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- One Sport or Many? Comparing the Effects of Athletics and Multiactivity Training on Motor Competence in 6–10-Year-Olds—A Case StudyPublication . Lopes, Nataniel; Susano Jacinto, Miguel Ângelo; Monteiro, Diogo; Matos, Rui; Ibáñez, Sérgio J.Background: Motor competence (MC) is defined as the ability to perform a wide range of motor skills with proficiency and control. The present quasi-experimental study design examines the impact of two structured intervention programs on MC in children who practiced athletics at the same club, aged 6 to 10 years, implemented over 12 weeks. Methods: The sample consisted of 64 children, assigned to two intervention groups: Intervention Group A (IG_A) composed of 15 male and 17 female children (9.57 ± 0.86 years) and Intervention Group B (IG_B), of 14 male and 18 female children (9.08 ± 1.33 years). IG_A received athletics-based training exclusively, three times per week, while IG_B undertook two weekly athletics sessions and one complementary activity session, such as handball, gymnastics, swimming, and motor games. MC was assessed using the modified Körperkoordinationstest für Kinder (KTK3+). The KTK3+ consists of three original KTK tasks, [Backward Balance (BB), Sideways Moving (MS), and Jumping Sideways (JS)] and an additional Eye–Hand Coordination (EHC) task. For statistical analysis, ANOVA repeated measures 2 × 2 was used. Results: In relation to JS, the performance on this test did not change with the intervention programs in either of the two groups. For BB and MS, both groups improved their performances in a similar way through the program implementation. Differently, for EHC, results showed that only IG_B improved its performance significantly (p < 0.001) with the program’s intervention, with a large Cohen’s d effect size (0.84). Finally, as a general analysis, the KTK3+ raw results (RS) and results translated to Global Motor Quotient (GQM), revealed significant differences between IG_A and IG_B post-intervention, with p < 0.001 for both variables’ comparison and with large Cohen’s d effect sizes for both (1.581 for RS and 1.595 for GQM), favoring IG_B. Conclusions: Both programs led to improvements in the various KTK3+ battery tasks. However, only the program that combined athletics training with multiactivity training led to significant improvements in the EHC test and in the overall KTK3+ results of the children involved.
- Load and psychophysiological responses in high-intensity interval training with fixed and self-selected recoveryPublication . Sant’Ana, Leandro; Macedo Vianna, Jeferson; Rodrigues Scartoni, Fabiana; Tolomeu de Oliveira, Géssyca; Macedo Carvalho, Bruna; De Sena Altomar, Marconi; Teixeira, Diogo; Antunes, R.; Rodrigues, Filipe; Matos, Rui; Novaes, Jefferson da Silva; Machado, Sérgio; Monteiro, DiogoIntroduction and Objective. The study analyzed the training load in high-intensity interval training sessions with different conditions of recovery time between stimuli: fixed (1min.) and self-selected. Methods. Nineteen individuals participated in the study: 13 men and 6 women (19±1.0 years; 64.0±9.2 kg; 169±8.5 cm; 22.0±2 BMI). For the training load analysis, heart rate variability (LnRMSSD), perceived effort (PE), and mood scale BRUMS (MS) were used. LnRMSSD and MS were evaluated before and after the sessions. The PE was evaluated during each session immediately after each stimulus. The protocol was 10 x 30s (95% Vpeak) with active recovery (40% Vpeak) in fixed or self-selected time. ANOVA-RM (2 [interventions] x 2 [time points]) for LnRMSSD and MS and (2 [interventions] x 10 [time points]) for PE was used. Results. Between condition and time*condition, no differences were observed for LnRMSSD (p=.626; p=.879, respectively), PE (p=.191; p=.792, respectively), and MS (tension: p=.673; p=.463; depression: p=.867; p=.359; anger: p=.867; p=.359; vigor: p=.811; p=.778; fatigue: p=.144; p=.998; mental confusion: p=.828; p=.752, respectively). In terms of time, significant differences were observed in LnRMSSD (p<.001) and PE (1≠3-10; 2≠4-10; 3≠5-10; 4≠5-10; 5≠7-10; 6≠7-10; 7≠ 9,10; 8≠10, p<.001). In MS, there was a difference in domains of tension (p<.001), depression (p<.015), anger (p<.033), and mental confusion (p<.001). But not for vigor (p=.339) nor fatigue (p=.419), which are associated with the training load. Conclusions. However, both recovery conditions showed similar acute internal load responses. Additionally, it is suggested that recovery with self-selected time (46.70±1.6.58s) may be a recovery option in HIIT prescription.
