Browsing by Author "Couto, Nuno"
Now showing 1 - 10 of 18
Results Per Page
Sort Options
- Age and Sex Differences in Physical Activity of Portuguese Adults and Older AdultsPublication . Bento, T.; Mota, Maria Paula Gonçalves da; Vitorino, Anabela; Monteiro, Diogo; Cid, Luis; Couto, NunoThis study aims to explore data on objectively measured physical activity from a sample of adults and older adults and to investigate the achievement of the minimum physical activity required for health benefits. Participants, 257 women (age 58.99 ± 18.93 years, BMI 26.75 ± 4.57 kg·m−2) and 178 men (age 49.22 ± 20.39 years, BMI 26.81 ± 3.51 kg·m−2), wore an accelerometer for 4 to 7 days. Approximately 40% of the time was spent daily in sedentary behaviors during waking hours. Our results do not sustain the suggestion that adult men are more physically active than women. The results indicated a decrease in intensity of physical activity with age, in men and women, but not in successive age groups. Around 75% of adults and 30% of older adults accumulated the minimum daily physical activity for health benefits, in periods shorter than 10 min, above moderate intensity. The number of steps taken per day revealed that most men and women (except the oldest) attained or exceeded the lower threshold for deriving health benefits. To obtain relevant health benefits, future physical activity interventions should aim at reversing the amount of sedentary behaviors, emphasizing increments in, at least, the lower levels of PA, and maintaining walking habits.
- Un análisis conductual de los predictores de la adherencia al ejercicio y su impacto económico en el contexto del fitnessPublication . Antunes, Raul; Susano Jacinto, Miguel Ângelo; Matos, Rui; Morquecho Sánchez, Raquel; Amaro, Nuno; Cid, Luis; Couto, Nuno; Santos Teixeira, Diogo; Monteiro, DiogoEste estudio pretendía examinar la relación entre las percepciones de los clientes sobre los comportamientos de los fisiólogos del ejercicio, los tipos de motivación y su influencia posterior en la adherencia al ejercicio durante un periodo de seis meses. Además, evaluamos el impacto financiero del abandono de los clientes en los ingresos de los gimnasios durante este periodo. Métodos: Una muestra de 1.803 individuos (edades 18-54; M = 26,61, SD = 5,48) inscritos en gimnasios de todo Portugal participaron en este estudio. Resultados: Durante el periodo de seis meses, el 42% de los clientes cancelaron sus abonos, lo que supuso una pérdida de ingresos mensual estimada de 28.659,60 euros al final del sexto mes. Acumulativamente, los gimnasios experimentaron una pérdida total de ingresos de 110.393,27 euros durante el periodo de estudio. Conclusiones: Los hallazgos sugieren que los comportamientos de apoyo a las necesidades por parte de los fisiólogos se asocian positivamente con la motivación autónoma, que a su vez promueve la adherencia al ejercicio a largo plazo. Por el contrario, los comportamientos que frustran las necesidades están relacionados con la motivación controlada, que afecta negativamente al mantenimiento del ejercicio. Estos datos ponen de relieve la importancia de las estrategias de motivación tanto para la retención de clientes como para la sostenibilidad financiera de los gimnasios.
- Analysing the Relation between Passion, Motivation, and Subjective Well-Being in Sport: A Systematic ReviewPublication . Bento, T.; Vitorino, Anabela; Cid, Luis; Monteiro, Diogo; Couto, NunoBoth the Dualistic Model of Passion and Self-Determination Theory suggest that the persistence of a behaviour over time derives from the internalisation of the passion or motivation that the individual feels about the activity. However, the integration of these theoretical assumptions may lead to a better understanding of related outcomes, in particular on subjective well-being (SWB). In this context, this study aimed at systematically reviewing the relation between passion, behaviour regulation (i.e., self-determined motivation), and SWB in sport. The PRISMA 2020 protocol was used to guide the systematic review. Electronic searches were conducted in the Web of Science database and Pubmed. The following descriptors were used: SWB; passion; motivation; behavioural regulation; and sport. After the search, 12 studies were retrieved for analysis that show us the following results tendencies: harmonious passion (HP) and autonomous motivation (AM) (i.e., more self-determined forms of behaviour regulation) are positively related to SWB (i.e., life satisfaction and positive affect), while obsessive passion (OP) and controlled motivation (CM) (i.e., less self-determined forms of behaviour regulation) are negatively associated with SWB. However, no studies were found to simultaneously analyse the three theoretical constructs. These results show us the importance of developing conditions in sport contexts that promote positive feelings that take into account athletes’ development of harmonious passion and self-determined behaviour regulation, in order to achieve higher levels of well-being. Nevertheless, these results also lead us to the necessity for more studies to highlight the theoretical link between passion and motivation in the context of sport, especially regarding the mediating role of motivation in the relationship between passion and well-being.
