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- Could motor intervention programs have a positive association with the motor competence of children with typical development aged 6 to 10 years? – A Systematic ReviewPublication . Lopes, Nataniel; Matos, Rui; Jacinto, Miguel; Monteiro, Diogo; Ibáñez, SergioMotor competence plays a significant role in predicting physical activity in the youth and is an integral component of youth health and performance. The motor competence interact with physical activity during early childhood. This study aimed to synthesise evidence on the associations between motor competence and physical activity, training/sports practice, and physical education in children. The review was registered in International Register of Systematic Reviews and carried out in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines and the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations framework. Twelve thousand one hundred and eighty-nine articles were found in the following databases: PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus. After the screening phase, the selection was reduced to 18 studies, all of which were randomised clinical trials that used validity and reliability methods, according to the eligibility criteria. The studies included a total sample of 2,858 children aged 6–10 years. As the analysis of the articles revealed, that all the intervention programs were beneficial for the development of motor competence, regardless of program (duration of program, weekly frequency and session duration) and instrument, as a proposal for the future, and based on the results of our research, it is proposing an intervention programme lasting 8 to 12 weeks, with sessions lasting 45 to 60 minutes and 2–3 times a week. The Test of Gross Motor Development, version 2, Test of Gross Motor Development Version 3 or KörperKoordinations Test für Kinder could be used as the proposed instrument for assessing motor competence.
- Preliminary Effects of a Multicomponent Exercise Program Delivered in Conventional and Snoezelen Rooms Among Older Women Attending Social Centers: A Non-Randomized Pilot StudyPublication . Beijinha, Maria; Jacinto, Miguel; Matos, Rui; Amaro, Nuno; Monteiro, Diogo; Couto, Nuno; Antunes, RaulBackground: The aging population in Portugal requires interventions such as multicomponent exercise to maintain the functionality of older adults. The aim of this exploratory pilot study was to investigate preliminary changes in body composition, physical fitness, quality of life and satisfaction with life following a low-frequency multicomponent exercise program delivered in two different community-based contexts (conventional exercise room and Snoezelen room). Methods: This study followed a non-randomized quasi-experimental methodology based on participant preference and logistical availability. Following the baseline assessment, participants self-selected their participation context. Participants who chose to participate in the exercise intervention were assigned to either the Snoezelen Room Group or the Exercise Room Group according to their preference, whereas participants who did not participate in either intervention because of personal preference or logistical constraints formed a non-participating comparison Control Group. The final sample comprised 27 older women: Snoezelen Room Group (n = 14), Exercise Room Group (n = 7), and Control Group (n = 6). The intervention consisted of a 12-week multicomponent program (1 session/week, 45–60 min) carried out in different environments. Body composition, functional physical fitness, quality of life and satisfaction with life were assessed before and after the intervention. Results: The primary between-group analysis of change scores (Δ = post−pre) identified significant differences for body mass (H(2) = 9.516, p = 0.009), with a significant Bonferroni contrast between the Snoezelen and Exercise Room Groups (1 vs. 2; adjusted p = 0.008). For Back Scratch, the Δ-based omnibus test was also significant (H(2) = 7.398, p = 0.025), with Snoezelen differing from the Exercise Room Group (1 vs. 2; adjusted p = 0.020). For quality of life, the Δ-based omnibus test was significant (H(2) = 11.356, p = 0.003), with significant contrasts between Exercise Room and Control Groups (2 vs. 3; adjusted p = 0.003). Secondary between-group analyses at specific time points also identified differences in post-intervention bone mass (H(2) = 8.460, p = 0.015; 1 vs. 2, adjusted p = 0.026; 2 vs. 3, adjusted p = 0.038), muscle mass (H(2) = 7.748, p = 0.021; 1 vs. 2, adjusted p = 0.034), Back Scratch (H(2) = 7.947, p = 0.031; 1 vs. 2, adjusted p = 0.031; 2 vs. 3, adjusted p = 0.050), and 6-Minute Walk (H(2) = 9.015, p = 0.011; 1 vs. 2, adjusted p = 0.012). Conclusions: The findings suggest that a low-frequency multicomponent exercise program may be feasible in community social centers; however, the observed within-group changes and exploratory between-group differences should be interpreted cautiously given the non-randomized design, small sample size, and baseline differences. Larger controlled studies are needed to determine whether the exercise environment contributes to differential outcomes.
- Comparison of Frailty and Autonomy Levels in Older Adults According to Place of ResidencePublication . Machado, Andrea; Forte, Pedro; Rodrigues, FilipeBackground/Objectives: The present study aimed to compare levels of frailty and functional independence in older adults according to their place of residence and to analyze the associations between age, frailty, and autonomy, considering sex. Methods: A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted with a sample of 77 older adults (80.16 ± 8.68 years), divided into community-dwelling (n = 38) and institutionalized (n = 39) participants. Data collection included sociodemographic characterization and the assessment of frailty and autonomy. Results: Older adults in the community showed significantly higher levels of autonomy (94.21 ± 10.81) compared to those who were institutionalized (75.53 ± 23.21; p < 0.001). No significant differences were found in frailty levels between the groups (p = 0.674). Correlation analysis revealed a strong negative association between frailty and autonomy, which was more pronounced in institutionalized older adults (r = −0.64) and in males (r = −0.72). Age was only correlated with the loss of autonomy in men (r = −0.43). Conclusions: Place of residence is a critical determinant of functional autonomy but not of perceived frailty. The results highlight a health-survival paradox, where men exhibit a more abrupt functional decline associated with frailty. The implementation of gerontomotricity programs in residential care facilities is suggested to mitigate learned dependency.
