Francisco Pradas

Effectiveness of low-frequency vibration recovery method on blood lactate removal, muscle contractile properties and on time to exhaustion during cycling at VO2max power output

The aim of the study was to determine the effectiveness of low-frequency vibration recovery (LFV-rec) on blood lactate removal, muscle contractile properties, and on time to exhaustion during cycling at maximal oxygen uptake power output (pVO2max). Twelve active males carried out three experimental sessions. In session 1, participant’s maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) and pVO2max were determined, and in sessions 2 and 3, the participants performed a fatiguing exercise (2 min of cycling at pVO2max) and then a 15 min recovery period using one of two different methods: LFV-rec which consisted on sitting with feet on the vibratory platform (20 Hz; 4 mm) and passive recovery (P-rec), sitting without vibration stimulus. After that, participants performed an all-out exercise test on cycle ergometer at pVO2max. In the recovery period, variables such as heart rate (HR), blood lactate concentration [Lac], and tensiomyographic parameters (Dm: maximal radial displacement; Ts: time of contraction maintenance, and Tr: relaxation time) were measured. In an all-out exercise test, mean time to exhaustion (TTE), total distance covered (TD), mean cycling velocity (Vm), and maximal HR (HRmax) were also assessed. The results showed no effect of recovery strategy on any of the assessed variables; nevertheless, higher values, although not significant, were observed in TTE, TD, and Vm after LFV-rec intervention. In conclusion, LFV-rec strategy applied during 15 min after short and intense exercise does not seem to be effective on blood lactate removal, muscle contractile properties, and on time to exhaustion during cycling at pVO2max.

Effects of eccentric overload bout on change of direction and performance in soccer players.

The aims of this study were to analyse the effects of eccentric overload training (EOT) on kinetic parameters during change of direction (COD) and performance related to sprinting and jumping abilities. 20 male soccer players performed 2 different protocols: 1) 5-min cycling warm-up and 2) 5-min cycling warm-up+YoYo half-squat exercise. The outcome measured included vertical ground reaction force (vGRF) and propulsive force (PvGRF), time to vGRF (T_vGRF) and propulsive force (T_PvGRF), contact time (CT), eccentric (ECC_IMP), concentric (CONC_IMP) and total (TOT_IMP) impulses and moments (Mx, My and Mz) during 2 COD tasks. Additionally, subjects performed a counter-movement jump (CMJ) and 20 m sprint tests. Results showed a substantial better improvement (likely to almost certainly) in vGRF (ES: 0.84), vAGRF (ES: 0.72), CT (ES: 0.48), My (ES: 0.35), Mz (ES: 0.44) and ECC_IMP (ES: 0.45) during crossover cutting maneuver, whereas during side-step cutting maneuver Time_ECC (ES: 0.68), CT (ES: 0.64), vGRF (ES: 0.48) and My (ES: 0.47) were substantially enhanced (likely). Furthermore, substantial better performance was found in CMJ (ES: 0.47; very likely) and 20 m (ES: 0.20; possibly). In conclusion, EOT produced a better muscle activation during 2 different COD tasks and greater sprinting and jumping performance.

El Instituto de Orientación Profesional de Barcelona (1917-1936): un estudio antropométrico

OBJECTIVE the anthropometric data of the Instituto de Orientación Profesional (Institute of Vocational Guidance) (IOP) is introduced and analysed. The IOP during its activity years (1917- 1935) advised youngsters of the city (mainly 13-19 y.) in their job seeking process. MATERIAL AND METHODS the statistical information provided by IOP has been analysed through two types of sources. One, secondary, based on statistics published in a monograph in the year 1936. Other, primary, from 305 individual cards found in the archives. Tables of growth of child and young populations of Spain as a model have been applied in order to assess the nutritional condition of the young attending the IOP. RESULTS social and residential differences reflected in heights and weights of young applicants for employment (15-19 y.). 6.5 cm height and 4.5 kg weight as average between Wealthy and Middle and Working Class. Between 2 and 3 cm and 2 and 4 kg from residents in Ensanche compared to Casco Antiguo and Barriadas. Levels of moderate malnutrition would be of 17% and severe malnutrition between 3% and 5% in young population (13-16 y.) As determinant factor of height and weight, dilution hypothesis suggest the size of sibling. Regression results show a negative effect of this variable of 0.35 cm on height and 0.41 Kg on weight. CONCLUSIONS anthropometrical and nutritional outputs from the IOPs young population revealed the consequences of social and spatial segregation and current Malthusian tensions in Barcelona in the first third of the 20th century.Objetivos: este articulo presenta y analiza los datos antropometricos del Instituto de Orientacion Profesional de Barcelona (IOP) entre sus anos de actividad (1917 a 1935). El IOP asesoraba a un sector de la poblacion juvenil de la ciudad (principalmente, de 13 a 19 anos) en su insercion laboral. Materiales y metodos: se han analizado dos tipos de fuentes. Una, secundaria, en base a las estadisticas publicadas en una monografia de 1936. Otra, primaria, a partir de 305 fichas individuales localizadas en los archivos. Se han aplicado tablas modelo de crecimiento de la poblacion infantil y juvenil espanola para estimar niveles de malnutricion. Resultados: desigualdad social y residencial de tallas y pesos entre los jovenes, especialmente entre los de 15 y 19 anos: 6,5 cm de talla y 4,5 kg de peso de media entre los de clase acomodada y los de las clases media y obrera; entre 2 y 3 cm y 2 y 4 kg entre los residentes en el Ensanche y en el Casco Antiguo o las Barriadas; niveles de malnutricion moderada del 17% y severa del 3-5% en los jovenes de 13 a 16 anos. Entre los factores determinantes de talla y de peso de cada individuo, ademas de la edad, se encontraria el numero de hermanos (hipotesis de dilucion), que reduciria las tallas 0,35 cm y los pesos 0,41 kg por hermano. Conclusiones: los resultados antropometricos y nutricionales reflejarian las consecuencias de la segregacion social, territorial y las tensiones maltusianas vigentes en Barcelona en el primer tercio del siglo xx.

