Browsing by Author "Ferraz, Ricardo"
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- Advancing sports science and physical education research through a shared understanding of the term motor performance skills: a scoping review with content analysisPublication . Sortwell, Andrew; Behringer, Michael; Granacher, Urs; Trimble, Kevin; Forte, Pedro; Neiva, Henrique P.; Clemente-Suárez, Vicente Javier; Ramirez-Campillo, Rodrigo; Konukman, Ferman; Tufekcioglu, Ertan; Filiz, Bijen; Branquinho, Luís; Ferraz, Ricardo; Sadeghi, Hassan; Arroyo-Toledo, JaimeBackground: The inappropriate usage of terms and concepts and/or unclear definitions provided in the scientific literature hinder progress in any scientific field. This risk is especially noticeable in applied fields of research such as sports science and physical education. Objective: This study explored existing literature that uses the term 'motor performance skills' and aimed to propose a comprehensive definition to be applied in future research. Method: Following an adapted scoping approach grounded in the rapid review model, we searched electronic databases Pub-Med/Medline, Web of Science, and Scopus until February 2022. The primary demographic focus was sports science and physical education disciplines. After screening of titles and abstracts, 184 papers were identified for a full review. Twenty-two papers met the inclusion criteria from the full review and received qualitative content analysis. The qualitative content analysis focused on the elaborated qualities of the term 'motor performance skill'. Coding was used to identify and extract content, identify patterns, and observe the depth of interpretation of the term. Results: Only six papers used descriptive language, and three used explanatory language to convey aspects of the term's meaning. All included papers extrapolated or provided examples to demonstrate the term's meaning. Based on a collaborative process, the study reached a proposed definition that has the potential to be coined for the term 'motor performance skills' and used in future research. Conclusion: Thus, the current analysis revealed the need to collaboratively address the conceptual ambiguity and develop a comprehensive definition of 'motor performance skills' © 2022 Australian International Academic Centre. All rights reserved.
- Analyzing Key Factors on Training Days within a Standard Microcycle for Young Sub-Elite Football Players: A Principal Component ApproachPublication . Teixeira, José Eduardo; Branquinho, Luís; Ferraz, Ricardo; Morgans, Ryland; Encarnação, Samuel; Ribeiro, Joana; Afonso, Pedro; Ruzmetov, Nemat; Barbosa, Tiago M.; Monteiro, A.M.; Forte, PedroUtilizing techniques for reducing multivariate data is essential for comprehensively understanding the variations and relationships within both biomechanical and physiological datasets in the context of youth football training. Therefore, the objective of this study was to identify the primary factors influencing training sessions within a standard microcycle among young sub-elite football players. A total of 60 male Portuguese youth sub-elite footballers (15.19 1.75 years) were continuous monitored across six weeks during the 2019–2020 in-season, comprising the training days from match day minus (MD-) 3, MD-2, and MD-1. The weekly training load was collected by an 18 Hz global positioning system (GPS), 1 Hz heart rate (HR) monitors, the perceived exertion (RPE) and the total quality recovery (TQR). A principal component approach (PCA) coupled with a Monte Carlo parallel analysis was applied to the training datasets. The training datasets were condensed into three to five principal components, explaining between 37.0% and 83.5% of the explained variance (proportion and cumulative) according to the training day (p < 0.001). Notably, the eigenvalue for this study ranged from 1.20% to 5.21% within the overall training data. The PCA analysis of the standard microcycle in youth sub-elite football identified that, across MD-3, MD-2, and MD-1, the first was dominated by the covered distances and sprinting variables, while the second component focused on HR measures and training impulse (TRIMP). For the weekly microcycle, the first component continued to emphasize distance and intensity variables, with the ACC and DEC being particularly influential, whereas the second and subsequent components included HR measures and perceived exertion. On the three training days analyzed, the first component primarily consisted of variables related to the distance covered, running speed, high metabolic load, sprinting, dynamic stress load, accelerations, and decelerations. The high intensity demands have a high relative weight throughout the standard microcycle, which means that the training load needs to be carefully monitored and managed.