- Passion, Motivation, and Well-Being in Young Footballers: A Systematic ReviewPublication . Braz, Diogo; Maia, Cátia; Gouveia, Élvio; Monteiro, Diogo; Couto, Nuno; Sarmento, HugoBackground: Psychological well-being is crucial for the development and performance of young athletes. This systematic review aims to synthesize the available scientific evidence on the relationship between passion (harmonious and obsessive), basic psychological needs (BPNs), motivation, affect (positive and negative), and life satisfaction in young football (soccer) players. Methods: A systematic literature review was performed, following the PRISMA 2020 (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. The search was conducted in the Web of Science, Scopus, ERIC, and SportDiscus databases, using a comprehensive strategy that combined keywords related to football, youth, passion, motivation, and well-being. Two independent reviewers performed article screening, eligibility assessment, and data extraction. The methodological quality of the included studies was determined using two different tools. Results: Nine studies met the inclusion criteria and were analyzed in detail. The results consistently indicate that harmonious passion is associated with greater fulfillment of BPNs, positive affect, and overall life satisfaction. In contrast, obsessive passion was linked to negative outcomes such as burnout and emotional dysregulation. The available evidence suggests a positive association of harmonious passion with motivation and well-being, and an association of obsessive passion with psychological distress. Conclusions: Within the delimited scope, the evidence suggests that harmonious passion is an important construct positively associated with the well-being and motivation of young footballers, while obsessive passion is associated with adverse outcomes. Research in this area is scarce, showing methodological diversity and heterogeneous samples, which limits the generalizability of the findings. Future research should prioritize longitudinal designs and interventions to promote harmonious passion and the satisfaction of BPNs.
- Exploring how exercise frequency impacts muscle strength and balance in institutionalized older adults: Protocol for a randomized controlled trialPublication . Rodrigues, Filipe; Pereira, Bernardo; Silva, Elisabete; Monteiro, Diogo; Antunes, RaulThis protocol for a randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the impact of exercise frequency on muscle strength, balance, and fall risk among institutionalized older adults. Recognizing the unique physical and functional limitations of this population, the study will test whether two or three weekly sessions of multicomponent exercise yield differential outcomes. Sixty participants residing in nursing homes will be randomly assigned to one of two groups: a control group performing exercise twice weekly and an experimental group training three times weekly, over a 12-week intervention period. All sessions will follow international guidelines for older adults, incorporating aerobic, strength, balance, and flexibility training at light-to-moderate intensity. Primary outcomes include lower- and upper-body strength and dynamic balance; secondary outcomes comprise waist circumference, body mass index, and fall incidence. The program is designed with progressive adaptation and safety in mind, employing the Talk Test to regulate intensity and standardized measures to monitor physiological responses. The rationale stems from the gap in existing literature regarding optimal exercise frequency for institutionalized populations. While two sessions per week have been associated with functional improvements, it remains unclear whether an additional weekly session provides significant incremental benefits. By isolating frequency as the primary variable, the trial addresses the need to define the minimum effective dose of structured exercise for enhancing physical activity, functional capacity, and reducing fall risk. Results are expected to inform tailored physical activity guidelines and implementation strategies in long-term care settings, balancing clinical efficacy with feasibility and safety constraints typical of institutional environments.
