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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.
- Protecção de dados pessoais em saúdePublication . Anes, Eugénia; Dias, J.F.; Oliveira, Mafalda; Silva, Maria Goreti; Vasconcelos, Patrício; Rodrigues, Pedro M.; Fernandes, SusanaO direito à intimidade da vida privada faz parte da moral e da vida sociedade, entando consagrado na Constituição da República Portuguesa (CRP)no 26º artigo. Entre dados pessoais e dados públicos há um limiar muito estreito no que toca à sua definição e, o seu trtamento deve ser feito licitamente, respeitando o pricípio da boa fé; deve ser pertinente, não excessivo e adequado consoante a finalidade para que são colhidos os dados. É fundamental que existam estruturas cada vez mais evoluidas e mais protegidas para evitar que se violem ou maltratem dados pessoais. As bases de dados informaticas surgiram na tentativa de acompanhar a evolução das novas técnologias que até hoje têm surgido, tal como tentar controlar o acesso de utilizadores, procurando preservar a privacidade dos utentes. A lei da protecção de dados pessoais menciona medidas específicas para o manuseamento de dados, que se aplicam também ao campo da saúde.
- Participation constraints in ski: measurement model validationPublication . Rodrigues, Pedro M.; Botelho, Jéssica; Sadio, Alexandre; Miguel-Dávila, José ÁngelAim of abstract/paper - research question Sport Participation (SP) is one of the most studied subjects among the available leisure and sport literature. SP has been studied from different perspectives. In this context, constraints represent a large proportion of the adopted approaches. Although these have been indiscriminately adopted, constraints approaches are particularly relevant in studies that focus on the general population or in non participants samples. This wide range of works opens the door to the identification of the main constraints and consequent suggestion of possible propositions to facilitate the overcoming of these barriers. The Spanish and Portuguese ski industries are at their early stages of development, due to the fact that these two countries are considered as popular tourism destination for mass summer vacation or as well known golf destinations. However, developments in the technology of the artificial snow production associated with the growing number of skiers, allowed the development of ski resorts in these countries. These ski centers could be the vehicle for economic development and prosperity for mountain areas, therefore contributing to the reduction of tourism seasonality, to the development of vast mountain areas and to the creation of employment, halting or slowing the migration flows. Despite the existence of several studies about leisure constraints, the studies about SP in ski, among non participants, are still scarce. Therefore, the main goal of the current study is to explore the constraints related to recreational ski participation, using the hierarchical model initially proposed by Crawford & Godbey, (1987). More specifically, as part of the ongoing investigation, at this stage to test the factorial structure of the measurement model proposed by Gilbert & Hudson (2000). Theoretical background or literature review Crawford, et al., (1991) proposed that leisure constraints are categorized into three hierarchically organized levels: intrapersonal, interpersonal, and structural. This is the most widely accepted theoretical framework for leisure constraints. However, works about ski participation do not fully support this model. Gilbert & Hudson (2000) and Andronikidis, Vassiliadis, Priporas, & Kamenidou (2007) suggest the existence of two factors or constraints categories (intrapersonal and structural constraints). Methodology, research design and data analysis The questionnaire, proposed by Gilbert & Hudson (2000), was translated into Portuguese and pre-tested. The 30 items questionnaire contained an explanation of the study’s purpose, along with the statements on constraints, the instrument asked about skiing experience, likelihood of skiing in the future, and general demographics. An invitation to participate in the study was emailed to 1000 member of the local academia of a small city located in the north of Portugal. This community was chosen due to its closeness to seven ski resorts, at a range of 300 Km (6 in Spain and one in Portugal). Data was collected from September 2011 until June 2012 and, at the moment, 207 answers were received. In this sample, 53% are male, age ranges from 19 to 62 (×=30,2), 69% are single, and 18% reported previous ski/snowboard participation.. Collected data was analyzed through factor analysis using maximum likelihood