- Associations between Coronavirus and Immune Response, Cardiorespiratory Fitness Rehabilitation and Physical Activity: A Brief ReportPublication . Silva-Santos, Sandra; Monteiro, A.M.; Barbosa, Tiago M.; Teixeira, José Eduardo; Branquinho, Luís; Ferraz, Ricardo; Forte, PedroCOVID-19 has serious effects on cardiorespiratory capacity. In this sense, physical activity has been identified as beneficial in the treatment of cardiorespiratory diseases due to its anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive benefits. To date, no study has been found on cardiorespiratory capacity and rehabilitation in patients cured after COVID-19. Thus, this brief report aims to relate the benefits of physical activity to cardiorespiratory function after COVID-19. It is important to know how different levels of physical activity can be related to the different symptoms of COVID-19. In view of this, the objectives of this brief report were to: (1) explore the theoretical associations between COVID-19 symptoms and physical activity; (2) compare the cardiorespiratory function of non-COVID-19 participants and post-COVID-19 patients; and (3) propose a physical activity program to improve the cardiorespiratory fitness of post-COVID-19 patients. Thus, we note that moderate-intensity physical activity (i.e., walking) has a greater beneficial effect on immune function, whereas vigorous activity (i.e., marathon running) tends to temporarily reduce immune function through an imbalance of cytokine types I and II in the hours and days after exercise. However, there is no consensus in the literature in this regard, since other investigations suggest that high-intensity training can also be beneficial, not causing clinically relevant immunosuppression. Physical activity has been shown to be beneficial in improving the clinical conditions most frequently associated with severe COVID-19. Thus, it is possible to infer that physically active individuals seem to be less exposed to the dangers of severe COVID-19 compared to non-active individuals through the benefits of physical activity in strengthening the immune system and fighting infections. The current study demonstrates that physical activity appears to be beneficial in improving the clinical conditions most often associated with severe COVID-19.
- Classification of recovery states in U15, U17, and U19 sub-elite football players: a machine learning approachPublication . Teixeira, José Eduardo; Encarnação, Samuel; Branquinho, Luís; Ferraz, Ricardo; Portella, Daniel Leite; Monteiro, Diogo; Morgans, Ryland; Barbosa, Tiago M.; Monteiro, A.M.; Forte, PedroA promising approach to optimizing recovery in youth football has been the use of machine learning (ML) models to predict recovery states and prevent mental fatigue. This research investigates the application of ML models in classifying male young football players aged under (U)15, U17, and U19 according to their recovery state. Weekly training load data were systematically monitored across three age groups throughout the initial month of the 2019–2020 competitive season, covering 18 training sessions and 120 observation instances. Outfield players were tracked using portable 18-Hz global positioning system (GPS) devices, while heart rate (HR) was measured using 1 Hz telemetry HR bands. The rating of perceived exertion (RPE 6–20) and total quality recovery (TQR 6–20) scores were employed to evaluate perceived exertion, internal training load, and recovery state, respectively. Data preprocessing involved handling missing values, normalization, and feature selection using correlation coefficients and a random forest (RF) classifier. Five ML algorithms [K-nearest neighbors (KNN), extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost), support vector machine (SVM), RF, and decision tree (DT)] were assessed for classification performance. The K-fold method was employed to cross-validate the ML outputs. Results: A high accuracy for this ML classification model (73–100%) was verified. The feature selection highlighted critical variables, and we implemented the ML algorithms considering a panel of 9 variables (U15, U19, body mass, accelerations, decelerations, training weeks, sprint distance, and RPE). These features were included according to their percentage of importance (3–18%). The results were cross-validated with good accuracy across 5-fold (79%). Conclusion: The five ML models, in combination with weekly data, demonstrated the efficacy of wearable device-collected features as an efficient combination in predicting football players’ recovery states.
- Comparing physical, technical and tactical performances in the World Cup Qatar 2022Publication . Branquinho, Luís; França, Elias; Teixeira, José Eduardo; Valente, Nelson; Reis, Tiago; Thomatieli-Santos, Ronaldo Vagner; Forte, Pedro; Ferraz, RicardoThe main objective of this study was to compare the physical, technical, and tactical performances of the 32 teams that participated in the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 (TM) concerning the confederation to which they belong and the FIFA ranking. Key statistics from the 64 matches played during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 (TM) were analysed. The data from these matches were encoded and calculated by a multi-camera optical tracking system (TRACAB Gen5, ChyronHego). Significant differences were identified between Rank 1-15th vs. Rank 16-35th and Rank 1-15th vs. Rank 36-61st for possession, total attempts at goal, total attempts on receptions in the final third, and ball progressions. However, defensive line breaks were different only between Rank 1-15th vs. Rank 36-61st, and ball progressions was only different between Rank 1-15th vs. Rank 16-35th. Africa and Europe national confederation showed significant differences (all p < .05) for possession, total attempts on target, total passes, total complete passes, passes completion, completed line breaks, and receptions in the final third, except for total attempts on target, whose differences are between Asian and South American confederation (p < .05). When considering the FIFA ranking and the confederations, there are significant differences key performance indicator of the teams.