- The effect of practicing sports on the body composition and physical fitness of people with intellectual and developmental disabilitiesPublication . Oliveira Diz, Susana Cristina; Susano Jacinto, Miguel Ângelo; Costa, Aldo Filipe Matos Moreira Carvalho; Matos, Rui; Monteiro, Diogo; Teixeira, José E.; Antunes, RaulIntroduction: People with IDD tend to have a sedentary lifestyle, which affects their health and physical fitness. Methods: The aim of this study was to analyses the effect of a sport-based intervention, with weekly 60-min sessions over 36 weeks, on the body composition and functional physical fitness of people with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD). The sample consisted of 36 institutionalized participants with IDD, divided into two groups: experimental group with 23 participants (M = 37.26; SD = 13.84) and control group with 13 individuals (M = 38.31; SD = 14.22). A stadiometer, bioimpedance equipment and the Hand Grip, Sit and Stand, Timed Up and Go and 6 Min Walk tests were used to assess the variables of interest. Results: The experimental group showed statistically significant values in body mass index (p = 0.01; r = 0.301), muscle mass (p < 0.01; r = 0.431), Sit and Stand Test (p = 0.01; r = 0.324) and 6 Min Walk Test (p < 0.01; r = 0.399). Discussion: The results suggest that long-term programs based on the practice of sports can bring benefits to the body composition and functional physical fitness of adults with IDD.
- Quantification of Maximal Force Produced in Standard and Contra-Standard Sculling in Synchronized Swimming. A Pilot StudyPublication . Diogo, V.; Soares, S.; Tourino, C.; Carmo, C.; Aleixo, I.; Morouço, P.; Figueiredo, P.; Vilas-Boas, J. P.; Fernandes, R. J.Studies carried out in synchronized swimming are very scarce, namely those which include biomechanical analysis of the sculling technique. The purpose of this study was to measure the maximal force produced in standard and contra-standard sculling, using a 30s maximal tethered synchronized swimming test. One former female synchronized swimmer and one former female swimmer performed a 2x30s maximum intensity tethered synchronized swimming test, in standard and contra-standard sculling conditions, respectively. Parameters studied were maximal, mean and minimum force, the time when maximal and minimum force occurred, and fatigue index. Results showed that the higher values of maximal and mean force were found in standard sculling, both for the synchronized swimmer and the swimmer. The swimmer attained higher values of absolute and relative maximal force in the standard sculling, but lower values in the contra-standard technique, when compared to the synchronized swimmer. Fatigue Index results evidence that the maximal force declined during the 30s in both participants and in both sculling conditions. This parameter was higher for the contra-standard sculling performed by the swimmer, and for the standard sculling for the synchronized swimmer. In conclusion, there were differences in force production in standard and contra-standard sculling between a swimmer and a synchronized swimming. Those differences could probably be explained by differences in skill competence.
- The Influence of Muscle Flexibility Training on Chronic Pain in Older Adults: An Exploratory Systematic ReviewPublication . Melenas, Rodrigo; Antunes, Raul; Matos, Rui; Monteiro, Diogo; Amaro, Nuno; Couto, Nuno; Susano Jacinto, Miguel ÂngeloBackground/Objectives: This exploratory systematic review aims to analyze the influence of isolated muscle flexibility training on the reduction of chronic pain symptoms in older adults aged 65 years or more. Articles were selected from the Web of Science, PubMed, and Scopus databases, using the EndNote software for reference management. The selection process followed the PICOS framework and the PRISMA 2020 guidelines, and the review protocol was registered in the PROSPERO database. Methods: The inclusion criteria comprised randomized controlled trials with participants aged 65 or older, evaluating the effect of flexibility training as a standalone intervention on chronic pain, and published in English or Portuguese. Studies were excluded if they involved multimodal training, did not specify participants’ ages, evaluated only acute or postoperative pain, or were not peer-reviewed articles. Results: From an initial pool of 1390 articles, only three met all criteria and were included in the final analysis. These studies—conducted in China (n = 2) and the United States (n = 1)—showed moderate methodological quality (PEDro score = 7/10). Two trials applied Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) in participants with knee osteoarthritis, while the third compared a flexibility-based program to combined strength and aerobic training in a healthy elderly population. All studies reported significant reductions in chronic pain symptoms following flexibility training interventions. Conclusions: The reviewed evidence suggests that muscle flexibility training, particularly using techniques like PNF, may be a promising therapeutic strategy to mitigate specific chronic pain-related symptoms in older adults, particularly reductions in joint stiffness, movement discomfort, and pain intensity associated with osteoarthritis. However, the limited number of high-quality trials and heterogeneity in protocols and pain assessment tools highlight the need for further research.