estimation and varimax rotation. Results, discussion and implications/conclusions Goodness of fit results did not confirm none of the previously mentioned models [Ȥ 2 =1354(403df) p=0,000; CFI=0,582; RMSA=0,103]. Consequently, the relational structure of the variables was evaluated by an exploratory factor analysis (EFA). EFA validity was considered good [KMO=0,821] and revealed three factors. Two factors perfectly match the structure proposed by Crawford, et al. (1991) and Andronikidis, et al. (2007). These were labeled accordingly as “intrapersonal” and “structural”. The third and new factor (that represented four items, all of them related to price) was labeled as “price”. Confirmatory factor analysis indicates that the Measurement Model (MM), in which all concepts are represented by four or more items, revealed itself as over- identified and displays acceptable goodness of fit values [Ȥ 2 =165 (87df) p=0,000; CFI=0,93; RMSA=0,063]. Summing up, the analysis partially supports the works by Crawford, et al. (1991) and Andronikidis, et al. (2007), identifying intrapersonal and structural constraints. Our results differ from previous studies in the identification of the additional factor “price”. From our point of view, this can result from several context specificities. The absence of the interpersonal constraints may result from a collectivistic local culture as in the case of Portugal and other Latin countries (Jesuino, 2002). Lastly, constraints related to price may possibly result from the fact that 60% of the sample is a student. Another possible contributor for the price dimension is the present European economical context which, in the case of Portugal, has caused the decrease of the average family total income. These conclusions demand additional theory tests in order to verify these results and sustain upcoming research questions.
- Lacsogram: a new EEG tool to diagnose Alzheimer's diseasePublication . Rodrigues, Pedro M.; Bispo, Bruno; Garrett, Carolina; Alves, Dílio; Teixeira, João Paulo; Freitas, Diamantino SilvaThis work proposes the application of a new electroencephalogram (EEG) signal processing tool - the lacsogram - to characterize the Alzheimer’s disease (AD) activity and to assist on its diagnosis at different stages: Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), Mild and Moderate AD (ADM) and Advanced AD (ADA). Statistical analyzes are performed to lacstral distances between conventional EEG subbands to find measures capable of discriminating AD in all stages and characterizing the AD activity in each electrode. Cepstral distances are used for comparison. Comparing all AD stages and Controls (C), the most important significances are the lacstral distances between subbands and (p=0.0014<0.05). The topographic maps show significant differences in parietal, temporal and frontal regions as AD progresses. Machine learning models with a leave-one-out cross-validation process are applied to lacstral/cepstral distances to develop an automatic method for diagnosing AD. The following classification accuracies are obtained with an artificial neural network: 95.55% for All vs All, 98.06% for C vs MCI, 95.99% for C vs ADM, 93.85% for MCI vs ADM-ADA. In C vs MCI, C vs ADM and MCI vs ADM-ADA, the proposed method outperforms the stateof- art methods by 5%, 1%, and 2%, respectively. In All vs All, it outperforms the state-of-art EEG and non-EEG methods by 6% and 2%, respectively. These results indicate that the proposed method represents an improvement in diagnosing AD.
- Quality management in sports tourismPublication . Rodrigues, Pedro M.; Valdunciel, Laura; Miguel-Dávila, José ÁngelResearch question: While quality management literature has addressed products and services separately, the founders of total quality presented this management philosophy as universally oriented. The purpose of this study is to empirically test the Deming management model (DMM). Research methods: We tested the proposed research model using structural equation modeling, based on data collected from golf courses and ski resorts, in three different countries. Results and findings: The results support the application of the model to services, in general, and sports tourism, in particular. Implications: Our conclusions reinforce the recognition of the method's effectiveness and identify the cause–effect patterns, within its basic scope, highlighting the importance of leadership in the success of a quality improvement program. Lastly, a discrepancy of this study is the incapability to support the relationship between continuous improvement and customer satisfaction. Nevertheless, the results should be interpreted while considering the presented limitations.
