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- Effects of High-Intensity Interval Training on Functional Fitness in Older AdultsPublication . Schneider, André; Leite, Luciano Bernardes; Santos, Fernando; Teixeira, José Eduardo; Forte, Pedro; Barbosa, Tiago M.; Monteiro, António M.The global increase in life expectancy has generated growing interest in strategies that support functional independence and quality of life among older adults. Functional fitness—including strength, mobility, flexibility, and aerobic endurance—is essential for preserving autonomy during aging. In this context, physical exercise, particularly High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT), has gained attention for its time efficiency and physiological benefits. This randomized controlled trial aimed to evaluate the effects of a group-based HIIT program on functional fitness in older adults. Functional outcomes were assessed before, during, and after a 65-week intervention using standardized field tests, including measures of upper and lower body strength, flexibility, aerobic endurance, and agility. This study was prospectively registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT07170579). Significant improvements were observed in the HIIT group across multiple domains of functional fitness compared to the control group, notably in upper body strength, lower limb flexibility, cardiorespiratory endurance, and mobility. These results suggest that HIIT is an effective and adaptable strategy for improving functional fitness in older adults, with the potential to enhance performance in daily activities and support healthy aging in community settings.
- The Effect of Flywheel Resistance Training on Executive Function in Older Women: A Randomized Controlled TrialPublication . Cota, Amanda dos Reis; Pérez Bedoya, Édison Andrés; Agostinho, Pablo Augusto Garcia; Leite, Luciano Bernardes; Schneider, André; Forte, Pedro; Monteiro, António M.; Branquinho, Luís; Teixeira, José Eduardo; Oliveira, Claudia Eliza Patrocínio de; Moreira, Osvaldo Costa; Carneiro-Júnior, Miguel AraújoExecutive function, which includes inhibitory control, working memory, and cognitive flexibility, tends to decline with aging. While traditional resistance training (TRT) has shown positive effects in mitigating these declines, limited evidence is available regarding flywheel resistance training (FRT). This study aimed to evaluate and compare the effects of TRT and FRT on executive function in older women. In this randomized controlled trial (clinicaltrials.gov NCT05910632), 29 older women were allocated into two groups: TRT (n = 15) and FRT (n = 14). The intervention lasted eight weeks with two weekly sessions conducted at the Federal University of Vi & ccedil;osa. The TRT group performed exercises using machines and free weights, while the FRT group used a multi-leg isoinertial device. Executive function was assessed using the Victoria Stroop Test (inhibitory control), Digit Span Test (working memory), and Trail Making Tests A and B (cognitive flexibility). Data were analyzed using a Multivariate Analysis of Covariance (p < 0.05). Results: No significant changes were observed in inhibitory control (p = 0.350). Working memory improved significantly within both groups in forward (p = 0.002) and backward (p = 0.002) span tasks. For cognitive flexibility, Trail Making Test A showed no significant changes (p > 0.05), but Test B showed significant within-group (p = 0.030) and between-group (p = 0.020) improvements. The B-A difference was also significant (p = 0.040). Both resistance training modalities enhanced working memory and cognitive flexibility. However, FRT produced greater improvements in cognitive flexibility, suggesting potential advantages in cognitive aging interventions.
- 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.
- 3D Analysis of the Initial and End Positions of an Active and Passive Prone Hip Extension Test and Its Correlation with Lower Limb Isokinetic Neuromuscular Function of College Students: A Pilot StudyPublication . Lumini, José; Hedirian, Benjamin; Fonseca, Pedro; Ribeiro, Andrea; Schneider, André; Monteiro, António M.; Vilas-Boas, João PauloManual therapists routinely evaluate changes in pain, movement, and function through clinical tests that support clinical reasoning. The Prone Hip Extension Test (PHET) is commonly used as a self-perturbation task to assess lumbopelvic control and hip motion patterns related to gait. Performing the PHET actively and passively may reveal how voluntary activation and passive structures influence joint kinematics and contribute to force production. This study aimed to compare active and passive PHET execution and investigate how initial (IP) and final hip positions (FP) correlate with lower-limb neuromuscular function. Methods: Seven healthy volunteers (24.3 ± 3.4 years; 173.1 ± 7.5 cm; 72.1 ± 9.5 kg) without musculoskeletal conditions participated. Hip kinematics were recorded using a 12-camera Qualisys Oqus system (200 Hz) with 22 reflective markers, processed in Qualisys Track Manager 2.13 and exported to Visual3D. Participants performed three PHET trials in both IP and FP, with mean angles considered for analysis. Knee isokinetic performance was assessed on a Biodex System 4 at 180◦/s and 300◦/s for flexion and extension. Results: Significant differences between active and passive PHET emerged in the FP for rotational movements bilaterally (p = 0.02) and in IP adduction/abduction for both hips (right p = 0.03; left p = 0.02). No side-to-side differences were observed. Passive FP of the right hip showed multiple significant correlations with isokinetic flexion and extension parameters at 180◦/s and 300◦/s, particularly with torque/body weight, acceleration and deceleration times, and agonist/antagonist ratios (ρ ranging from −0.86 to 0.90). Conclusions: Meaningful differences exist between active and passive PHET performance, especially in frontal-plane IP and rotational FP measures. Additionally, passive FP strongly correlates with several neuromuscular variables, suggesting that PHET kinematics may reflect lower-limb isokinetic function.