- A hedonic perspective on exercise intentions: cross-sectional associations with intensity preference, tolerance, and passionPublication . Rodrigues, Filipe; Duarte-Mendes, Pedro; Soares, Rita; Teixeira, Diogo. S.Introduction: This cross-sectional study examined the associations of exercise intensity preference and tolerance with passion and the intention to continue exercising. Materials and methods: A total of 284 fitness center members (140 females, 144 males; Mage = 29.84, SD = 9.27) were recruited. Participants were independently stratified into light-to-moderate and moderate-to-vigorous profiles based on intensity traits. Results: Descriptive results showed that harmonious passion (HP) was consistently higher than obsessive passion (OP) across all profiles, peaking in the moderate-to-vigorous preference group (M D 5:47). Linear regression models, explaining 8%–26% of the variance (R2 D 0.08–0.26), indicated that HP was significantly associated with stronger exercise intentions across all groups ( D 0.53 in the moderate-to-vigorous tolerance stratum). Conversely, OP displayed negative associations with intention, particularly in the moderate-to-vigorous tolerance group ( D –0.18). Furthermore, intensity preference was positively associated with intentions. Discussion: These findings suggest that individuals who self-select their training intensity may report higher persistence intentions due to positive hedonic responses. We conclude that exercise prescription may benefit from accounting for individual intensity preferences and fostering harmonious passion to support positive exercise intentions.
- Feasibility and Preliminary Outcomes of a Machine-Based Pilates Program on Quality of Life and Low Back Pain in Aged Adults: A Mixed-Methods ApproachPublication . Azul, Joana; Silva, Carolina; Salvador, Rogério Paulo; Antunes, Raul; Duarte-Mendes, Pedro; Rodrigues, FilipeBackground and Objectives: The aging process impacts physical function and quality of life, often exacerbated by chronic conditions such as low back pain. This pilot study explored the feasibility and preliminary outcomes of a 12-week machine-based Classical Pilates program on quality of life and low back pain in older adults. Materials and Methods: An exploratory mixed-methods approach was used. The quantitative phase included 13 participants (Mage = 64.76 ± 4.71) to evaluate quality of life. All 13 participants were assessed for low back pain and quality of life, and 4 females participated in a focus group for a qualitative analysis of perceived benefits. The intervention consisted of two individual sessions per week. Results: Preliminary quantitative analysis revealed an increase in the physical domain of quality of life (p < 0.05). There was a reduction in pain intensity and global pain values (p < 0.05). Qualitative data provided context for these preliminary findings, with participants reporting perceived improvements in mobility, body awareness, pain management, and sleep quality, alongside notable psychosocial benefits. Conclusions: Preliminary findings suggest that a 12-week individual machine-based Pilates program is feasible and may be associated with improvements in the physical domain of quality of life and perceived low back pain in active older adults. Due to the complete absence of a control group and the very small sample size, it is impossible to isolate the intervention’s efficacy from natural progression or placebo effects. Consequently, these results are strictly exploratory and hypothesis-generating. The mixed-methods approach highlights that individualized machine-based Pilates may provide self-reported psychosocial and daily living benefits, supporting the need for future well-powered randomized controlled trials.
- Fear of Falling and Eye–Segmental Coordination in Portuguese Elderly Participants Enrolled in a Community Physical Exercise ProgrammePublication . Inácio Coelho, Luís Pedro; Dias, Diogo; Canhoto, Ricardo; Cruz, João; Monteiro, Diogo; Jacinto, Miguel; Antunes, RaulThe performance of 94 elderly subjects (73 women) (71.72 ± 5.64) in an eye–hand and eye–foot coordination test (TST) was correlated with fear of falling, based on the results obtained on the International Fall Efficacy Scale (FES-I), translated into Portuguese. The results revealed that, for the whole sample, there was a weak inverse association between the two (ρ = −0.54, p < 0.05). However, when analyzing the results by gender, this inverse association only remained significant for females (ρ = −0.305, p < 0.01), with no statistical significance for males. Thus, higher levels of fear of falling in the elderly female population were associated with lower levels of eye–segmental coordination. Additionally, men achieved significantly better results in TST than women (9.38 ± 4.70 vs. 4.67 ± 3.13, p < 0.001). Regarding fear of falling, women had significantly higher scores (23.51 ± 7.17 vs. 21.38 ± 7.59, p < 0.05). At the same time, elderly men had higher values of eye–segmental coordination, which may have reduced their fear of falling. Results highlight the importance of the maintenance of a healthy and active lifestyle through the lifespan and place TST as a potential proxy for detecting fear of falling in elderly populations, especially in women. Future studies would benefit from employing balanced, representative samples to validate and extend these results, particularly regarding possible sex-related patterns, as the study relied on a convenience sample that was markedly unbalanced in terms of sex.
