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- The impact of schoolbags on postural health in school-aged children: an updated systematic reviewPublication . Ashraf, Sadaf; Bento, César; Sabino, Bebiana; Antunes, Hélio; França, Cíntia; Lopes, Helder; Rodrigues, Ana; Bento, César; Antunes, Hélio; França, Cíntia; Lopes, Helder; Rodrigues, AnaSchoolbags represent a common source of physical strain for school-aged children and may influence posture during critical years of growth. This systematic review synthesizes evidence published since the previous review (1995–2014), which mainly focused on load thresholds and did not consider postural health as a multidimensional outcome. The review protocol was prospectively registered in PROSPERO (CRD420251080328). PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar were systematically searched up to 11 June 2024. Of 1013 screened articles, 12 studies met the inclusion criteria. Schoolbag weight was the most frequently investigated factor, followed by postural and spinal alterations, particularly scoliosis. Excessive loads were consistently associated with trunk inclination, postural asymmetry, lumbar strain, and musculoskeletal discomfort. Several studies reported demographic differences, with girls showing greater susceptibility to postural deviations and boys carrying heavier loads. Compared with earlier evidence, more recent studies employed improved postural assessment methods and broader outcome frameworks incorporating ergonomic and behavioral factors. Despite methodological heterogeneity, findings support limiting schoolbag weight to 10–15% of body weight. This review highlights the importance of integrating ergonomic design, carrying behaviors, and demographic modifiers into school health guidelines and provides practical recommendations for clinicians, educators, and policymakers.
- Characterizing psychomotor abilities of male handball players of different age categoriesPublication . Martins, Francisco; Śliż, Maciej; França, Cíntia; Sarmento, Hugo; Gouveia, Élvio Rubio; Campos, Pedro; Lopes, Helder; Przednowek, Krzysztof; Pestana Martins, João Francisco; França, Cíntia; Borges Sarmento, Hugo Miguel; Sarmento, Hugo; Gouveia, Elvio Rúbio; Gouveia, Élvio Rúbio; Pereira Campos, Pedro Filipe; Lopes, Helder; Przednowek, KrzysztofSports performance is highly influenced by players’ mental, emotional, and psychomotor abilities. Particularly in handball, training methods aim to maximize players’ performance by fusing physical conditioning with cognitive abilities. The aim of this research was twofold: (1) to characterize players’ psychomotor abilities according to their age categories (U14, U16, and U18), and (2) to analyze the differences between psychomotor abilities profiles according to players’ field positions. The study population comprised 75 male youth handball players (15.3 ± 1.5 years) from different competitive age groups (U14 = 20 players; U16 = 27 players; U18 = 28 players). The psychomotor abilities were evaluated using the Test2Drive system. Three tests were performed to measure psychomotor abilities: (a) a simple reaction time test (SIRT), (b) a choice reaction time test (CHORT), and (c) a spatial anticipation test (SPANT). The only statistically significant difference was observed in the percentage of correct answers in the SPANT, showing that U16 players had a higher rate of correct answers than the others. However, some trends were visible throughout the analysis: (i) the U16 group performed better in terms of reaction time in all the tests, (ii) right-wingers were always the ones who had the best percentage of correct answers, and (iii) central players had the best movement time performance. Future research should include youth players' maturation stage, body composition, and physical fitness performance to characterize their profile deeply and analyze their psychomotor abilities, considering other factors that can impact their sports performance.
- Sex differences in body composition and physical fitness of young basketball playersPublication . França, Cíntia; Martins, Francisco; Santos, Francisco; Teixeira, Francisco; Śliż, Maciej; Przednowek, Krzysztof; Lopes, Helder; Gouveia, Élvio R.; Pestana Martins, João Francisco; Baeta Santos, Francisco José; Lopes, Helder; Gouveia, Elvio RúbioIntroduction: Throughout adolescence, sex differences are observed for anthropometric, body composition, and physical fitness variables. Objective: This study’s aims were: (1) to explore differences in anthropometry, body composition, and physical fitness performance between male and female youth basketball players, and (2) to examine the relationships between body composition, strength, and balance performance. Methodology: Forty-nine regional youth basketball players (27 males; mean age = 14.3 ± 1.2 years), were assessed for body composition, strength, speed, upper-limb coordination, and balance performance. Results: As expected, males were taller (p = 0.002), with lower body fat (p < 0.001) and increased fat-free mass (p < 0.002) than females. Body fat correlated significantly with strength (handgrip: rs = -0.47, p < 0.001; countermovement jump: rs = -0.72, p < 0.001; squat jump: rs = -0.73, p < 0.001; horizontal jump: rs = -0.76, p < 0.001), upper-limb speed and coordination (rs =-0.32, p = 0.027), and 20-m sprint performance (rs = 0.72, p < 0.001), but not with balance tasks. Body mass and fat-free mass were negatively associated with balance, indicating reduced postural control. Conclusions: These findings underscore the importance of accounting for sex differences when developing training programs for youth basketball players. Also, coaches and their staff should monitor body composition, particularly body fat, to enhance explosive strength and speed. Fat-free mass positively influences balance ability, highlighting the role of body composition in physical fitness.