- Quality management in sport tourism organizations: empirical study proposalPublication . Rodrigues, Pedro M.; Miguel-Dávila, José ÁngelThe tourism industry has a growing importance among those activities that create wealth. This trend is recognized by political agents, business managers and the academic community. Sport and tourism seem to assume a symbiotic relation: On the one hand, Sport promotes Tourism through sport events, seminars, congresses and tourist destinations. On the other hand, Tourism promotes Sport by increasing the participation rate, facility building and infrastructure construction (Bouchet, Lebrun, & Auvergne, 2004; Gammon, 1997; Higham & Hinch, 2002; Pigeassou, Bui-Xuan, & Gleyse, 2003; Standeven & Knop, 1999). Global growing competition and ever-increasing customer’s expectations impel organizations that offer Sport Tourism services in the quest of higher quality and cost reduction. Total quality management (TQM) is a management system based on human resources, which aims the continuous progress in the service to the client at a lower cost (Hodggets, 1993). The concepts associated with the quality of service were not developed the same way as of those associated with the quality of tangible goods production. Literature based on the vision of the founding authors of the TQM is prolific in product quality management and nearly non existent in service quality management. Nevertheless, the theoretical base and the methods of the TQM allow its application in both industries, products and services (Anderson, Rungtusanatham, & Schroeder, 1994 ; Bell & Keys, 1998; Deming, 1986; Waldman, 1994). Quality management is a widely studied subject. Edwards Deming, widely accepted amongst his pears, is one of the most renowned authors in this area of knowledge. Despite global practical evidences of the efficiency of his methods and practices, empirical investigation on Deming’s model is still scarce (Fisher, Barfield, Li, & Mehta, 2005). Anderson et al., (1994) proposed a management model based on the methods and practices advocated by Deming (figure 1).
- Validation of StepTest4all for assessing cardiovascular capacity in young adultsPublication . Bragada, José A.; Bartolomeu, Raúl Filipe; Rodrigues, Pedro M.; Magalhães, Pedro; Bragada, João P.; Morais, J.E.Background: Cardiovascular capacity, expressed as maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max), is a strong predictor of health and fitness and is considered a key measure of physiological function in the healthy adult population. The purpose of this study was to validate a specific step test (StepTest4all) as an adequate procedure to estimate cardiovascular capacity in young adults. Methods: The sample was composed of 56 participants, including 19 women (aged 21.05 2.39 years, body mass = 57.50 6.64 kg, height = 1.62 0.05 m, body mass index = 22.00 2.92 kg/m2) and 37 men (aged 22.05 3.14 years, body mass = 72.50 7.73 kg, height = 1.76 0.07 m, body mass index = 23.34 2.17 kg/m2). Participants were included in one of the following groups: (i) the group used to predict the VO2max, and (ii) the group used to validate the prediction model. All participants performed the StepTest4all protocol. The step height and the intensity of the effort was determined individually. Heart rate and oxygen uptake were measured continuously during rest, effort, and recovery phases. The validation process included the following three stages: (i) mean data comparison, (ii) simple linear regression, and (iii) Bland–Altman analysis. Results: The linear regression retained, as significant predictors of the VO2max, sex (p < 0.001) and heart rate recovery for one minute (p = 0.003). The prediction equation revealed a high relationship between measurements (R2 = 63.0%, SEE = 5.58). The validation procedure revealed non-significant differences (p > 0.05) between the measured and estimated maximal oxygen uptake, high relationship (R2 = 63.3%), and high agreement with Bland–Altman plots. Thus, VO2max can be estimated with the formula: VO2max = 22 + 0.3 (HRR1min) + 12 (sex), where HRR1min is the magnitude of the HR decrease (bpm) in one minute immediately after the step was stopped, and sex: men = 1, women = 0. Conclusions: The StepTest4all is an adequate procedure to estimate cardiovascular capacity, expressed as VO2max, in young adults. In addition, it is possible to determine the qualitative level of cardiovascular capacity from the heart rate recovery for one minute, more specifically, poor: <20, moderate: 20 to 34, good: 35 to 49, and excellent: 50. This procedure has the benefit of being simple to apply and can be used by everyone, even at home, without specialist supervision.
