minutes after the last test. The rate of perceived exertion (RPE) was reported after each Wingate test. Differences between Wingate tests and treatment sessions were set at p<0.05., Results: No differences were observed between treatments in SJ height, Wingate performance, HR, and RPE (p>0.05; for all comparisons). The Wingate test session promoted a reduction in anaerobic capacity in the second and third sets in all conditions, indicating fatigue (p<0.05)., Conclusion: Treatment with PBM did not produce a dose-dependent ergogenic response in high-intensity intermittent performance in BJJ athletes.

The Eating Disorders In weight-related Therapy (EDIT) Collaboration brings together data from randomised controlled trials of behavioural weight management interventions to identify individual participant risk factors and intervention strategies that contribute to eating disorder risk. We present a protocol for a systematic review and individual participant data (IPD) meta-analysis which aims to identify participants at risk of developing eating disorders, or related symptoms, during or after weight management interventions conducted in adolescents or adults with overweight or obesity. We systematically searched four databases up to March 2022 and clinical trials registries to May 2022 to identify randomised controlled trials of weight management interventions conducted in adolescents or adults with overweight or obesity that measured eating disorder risk at pre- and post-intervention or follow-up. Authors from eligible trials have been invited to share their deidentified IPD. Two IPD meta-analyses will be conducted. The first IPD meta-analysis aims to examine participant level factors associated with a change in eating disorder scores during and following a weight management intervention. To do this we will examine baseline variables that predict change in eating disorder risk within intervention arms. The second IPD meta-analysis aims to assess whether there are participant level factors that predict whether participation in an intervention is more or less likely than no intervention to lead to a change in eating disorder risk. To do this, we will examine if there are differences in predictors of eating disorder risk between intervention and no-treatment control arms. The primary outcome will be a standardised mean difference in global eating disorder score from baseline to immediately post-intervention and at 6- and 12- months follow-up. Identifying participant level risk factors predicting eating disorder risk will inform screening and monitoring protocols to allow early identification and intervention for those at risk., Competing Interests: I have read the journal’s policy and the authors of this manuscript have the following competing interests: AS owns 50% of the shares in Zuman International, which receives royalties for books AS has written and payments for presentations. AS additionally reports receiving presentation fees and travel reimbursements from Eli Lilly and Co, the Pharmacy Guild of Australia, Novo Nordisk, the Dietitians Association of Australia, Shoalhaven Family Medical Centres, the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia, and Metagenics, and serving on the Nestlé Health Science Optifast VLCD advisory board from 2016 to 2018. ALA is Principal Investigator on two publicly funded trials where the intervention is provided by WW (formerly Weight Watchers) at no cost. KS has received in kind support as meals from ‘Lite and Easy’ for a clinical trial of weight stigma in young women in the last 5 years. ER has previously received research funding from Unilever and the American Beverage Association for unrelated work. JAY reports unrelated grant funds to NICHD supporting his research from Soleno Therapeutics, Rhythm Pharmaceuticals, and Hikma Pharmaceuticals. HFS has previously received a salary from Novo Nordisk unrelated to the present work. YSD has previously received a salary from Novo Nordisk unrelated to the present work. HAR has received funding from the National Institutes of Health in the area of adult and pediatric weight management. HAR is a committee member for the evidence-based practice guidelines for pediatric weight management for the American Psychological Association and for the Evidence Analysis Library for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics for the topic of adult weight management and the prevention of type 2 diabetes. MIC is an employee and shareholder at WW International, Inc. TKK has received professional fees from Novo Nordisk, Nutrisystem, Gelesis and Johnson & Johnson. CKM has received research grants and research agreements from Commission on Dietetic Registration, Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Ohio State University (InFACT), Novartis, University of Michigan’s Michigan Institute for Clinical and Health Research, Elizabeth Blackwell Institute for Health Research, Egg Board, PCORI, Department of Defense, Access Business Group International LLC, IDEA Public Schools, Louisiana LIFT Fund, WW, Pack Health, American Society for Nutrition, RAND Corporation, Richard King Mellon Foundation (RKMF), The Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Inc., Evidation Health, Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust, State of Louisiana- Federal American Rescue Plan (ARP), United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), National Institute for Health Research (NIHR), National Science Foundation (NSF), Lilly, National Institutes of Health (NIH). CKM has served on advisory boards for EHE Health, Wondr Health, and the Nutrition Obesity Research Center at the University of Alabama Birmingham and consulted to Kitchry, Metagenics, WW, Florida Hospital, Gila Therapeutics, Zafgen, OpenFit/MXCXM Health Inc. CKM developed intellectual property (IP) to quantify dietary adherence and his institution has licensed this IP, resulting in receiving royalties via the institution from the licensing fees. CKM is part of US and European patent applications for a weight loss approach called the Body weight Management and activity tracking system and also occasionally gives lectures and talks where he is provided with an honorarium, including talks to the Obesity Action Coalition and Indiana University Bloomington. Finally, CKM serves as a developer and facilitator for continuing education events sponsored by the Commission on Dietetic Registration, and is a Planning Committee Member for the Bray Course. The opinions and assertions expressed herein are those of the authors and are not to be construed as reflecting the views of the Public Health Service, the Department of Health and Human Services, USUHS, or the U.S. Department of Defense., (Copyright: © 2023 Jebeile et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.)