- Comparison of force variables and dynamic strength index between age groups in elite young Brazilian football goalkeepersPublication . Portella, Daniel Leite; Jatene, Pedro; Silva, Alex O.; Santos, Gustavo S.; Monteiro, Diogo; Teixeira, José Eduardo; Branquinho, Luís; Ferraz, Ricardo; Forte, PedroThe application of muscle force is a determinant of football success as it is inherent to the motor control and sport. The aims of this study are: (1) to describe force variables Isometric Maximal Force (IMF), Concentric Peak Force (CPPF), and Dynamic Strength Index (DSI) in football goalkeepers from different age groups; (2) to compare these variables' behavior between those groups. Methods The sample was formed by 19 youth players (15.97 +/- 1.55 years old) from a first-division Brazilian football team. The CPPF and IMF variables were obtained through the Countermovement jump and isometric squat tests, respectively. For data collection, a force plate (Cefise, Brazil) was used with an acquisition frequency of 600 Hz and mono-axial. The DSI was calculated using the ratio between CPPF and IMF. For data analysis, the sample was separated into clusters by age. After the grouping, a descriptive analysis of the data and a comparison between the groups with p < 0.05. Results The sample was grouped into three groups (GA, GB, and GC) and one of the individuals did not enter the group, totaling 18 individuals in the analyzed sample. The comparison between the ages of the groups showed a significant difference and small and moderate effect size (ES), validating the cluster strategy. The CPPF and IMF variables showed increased values according to chronological age. CPPF showed a significant difference between GA-GB, (ES = very large) GA-GC (ES = very large), and GB-GC (ES = moderate). The IMF variable had significant differences between GA-GB (ES = moderate) and GA-GC (ES = very large). However, DSI showed significant differences only between GA GB (ES = small) and GB-GC (ES = very large). Conclusions The CPPF and IMF variables had constant increases and distinct values with an increase according to age, and this did not occur for DSI. The difference between CPPF and IMF compared to DSI bring to light the variability in dynamics and proportionality between muscular force in the concentric phase and maximal force in the isometric regime during the developmental process over chronological age in soccer goalkeepers.
- Concentric isokinetic strengthening program's impact on knee biomechanical parameters, physical performance and quality of life in overweight/obese women with chronic meniscal lesionsPublication . Hammami, Nadhir; Mechraoui, Amani; Hattabi, Soukaina; Forte, Pedro; Sampaio, Tatiana; Sortwell, Andrew; Teixeira, José Eduardo; Branquinho, Luís; Ferraz, Ricardo; Bouassida, AnissaMeniscal injuries are one of the most common intra-articular knee injuries. Different treatments are presented depending on the symptoms and duration of meniscus tears, such as arthroscopic partial meniscectomy, physiotherapy, or even pharmacological treatment. The purpose was to investigate the effect of a concentric isokinetic knee muscle strengthening program on strength, joint range of motion, physical performance, quality of life and pain tolerance in overweight/obese women with chronic meniscal lesions. Twenty-four overweight/obese women were randomized into two groups. A control group (CG) performed a usual rehabilitation program plus isokinetic muscle strengthening (IMS) in the continuous passive motion mode and measured with an isokinetic dynamometer. An experimental group (EG) performed the same program in combination with IMS in the isokinetic active mode. The peak torque of the knee extensors (PTE) and flexors (PTF), sit-to-stand test, stair climb test, joint amplitude, heel-to-buttock distance, Thessaly test, KOOS questionnaire of pain and quality of life were measured pre- and post-protocol. After the intervention, the sit-stand number for both groups was significantly higher (p < 0.001) and the time to climb stairs was significantly reduced for the EG (p < 0.001). A significant improvement in joint range of motion, life quality (p < 0.001), relief in knee pain (p < 0.001) and in the post-program evaluation at the EG (p < 0.05) was noted. There was no significant difference in PTE and PTF between groups at 60 & DEG;/s and 180 & DEG;/s. The IMS in the active mode could be an effective therapeutic modality in managing middle-aged patients suffering from a degenerative meniscal tear.