Efectos del ejercicio físico sobre la cognición en mujeres tratadas con lovastatina

INTRODUCTION The deterioration of cognition is highly predominant in older adults. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of a walking program on the cognition and blood concentration of lipids in women over 60 years of age who were being treated with lovastatin. MATERIALS AND METHODS Participants were distributed in two groups: An exercise group (EG, n=45) with aerobic training and an inactive sedentary group (SG, n=22). The cognitive state of the subjects was assessed through the Spanish Mini-Cog Test version of the MMSE; lipoproteins were quantified using a lipid profile test, and the cardiorespiratory fitness was measured using the six-minute walking test (6MWT). RESULTS EG showed a significant increase (p<0.05) in cardiorespiratory fitness and in HDL-C concentrations. Furthermore, the results from the cognition tests showed a large effect size in spatial orientation and in and calculation. The decrease in LDL-C was not significant (p>0.05). CONCLUSION A controlled and progressive walking program for older women treated with Lovastatin may induce a boost of brain activity linked to HDL-C, which could delay cognitive impairment.

Influencia de la composición corporal y la aceptación por las clases de educación física sobre la autoestima de niños de 14-16 años de Alicante, España

espanolIntroduccion: La autoestima parece ser un importante predictor de sintomas depresivos entre los jovenes, y sobre todo en el genero femenino. Algunos autores sugieren que la existencia de sobrepeso y/o obesidad en jovenes se relaciona con una menor autoestima asi como la participacion deportiva se ha asociado con unos valores mas altos de la misma. Objetivos: Analizar las relaciones existentes entre el indice de masa corporal, sexo, aceptacion a las clases de Educacion Fisica y autoestima en una muestra representativa de escolares de 3o y 4o de Educacion Secundaria Obligatoria de la ciudad de Alicante. Metodos: El estudio se llevo a cabo sobre una muestra representativa compuesta por 1.150 alumnos escolarizados en la ciudad de Alicante. Se obtuvieron datos sociodemograficos, antropometricos, valores de autoestima y de aceptacion por las clases de educacion fisica. Resultados: Existe una correlacion positiva entre la aceptacion a las clases de educacion fisica y el autoestima (r= ,319) y una correlacion negativa entre esta y el sexo de los alumnos (r= -,289), siendo el grupo femenino el que muestra unas menores puntuaciones. Existe una correlacion negativa entre el autoestima y los valores de indice de masa corporal (r= -,083), y el sexo (r= -,308), siendo el grupo femenino el que muestra unos valores menores de autoestima. Conclusiones: En vista de los resultados se hace necesario planificar actuaciones encaminadas a reforzar y aumentar la autoestima durante la adolescencia, centrandose en los grupos de riesgo formados por los jovenes con sobrepeso/obesidad y sobre por el grupo de las chicas. EnglishIntroduction: Self-esteem seems to be an important predictor of depressive symptoms in adolescents, especially in females. Some authors suggest that there is a relationship between adolescents with overweight or obesity and lower self-esteem. In addition, sports participation has been associated with a higher self-esteem. Objectives: To analyses the relationships between BMI, gender, acceptance for physical education classes and self-esteem in a representative sample of 14-16 years students of the Alicante city. Methods: Research was conducted with a representative sample of 1,150 students (15.1 ± 0.8 years) of the Alicante city. Data included their socio-demographic background, anthropometric measurements, self-esteem and acceptance for physical education classes. Results: There is a positive correlation between acceptance for physical education classes and selfesteem (r= .319) and there is a negative correlation between this acceptance and gender (r= -.289), lower scores were shown in a female group. There is a negative correlation between self-esteem and BMI (r= -.083) and gender (r= -.308), lower self-esteem were shown in a female group. Results: It is necessary to plan actions aimed as reinforcing and increasing self-esteem during the adolescent period, focusing on the group of girls and the group of young adults with overweight and obesity problems and especially in the girl group.INTRODUCTION Self-esteem seems to be an important predictor of depressive symptoms in adolescents, especially in females. Some authors suggest that there is a relationship between adolescents with overweight or obesity and lower self-esteem. In addition, sports participation has been associated with a higher self-esteem. OBJECTIVES To analyses the relationships between BMI, gender, acceptance for physical education classes and self-esteem in a representative sample of 14-16 years students of the Alicante city. METHODS Research was conducted with a representative sample of 1,150 students (15.1 ± 0.8 years) of the Alicante city. Data included their socio-demographic background, anthropometric measurements, self-esteem and acceptance for physical education classes. RESULTS There is a positive correlation between acceptance for physical education classes and self-esteem (r= .319) and there is a negative correlation between this acceptance and gender (r= -.289), lower scores were shown in a female group. There is a negative correlation between self-esteem and BMI (r= -.083) and gender (r= -.308), lower self-esteem were shown in a female group. CONCLUSIONS It is necessary to plan actions aimed as reinforcing and increasing self-esteem during the adolescent period, focusing on the group of girls and the group of young adults with overweight and obesity problems and especially in the girl group.