- Beyond the duality: passion profiles on intention, and satisfaction with life in recreational surfersPublication . Sá, J. M.; Silva, A. J.; Monteiro, Diogo; Garrido, N.; Rodrigues, FilipeSurfing is a demanding physical activity that frequently elicits a strong emotional bond in its practitioners. To address the gap in understanding these bonds from a person-centered approach, the present study pursued three primary objectives: (a) to define and identify passion profiles within a sample of recreational surfers; (b) to compare differences among these profiles concerning intention to continue practicing; and (c) to compare differences among profiles with respect to life satisfaction. The study included 132 surfers (Mage = 38.81 ± 12.19 years; 78.8% male). Through a cluster analysis based on the dualistic model of passion, three distinct profiles were identified: moderate passion (20.5%), Optimized Passion (37.1%), and Mixed Passion (42.4%). Comparative analysis using the Kruskal–Wallis test revealed that Mixed and Optimized Passion profiles reported significantly higher levels of intention to continue the practice (H = 32.38; p < 0.001) and life satisfaction (H = 10.64; p = 0.005) as compared to the Moderate Passion profile. No statistically significant differences were observed between the Mixed and Optimized groups. It is concluded that the predominant motivational configuration designated as Mixed is functional and adaptive in the surfing context, suggesting that the coexistence of harmonious and obsessive passion favors persistence and psychological well-being.
- Tethered Swimming Can Be Used to Evaluate Force Contribution for Short-Distance Swimming PerformancePublication . Morouço, Pedro G.; Marinho, Daniel A.; Keskinen, Kari L.; Badillo, Juan J.; Marques, Mário C.Morouço, PG, Marinho, DA, Keskinen, KL, Badillo, JJ, and Marques, MC. Tethered swimming can be used to evaluate force contribution for short-distance swimming performance. J Strength Cond Res 28(11): 3093-3099, 2014-The purpose of this study was two-fold: (a) to compare stroke and the physiological responses between maximal tethered and free front crawl swimming and (b) to evaluate the contribution of force exertion for swimming performance over short distances. A total of 34 male swimmers, representing various levels of competitive performance, participated in this study. Each participant was tested in both a 30-second maximal tethered swimming test and a 50-m free swimming test. The tethered force parameters, the swimming speed, stroke (stroke rate [SR]), and the physiological responses (increase in blood lactate concentration [ΔBLa], heart rate, and rate of perceived exertion) were recorded and calculated. The results showed no differences in stroke and the physiological responses between tethered and free swimming, with a high level of agreement for the SR and DBLa. A strong correlation was obtained between the maximum impulse of force per stroke and the speed (r = 0.91; p < 0.001). Multiple regression analysis revealed that the maximum impulse and SR in the tethered condition explained 84% of the free swimming performance. The relationship between the swimming speed and maximum force tended to be nonlinear, whereas linear relationships were observed with the maximum impulse. This study demonstrates that tethered swimming does not significantly alter stroke and the physiological responses compared with free swimming, and that the maximum impulse per stroke should be used to evaluate the balance between force and the ability to effectively apply force during sprint swimming. Consequently, coaches can rely on tethered forces to identify strength deficits and improve swimming performance over short distances.
- Sex Differences in Age-Related Functional Mobility Decline: A Moderated Mediation AnalysisPublication . Rodrigues, Filipe; Bastos, Vasco; Teixeira, Diogo Santos; Monteiro, DiogoWhile functional mobility is known to deteriorate with age, the specific mechanisms driving this decline, along with potential differences between men and women, are not fully established. Therefore, the present study applied a moderated mediation framework to investigate whether lower limb strength and body mass index (BMI) mediate the relationship between aging and functional mobility, and to explore if sex acts as a moderator in these relationships. A cross-sectional design was used to evaluate 408 independent older adults (mean age: 71.9 ± 3.9 years; 273 females and 135 males). Assessments included the Timed Up and Go (TUG) for functional mobility, the 30 s Chair Stand for leg strength, alongside BMI calculations. Direct and indirect pathways were subsequently evaluated using a moderated mediation analysis. Lower limb strength and BMI significantly predicted functional mobility in both sexes (p < 0.05), with no significant moderation in the indirect pathways. Regarding conditional effects, advancing age predicted poorer functional mobility in females (p = 0.008) but not in males (p = 0.141), independent of the mediators. Strength and BMI appear to be correlates of functional mobility. However, since the age-by-sex interaction term was not statistically significant, the potential sex-specific direct effect of age must be interpreted with caution. While these findings hint at possible subtle differences in aging trajectories, future research is needed to confirm whether interventions for older women require addressing factors beyond strength and body composition.