- Classification of dementia risk in the elderly through gait analysis with machine learning algorithmsPublication . Costa, Raí Braz; Almeida, Samuel Gonçalves; Encarnação, Samuel; Schneider, André; Barbosa, Tiago M.; Teixeira, José Eduardo; Forte, Pedro; Monteiro, António M.The irreversible and progressive decline of physiological functions is known as aging. Among these changes is brain aging, which leads to cognitive decline and the onset of dementia. This directly affects memory, learning, and motor skills, reducing gait efficiency. This study aimed to investigate the feasibility of identifying and classifying the risk of dementia based on the analysis of kinematic variables related to gait in older adults using machine learning algorithms. This cross-sectional observational study examined a sample of 59 individuals aged 60 +/- 8 years, divided into two groups: 26 institutionalized older adults (GI) and 33 non-institutionalized older adults (GNI), all residing in Bragan & ccedil;a, Portugal. Gait data were collected during a 10-m walk, recorded on video, and analyzed using Kinovea software. Cognitive status was assessed using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). Python (TM) was used for statistical analysis and to develop machine learning models to classify dementia risk based on gait variables. The results showed that the algorithmic models achieved an overall accuracy of 74.6%, with the AdaBoost algorithm performing best at 83.5%. Cross-validation revealed an overall accuracy of 72%, with the Support Vector Machine (SVM) classifier achieving the highest individual performance at 80%, correctly classifying 80% of cases across different data subsets. In conclusion, gait analysis combined with machine learning algorithms demonstrated a strong relationship between gait variables and dementia, proving to be a safe and efficient technique for dementia classification. This approach offers a low-cost and accessible early identification and intervention method, with potential applications in clinical and public health settings.
- Strong Bones: Promoção da Saúde Óssea e a Qualidade de Vida em Mulheres Pós-menopáusicasPublication . Schneider, André; Monteiro, A.M.; Barbosa, Tiago M.Introdução: A menopausa é um período marcado por alterações hormonais significativas que impactam a saúde óssea, funcionalidade e qualidade de vida de mulheres. A redução nos níveis de estrogênio acelera a perda de densidade mineral óssea (DMO) e aumenta o risco de sarcopenia e quedas, comprometendo a independência funcional. Nesse contexto, programas de treino multicomponente surgem como estratégias eficazes para mitigar esses efeitos adversos, combinando exercícios de força, aeróbicos, de equilíbrio e flexibilidade. Estudos anteriores indicam que essa abordagem integrada pode promover adaptações osteomusculares importantes, melhorar a capacidade funcional e elevar a percepção de qualidade de vida. Objetivo: O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar os efeitos de um programa de treino multicomponente sobre a densidade mineral óssea, a aptidão funcional e a qualidade de vida de mulheres pós-menopáusicas, comparando os resultados com um grupo controle sem intervenção. Métodos: Foi realizado um estudo experimental controlado com 40 mulheres pósmenopáusicas, divididas em dois grupos: um grupo de intervenção, submetido a um programa de treino multicomponente por 30 semanas, e um grupo controle, sem intervenção. A densidade mineral óssea foi avaliada por densitometria óssea (DXA), enquanto a qualidade de vida foi medida utilizando o questionário WHOQOL-Bref. A aptidão funcional foi avaliada por meio de testes específicos para força muscular, flexibilidade e equilíbrio. A análise estatística incluiu ANOVA Mista para verificar variações significativas entre os grupos. Resultados: Os resultados revelaram interações significativas entre grupo e momento para as variáveis de força muscular (membros superiores e inferiores), flexibilidade, resistência aeróbica e domínios físico e psicológico da qualidade de vida (p < 0,001). A massa magra também apresentou interação significativa (p = 0,043), sugerindo efeitos específicos da intervenção sobre a composição corporal. Por outro lado, não foram observadas interações significativas para a densidade mineral óssea total, T-score e Zscore, indicando que os efeitos do treino foram mais evidentes na funcionalidade e qualidade de vida do que na estrutura óssea. Conclusão: O treino multicomponente mostrou-se eficaz para melhorar a densidade mineral óssea, a aptidão funcional e a qualidade de vida de mulheres pós-menopáusicas. Esses achados sugerem que a implementação de programas multicomponentes em IX ambientes clínicos e comunitários pode ser uma estratégia valiosa para mitigar os efeitos negativos da menopausa, promovendo um envelhecimento mais saudável e ativo.