- Physical fitness performance and psychomotor abilities in trained young female handball playersPublication . Śliż, Maciej; Martins, Francisco; França, Cíntia; Gouveia, Élvio Rúbio; Przednowek, Krzysztof; Pestana Martins, João Francisco; França, Cíntia; Gouveia, Élvio RúbioPhysical fitness and psychomotor performance can play a crucial role in decision-making ability, reaction time, and movement time among female handball players at different age levels. Our study aimed to compare the physical fitness performance and psychomotor abilities among trained young female handball players from different age groups (U14 vs. U16). The study group included 61 female handball players (U14 = 26; 13.2±0.8) and U16 = 35; 15.1±0.8). The Mann–Whitney U test was conducted to compare the performance of physical fitness and psychomotor abilities between groups (U14 and U16). Afterward, the Pearson product-moment correlation was used to explore the relationship between physical fitness and psychomotor abilities performance among all participants. Results showed that zig-zag with the ball (s) had a significant correlation with movement time (ms) in the Spatial Attention Test (SPANT) (r = 0.30). The plate tapping test (s) emerged as a strong indicator of psychomotor speed (ms), showing significant correlations with a range of variables, including Simple Reaction Time Test (SIRT) movement time (r = 0.48), Choice Reaction Time Test (CHORT) movement time (r = 0.57), Hand–Eye Coordination Test (HECOR) reaction time (r = –0.48), HECOR movement time (r = 0.69), SPANT reaction time (r = 0.63), and SPANT movement time (r = 0.52). These findings have implications for the development of trained young female handball players. Training programs may benefit from age-specific emphasis, focusing more on fundamental coordination and reaction-based exercises in younger athletes and progressively incorporating cognitively demanding drills for older adolescents.
- Physical and physiological characterization of custom-made virtual reality exergames: a pilot studyPublication . França, Cíntia; Noronha, Hildegardo; Freitas, Eva; Campos, Pedro; Ornelas, Rui T.; Gouveia, Élvio R.; França, Cíntia; Noronha, Hildegardo; Pereira Campos, Pedro Filipe; Ornelas, Rui; Gouveia, Élvio RúbioThe continuous growth of the older adult population demands an urgent need to provide innovative ways to stimulate physical activity and promote functional health. This study presents FitFest, a custom-made virtual reality (VR) designed to deliver a complete physical activity (PA) session for older adults. A pilot study involving seven older adults (67.0 ± 3.8 years) was conducted, comprising 18 user testing sessions of two VR exergames: Wine Fest and Flower Fest. PA intensity and heart rate (HR) were measured. The rate of perceived exertion (RPE) and the participants’ rating of the system’s usability were also registered. Overall, sessions involved mostly sedentary behavior (56.5 ± 20.4%) and light PA (42.1 ± 19.3%), with an average of 436.7 steps and 92.1 bpm. Wine Fest elicited less sedentary behavior (53.6 ± 22.1% vs. 62.8 ± 16.2%), higher light PA intensity (44.7 ± 20.4% vs. 36.4 ± 17.0%), and a higher step count (503.0 ± 345.4 vs. 291.0 ± 143.1) than the Flower Fest, although not significantly. Tasks requiring cardiovascular effort and strength were rated as more physically demanding. Most participants found the system user-friendly and showed interest in continued use, though technical support was essential due to limited familiarity with VR. The findings suggest FitFest has potential to promote light PA in older adults, highlighting the importance of usability and support in tech-based interventions.
- Associations between pulmonary function and muscle strength in turkish national karate athletesPublication . Tokgoz, Gurkan; Cinarli, Sena; Akyol, Betül; Aygoren, Caner; Beykumul, Aysegul; Larsen, Malte Nejst; Krustrup, Peter; França, Cíntia; Gouveia, Élvio Rúbio; Cinarli, Fahri Safa; França, Cíntia; Gouveia, Élvio RúbioBackground: Respiratory efficiency is considered important in karate due to its role in sustaining muscular performance during high-intensity actions. This study examined the association between pulmonary function and isometric muscle strength in national-level karate athletes. Methods: A total of 23 elite karate athletes (mean age: 23.0 ± 2.3 (mean ± SD) years) participated in the study. Pulmonary function was assessed using a digital spirometer, while isometric handgrip, lower back, and leg strength were measured using a dynamometer. The correlation between pulmonary function and isometric strength was analyzed, and linear regression was employed to examine the predictive capacity of pulmonary parameters for muscle strength. Results: The results revealed significant correlations, ranging from large to very large, between pulmonary function and isometric muscle strength, with correlation coefficients from 0.639 to 0.812 (p < 0.01). Pulmonary function was strongly associated with isometric strength, accounting for 27% to 67% of the variance (p < 0.05). Multiple regression analysis revealed that pulmonary function parameters accounted for 71% of the variance in handgrip strength, 47% in leg strength, and 71% in back strength (p < 0.05). Conclusions: These findings highlight the strong associations between pulmonary function and isometric muscle strength in elite karate athletes. The results emphasize the importance of pulmonary health and respiratory muscle function in athletic performance, particularly for sports requiring high-intensity, dynamic movements like karate. Future longitudinal studies are needed to explore the mechanisms underlying the association and potential implications, and for training and performance optimization.
