Fernando Alacid

IMAGEN CORPORAL; REVISIÓN BIBLIOGRÁFICA

INTRODUCTION Nowadays, in developed countries there are standards of beauty based on pro-thin models, which are internalized by adolescents and young people especially in the case of women, assuming it as risk factor for developing changes in body image and perception. OBJECTIVE To analyze the current state of research in relation to body image, the sociodemographic variables that influence it, the relationship between body composition, conducting diets, eating disorders, sports and intervention programs and prevention, and the body image. METHODS It was searched in Medline, Isi Web of knowledge and Dialnet as well as a manual search among the references of selected studies and in different libraries. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION A increased socio-cultural influence is associated with a greater perception of body fat, greater body image dissatisfaction and lower self assessment of overall fitness. This leads to a lot of teenagers and young adults to abuse to the restrictive diets and to suffer eating disorders. Numerous studies have analyzed the relationship between sports practice with body image disturbance; there are conflictive results. Moreover it is necessary to design objective tools to detect changes and enhance the design of prevention and intervention programs in order to avoid distortion of body image, especially in those age ranges where the population is more vulnerable to this phenomenon. CONCLUSIONS The excessive current preoccupation about body image has resulted in the realization of diets and changes as eating disorders. There are other factors that influence body image and perception as the realization of physical exercise, although the results about the relationship between these factors are contradictory. Therefore, further work is needed on the issue by creating tools to detect changes and enhance the design of prevention and intervention programs.

Influence of Hamstring Muscles Extensibility on Spinal Curvatures and Pelvic Tilt in Highly Trained Cyclists

Influence of Hamstring Muscles Extensibility on Spinal Curvatures and Pelvic Tilt in Highly Trained Cyclists The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of hamstring muscles extensibility in standing, maximal trunk flexion with knees extended and on the bicycle in lower handlebar-hands position of highly trained cyclists. Ninety-six cyclists were recruited for the study (mean ± SD, age: 30.36 ± 5.98 years). Sagittal spinal curvatures and pelvic tilt were measured in the standing position, maximal trunk flexion with knees extended (sit-and-reach test) and while sitting on a bicycle in lower handlebar-hand position using a Spinal Mouse system. Hamstring muscles extensibility was determined in both legs by passive straight leg raise test (PSLR). The sample was divided into three groups according to PSLR angle: (1) reduced extensibility (PSLR < 80º; n = 30), (2) moderate hamstring extensibility group (PSLR = 80º; - 90º; n = 35), and (3) high hamstring extensibility (PSLR = > 90º; n = 31). ANOVA analysis showed significant differences among groups for thoracic (p < 0.001) and pelvic tilt (p < 0.001) angles in the sit-andreach test. No differences were found between groups for standing and on the bicycle position. Post hoc analysis showed significant differences in all pairwise comparisons for thoracic angle (p < 0.01) and pelvic angle (p < 0.001) in the sit-and-reach test. No differences were found in lumbar angle in any posture. In conclusion, the hamstring muscles extensibility influence the thoracic and pelvic postures when maximal trunk flexion with knees extended is performed, but not when cyclists are seated on their bicycles

Watermelon Juice: Potential Functional Drink for Sore Muscle Relief in Athletes

l-Citrulline is an excellent candidate to reduce muscle soreness, and watermelon is a fruit rich in this amino acid. This study investigated the potential of watermelon juice as a functional drink for athletes. An in vitro study of intestinal absorption of l-citrulline in Caco-2 cells was performed using unpasteurized (NW), pasteurized (80 °C for 40 s) watermelon juice (PW) and, as control, a standard of l-citrulline. l-citrulline bioavailability was greater when it was contained in a matrix of watermelon and when no heat treatment was applied. In the in vivo experiment (maximum effort test in a cycloergometer), seven athletes were supplied with 500 mL of natural watermelon juice (1.17 g of l-citrulline), enriched watermelon juice (4.83 g of l-citrulline plus 1.17 g from watermelon), and placebo. Both watermelon juices helped to reduce the recovery heart rate and muscle soreness after 24 h.

Acute Effects of Hamstring Stretching on Sagittal Spinal Curvatures and Pelvic Tilt

