ESE - Artigos em Revistas Indexados à WoS/Scopus
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Browsing ESE - Artigos em Revistas Indexados à WoS/Scopus by Field of Science and Technology (FOS) "Ciências Médicas::Ciências da Saúde"
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- Comparative Efficacy of Bodyweight and Free Weights Training on Shooting Strength in Roller HockeyPublication . Paiva, Eduardo; Afonso, Pedro; Leite, Luciano Bernardes; Teixeira, José Eduardo; Forte, Pedro; Rodrigues, Pedro M.This study evaluated the impact of an 8-week training program on two groups of players, one performing free weights training and the other bodyweight training. The sample consisted of 14 athletes with a mean age of 22.6 years. Assessments of shooting strength were conducted before and after the program, measuring shot speed, acceleration, and strength. The free weights training included exercises with dumbbells and barbells, while the bodyweight training included squats, push- ups, and planks. Sessions occurred twice a week, with gradual progress in the number of sets and repetitions. Statistical analyses were performed using GraphPad Prism software, with significance set at p<0.05. Data distribution was tested using the Shapiro-Wilk test, and comparisons between pre- and post-intervention assessments were made with paired t- tests. Results showed significant improvements in shot speed, acceleration, and strength in the free weights training group, while the bodyweight training group showed no significant changes. It was concluded that free weights training is more effective for improving shooting strength in roller hockey players.
- Effects of theta-binaural beats auditory stimulation on creativity, psychological well-being and mood states of university students: Pilot studyPublication . Mendes, Liliana; Silva, Leonido Levi; Pereira, Antonino; Morgado, ElsaThis study investigates the impact of theta-frequency binaural beats (BB) on creativity, mood, and psychological well-being in university students, addressing the growing interest and controversy surrounding this auditory stimulation technique. A quantitative, correlational, quasi-experimental design was employed, involving 26 university students aged 18–54 (96.2% female, 3.8% male). Participants listened to theta BB (6-Hz beat frequency on a 250 Hz carrier) for 20 minutes daily using the Binaural Beats App. Instruments included a sociodemographic questionnaire, the reduced Creative Personality Scale (EPC), the short Profile of Mood States Questionnaire (POMS), and the Psychological Well-Being Manifestation Scale (EMMBEP). Results revealed significant improvements in creativity, psychological well-being, and reduced total mood disturbance after exposure to theta BB. Significant differences in total mood disturbance across assessment moments highlighted the intervention's time-sensitive benefits. The study highlights the potential of theta-frequency BB to enhance psychological well-being, mood, and creativity among university students. These findings contribute to the growing body of evidence supporting the utility of BB as a non-invasive tool for improving mental and emotional states. Theta BB may serve as an accessible and cost-effective method for promoting mental health and fostering creativity in educational and therapeutic settings.
- Impact of occupational exposure to wildfire events on systemic inflammatory biomarkers in Portuguese wildland firefightersPublication . Esteves, Filipa; Madureira, Joana; Barros, Bela; Alves, Sara; Pires, Joana; Martins, Sandra; Oliveira, Marta; Vaz, Josiana A.; Slezakova, Klara; Pereira, Maria do Carmo; Fernandes, Adília; Morais, Simone; Guimarães, João Tiago; Bonassi, Stefano; Teixeira, João Paulo; Costa, SolangeWhile occupational exposure as a firefighter is considered a dangerous occupation, research on the underlying mechanisms remains limited, particularly in wildland firefighters. Inflammation, a key effect of wildfire expo- sure, plays a significant role in the development of various diseases. The current study aims to investigate the impact of wildland firefighting exposure on the levels of pro-inflammatory systemic biomarkers. A pre-post study design investigated 59 wildland firefighters comparing data collected after participation in a wildfire event (Phase II) with data obtained before wildfire season (Phase I). Data on demographics, lifestyle, health and occupational-related factors were assessed. Exposure factors, such as fire combat (e.g., exposure duration), were also registered. Inflammatory biomarkers (i.e. interleukin-6 [IL-6], interleukin-8 [IL-8], tumor necrosis factor α [TNF-α] and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein [hs-CRP]) and hydroxylated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons metabolites (1-OHNaph+1-OHAce, 2-OHFlu, 1-OHPhen, 1-OHPyr) were analysed in blood and urine samples, respectively. Serum IL-8 and IL-6 levels were significantly increased after wildland fire combat. IL-8 levels were 2.62 times higher (95 % CI: 1.96–3.50; p < 0.01), whereas IL-6 levels were 1.25 times higher (95 % CI: 1.00–1.57; p = 0.04). Furthermore, IL-8 levels were significantly correlated with urinary 2-hydroxyfluorene levels and fire combat duration (>12 h). In addition, the mean hs-CRP level, in both phases, was above 3.0 mg/L, indicating a potential risk for cardiovascular events. Given the long-term health implications of fire- fighting occupational exposure, biomonitoring and early detection of occupational risks are essential for pro- tecting firefighters’ health. Protective measures must be urgently implemented to enhance occupational health and strengthen preventive strategies in this sector.
