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- Long-term effects of multicomponent training on body composition and physical fitness in breast cancer survivors: a controlled studyPublication . Encarnação, Samuel; Schneider, André; Encarnação, Roberto Gonçalves; Leite , Luciano Bernardes; Forte, Pedro; Fernandes, Hélder; Monteiro, António M.Multicomponent training is suggested as an efficient way to address the side effects of long-term treatment in breast cancer survivors and reduce the age-related relapse risk in these patients. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of a multicomponent training intervention on breast cancer survivors’ physical fitness and body composition. This experimental and controlled study included 19 breast cancer survivors with 64.0 ± 8.6 years, to evaluate long-term effects (32 weeks) of multicomponent training on body composition [body weight (kg), body mass index, body fat (%), lean mass (kg), body water (%), basal metabolism (Kcal) and visceral fat (index)] and physical fitness [Upper limb strength (repetitions), lower limb strength (repetitions), upper limb flexibility (cm), lower limb flexibility (cm), dynamic balance (seconds), and aerobic fitness (repetitions)]. Bayesian statistical tests were employed to analyze the reduced dataset size, considering a Bayes factor ≥ 10 as the cutoff for significant differences. Hierarchical clustering identified participant improvements using Manhattan distance, and clusters were ranked by responsiveness. After 32 weeks, the experimental group showed significant reductions in body weight (Δ = − 1.67 kg; BF = 15.15; Cohen’s d = 0.19) and body fat percentage (Δ = − 3.99%; BF = 34.87; Cohen’s d = 0.73), while no relevant changes were observed in the control group. Improvements were also observed in upper limb strength (Δ = + 14.14 reps; BF = 1022.02; Cohen’s d = 3.45), strength in the surgically affected arm (Δ = + 13.57 reps; BF = 121.39; Cohen’s d = 2.37), lower limb strength (Δ = + 7.86 reps; BF = 206.55; Cohen’s d = 2.24), and aerobic fitness (Δ = + 97.57 reps; BF = 157.28; Cohen’s d = 0.10). Flexibility and dynamic balance also improved, with moderate to large effect sizes. The multicomponent physical exercise program effectively improved all physical fitness variables but was limited in body composition, exposing improvements only in body weight and % body fat. The intervention did not cause any side effects or injury to the participants
- 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 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.
- 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.
- 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.