Browsing by Author "Hattabi, Soukaina"
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- 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.
- 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.
- Effects of Eight Week High-Intensity Interval Training Program Followed by a Six Week Detraining on Healthy Adult Gym-UsersPublication . Branquinho, Luís; Gomes, Pedro Anselmo; Ferreira, Luís; Brito, Diana; Hattabi, Soukaina; Ghouili, Hatem; Sampaio, Tatiana; Malheiro, Maria Alexandra; Teixeira, José Eduardo; Forte, Pedro; Ferraz, RicardoThe literature has reported that high-intensity training (HIIT) can effectively improve maximum oxygen uptake (VO2 max) and body composition (BC). Still, contradictory results are reported regarding its impact of HIIT training and post-period detraining on gym users. Objective: This study aimed to verify how eight weeks of HIIT affects VO2 maximum and BC in healthy gym users. Additionally, the effect of a six-week detraining period was verified. A group of 10 gym-users (mean ± SD age: 29.03 ± 6.18 years) volunteered for this randomized controlled trial (RCT). Method: A HIIT program that included exercises such as jumping air squats, burpees and jumping jacks was applied over eight weeks. After this period, a six-week detraining period was applied. To measure changes in VO2 max, the Queen’s College Step Test (QCST) was applied, while a bioimpedance scale was used to measure BC. Results: Eight weeks of HIIT seem to show a tendency to increase VO2 max and cause positive changes in BC (p ≤ 0.05) with the exception of two variables (i.e., fat-free mass and fat mass). Furthermore, the results suggest that 6 weeks of detraining may negatively affect gains resulting from the training program, particularly in VO2 max and body mass index (BMI) p ≥ 0.05. Conclusions: Eight-week HIIT program incorporating short-duration explosive exercises can positively affect VO2 max and BC in adult gym users.
- Examining the link between isokinetic strength metrics and ball speed in women’s soccerPublication . Ölmez, Cengiz; Hammami, Nadhir; Yücelsoy, Büşra; Hattabi, Soukaina; Forte, Pedro; Sortwell, Andrew; Khezami, Mehrzia Amani; İnce, AlparslanThe shot performance of female soccer players is one of the most critical factors in winning a soccer match. It is essential to thoroughly clarify the kinetic factors that can improve shot performance. This study explores the connections between ball velocity post-shooting and isokinetic knee extension (EXT) and flexion (FLX) strength performances among female soccer players. Thirteen voluntary players from professional leagues took part in the research study. The study analyzed the average and peak concentric (Con) and eccentric (Ecc) torques, isometric (Iso) strength performances at angular velocities of 60 /s, 180 /s and 300 /s, the time required to reach peak torque, and ball velocities during shooting. The relationships among these variables were investigated separately for the dominant (D) and non-dominant (ND) legs. The analysis unveiled significant correlations between ball velocities and D-EXT (Absolute) peak torque at an angular velocity of 60 /s (r = 0.597; p < 0.05), D-%IPS (r = -0.580; p < 0.05), and ND-FLX (Absolute) average torque (r = 0.559; p < 0.05). Moreover, notable associations were observed between ball velocities and ND-EXT (Absolute) (r = 0.581; p < 0.05), as well as ND-FLX (Absolute) (r = 0.602; p < 0.05) average torques at an angular velocity of 180 /s. Additionally, significant relationships were found between ball velocities and peak (r = 0.664; p = 0.013) and average (r = 0.660; p = 0.014) torques generated during ND-EXT (Absolute) at an angular velocity of 300 /s. However, the connections between the time to reach peak torque, eccentric and isometric forces, and ball velocities were not statistically significant (p > 0.05). The results of the study indicate that enhancing concentric isokinetic strength development at 60 /s, 180 /s, and 300 /s angular velocities, along with balanced strengthening of the ND extremity, holds paramount importance in elevating shot performance among female soccer players, particularly in the context of rapid shot strategies.