The food consumption of adolescents has changed nowadays, with an increase in ultra-processed food that in general shows higher calories and lower nutrients. Because of this, the objective of this study was to investigate the impacts of a 12-week multi-professional family versus isolated intervention on the food level processing of overweight adolescents. A randomized clinical trial study was carried out in which adolescents ( n = 43; mean aged 13.73 years) who were divided into FG-family group ( n = 21; the adolescents performed the activities with their parents) and IG-isolated group ( n = 22; the adolescents performed the activities alone). The parameters measured before and after 12 weeks of multi-professional intervention (physical exercise, nutrition and psychoeducation) were: body mass, height and body mass index-BMI. The level of food processing was analyzed using a three-day food recall (24hR), classified according to the Food Guide for the Brazilian Population (fresh, minimally, processed and ultra-processed foods). The main results show that there was only a significant reduction in the consumption of processed foods (FG: 7.93%; IG: 49.73%) and ultra-processed foods (FG: 35.06%; IG: 67.16%) in grams (FG: 22.29%; IG: 65.23%) and calories ( p < 0.05; for all comparisons). The consumption of fresh foods in grams (FG:61.97%; IG: 147.13%) and calories (FG: 147.13%; IG: 118.03%) and minimally processed foods (FG: 27.45%; IG: 14.64%) in grams increased significantly ( p < 0.05; for all comparisons). However, no significant differences were observed between all variables analyzed for the groups, nor any interaction ( p > 0.05). In conclusion, both groups who participated in the activities showed positive changes with increased consumption of fresh foods and reduced consumption of processed foods, without difference between them.

This study aimed to associate morphological variables and physical fitness with health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in physically active older people. A cross-sectional study was carried out that evaluated 470 older people (89.57% female) with a mean age of 70.13 ± 6.57 years, residing in two regions of Chile. Morphological variables (body weight, bipedal height, waist circumference, body mass index, and waist to height ratio), physical fitness through the Senior Fitness Test protocol, and HRQoL using the SF-36 questionnaire were obtained. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify risk factors between morphological variables and physical fitness associated with HRQoL. The main results indicated that overweight (OR = 1.52; p = 0.034), a waist circumference with risk (OR = 1.56; p = 0.021), poor performance in the back scratch tests (OR = 1.02; p = 0.008) and timed up-and-go (OR = 1.19; p = 0.040) increased the probability of having a low general HRQoL. Also, the low performance of chair stand and arm curl tests was associated with poor physical and social dimensions of HRQoL ( p < 0.05). In conclusion, a low HRQoL in physically active older people is associated with both morphological and physical fitness factors.

This study aims to analyze the effect of different types of warm-ups on handgrip strength (HGS) in physically inactive older females. Secondarily, it aims to compare HGS according to their baseline nutritional status. A randomized crossover trial study was conducted with 44 physically inactive older females distributed into normal weight (n = 12, BMI = 23.9 ± 3.2 kg/m 2 ), overweight (n =16, BMI = 27 ± 4.7 kg/m 2 ) and obese (n = 16, BMI = 31.6 ± 5.3 kg/m 2 ), who participated in three warm-up conditions (static stretching condition, SSC; elastic band condition, EBC; and therapeutic compression ball condition, TCBC) and one control condition (CC, no warm-up). All participants performed the four randomized conditions with recovery within 72 h. A significant decrease ( p < 0.05) in HGS for the dominant and non-dominant hands was observed when comparing SSC vs. CC. In contrast, comparing the warm-up conditions according to the baseline nutritional status, statistically significant differences ( p < 0.05) were only reported in the obese group in the dominant and non-dominant hand in favor of CC concerning SSC. In conclusion, warm-up with static flexibility led to a decrease in HGS in physically inactive older females. Only the obese group exhibited this result when analyzed by nutritional status.

