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- Variability of energy cost in breaststroke technique: a systematic reviewPublication . Alves, Miriam; Barbosa, Tiago M.; Vilas-Boas, João PauloThis study aimed to synthesise the body of knowledge on kinematics, active drag and energetics determinants of energy cost variability in the breaststroke technique. Methodological procedures considering the standards for systematic reviews according to the ‘“Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses”’ were employed. Searches were conducted in four prominent databases. A total of 1,464 articles were identified, of which 201 met the eligibility criteria. After evaluation, 73 articles were included for synthesis in this review. The included studies had a mean score (± SD) of 9.14 ± 1.76 points regarding the quality assessment. The present review identified three distinct domains of variables: kinematics (including stroke kinematics and coordination parameters), active drag, and energetics. The findings underscored the pivotal role of stroke kinematics, including stroke rate, stroke length, stroke index, and intra-cyclic variations of velocity, in influencing energy cost during breaststroke swimming. Additionally, the analysis highlighted the significance of propulsive and non-propulsive phases, arm-to-leg timing, and buoyancy in breaststroke technique. Notably, breaststroke exhibited higher values of active drag, frontal area, and energy cost, while maintaining lower velocity compared to other swimming techniques. Overall, this synthesis of literature highlights the holistic nature of energy cost in breaststroke swimming.
- Relationship Between Quality of Life, Level of Physical Activity, Physical Fitness, and Body Composition on the Academic Performance of High School Students in an Integrated Educational SystemPublication . Gazolla, Jeann C.; Ferreira-Júnior, João; Encarnação, Samuel; Schneider, André; Monteiro, António M.; Teixeira, José Eduardo; Forte, Pedro; Oliveira, João P.; Borba, Diego; Costa, Carlos M.; Vieira, Carlos A.Adolescence is a critical period for the development of physical and cognitive health. Understanding how lifestyle and physical health parameters relate to academic performance and quality of life may inform school-based interventions. Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between physical activity level (PAL), quality of life (QoL), physical fitness (PF), strength, speed and agility, body composition, and academic performance (AP) in high school students. Research Design: A cross-sectional, correlational study using multiple linear regression models to assess predictive relationships. Study Sample: 365 students (aged 16.93 ± 0.94 years) participated in the study. Data Collection and Analysis: Evaluations included Body Mass Index (BMI); PAL; QoL; PF (handgrip strength, countermovement vertical jump, and agility); and AP. A multiple linear regression was conducted using AP as the dependent variable, with BMI, jump performance, agility, handgrip strength, and PAL scores as predictors. Five additional multiple linear regressions were performed, each with a QoL domain as the dependent variable, and the same set of predictors as in the AP model. Participants’ age and sex were included as covariates in all models. Results: Significant predictive capacity was observed for AP (F = 2.22, p = .028, R = 0.31, R2 = 0.093) and two QoL domains: physical health (F = 2.32, p = .021, R = 0.28, R2 = 0.079) and psychological health (F = 2.32 and p = .021, R = 0.28, R2 = 0.079); however, with weak correlation coefficients (0.2 ≤ R <0.4). Only jump performance and age significantly affected the AP model (β = 0.038, p = .014) and the psychological health domain model (β = 0.48, p = .018). Conclusions: The predictors explained 9.3% of the variance in AP and 7.9% of the variance in physical health and psychological health in QoL domains, suggesting that additional factors (e.g., socioeconomic status, dietary habits) may play a role. The findings highlight the importance of multifactorial approaches in future research.