- Isokinetic Knee Strengthening Impact on Physical and Functional Performance, Pain Tolerance, and Quality of Life in Overweight/Obese Women with Patellofemoral Pain SyndromePublication . Hammami, Nadhir; Bouzouraa, Eya; Ölmez, Cengiz; Hattabi, Soukaina; Mhimdi, Najla; Khezami, Mehrzia Amani; Forte, Pedro; Sortwell, Andrew; Bouassida, Anissa; Jemni, MonèmPatellofemoral syndrome is a common osteoarticular condition that affects many individuals. Various treatment options are available, with a significant emphasis on targeted muscle-strengthening exercises. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of isokinetic muscle strengthening on muscle strength, joint range of motion, quality of life, physical performance, and pain tolerance in overweight/obese women with patellofemoral syndrome. Methods: Twenty-four overweight or obese women with patellofemoral syndrome participated in the study during September and October 2023 in a private medical facility for physical medicine and functional rehabilitation. They were randomly assigned to one of two groups for six weeks of isokinetic muscle strengthening. The first group (ISO.G) followed a rehabilitation program combined with isokinetic muscle strengthening. A second group (PCM.G) followed a rehabilitation program that includes an isokinetic protocol in passive compensation movement. The extensors’ peak torque was measured before and after training. Results: The flexors’ peak torque, stair climbing test, 10 m walk, chair lift, monopodal support, goniometric knee flexion test, heel–buttock distance measurement, pain, and quality of life scores improved significantly in both groups. The ISO.G, on the other hand, benefited from a significant increase in quadriceps muscle strength revealed by the extensors’ peak torque. Conclusions: For the treatment of patellofemoral syndrome, isokinetic muscle strengthening in concentric mode appears to have a significant advantage over the classic rehabilitation program with isokinetic passive compensation, particularly in muscle strength gain, in addition to the improvement of joint range of motion, quality of life, physical performance, and pain tolerance. Isokinetic training may be recommended as a beneficial approach for the rehabilitative treatment of patellofemoral pain syndrome in overweight/obese women.
- Obesity status and physical fitness levels in male and female portuguese adolescents: a two-way multivariate analysisPublication . Encarnação, Samuel; Rodrigues, Filipe; Monteiro, A.M.; Gouili, Hatem; Hattabi, Soukaina; Sortwell, Andrew; Branquinho, Luís; Teixeira, José Eduardo; Ferraz, Ricardo; Flores, Pedro Miguel; Silva-Santos, Sandra; Ribeiro, Joana; Batista, Amanda; Forte, PedroObesity and decreasing fitness levels among the youth are growing concerns in Portugal, similar to other developed countries, with implications for health and psychomotor development. Understanding the influence of health determinants such as sex and age are crucial for developing effective public health strategies. This study aimed to analyze the association between sex and chronological age with obesity status and physical fitness in Portuguese adolescents. A total of 170 adolescents (85 males and 85 females) were evaluated for body mass index, abdominal adiposity, aerobic fitness, abdominal resistance, upper limb resistance, lower limb power, and maximal running speed in a 40 m sprint using the FITescola® physical fitness battery, a Portuguese government initiative. The general model, analyzed using Pillai’s trace, showed a significant effect of age and sex on body mass index, abdominal circumference, aerobic fitness, abdominal resistance, upper limb resistance, lower limb power, and maximal running speed (V = 0.99, F (7) = 10,916.4, p < 0.001, partial η2, sex = 0.22; age = 0.43, sex and age interaction = 0.10). Boys had higher physical fitness levels than girls in most tests, but both sex groups had a significantly higher proportion of non-fit adolescents, with boys showing the highest number of participants classified as non-fit.
- A randomized trial of a swimming-based alternative treatment for children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorderPublication . Hattabi, Soukaina; Forte, Pedro; Kukic, Filip; Bouden, Asma; Have, Mona; Chtourou, Hamdi; Sortwell, AndrewAttention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is considered a highly prevalent neurodevelopmental childhood disorder extending from ages 1–2 to 12–13, associated with impairment across multiple domains, including social, emotional, and cognitive functioning. Little is known about alternative treatments for this disorder. Interest has grown in physical activity as a potential intervention for rehabilitating children with ADHD. This study aimed to investigate the impact of adapted swimming activity on cognitive functions, academic performance, and related behavior of Tunisian children with ADHD. The study was conducted on school children aged 9 to 12 years (n = 40, 5 female and 35 male) diagnosed with ADHD. They were randomly assigned to an experimental group (exercise intervention) or the control group. The Hayling test was used to assess cognitive performance, the Children Behavior Check List (CBCL) was used to assess ADHD-related behavior, and the change in reading and numeracy proficiency was assessed pre- and post-intervention. After 12 weeks of the intervention, the results revealed that there were significant improvements in behavior (p < 0.001), inhibition process (p < 0.001), and academic performance (p < 0.001) in the experimental group compared with the control group. These findings suggest that adapted swimming activity may have positive implications for cognitive function, behavior, and academic performance. This research may provide preliminary support for alternative therapeutic interventions that could be used by practitioners. Moreover, the results support active practice of recreational physical activities as a strategy to support children in overcoming ADHD deficiencies.