- Improving Motor Competence of Children: The Super Quinas Intervention Program in Portuguese Primary SchoolsPublication . Rodrigues, Luis P.; Cordovil, Rita; Costa, Júlio A.; Seabra, André; Guilherme, José; Vale, Susana; Luz, Carlos; Flôres, Fábio; Lagoa, Maria João; Almeida, Gabriela; Lopes, Vitor P.; Mercê, Cristiana; Esteves, Pedro Tiago; Santos, Sara; Correia, Vanda; Serrano, João; Mendes, Rui; Matos, Rui; Loureiro, Vânia; Neto, CarlosThe objective of this study was to describe the effects of an extra hour of a structured motor program on the motor competence (MC) of children 6–10 years old. The need for movement interventions to enhance MC among school-aged children has gained vital importance in the last years, given the negative secular trends reported. Hence, the Portuguese Football Federation organized an intervention program on MC to be implemented on the extracurricular time of the Portuguese primary schools: the Super Quinas program. Thirty-nine schools from all of Portugal were assigned to intervention and control condition, with a total of 1034 children (6–10 y old) completing all the program (77.7%). The Super Quinas intervention comprised of 1 hour of activity per week, led by a physical educator teacher during extracurricular activities for 12 wees. MC was assessed using the Motor Competence Assessment (MCA) before and at the end of the program (January and April 2023). Normative results of the MCA were used to compare changes between pre and posttest according to experimental or control condition. Results showed a general improvement for all subscales (Locomotor, Manipulative, Stability) and total MCA. More importantly, the experimental group showed significant and positive differences, when compared with the control group, in the Stability Manipulative and total MCA results after controlling for gender, age, and baseline effect. Conclusions: The Super Quinas intervention program proved that adding 1 hour of structured movement program to the regular primary school schedule can lead to greater development of MC in school-age children.
- Influence of Sleep Quality on Recovery and Performance in Endurance and Ultra-Endurance Runners: Sex Differences Identified Through Hierarchical ClusteringPublication . Matos, Julia Pagotto; Guilherme, Larissa Quintão; Encarnação, Samuel; Leite, Luciano Bernardes; Forte, Pedro; Kravchychyn, Ana Claudia Pelissari; Amorim, Paulo Roberto dos Santos; Souza, Helton de SáAssessing sleep quality is essential in sports science, particularly in ultra-endurance sports, where recovery is critical for performance and health. This study aimed to identify sleep quality patterns among endurance and ultra-endurance athletes using hierarchical clustering analysis, with comparisons by sex and modality. Data were collected during the La Misión Brasil competitions in 2023 and 2024, using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). The questionnaire was emailed to all registered runners two weeks before the event. A total of 490 athletes participated, including 276 men (mean ± SD age: 43 ± 11 years) and 214 women (mean ± SD age: 43 ± 13 years). Statistical analyses included Cohen’s d and r effect sizes, and a 95% confidence interval for hypothesis testing. Residuals between-cluster proportions were assessed within a range of −3.3, ensuring a 99.7% confidence level for significant differences. The results showed that endurance runners had better sleep quality, with most scoring low on the PSQI. In contrast, ultra-endurance athletes displayed greater variability, with a higher prevalence of poor sleep quality, particularly in women. The hierarchical clustering method effectively identified distinct sleep patterns, providing insights into the dynamics of recovery and performance. These findings highlight the impact of increased physical and psychological demands in ultra-endurance sports and emphasize the need for tailored sleep monitoring strategies to optimize the recovery and performance of athletes.