- A Gamificação do turismo ativo na reserva da biosfera Meseta Ibérica: um caso para estudoPublication . Rodrigues, Pedro M.O Agrupamento Europeu de Cooperação Territorial resulta de uma parceria entre Portugal e Espanha, envolvendo 681.153 habitantyes, numa área de 11.326 km2
- Sports participation in higher education: an exploratory study on golfPublication . Rodrigues, Pedro M.; Garcês, João; Teixeira, José; Bento, Helena; Carvalho, Maria JoséThe Eurobarometer Sport and Physical Activity (2014) presents a Portuguese sports participation (36%) distant from the European average. In golf the national trend keeps up, observing a national participation rate among the lowest in Europe, less than 0.2% (KPMG, 2015). However, Portugal is systematically considered as a reference destination when it comes to golf tourism (KPMG, 2015). In this context, it is essential to study these asymmetries. In this case we decided to explore the golf among the higher education community. The choice is justified by the potential impact on participation associated with the expected buying power. Data collection was conducted through self-determined questionnaire (Theodorakis, Alexandris, Rodriguez, & Sarmento, 2004). The invitation to participate was sent via email and resulted in 258 valid responses [55% male, age (18- 57)]. The descriptive analysis of the, convenience, sample established that sport participation rate is 84.8% (one or more times per week). The intensity practice is mostly considered to be "moderate" (28.2%) to "high" (22.8%). Football (41.5%) and running (38.8%) are the most widely practiced. The main constraints to the practice are the "lack of time" (70.5%) and "lack of infrastructure near the residence" (20.9%). At the same time, 68.2% of respondents the desire for more regular sports activities. Among the not practiced, the modalities ski/snowboarding (22.9%) and tennis (19%) appear as the preferred. In the case of golf a insignificant rate is observed (1.2%), yet a significant potential demand, 6.6%. When asked specifically about the possibility to practice golf, 34.6% of respondents indicate that is likely or very likely to practice this sport in the time frame of 3 to 5 years. It is concluded that sports participation rate of the sample is high, but the same was not true for golf. The study shows that golf has a high potential demand which must be considered by managers and academics.
- El rol mediador del aprendizaje entre el liderazgo y la realización del trabajadorPublication . Miguel-Dávila, José Ángel; Martín Sanchez, Miryam; Rodrigues, Pedro M.Built upon the perspective of Total Quality Management on sport organizations, this paper seeks to provide the scarce existent literature with an alternative to the classical relationships between constructs. Specifically, we proposed a direct relationship between Visionary Leadership and Employee Fulfillment and that this relation is mediated by Organizational Learning. Design/methodology/approach: Online questionnaire to the directors of the golf courses in Spain and Portugal which are leading countries in this tourism, segment. The sample is composed by 132 companies. Findings and originality/value: Concerning the first objective, the results show a direct and significant relationship between visionary leadership and employee fulfilment. Regarding the second objective, organizational learning is identified as a partial mediator of this relationship. It means, the leader does not only influence in employees throughout organizational learning, but the leader also transfers her or his vision directly to employees Research limitations/implications: The main limitation of this research is common to previous studies: all participants belong to the same industry, sport tourism. That restricts the results’ generalization to other service industries. Originality/value: On one hand, the objective which relates to two variables of the model is a first-time contribution, since the study of additional relationships to the Deming Management Model has rarely been contrasted from the perspective of TQM. On the other hand, the context in which this new relationship is contrasted, golf courses, helps to generate quality literature on sports centres as well as to increase the applicability of the TQM model to relationships among the various services.