Abstract: Branco, BHM, Marcondes, VA, de Paula Ramos, S, Badilla, PV, and Andreato, LV. Effects of supplementary strength program on generic and specific physical fitness in cadet judo athletes. J Strength Cond Res 36(10): 2816-2823, 2022-This study aimed to investigate the effects of a supplementary strength program on general and specific physical fitness in under-18 judo athletes. In total, 21 athletes were randomized into 2 groups: experimental group (EG: aged = 15.5 ± 1.2 years; body mass = 71.3 ± 10.6 kg; practice time = 5.1 ± 1.2 years) and control group (aged = 16.6 ± 0.5 years; body mass = 71.7 ± 11.0 kg; practice time = 5.6 ± 0.8 years). Athletes were submitted to anthropometry, generic physical fitness tests (countermovement jump, one-repetition maximum in bench-press, row, and half-squat machine), and specific field tests (isometric and dynamic judogi chin-up and Special Judo Fitness Test [SJFT]). All measurements were presented at baseline, and 8 athletes per group completed pre-training and post-training assessments. Both groups performed the same judo training routine, and the EG also performed 3/weekly/sessions of strength training for 8 weeks. All measurements were conducted during the competitive season. There were no differences in body mass, height, and body fat percentage after the training period (p > 0.05). Improvements were observed in maximal strength for bench press (26.6%), row (17.7%), half-squat machine (29%), dynamic judogi chin-up (33%), and the following SJFT responses: block A (16.7%), block B (11.3%), sum of 3 blocks (8.3%), heart rate after 1 minute (-7.0%), and index (-12.5%), representing performance improvement for the EG. It was concluded that 8 weeks of strength training was positive for general and specific performance. Finally, this strength program may help coaches to develop strength without changes in body mass., (Copyright © 2021 National Strength and Conditioning Association.)

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.

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: Campos, F, Molina Correa, JC, Canevari, VCM, Branco, BHM, Andreato, LV, and de Paula Ramos, S. Monitoring internal training load, stress-recovery responses, and immune-endocrine parameters in Brazilian jiu-jitsu training. J Strength Cond Res 36(3): 723-731, 2022-This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between training loads, stress, and immune-endocrine markers during a precompetitive period in Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ) athletes. For this, 12 athletes were submitted to 1 physical and 1 technical-tactical training session per day, 5 days a week, for 7 weeks. The saliva sampling and physical tests (countermovement jump [CMJ] and squat jump [SJ]) were performed before starting the training period (pre) and at the fourth week (4-week) and eighth week (post). Session rating of perceived exertion (sRPE) and the Recovery-Stress Questionnaire-Sport (RESTQ) were applied, and the training load was calculated weekly. Repeated-measures analysis of variance and the Friedman test were used, with significance levels set at p < 0.05. Increased training loads were recorded by the sRPE method in technical-tactical training sessions (p < 0.05). Higher physical loads were reported by athletes during weeks 1-4, contributing to overall higher training load, monotony, and strain during this period (p < 0.05). Increased perception of stress, by the RESTQ, and cortisol were detected, whereas decreased salivary testosterone and salivary immunoglobulin A were observed at 4 weeks (p < 0.05). No significant differences were detected in CMJ and SJ tests, suggesting that training neither elicited significant fatigue and underperformance nor improved strength performance. However, decreasing physical training loads appeared to reduce symptoms of stress and improved recovery, favoring immune recovery and anabolic balance. Thus, the sRPE seems to be a reliable and simple method to monitor training loads in BJJ athletes because variation in values was related to the RESTQ and physiological responses to training loads., (Copyright © 2020 National Strength and Conditioning Association.)

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.

The aim of this systematic review was to analyse the studies centered on the effects of Olympic combat sports (OCS [i.e., boxing, fencing, judo, karate, taekwondo, wrestling]) on older adults' physical-functional, physiological, and psychoemotional health status. The review comprised randomised-controlled trials with OCS interventions, including older adults (≥60 years), and measures of physical-functional, physiological, and/or psychoemotional health. The studies were searched through SCOPUS, PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, PsycINFO, and EBSCO databases until 5 January 2021. The PRISMA-P and TESTEX scales were used to assess the quality of the selected studies. The protocol was registered in PROSPERO (code: CRD42020204034). Twelve OCS intervention studies were found (scored ≥ 60% for methodological quality), comprising 392 females and 343 males (mean age: 69.6 years), participating in boxing, judo, karate, and taekwondo. The qualitative analysis revealed that compared to controls, OCS training improved muscle strength, cardiorespiratory capacity, agility, balance, movement, attention, memory, mental health, anxiety, and stress tolerance. Meta-analysis was available only for the chair stand test, and an improvement was noted after OCS training compared to control. In conclusion, OCS interventions improves older adults' physical-functional, physiological, and psychoemotional health. Our systematic review confirms that OCS training has high adherence (greater than 80%) in older adults.