- Analysis of the Effect of Different Physical Exercise Protocols on Depression in Adults: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled TrialsPublication . Correia, Érica M.; Monteiro, Diogo; Bento, T.; Rodrigues, Filipe; Cid, Luis; Vitorino, Anabela; Figueiredo, Nuno; Teixeira, Diogo; Couto, NunoContext:Physical exercise (PE) is an effective treatment for depression, alone or as an adjunct. Objective:There is a lack of indicators regarding the frequency, intensity, duration, and type of physical exercise (PE). This study aims to synthesize and analyze the dose-effect of different PE protocols in adult subjects in the treatment of depression, based on the analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Data Sources:The search was conducted using Web of Science, PubMed, and Cochrane Library electronic databases. Study Selection:Studies with an exercise-based intervention published by December 31, 2021 were identified. RCTs and meta-analyses involving adults with depression were also included; 10 studies were selected, including a total of 956 subjects. Study Design:Systematic review and meta-analysis. Level of Evidence:Level 1. Results:Effect sizes were summarized using standardized mean differences (95% confidence interval) by effected randomized models. The results reinforce that exercise appears to be beneficial in improving depression among adults aged 18 to 65 years. Interventions lasting above 150 minutes per week of moderate intensity and group interventions seem to have a more significant effect on reducing depression. Studies have revealed that aerobic exercise, compared with resistance or flexibility, has a more positive effect on depression. Conclusion:PE can be a way to reduce depression and can be used as a possible adjunctive tool for pharmacological and/or alternative treatments. Considering the findings of this study, it is important that health professionals (eg, exercise physiologists, physicians, nurses, psychologists) promote the practice of PE as a complementary alternative and act early to prevent the worsening of depression.
- Application of the hierarchical model of intrinsic and extrinsic motivation in the context of exercise: a systematic reviewPublication . Viveiros, Bernardo; Jacinto, Miguel; Antunes, Raul; Matos, Rui; Amaro, Nuno; Cid, Luis; Couto, Nuno; Monteiro, DiogoGiven the increase in sedentary lifestyles and physical inactivity, various psychosocial approaches have been used to combat this epidemic. Several studies have used Self-Determination Theory (SDT) as a theoretical framework for studying behavioral change, as well as the Hierarchical Model of Intrinsic and Extrinsic Motivation (HMIEM) which, based on SDT, aims to explain how different levels of generality can be responsible for behavioral consequences. The aim was to investigate the associations between the variables that make up the HMIEM model applied to the context of physical exercise (gym exercisers). Following the PRISMA protocol and the PECOS strategy, the Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, and SPORTDiscus atabases were used to search for experimental and non-experimental studies written in English. Seven studies were considered for analysis and subjected to a methodological quality assessment The results showed that the variables that make up the social factors (e.g., supportive/thwarting behaviors) tend to be associated with satisfaction of basic psychological needs (BPN) (r = 0.51, p < 0.01; r = −0.73, p < 0.01) and with frustration of BPN (r = −0.39, p < 0.01; r = 0.78, p < 0. 01), BPN satisfaction and frustration tend to be associated with autonomous forms of motivation (r = 0.57, p < 0.01; r = −0.63, p < 0.01) and controlled forms of motivation (r = −0.76, p < 0.01; r = 0.46, p < 0.01) and autonomous and controlled forms of motivation are associated with behavioral consequences (e.g., intention) (r = 0.19, p < 0.01; r = −0.17, p < 0.01). This systematic review covers interpersonal behaviors and the bright and dark sides of SDT, showing that the positive alignment between the psychosocial determinants that make up the horizontal axis of the HMIEM is fundamental for adherence to and maintenance of sustainable physical exercise practices, and future studies should now address these issues in a longitudinal manner and perhaps move on to study the vertical axis of the HMIEM.
- Assessment in Sport and Exercise Psychology: Considerations and Recommendations for Translation and Validation of QuestionnairesPublication . Cid, Luis; Monteiro, Diogo; Teixeira, Diogo Santos; Evmenenko, Anastasiia; Andrade, Ana; Bento, Teresa; Vitorino, Anabela; Couto, Nuno; Rodrigues, FilipeTranslating and validating measurement instruments in sport and exercise psychology is not an easy task. Rather, it is a task that requires effort and time, for the process is not limited to a simple translation to translate words from one language to another, just in order to make valid and reliable measure. All researchers should be aware that the only proper way is to adopt rigorous and robust methodologies to conduct the process from the preliminary stage of translation to reaching the validation stage of the psychological variable. Only so is it possible to avoid creating fragile and inadequate psychological assessment instruments that can jeopardize the entire investigation to be held with its use. Thus, the main objective of this work is to promote reflection and discussion on the subject by presenting some considerations and recommendations about translation and validation of questionnaires for psychological assessment applied to sport and exercise domain.