- Kinematic and neuromuscular responses to different visual focus conditions in stand-up paddleboardingPublication . Freitas, João; Conceição, Ana; Stastny, Jan; Morais, J. E.; Marques, Diogo L.; Louro, Hugo; Marinho, Daniel A.; Neiva, Henrique P.This study analyzed the kinematics and muscle activity during the stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) under different visual focus points in three conditions: i) eyes on the board nose, ii) looking at the turn buoy, and iii) free choice. Methods: Fourteen male paddleboarders (24.2 ± 7.1 years) performed three trials covering 65 m, and the electromyographic (EMG) activation patterns and kinematic parameters in four cycle strokes for the left and right sides were analyzed. Surface EMG of the upper trapezius, biceps brachii, triceps brachii, tibialis anterior, and gastrocnemius medialis were recorded. The data were processed according to the percentage of maximum voluntary contraction (%MVC). Speed, stroke frequency (SF), stroke length, and stroke index (SI) were analyzed. Results: The speed, SF, and SI (p < 0.01, η2 ≥ 0.42) showed significant variance between conditions, with the free condition achieving the highest speed (1.20 ± 0.21 m/s), SF (0.65 ± 0.13 Hz) and SI (2.25 ± 0.67 m2 /s). This condition showed greater neuromuscular activity, particularly in the triceps brachii during both the left (42.25 ± 18.76 %MVC) and right recoveries (32.93 ± 16.06 %MVC). During the pull phase, the free choice presented higher biceps brachii activity (8.51 ± 2.80 %MVC) compared to the eyes on the board nose (6.22 ± 2.41 %MVC; p < 0.01), while showing lower activity in the triceps brachii (10.02 ± 4.50 %MVC vs. 16.52 ± 8.45 %MVC; p < 0.01) and tibialis anterior (12.24 ± 7.70 %MVC vs. 17.09 ± 7.73 %MVC; p < 0.01) compared to looking at the turn buoy. Conclusion: These results suggest that a free visual focus allows paddleboarders to enhance their kinematics and muscle activation, highlighting the significance of visual focus strategies in improving both competitive and recreational SUP performance.
- Mental health challenges in professional musicians: A systematic review of stress, anxiety, and depressionPublication . Cardoso, Mário; Silva, Leonido Levi; Pereira, Antonino; Morgado, ElsaMental health challenges among professional musicians have gained attention due to the unique stressors associated with their careers. This review provides a comprehensive overview of these challenges and identifies potential areas for further research and intervention. A systematic search was conducted across multiple databases, including PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, using keywords such as "mental health," "musicians," "professional musicians," "stress," "anxiety," "depression," and "psychological well-being." The findings highlight the multifaceted nature of Music Performance Anxiety (MPA), influenced by psychological, physiological, and environmental factors. Interventions such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), biofeedback, and structured programs like ConfiDance show promise in reducing MPA and enhancing performance. However, additional research is needed to develop interventions tailored to musicians of different skill levels and genres. Further studies should also explore personality traits, performance settings, and long-term coping mechanisms for comprehensive support. The review underscores the significant mental health challenges musicians face, including high levels of stress, anxiety, and depression. The demanding nature of their profession—marked by performance pressure, irregular schedules, financial instability, and social isolation—contributes to these issues, potentially affecting creativity and career longevity. Addressing these challenges through targeted interventions is crucial for supporting musicians' mental well-being.