Acute Effects of Hamstring Stretching on Sagittal Spinal Curvatures and Pelvic Tilt The aim of this study was to determine acute effects of hamstring stretching in thoracic and lumbar spinal curvatures and pelvic tilt. Fifty-five adults (29.24 ± 7.41 years) were recruited for this study. Subjects performed a hamstring stretching protocol consisting of four exercises. The session consisted of 3 sets of each exercise and subjects held the position for 20 seconds with a 30-second rest period between sets and exercises . Thoracic and lumbar spinal angles and pelvic tilt were measured with a SpinalMouse in relaxed standing, sit-and-reach test and Macrae & Wright position. Hamstring extensibility was determined by active straight leg raise test and sit-and-reach score. All measures were performed before and immediately after the hamstring stretching protocol. Active straight leg raise angle and sit-and-reach score significantly improved immediately after the stretching protocol (p<0.001). Greater anterior pelvic tilt (p<0.001) and lumbar flexion (p<0.05) and a smaller thoracic kyphosis in the sit-and-reach (p<0.001) were found after the stretching protocol. However, stretching produced no significant change on spinal curvatures or pelvic tilt in standing and maximal trunk flexion with knees flexed. In conclusion, static stretching of the hamstring is associated to an immediate change in the sagittal spinal curvatures and pelvic position when performing trunk flexion with knees extended, so that allowing for greater lumbar flexion and anterior pelvic tilt and lower thoracic kyphosis. Hamstring stretching is recommended prior to sport activities involving trunk flexion with the knees straight.

CRITERION-RELATED VALIDITY OF SIT-AND-REACH AND TOE-TOUCH TESTS AS A MEASURE OF HAMSTRING EXTENSIBILITY IN ATHLETES

Abstract Muyor, JM, Vaquero-Cristóbal, R, Alacid, F, and López-Miñarro, PA. Criterion-related validity of sit-and-reach and toe-touch tests as a measure of hamstring extensibility in athletes. J Strength Cond Res 28(2): 546–555, 2014—The aims of this study were (a) to determine and compare the concurrent hamstring criterion-related validity of the sit-and-reach (SR) and toe-touch (TT) tests in different athletes (tennis players, kayakers, canoeists, and cyclists); (b) to determine the criterion-related validity of the pelvic tilt assessed by the Spinal Mouse system as a measure of hamstring flexibility in athletes; and (c) to evaluate the influence of spinal posture, pelvic tilt, and hamstring muscle flexibility in the SR and TT scores. Twenty-four tennis players, 30 canoeists, 43 kayakers, and 44 cyclists were recruited. Passive straight leg raise (PSLR), SR, and TT tests were randomly performed. Spinal curvatures and pelvic tilt were evaluated with a Spinal Mouse system when the maximal trunk flexion was achieved in the SR and TT tests. Tennis players and cyclists showed moderate correlations between PSLR with respect to SR (&bgr; = 0.78 and &bgr; = 0.76, respectively) and TT (&bgr; = 0.77 and &bgr; = 0.74, respectively). Correlations were slightly lower in canoeists (SR, &bgr; = 0.64; TT, &bgr; = 0.75). Kayakers showed the lowest correlation values (SR, &bgr; = 0.53; TT, &bgr; = 0.57). Correlation values between PSLR and pelvic tilt angle in both the SR and TT tests were &bgr; < 0.70 in all the groups of athletes. Stepwise multiple regression analysis showed a high variance explained from pelvic tilt and lumbar spine in the SR score. In conclusion, the SR and TT tests can be appropriate measures to determine spine flexibility and pelvic tilt range of motion but not to evaluate the hamstring muscle flexibility in tennis players, canoeists, kayakers, and cyclists.

Influence of hamstring extensibility on sagittal spinal curvatures and pelvic tilt in highly trained young kayakers

Abstract Objective: To evaluate the influence of hamstring extensibility on spinal and pelvic postures adopted by young paddlers in their kayaks. Methods: Sixty-eight young elite kayakers were recruited for the study (mean value 15.23, s=0.68 years). Thoracic and lumbar curvatures and pelvic position were evaluated with a Spinal Mouse system in standing position and in the boat (seated in the kayak with the paddle resting on their thighs, right entry position and left entry position). Hamstring muscle extensibility was determined in both legs by passive straight leg raise test (PSLR). The sample was divided into two groups with regard to straight leg raise angle (Group A, PSLR < 80°, n=32, and group B, PSLR ≥ 80°, n=32). Results: Paddlers with lower extensibility presented higher thoracic and lumbar flexion and a more posterior pelvic tilt in the kayak in all three positions. However, no significant differences were found between the groups when standing. Conclusion: The results suggest that lower hamstring extensibility is related to increased spinal flexion and posterior pelvic tilt, which can overload the spine during paddling training. A systematic and intensive stretching programme to improve hamstring muscle extensibility should be incorporated into the training activities of paddlers.