This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the psychological factors that might predict the sedentary behavior of 654 older adults from the South Region of Brazil. The participants were evaluated by the International Physical Activity Questionnaire; Mini-Mental State Exam; Geriatric Anxiety Scale; and the scales Geriatric Depression, Purpose in Life, Perceived Stress, Rosenberg Self-Esteem, and Satisfaction with Life. Data analysis was conducted through Pearson correlation and multiple regression analysis (p < .05). No significant (p > .05) correlation was found between the sedentary behavior variables with self-esteem. Multiple regression analysis revealed that psychological variables explained 6% of the variance of sitting time during the week (R2 = .06; F = 11.546; p < .01). Depression showed a positive prediction (β = -0.10; p = .040), while life satisfaction (β = -0.16; p = .001) and purpose in life (β = -0.10; p = .026) showed negative prediction. Psychological variables predicted only 3% of the variance of sitting time during the weekend (R2 = .03; F = 5.629; p < .01), showing that life satisfaction had significant (p = .007) and negative (β = -0.13) association. Life satisfaction and purpose in life can be considered protector factors to sedentary behavior, while depression is a potentiating factor.

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.

To investigate the effects of two different modes of physical activity on body composition, physical fitness, cardiometabolic risk, and psychological responses in female adolescents participating in a multi-disciplinary program. The 12-week randomized intervention included 25-adolescents with overweight divided into two groups: sports practice-SPG and functional training-FTG. The SPG intervention was divided into three sports: basketball, handball, and futsal. SPG participants performed one sport 3-times/week, over the course of 1 month. The FTG performed concurrent exercises 3-times/week. This study was registered in Clinical Trials Registry Platform under number: RBR-45ywtg and registered in Local Ethics Committee number: 2,505.200/2018. The intensity of physical exercises-PE was matched between groups by the rating of perceived exertion. The primary outcome was body composition, and secondary outcomes were physical fitness, cardiometabolic risk, and psychological responses. There was a significant time-effect for body mass, body mass index, and low-density lipoprotein (LDL-c), all being reduced. There were increases over time for musculoskeletal mass, aerobic fitness, and high-density lipoprotein (HDL-c) ( p < 0.05). There was a group time interaction with body fat percentage being lower post-intervention in the SPG ( p < 0.05). No significant differences were observed for the other variables. Both physical activity models were effective in improving a subset of obesity-related health parameters. The findings should be extended by further investigation using more sophisticated measures of energy expenditure. Clinical Trial Registration: https://ensaiosclinicos.gov.br/, identifier: RBR-45ywtg., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2021 Branco, Mariano, de Oliveira, Bertolini, de Oliveira, Araújo and Adamo.)

Background: This study investigates the effects of group counseling vs. individual dietary prescription on physical, nutritional, and mental health in overweight or obese women. Methods: Seventy-four women aged 40-59 years with body mass index ≥ 25 kg/m 2 were randomized into 2 intervention arms: group nutrition counseling (GNC) or individualized nutrition prescription (INP). Twenty-seven women completed the 12-week intervention protocol. The GNC received counseling once a week and the INP received an individualized prescription once a month. All participants attended physical exercise sessions 3 times a week following the same protocol. Body mass, body mass index, fat mass, body fat percentage, lean mass, lipid profile, hemoglobin A1c, insulin and liver transaminases were measured pre- and post-intervention in both arms. A 3 day food record was applied to calculate the intake of calories, carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids. Body image dissatisfaction, level of anxiety, self-esteem measure and pathological eating attitudes were measured. Results: Both dietary interventions decreased body mass, body mass index, fat mass, body fat percentage, total caloric intake, carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, body dissatisfaction, anxiety, and saturated and polyunsaturated fats ( p < 0.05). Lean mass, metabolic variables, self-esteem and pathological eating attitudes remained unchanged ( p > 0.05). Conclusion: Both nutritional interventions combined with concurrent exercise were effective to improve anthropometrics, body composition, food intake, and some mental health parameters. We suggest that the choice of nutritional intervention (GNC or INP) could be based on the participants preference, considering the adherence and satisfaction, to promote health and quality of life., (Copyright © 2020 Bolognese, Franco, Ferrari, Bennemann, Lopes, Bertolini, Júnior and Branco.)