- Player Tracking Data and Psychophysiological Features Associated with Mental Fatigue in U15, U17, and U19 Male Football Players: A Machine Learning ApproachPublication . Teixeira, José Eduardo; Afonso, Pedro; Schneider, André; Branquinho, Luís; Maio, Eduardo; Ferraz, Ricardo; Nascimento, Rafael; Morgans, Ryland; Barbosa, Tiago M.; Monteiro, António M.; Forte, PedroOptimizing recovery is crucial for maintaining performance and reducing fatigue and injury risk in youth football players. This study applied machine learning (ML) models to classify mental fatigue in U15, U17, and U19 male players using wearable signals, tracking data, and psychophysiological features. Over six weeks, training loads were monitored via GPS, psychophysiological scales, and heart rate sensors, analyzing variables such as total distance, high-speed running, recovery state, and perceived exertion. The data preparation process involved managing absent values, applying normalization techniques, and selecting relevant features. A total of five ML models were evaluated: K-Nearest Neighbors (KNN), Gradient Boosting (XGBoost), Support Vector Machine (SVM), Random Forest (RF), and Decision Tree (DT). XGBoost, RF, and DT achieved high accuracy, while KNN underperformed. Using a correlation matrix, average speed (AvS) was the only variable significantly correlated with the rating of perceived exertion (RPE) (r = 0.142; p = 0.010). After dimensionality reduction, ML models were re-evaluated, with RF and DT performing best, followed by XGBoost and SVM. These findings confirm that tracking and wearable-derived data are effectively useful for predicting RPE, providing valuable insights for workload management and personalized recovery strategies. Future research should integrate psychological and interpersonal factors to enhance predictive modeling in the individual long-term health and performance of young football players.
- The Relationship Between Nurses’ Emotional Competence and Evidence-Based Nursing: A Scoping ReviewPublication . Machado, Dora; Brás, Manuel Alberto; Almeida, Assunção; Vilela, CarlosEmerging evidence suggests that emotions significantly influence clinical decision-making among healthcare professionals. Given that evidence-based nursing (EBN) relies heavily on clinical reasoning, and emotions play a critical role in shaping its quality, exploring the relationship between emotional competence and EBN is essential. This scoping review aims to map and synthesize existing knowledge on the relationship between nurses’ emotional competence and EBN, while identifying research methodologies and integration challenges. Following the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology and PRISMA-ScR guidelines, a scoping review was conducted. The search strategy included studies from databases such as Scopus and CINAHL, as well as grey literature. Eligibility criteria included primary and secondary research articles in Portuguese, English, Spanish, and French, published since 1990, focusing on the relationship between emotional competence and EBN in nurses. Data were synthesized thematically. Of 751 publications identified, 11 met the inclusion criteria. Three themes emerged: (1) the relationship between emotional competence and EBN in different healthcare contexts; (2) research methodologies used; and (3) integration challenges and suggestions. Findings suggest that nurses with higher emotional competence are more likely to adopt safer, evidence-based practices, facilitating EBN implementation and improving care quality and safety. The evidence highlights the importance of integrating emotional intelligence and EBN in nursing education and practice. Combined educational programs are recommended to enhance professional safety, performance, and well-being. Future research should further explore this relationship to develop practice models that reconcile emotional competencies with evidence-based nursing.
- The role of postural and plantar pressure asymmetries predicting pain in aging adultsPublication . Dikhtyarenko, Svitlana; Encarnação, Samuel; Esteves, Dulce; Forte, PedroResearch lacks an integrated approach that incorporates body composition, postural asymmetries, plantar pressure distribution, and sex comparisons to comprehensively understand the complex relationship between these variables and pain levels. The study employed an observational cross-sectional design. The study sample comprised 52 participants of both sexes. The average age of participants was 57.35 years for males and 64.69 years for females. Pain levels were assessed using the numeric pain rating scale. Group comparisons (t-test) and machine learning algorithms were employed for analysis. The results indicated sex differences in height, weight, lean mass percentage, basal metabolism, shoe size, left foot area, podal axis, and distance between foot and body center of pressure (COPs). Significant differences between sexes were also observed in shoulder angles (p = 0.002). Machine learning analysis revealed that neck left deviation and left knee angle were predictive of participants’ pain levels. In conclusion, this study highlights differences in baropodometry and anthropometrics between sexes, with neck deviation and left knee angle identified as predictors of pain levels.