- Behavioral regulation in sport questionnaire and sport motivation scale-II: a scale comparisonPublication . Bica, Joana; Susano Jacinto, Miguel Ângelo; Matos, Rui; Amaro, Nuno; Antunes, Raul; Couto, Nuno; Cid, Luis; Forte, Pedro; Monteiro, DiogoIntroduction: This study compared the psychometric properties of two primary instruments for assessing sport motivation based on Self-Determination Theory: the Sport Motivation Scale-II (SMS-II) and the Behavioral Regulation in Sport Questionnaire (BRSQ). Methods: A cross-sectional analysis evaluated the scales’ internal consistency, factor structure, convergent and discriminant validity, and model fit, which required post-hoc modifications. Measurement invariance and adherence to the theoretical simplex pattern were also tested. Results: The BRSQ demonstrated generally acceptable reliability, while the SMS-II showed deficiencies in its introjected, external, and amotivation subscales. Both scales faced validity challenges in distinguishing adjacent motivational constructs. Although measurement invariance was supported, correlations deviated from the theoretical quasi-simplex pattern. Discussion: The BRSQ appears more robust, but neither scale is flawless. Researchers must select instruments aligned with their specific objectives and interpret scores cautiously due to these psychometric limitations. This underscores the need for refined tools to better capture the dynamic complexity of motivation in sports.
- Conteúdo dos Objetivos para a Prática de Exercício Físico e Vitalidade Subjetiva na População Idosa - Análise de Medição das Necessidades Psicológicas BásicasPublication . Couto, Nuno; Antunes, Raul; Monteiro, Diogo; Vitorino, Anabela; Cid, LuisEste estudo teve como objetivo compreender a associação entre os conteúdos dos objetivos para a prática de atividade física e a vitalidade subjetiva numa população idosa portuguesa, bem como analisar o efeito de medição das necessidades psicológicas básicas (NPB). Recorreu-se a uma amostra de 299 idosos (234 femininos, 65 masculinos), residentes em Portugal continental, com idades compreendidas entre os 60 e os 90 anos (M=68.43; SD=6.48) e procedeu-se a uma análise de medição simples através do modelo quatro do Process Macro para o SPSS versão 3.5. Através dos resultados obtidos verificou-se que todos os objetivos apresentam uma associação significativa com a satisfação global das NPB e com a vitalidade subjetiva (neste caso, com exceção do objetivo reconhecimento social). Verificou-se ainda que as NPB medeiam a relação entre o conteúdo dos objetivos para a prática de atividade física, saúde, desenvolvimento de capacidades, imagem e a vitalidade subjetiva.
- Effect of different types of exercise in adult subjects with fibromyalgia: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised clinical trialsPublication . Couto, Nuno; Monteiro, Diogo; Cid, Luis; Bento, TeresaExercise has been recommended for fibromyalgia treatment. However, doubts related to exercise benefits remain unclear. The objective of this study was to summarise, through a systematic review with meta-analysis, the available evidence on the effects of aerobic, resistance and stretching exercise on pain, depression, and quality of life. Search was performed using electronic databases Pubmed and Cochrane Library. Studies with interventions based on aerobic exercise, resistance exercise and stretching exercise published until July 2020 and updated in December 2021, were identified. Randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses involving adults with fibromyalgia were also included. Eighteen studies were selected, including a total of 1184 subjects. The effects were summarised using standardised mean differences (95% confidence intervals) by random effect models. In general, aerobic exercise seems to reduce pain perception, depression and improves quality of life; it also improves mental and physical health-related quality of life. Resistance exercise decreases pain perception and improves quality of life and moreover improves the physical dimension of health-related quality of life. It was also observed that resistance exercise appears to have a non-significant positive effect on depression and the mental dimension of health-related quality of life. Studies revealed that stretching exercise reduces the perception and additionally improves quality of life and health-related quality of life. However, a non-significant effect was observed on depression. We conclude that exercise may be a way to reduce depression, and pain and improve the quality of life in adult subjects with fibromyalgia and should be part of the treatment for this pathology.
- Effects of Exercise on Quality of Life in Subjects with Alzheimer’s Disease: Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical TrialsPublication . Mendes, Mariana; Correia, Érica; Vitorino, Anabela; Rodrigues, José; Cid, Luis; Bento, T.; Antunes, Raul; Monteiro, Diogo; Couto, NunoAlzheimer’s disease is a type of dementia that progressively affects memory, thinking, and behavior. It can interfere with daily activities and lead to a decline in cognitive abilities over time. Exercise-based interventions can complement Alzheimer’s disease treatment. Exercise is a valuable tool in all healthcare settings and has shown promise as an effective cognitive improvement intervention for people with cognitive impairments. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to analyze the effect of physical exercise on the QoL of subjects with Alzheimer’s disease. A search was performed with the help of the electronic databases PubMed and Web of Science. Randomized controlled trials with exercise-based interventions were selected. Four studies met the inclusion criteria, which included interventions based on exercise. The effects were summarized using standardized mean differences (95% confidence intervals) using random-effect models. The results showed that exercise had no significant effect on the QoL of subjects with Alzheimer. Thus, the effect of exercise interventions on the QoL of patients with Alzheimer’s disease is not conclusive. More research is needed about this topic and the way in which the QoL is assessed; the necessity to conduct an objective way to assess the QoL in this population is mandatory.