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.

Identification of the body fat (BF) percentage allows health professionals to detect healthy or risky patterns in a population. However, no studies have elaborated BF cutoff points using the bioelectrical impedance method in young Brazilian adults. Thus, the objective of the present study was to elaborate normative tables for BF in Brazilian men and women (sedentary and physically active) between 18 and 39 years of age. A total of 3,111 adults (958 men and 2,153 women) were evaluated using bioimpedance measurements with the InBody 520 device. The data were distributed normally and divided into percentiles (P 3 , P 10 , P 25 , P 50 , P 75 , P 90 , and P 97 ). The following values were observed: for men: P 3 =8.9%-12.5%; P 10 =12.6%-17.5%; P 25 =17.6%-25.3%; P 50 =25.4%-35.1%; P 75 =35.2%-43.0%; P 90 =43.1%-49.4% and P 97 =49.5%; for women: P 3 =18.7%-23.1%; P 10 =23.2%-28.7%; P 25 =28.8%-35.7%; P 50 =35.8%-42.9%; P 75 =43.0%-49.1%; P 90 =49.2%-52.1% and P 97 ≥52.2%. These percentiles can be used to classify the adiposity of sedentary and physically active individuals evaluated by bioimpedanciometry., Competing Interests: CONFLICT OF INTEREST No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was re ported.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) supplementation on cellular damage and oxidative stress indicators in volleyball athletes. Twenty male volleyball athletes at national level performed a physical training session and were divided into 2 groups, which for 7 days took the placebo substance or NAC. After 7 days the athletes repeated the same training session. In both sessions, blood samples were collected 30 min before and immediately after the training session to measure cellular damage and oxidative stress markers. The main results show that, although higher concentrations of glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase were observed in post-session 1 than those in postsession 2, the other markers showed an increase in antioxidant action after supplementation of NAC, once the effect of experimental conditions ( P =0.030) were observed in: time effect ( P <0.001) and interaction ( P =0.019) for total glutathione; time effect ( P <0.001) and interaction ( P <0.001) for reduced glutathione; and time effect ( P <0.001) for ferric-reducing antioxidant potential. The oxidant action indicated by the protein carbonyl was higher in the placebo group than in the NAC group ( P =0.028), but a time effect ( P <0.001) for the thiobarbituric acid reactive substances showed lower values in presession 1 than in presession 2. For the cellular damage markers, antagonistic results between markers were found. Based in the results, the supplementation of NAC during a short period was effective in reducing oxidant action and increasing antioxidant action. However, conclusive alterations in the responses of the cellular damage markers were not obtained., Competing Interests: CONFLICT OF INTEREST No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Background: Brazilian jiu-jitsu is a grappling combat sport that has intermittency as its core element; in other words, actions of high, moderate and low intensity are interspersed during matches, requiring a high level of conditioning to support optimal levels of performance for the total match time. The athletes perform from four to six matches during a day of competition, and this number may increase if the open-class competition, which is held parallel to the competition by weight class, is considered. This systematic review examined the physical and physiological profiles of Brazilian jiu-jitsu athletes., Methods: Only scientific researches dealing with the major fitness components of Brazilian jiu-jitsu athletes (i.e. body composition and somatotype, aerobic and anaerobic profiles, muscular strength and power) and using accepted methods that provided relevant practical applications for a Brazilian jiu-jitsu athlete's fitness training and/or performance were included in the current review. A computer literature search was carried out of the PubMed, ISI Web of Knowledge, SportDiscus and Scopus databases (up to January 2016)., Results: The database research generated 205 articles. After the application of inclusion and exclusion criteria, 58 studies were included for the present systematic review. A total of 1496 subjects were involved in all the selected investigations., Conclusions: Body fat is generally low for these athletes and the mesomorphic component is predominant. The different studies showed VO 2max values between 42 and 52 mL/kg/min, and it seems that aerobic fitness does not discriminate among Brazilian jiu-jitsu athletes of different competitive levels. There is a lack of scientific studies that have investigated anaerobic responses both in lower and upper limbs. Maximal dynamic, isometric and endurance strength can be associated with sporting success in Brazilian jiu-jitsu athletes. Although decisive actions during Brazilian jiu-jitsu matches are mainly dependent on muscular power, more specific studies are necessary to describe it. Studies involving the female sex should be conducted. In addition, further research is needed to analyse whether there are differences between sex, belt ranks and competitive level, and among the different weight categories for different variables.