- Translation, Cross-Cultural Adaptation, and Validation of the Measure of Intermittent and Constant Osteoarthritis Pain (ICOAP) Measure into Brazilian Portuguese for Individuals with Knee OsteoarthritisPublication . Santana, Gabriela Nascimento de; Santos, Patrícia Gabrielle dos; Leite, Luciano Bernardes; Forte, Pedro; Teixeira, José Eduardo; Veneroso, Christiano Eduardo; Dibai-Filho, Almir Vieira; Fidelis-de-Paula-Gomes, Cid AndréA comprehensive understanding of chronic pain is crucial for assessing its impact on knee osteoarthritis (KOA). This study aimed to translate, cross-culturally adapt, and validate the ICOAP into Brazilian Portuguese for individuals with KOA. Methods: A total of 133 individuals with KOA participated. Phase 1 involved the translation and cross-cultural adaptation of the ICOAP into Brazilian Portuguese. In Phase 2, the pre-final version was tested, and in Phase 3, the final version was validated with 103 participants. Convergent validity was assessed using Spearman's correlation with the Numeric Rating Pain Scale (NRPS), the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC), and the Short Form 36 Health Survey (SF-36). Internal structure was evaluated through exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses using fit indices: chi-square/degrees of freedom (chi 2/df), root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA), standardized root mean square residual (SRMR), comparative fit index (CFI), and Tucker-Lewis index (TLI). Internal consistency was assessed with Cronbach's alpha (alpha), and floor and ceiling effects were examined. A subsample of 53 participants was used to assess test-retest reliability through the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), standard error of measurement (SEM), and minimum detectable change (MDC). Results: The ICOAP showed adequate fit indices. Reliability analysis demonstrated satisfactory internal consistency and test-retest reliability. However, only the constant pain domain exhibited convergent validity. Conclusions: The Brazilian Portuguese version of the ICOAP consists of two independent domains with good internal consistency and reliability. However, only the constant pain domain showed appropriate convergent validity.
- Multicomponent Exercise and Functional Fitness: Strategies for Fall Prevention in Aging WomenPublication . Schneider, André; Leite, Luciano Bernardes; Teixeira, José Eduardo; Forte, Pedro; Barbosa, Tiago M.; Monteiro, António M.Aging is associated with physiological changes that increase the risk of falls, impacting functional independence and quality of life. Multicomponent exercise training has emerged as an effective strategy for mitigating these risks by enhancing strength, balance, flexibility, and aerobic capacity. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a 30-week multicomponent training program on functional fitness and fall prevention in older women. A parallel, single-blind randomized controlled trial was conducted with 40 participants (aged ≥ 65 years), divided into an exercise group and a control group. The intervention combined strength, balance, coordination, and aerobic training, following international exercise guidelines for older adults. Functional fitness was assessed using validated tests, including the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, lower limb strength, flexibility, and aerobic endurance measures. Results demonstrated significant improvements in the intervention group, particularly in TUG performance (p < 0.001), lower limb strength (p < < 0.001), and flexibility (p < 0.05), indicating enhanced mobility and reduced fall risk. These findings reinforce the importance of structured, multicomponent training programs for aging populations, particularly women, who experience greater musculoskeletal decline due to menopause-related hormonal changes. Future research should explore long-term retention of benefits and optimize intervention strategies. This study highlights the critical role of tailored exercise programs in promoting active aging, improving functional capacity, and reducing healthcare burdens associated with fall-related injuries.
- Women in the triathlon—the differences between female and male triathletes: a narrative reviewPublication . Loosli, Michèle; Nikolaidis, Pantelis Theo; Scheer, Volker; Wilhelm, Matthias; Forte, Pedro; Andrade, Marilia Santos; Rosemann, Thomas; Duric, Sasa; Cuk, Ivan; Knechtle, BeatTriathlon events have gained popularity in recent years. With the increasing participation of women, aspects that influence performance and physiology, as well as differences between women and men, are of interest to athletes and coaches. A review of the existing literature concerning differences between women and men in triathlon is lacking. Therefore, this narrative review aimed to compare female and male triathletes in terms of participation, performance, and the different influences on performance (e.g., physiology, age, pacing, motivation). A literature search was conducted in PubMed and Scopus using the search terms "female triathletes", "women in triathlon", "triathlon AND gender difference", and "triathlon AND sex difference". 662 articles were found using this search strategy, of which 147 were relevant for this review. All distances from sprint to ultra-triathlon (e.g., x-times IRONMAN (R) distance) were analyzed. Results: The results showed that the participation of female triathletes, especially female master triathletes increased over time. An improvement in the performance of female and older triathletes was observed at the different distances in the last decades. Sex differences in performance varied across distances and in the three disciplines. Female triathletes showed a significantly lower VO2max and higher lactate thresholds compared to men. They also had a higher body fat percentage and lower body mass. The age for peak performance in the IRONMAN (R) triathlons is achieved between 25 and 39 years for both women and men. Strong predictors of IRONMAN (R) race performance in both female and male triathletes include achieving a personal best time in a marathon and a previous best time in triathlon races. Further studies need to balance the representation of female and male athletes in study cohorts to ensure that findings are relevant to both sexes. Another research gap that should be addressed by future studies is the effect of menstruation and female hormones, the presence of premenstrual syndrome, and the impact of pregnancy and childbirth on the triathlon performance to better understand the differences with men and to account for hormonal fluctuations in training.