- Effects of Strength Training on the Quality of Life of Older Adults with Sarcopenia: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled TrialsPublication . Fernandes, Luís; Antunes, Raul; Matos, Rui; Monteiro, Diogo; Amaro, Nuno; Nuno Couto; Jacinto, MiguelObjective: The objective of this systematic review is to analyze the effects of strength training on the quality of life (QoL) of older adults diagnosed with sarcopenia, contributing to a better understanding of the impact of this intervention on the physical and psychological well-being of this population. Methods: A systematic review was conducted following the PRISMA guidelines. The search was conducted on the Web of Science, Scopus, and PubMed databases, including studies published until 2025. Randomized controlled trials that applied strength training interventions in individuals aged 60 years or older with sarcopenia were included, evaluating QoL as the primary outcome. Data screening, extraction, and analysis were performed by two independent investigators. Results: Three studies from the United Kingdom, Saudi Arabia, and China were included, with interventions ranging from 6 to 16 weeks. The results showed that strength training can improve the quality of life of older adults with sarcopenia (instruments: SarQoL, SF-36, WHOQOL-BREF), being more effective in high-intensity and supervised interventions. One of the studies revealed significant improvements (p < 0.001), while the others showed non-significant increases. Conclusions: Strength training proved to be a promising intervention for promoting improvements in the quality of life of older adults with sarcopenia, especially when performed at adequate intensity and with regular monitoring. However, further studies with larger samples, long-term follow-up, and standardization of QoL assessment tools are needed.
- Effects of dry-land strength training on swimming performance: a brief reviewPublication . Morouço, Pedro; Marinho, Daniel Almeida; Amaro, Nuno; Pérez-Turpin, José Antonio; Marques, Mário CardosoMorouço PG, Marinho DA, Amaro NM, Peréz-Turpin JA, Marques MC. Effects of dry-land strength training on swimming performance: a brief review. J. Hum. Sport Exerc. Vol. 7, No. 2, pp. 553-559, 2012. This article provides a brief review over the state of art concerning dry-land training for swimmers. It is important to understand the role of muscular strength for swimming performance and how it might be improved. Firstly, this article analyzes the relationships between strength or power assessment in dry-land and swimming performance. Secondly, the results of studies aiming to evaluate the influence of dry-land strength training to swimming performance improvement are presented. These results allow coaches to realize the benefits that may be obtained by an appropriate strength training program, according to gender and level.
- Motivation and intention to remain in swimming training throughout a competitive season: an age-group comparisonPublication . Souza, Luis; Santos, CC; Fernandes, R.J.; Monteiro, Diogo; Costa, Mário J.El presente estudio buscó analizar las variaciones en la regulación motivacional y la intención de continuar en el entrenamiento de natación a lo largo de una temporada competitiva, en función de la edad. Participaron 154 nadadores federados, agrupados en categorías infantil, juvenil, júnior y sénior. La recogida de datos se realizó en tres momentos diferentes de la temporada (diciembre, marzo y junio), utilizando el Cuestionario de Regulación Conductual en el Deporte y tres ítems específicos de intención. Los resultados mostraron que los nadadores más jóvenes mantuvieron altos niveles de motivación autodeterminada, mientras que los grupos juvenil y júnior presentaron mayores fluctuaciones motivacionales y un descenso progresivo en la intención. En contraste, los nadadores sénior manifestaron un incremento en la motivación controlada y una mayor intención de continuar. Estos hallazgos sugieren que la motivación y la intención en la práctica deportiva evolucionan de forma diferenciada según la edad, lo que subraya la necesidad de adaptar las estrategias motivacionales a cada etapa del desarrollo deportivo.