Influencia de la Extensibilidad Isquiosural en la Morfología Sagital del Raquis e Inclinación Pélvica en Deportistas

El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar la influencia de la extensibilidad isquiosural en la morfologia sagital del raquis e inclinacion pelvica en deportistas jovenes. Metodos. Un total de 152 deportistas (media de edad: 16,22 ± 0,80 anos) participaron voluntariamente en este estudio. La morfologia sagital de las curvas toracica y lumbar, asi como la inclinacion pelvica, fueron evaluadas con un Spinal Mouse al realizar los test sit-and-reach, toe-touch y McRae & Wright. La extensibilidad isquiosural fue determinada mediante el test de elevacion de la pierna recta (EPR). En base al valor obtenido en el test EPR, la muestra fue dividida en tres grupos (Grupo A: EPR 88, n=50). Resultados. Los deportistas con menor extensibilidad isquiosural adoptaron posturas de mayor cifosis toracica y una mayor retroversion pelvica en los test sit-and-reach y toe-touch. No obstante, no se encontraron diferencias significativas entre grupos en el test McRae & Wright. Ademas, la extensibilidad isquiosural no tuvo influencia alguna en la morfologia sagital del raquis lumbar. Conclusiones. Una menor extensibilidad isquiosural esta relacionada con una mayor cifosis toracica y una mayor retroversion pelvica cuando se realizan movimientos de flexion maxima del tronco con rodillas extendidas. La extensibilidad isquiosural no afecta a la disposicion sagital del raquis lumbar en movimientos de flexion maxima del tronco.

Morphological characteristics of young elite paddlers

Morphological characteristics of young elite paddlers The aims of this study were to describe kinanthropometric characteristics of elite male and female young paddlers and to compare their proportionality with Olympic paddlers. One hundred and eighty seven young elite sprint paddlers (124 males and 63 females), aged 13 and 14 years, were assessed using a battery of 31 anthropometric dimensions. Somatotypes, Phantom Z-scores and corrected girths were calculated. Comparison between the 13 and 14 year old paddlers showed that 14 year old males had greater height, body weight, sitting height, arm span and upper body lengths, breadths and girths than their 13 year old counterparts, whereas 14 year old female paddlers only differed significantly from the 13 year olds in biacromial breadth and corrected arm girth. Mean somatotypes of male paddlers were best described as balanced mesomorphs, while female paddlers were centrals. Olympic paddlers had higher proportional dimensions in upper body girths, and biacromial breadth in both genders. The data provided in this study could be used as a guideline for talent identification in sprint canoeing and kayaking.

Perfil Antropométrico del Canoísta Joven de Aguas Tranquilas

Los objetivos de este trabajo fueron describir las caracteristicas antropometricas de hombres canoistas de categoria cadete y comparar su somatotipo y proporcionalidad con palistas olimpicos. Treinta y tres canoistas de 15 a 16 anos de edad, fueron valorados usando una bateria de 41 medidas antropometricas. Se calculo la composicion corporal, el somatotipo y los valores Z utilizando la estrategia Phantom de proporcionalidad. El somatotipo medio de los canoistas obtuvo la clasificacion de mesomorfo balanceado. De la comparacion con los palistas de categoria olimpica, destaco la menor mesomorfia asi como los valores inferiores de proporcionalidad en los perimetros y diametros del tronco de las extremidades superiores de los canoistas cadetes. La informacion aportada en este estudio puede ser utilizada como guia en el proceso de deteccion de talentos en canoistas jovenes de aguas tranquilas.

Morfología Sagital del Raquis en Palistas Jóvenes de Alto Nivel

El objetivo fue valorar la morfologia raquidea del raquis toracico y lumbar en piraguistas de la modalidad de kayak de categoria cadete. A un total de 66 kayakistas de aguas tranquilas, 36 varones y 30 mujeres de categoria cadete (media de edad 16,22 ± 0,80 anos), se les evaluo mediante un Spinal Mouse la morfologia sagital del raquis toracico y lumbar en bipedestacion, decubito prono y en flexion maxima del tronco en sedentacion con rodillas extendidas (test sit-and-reach). La cifosis toracica en los varones fue superior en las tres posiciones analizadas, especialmente en el test sit-and-reach. El porcentaje de casos con hipercifosis toracica fue de un 42,1% en los varones y un 21,4% en las mujeres. Los valores angulares en decubito prono fueron inferiores que en bipedestacion (p < 0,001). Aquellos deportistas con hipercifosis toracica tenian un valor angular menor en decubito prono (37,85 ± 9,42) que en bipedestacion (50,95 ± 5,12). En la curva lumbar no se encontraron diferencias entre generos en las posiciones evaluadas. En el raquis lumbar, predominaron las angulaciones consideradas normales (81,6% en varones y 75% en mujeres). En conclusion, la morfologia sagital del raquis en kayakistas de categoria cadete se caracteriza por una tendencia a la hipercifosis toracica, especialmente en los varones, si bien se trata de curvas no estructuradas. En cuanto a la curva lumbar en bipedestacion presenta un alto porcentaje de angulos considerados normales. La practica del piraguismo/canotaje de aguas tranquilas en su modalidad de kayak genera una mayor capacidad de flexion intervertebral lumbar, que produce un alto porcentaje de morfotipos cifoticos. Es preciso adoptar medidas de intervencion postural para mejorar la morfologia raquidea de los palistas de aguas tranquilas.