- Swimming speed comparison between two distinct arm pulls during the butterfly swim strokePublication . Morais, J. E.; Marinho, D.A.; Neiva, Henrique P.; Moriyama, Shin-Ichiro; Barbosa, Tiago M.The aim of this study was to compare the butterfly swimming speed during the insweep phase of two distinct arm pull patterns. Ten national-level swimmers (5 males with 17.5 ±0.8-years and 5 females with 16.8±0.9-years) were analyzed while performing butterfly all-out trials based on two distinct arm-pull patterns (“bent” and “straight”). The “bent” armpull refers to the stroke kinematics they use to swim. The “straight” arm-pull refers to a more extended elbow than they used to swim. Based on discrete variables, swimming speed was faster in the “straight” than the “bent” arm-pull, but not significantly (p=0.546). Non-significant differences were also noted for the remaining discrete variables. Conversely, Statistical Parametric Mapping (SPM, continuous analysis) identified significant differences in swimming speed between ∼42% and ∼60% (insweep phase and the beginning of the upsweep phase; p=0.001), and ∼83% and ∼87% (halfway through the release and recovery, respectively; p=0.043) of the stroke cycle. SPM was more sensitive in identifying differences in swimming speed between arm pulls. Swimmers were faster while performing the “straight” arm pull than with the “bent” arm pull, predominately based on a faster swimming speed during the insweep phase.
- Associations Between Pain Intensity and Inflammatory Profile in Women with Android and Gynoid Obesity Diagnosed with Chronic Pain: An Observational StudyPublication . Cota, Cecília Cristina; Miranda-Castro, Stefani; Souza-Gomes, Antônio Felipe; Leite, Luciano Bernardes; Forte, Pedro; Monteiro, António M.; Pereira, William Valadares Campos; Moura, Samara Silva; Nunes-Silva, AlbenáThere are different types of obesity, and the metabolic conditions associated with these phenotypes are also heterogeneous. Overweight and obesity are not only associated with pain but are also identified as risk factors for the development of pain. Objective: This study aimed to compare the levels of inflammatory biomarkers, counting of immune cells, and chronic pain between android and gynoid female patients with obesity. Method: Thirty (n = 30) women took part in this study (18 androids, age: 50.61 +/- 9.41 and 12 gynoids, age: 50.67 +/- 9.45). The participants underwent anamnesis, Visual Numeric Scale (VNS), dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, and blood sampling for the analysis of leukocytes, C-reactive protein (CRP), and interleukin (IL)-6. Results: The number of total leukocytes in the blood was not different when comparing the android group (6045 mu L) with the gynoid group (5230 mu L). No differences were observed for neutrophils (3440 mu L in android and 3017 mu L in gynoid), lymphocytes (2208 mu L in android and 2115 mu L in gynoid), for monocytes (429.7 mu L in android and 392.8 mu L in gynoid), and basophils (17.27 mu L in android and 15.41 mu L in gynoid). However, there was a significant difference between the number of eosinophils when comparing the android group (137.6 mu L) with the gynoid group (204.9 mu L), p = 0.04. Although both groups presented CRP values above 0.3 mg/dL-indicative of low-grade inflammation-no statistically significant difference was observed. Similarly, no difference was found in pain intensity between groups, as measured by the Visual Numeric Scale (VNS). Conclusions: Although most inflammatory and pain markers did not differ between groups, the higher eosinophil count in the gynoid phenotype suggests immunological distinctions between obesity types. These findings underline the importance of considering body fat distribution in clinical assessments of inflammation and chronic pain in women with obesity.