- Data Mining Paths for Standard Weekly Training Load in Sub-Elite Young Football Players: A Machine Learning ApproachPublication . Teixeira, José Eduardo; Encarnação, Samuel; Branquinho, Luís; Morgans, Ryland; Afonso, Pedro; Rocha, João Pedro da Silva; Graça, Francisco M.; Barbosa, Tiago M.; Monteiro, A.M.; Ferraz, Ricardo; Forte, PedroThe aim of this study was to test a machine learning (ML) model to predict high-intensity actions and body impacts during youth football training. Sixty under-15, -17, and -19 sub-elite Portuguese football players were monitored over a 6-week period. External training load data were collected from the target variables of accelerations (ACCs), decelerations (DECs), and dynamic stress load (DSL) using an 18 Hz global positioning system (GPS). Additionally, we monitored the perceived exertion and biological characteristics using total quality recovery (TQR), rating of perceived exertion (RPE), session RPE (sRPE), chronological age, maturation offset (MO), and age at peak height velocity (APHV). The ML model was computed by a feature selection process with a linear regression forecast and bootstrap method. The predictive analysis revealed that the players’ MO demonstrated varying degrees of effectiveness in predicting their DEC and ACC across different ranges of IQR. After predictive analysis, the following performance values were observed: DEC (xpredicted = 41, β = 3.24, intercept = 37.0), lower IQR (IQRpredicted = 36.6, β = 3.24, intercept = 37.0), and upper IQR (IQRpredicted = 46 decelerations, β = 3.24, intercept = 37.0). The player’s MO also demonstrated the ability to predict their upper IQR (IQRpredicted = 51, β = 3.8, intercept = 40.62), lower IQR (IQRpredicted = 40, β = 3.8, intercept = 40.62), and ACC (xpredicted = 46 accelerations, β = 3.8, intercept = 40.62). The ML model showed poor performance in predicting the players’ ACC and DEC using MO (MSE = 2.47–4.76; RMSE = 1.57–2.18: R2 = −0.78–0.02). Maturational concerns are prevalent in football performance and should be regularly checked, as the current ML model treated MO as the sole variable for ACC, DEC, and DSL. Applying ML models to assess automated tracking data can be an effective strategy, particularly in the context of forecasting peak ACC, DEC, and bodily effects in sub-elite youth football training.
- A Deep Learning Neural Network to Classify Obesity Risk in Portuguese Adolescents Based on Physical Fitness Levels and Body Mass Index Percentiles: Insights for National Health PoliciesPublication . Forte, Pedro; Encarnação, Samuel; Monteiro, A.M.; Teixeira, José Eduardo; Hattabi, Soukaina; Sortwell, Andrew; Branquinho, Luís; Amaro, Bruna; Sampaio, Tatiana; Flores, Pedro Miguel; Silva-Santos, Sandra; Ribeiro, Joana; Batista, Amanda; Ferraz, Ricardo; Rodrigues, FilipeThe increasing prevalence of overweight and obesity among adults is a risk factor for many chronic diseases and death. In addition, obesity among children and adolescents has reached unprecedented levels and studies show that obese children and adolescents are more likely to become obese adults. Therefore, both the prevention and treatment of obesity in adolescents are critical. This study aimed to develop an artificial intelligence (AI) neural network (NNET) model that identifies the risk of obesity in Portuguese adolescents based on their body mass index (BMI) percentiles and levels of physical fitness. Using datasets from the FITescola® project, 654 adolescents aged between 10–19 years old, male: 334 (51%), female: n = 320 (49%), age 13.8 ± 2 years old, were selected to participate in a cross-sectional observational study. Physical fitness variables, age, and sex were used to identify the risk of obesity. The NNET had good accuracy (75%) and performance validation through the Receiver Operating Characteristic using the Area Under the Curve (ROC AUC = 64%) in identifying the risk of obesity in Portuguese adolescents based on the BMI percentiles. Correlations of moderate effect size were perceived for aerobic fitness (AF), upper limbs strength (ULS), and sprint time (ST), showing that some physical fitness variables contributed to the obesity risk of the adolescents. Our NNET presented a good accuracy (75%) and was validated with the K-Folds Cross-Validation (K-Folds CV) with good accuracy (71%) and ROC AUC (66%). According to the NNET, there was an increased risk of obesity linked to low physical fitness in Portuguese teenagers.
- Editorial: “Building” health through physical activity in schoolsPublication . Branquinho, Luís; Forte, Pedro; Ferraz, Ricardo; Teixeira, José Eduardo; Sortwell, AndrewEngaging in physical activity during childhood and adolescence is associated with improved physical and mental health (1, 2). Research has shown that physically active students exhibit better academic performance, a reduced likelihood of obesity, enhanced social skills, and higher levels of self-esteem. However, despite the many benefits of physical activity, many students do not engage in sufficient physical activity, and studies show that the levels of physical activity among children and adolescents have also decreased over time (3). Most often, schools serve as more than just a centre for learning mandated curriculum (4). Within schools, the educators and the school communities also play a significant role in supporting the health and wellbeing of the learners, including supporting student participation in physical activity. However, in the school environment, barriers to physical activity include insufficient access to physical activity opportunities, limited time for recess, and lack of physical education, all of which can contribute to the problem of increased sedentary behaviours. In order to promote physical activity among students, it is important for schools to provide a variety of opportunities for physical activity and to make physical activity an integral part of the school day. Schools can take a proactive approach through curriculum, policies, and engagement with the school community to reverse the worsening trend of children and adolescents not meeting the recommended daily engagement of 60 min or more of moderate to vigorous physical activity.