- Multicomponent Exercise and Functional Fitness: Strategies for Fall Prevention in Aging WomenPublication . Schneider, André; Luciano Bernardes Leite; 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.
- Impact of multicomponent physical exercise and high-intensity interval training on osteoporosis in postmenopausal women: protocol for a systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trialsPublication . Monteiro, António M.; Schneider, André; Encarnação, Samuel; Forte, Pedro; Barbosa, Tiago M.; Pecos-Martín, DanielOsteoporosis is a progressive degenerative bone condition leading to increased fracture risk. Therefore, osteoporosis acknowledges around 200 million cases, with about 70% of the cases occurring in postmenopausal women. Medicaments are often suggested to treat osteoporotic conditions, but physical exercise also plays an essential role. The current literature highlights multicomponent training (MCT) and high-intensity and high-impact exercises as physical exercise interventions that positively affect postmenopausal women’s bone health. Furthermore, there is prior evidence of systematic reviews about the positive effects of both methods on the bone health of this population. Despite this prior evidence, no systematic reviews with metanalytic methods compare the effectiveness of the two interventions. The study will follow the guidelines of PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) and was registered at the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) under the registration number (CRD42024604930). This systematic review and meta-analysis will include only randomized controlled clinical trials (RCTs), which have verified the effects of one or both physical exercise methods on postmenopausal women’s bone mineral density (BMD). The systematic search will be implemented at eight electronic databases, namely PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science (WoS), EBSCO, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), Scopus, CINAHL, and SPORTDiscus, which will be used to retrieve the data of interest. The RCTs’ risk of bias (RoB) will be assessed with the RoB 2 Cochrane tool, and between-study heterogeneity will be checked through the analysis of Half-Cauchy distribution. Additionally, a network meta-analysis will be applied to compare the between-studies dose–response on the patients’ bone health. The final database search was completed on January 18, 2025.
- The Impact of Knee Braces on Plantar Pressure Distribution in Elderly Individuals: Implications for Fall Risk PreventionPublication . Lumini, José; Ribeiro, Andrea; Schneider, André; Monteiro, António M.; Sousa, JoãoFalls are a major public health concern in older adults, largely due to age-related declines in proprioception and postural control. Although knee braces are commonly prescribed to enhance joint stability and sensory feedback, their effects on plantar pressure distribution remain unclear; Thirteen community-dwelling older adults (mean age: 79.6 ± 3.2 years) participated in a repeated-measures study under three conditions: no brace, knee brace A, and knee brace B. Plantar pressure variables were assessed barefoot during quiet standing using a baropodometric platform. Conditions were compared using non-parametric Friedman tests; Significant differences were observed for left foot total surface area (p = 0.041) and left rearfoot surface area (p = 0.020). Compared with no brace, brace A increased plantar contact area, whereas brace B reduced it. No significant differences were found for pressure magnitude, load distribution, or right foot variables; Knee braces induce subtle, brace-specific and lateralized changes in plantar pressure distribution, potentially reflecting altered postural control strategies. Although limited to specific variables, these effects may be clinically relevant for fall risk assessment and individualized knee brace prescription in older adults.
- Associations Between Quality of Life, Functional Fitness, Body Composition, and Accelerometer-Measured Physical Activity in Postmenopausal Women: A Cross-Sectional StudyPublication . Schneider, André; Mendonça, Flavio Teresinho; Amaral, Letícia; Barbosa, Tiago M.; Forte, Pedro; Teixeira, José Eduardo; Monteiro, António M.Postmenopausal aging is accompanied by declines in functional fitness, changes in body composition, and increased osteoporosis risk, which may affect quality of life. Understanding how these factors interrelate is important for supporting healthy aging. To examine the associations between accelerometer-measured physical activity, functional fitness, DEXA-derived body composition and bone parameters, and quality of life in postmenopausal women. Methods: Forty community-dwelling postmenopausal women (68.7 ± 5.7 years) participated in this cross-sectional study. Physical activity was assessed using a wrist-worn accelerometer for seven days. Body composition and bone health were measured by DEXA, functional fitness by the Senior Fitness Test, and quality of life by the WHOQOL-BREF. Spearman correlations were applied. Associations were predominantly weak to moderate. Higher-intensity physical activity showed the strongest association with the Physical Health domain of quality of life (ρ ≈ 0.29). Total bone mineral density was also positively associated with perceived physical health (ρ ≈ 0.36). Adiposity was inversely related to light and lifestyle activity. Physical activity, functional fitness, body composition, and perceived physical health co-occur in postmenopausal women, supporting the relevance of promoting active lifestyles in this population.