- Child Rights-Based Pedagogy in Early Childhood Education: Insights from Portuguese EducatorsPublication . Ribeiro, Cristiana; Mesquita, Cristina; Hernández Beltrán, JuanPromoting children’s rights in early childhood education is internationally recognised as a priority, yet its practical implementation remains challenging. This qualitative study explored the perceptions of three early childhood educators in northern Portugal regarding children’s rights and how these are reflected in their practices. Guided by an interpretive paradigm, the study sought to understand participants’ beliefs through semi-structured interviews, conducted with full ethical compliance, including informed consent, withdrawal rights, and anonymity. Data were analysed using MAXQDA, through an inductively generated coding system. Findings indicate that educators acknowledge their vital role in upholding children’s rights and in fostering respectful learning environments. However, significant gaps were found in the realisation of the right to participation, with tensions between educators’ stated values and their described practices—particularly regarding children’s involvement in decision-making. A prevailing emphasis on protection often limited children’s autonomy and agency. The study highlights the complexities of translating policy frameworks, such as Portuguese legislation and the UNCRC, into consistent pedagogical action. Despite its small sample size, the study offers valuable insights into the barriers to implementing a rights-based pedagogy and underscores the need for enhanced educator training, active listening practices, and the recognition of play as a fundamental right.
- Políticas editoriales y conceptualización del álbum ilustrado en España: un estudio de bases de concursosPublication . Larragueta, Marta; Carballal Miñán, Patricia; Sobrino-Freire, Iria; Dotras Bravo, AlexiaThe research analyzes picturebook publishing awards in Spain between 2000 and 2023, examining their characteristics and dynamics through a comparative documentary analysis of 21 awards and 98 calls for submissions. The results reveal significant complexity in the publishing landscape. In the linguistic domain, 47% of the awards accept works in multiple languages, while 53% restrict submissions to a single language, which may be Spanish, Catalan, Basque, or Galician. Regarding technical requirements, a notable standardization was observed: most competitions require works between 22 and 40 pages, and 71% request a sketch. In the terminological analysis, the term "picturebook" predominates in 17 out of the 21 awards, and 15 provide conceptual definitions. The study identifies a core definition based on the complementarity between visual and verbal codes, with variations in the prioritization of these codes across different calls for submissions, and two competitions requiring only the text. The findings highlight the progressive legitimization of the picturebook as a distinctive publishing format in the contemporary Spanish landscape.
- Relationship Between Quality of Life, Level of Physical Activity, Physical Fitness, and Body Composition on the Academic Performance of High School Students in an Integrated Educational SystemPublication . Gazolla, Jeann C.; Ferreira-Júnior, João; Encarnação, Samuel; Schneider, André; Monteiro, António M.; Teixeira, José Eduardo; Forte, Pedro; Oliveira, João P.; Borba, Diego; Costa, Carlos Manuel Azevedo; Vieira, Carlos A.Adolescence is a critical period for the development of physical and cognitive health. Understanding how lifestyle and physical health parameters relate to academic performance and quality of life may inform school-based interventions. Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between physical activity level (PAL), quality of life (QoL), physical fitness (PF), strength, speed and agility, body composition, and academic performance (AP) in high school students. Research Design: A cross-sectional, correlational study using multiple linear regression models to assess predictive relationships. Study Sample: 365 students (aged 16.93 ± 0.94 years) participated in the study. Data Collection and Analysis: Evaluations included Body Mass Index (BMI); PAL; QoL; PF (handgrip strength, countermovement vertical jump, and agility); and AP. A multiple linear regression was conducted using AP as the dependent variable, with BMI, jump performance, agility, handgrip strength, and PAL scores as predictors. Five additional multiple linear regressions were performed, each with a QoL domain as the dependent variable, and the same set of predictors as in the AP model. Participants’ age and sex were included as covariates in all models. Results: Significant predictive capacity was observed for AP (F = 2.22, p = .028, R = 0.31, R2 = 0.093) and two QoL domains: physical health (F = 2.32, p = .021, R = 0.28, R2 = 0.079) and psychological health (F = 2.32 and p = .021, R = 0.28, R2 = 0.079); however, with weak correlation coefficients (0.2 ≤ R <0.4). Only jump performance and age significantly affected the AP model (β = 0.038, p = .014) and the psychological health domain model (β = 0.48, p = .018). Conclusions: The predictors explained 9.3% of the variance in AP and 7.9% of the variance in physical health and psychological health in QoL domains, suggesting that additional factors (e.g., socioeconomic status, dietary habits) may play a role. The findings highlight the importance of multifactorial approaches in future research.