- Parents and athletes’ perceptions of parental involvement practices in youth basketballPublication . Lopes, Maria V.; Ihle, Andreas; Gouveia, Élvio Rúbio; Marques, Adilson; Cinarli, Fahri Safa; França, Cíntia; Ihle, Andreas; Gouveia, Élvio Rúbio; Marques, Adilson; França, CíntiaParental involvement in youth sports is an increasingly relevant topic because of its key implications for children’s development in youth sports. This study’s aims are threefold: (1) to investigate parental involvement practices based on parents’ previous sports experiences, (2) to examine athletes’ and parents’ perceptions on parental involvement practices across different age categories, and (3) to compare the athletes’ and parents’ overall perceptions on parental involvement practices. In total, 423 participants (151 youth players and 272 parents) completed the Parental Behaviors in Sports (PBSP) questionnaire. The PBSP includes separate versions for parents and athletes, each assessing five key dimensions: (1) sports support, (2) competition attendance, (3) technical influence, (4) performance pressure, and (5) sports expectations. In the parents’ group, 154 participants (56.6%) reported previous sports experience. No statistically significant differences were observed in the PBSP dimensions between parents with and without previous sports experience. Parents’ years of sports experience negatively correlated with performance pressure (r = −0.155, p = 0.013) and expectations (r = −0.149, p = 0.017). Age group analysis showed lower competition attendance in the U18 group and higher expectations in the U12 group. When comparing parents’ and athletes’ responses, statistically significant differences emerged in all PBSP dimensions except for performance pressure. These findings underscore the importance of aligning parental involvement with children’s experiences to foster enjoyment, reduce pressure, and support sustained engagement in youth sports.
- Postural stability of polish special forces operatorsPublication . Dziadek, Bartosz; Paśko, Wojciech; Podgórski, Rafał; Śliż, Maciej; Krawczyk, Grzegorz; Brożyna, Maciej; Marszałek, Patryk; Iskra, Janusz; Maciejewski, Konrad; Gouveia, Élvio Rúbio; França, Cíntia; Przednowek, Krzysztof; Gouveia, Élvio Rúbio; França, CíntiaThe level of balance can play an essential role in a soldier’s performance. For a Special Forces soldier, the footwear used or extra weight may be important factors affecting their balance level during combat operations or trainings. Therefore, the purpose of the study was to assess the level of static balance of Special Forces Operators and to determine the influence of select elements of a soldier’s combat uniform and equipment on balance levels. The study group consisted of 37 Polish Special Forces Operators. To assess the level of static balance, the Romberg test was used in three variants (barefoot, with shoes, and with shoes, helmet, and vest). The measurements were made using the AMTI AccuGait portable force platform. The results of the analysis showed that the calculated average values of selected static balance parameters of soldiers differed depending on the variant of the Romberg test used, and in most cases, those differences were statistically significant ( α<0. ). The lowest average values of parameters characterizing the level of static balance of Special Forces soldiers were calculated for barefoot measurements. The measurements with shoes and additional loads showed a statistically significant increase in almost all analysed parameters compared to barefoot measurements.
- Lower body strength and body composition in female footballPublication . França, Cíntia; Saldanha, Carolina; Martins, Francisco; Nascimento, Marcelo de Maio; Marques, Adilson; Ihle, Andreas; Sarmento, Hugo; Campos, Pedro; Gouveia, Élvio Rubio; França, Cíntia; da Costa Saldanha, Carolina Filipa; Pestana Martins, João Francisco; Marques, Adilson; Ihle, Andreas; Sarmento, Hugo; Pereira Campos, Pedro Filipe; Gouveia, Élvio RúbioAbstract Lower-body strength plays a crucial role in football performance and injury prevention, and thus, monitoring of strength variables has become crucial in the training process. This study aims to (1) assess knee muscle strength performance through intra- and inter-limb asymmetries and (2) examine the relationships between knee muscle strength, body composition, and vertical jump performance (squat jump and countermovement jump). Twenty-seven semiprofessional female football players (21.5 ± 4.9 years) were evaluated for body composition, isokinetic knee muscle strength (60º/s and 180º/s), and vertical jump tasks. Peak torque (PT), peak torque/body weight (PT/BW), bilateral strength deficit, and the hamstring-to-quadriceps strength ratio (H/Q) for knee extensors (KE) and flexors (KF) in both the preferred and non-preferred legs. The H/Q ratio and the bilateral strength deficit revealed no significant intra- or inter-limb asymmetries in knee muscle strength. Strong correlations were found between vertical jump performance and KE strength at both 60º/s (p ≤ 0.01) and 180º/s (p ≤ 0.01). Additionally, a significant negative correlation was observed between vertical jump performance and body fat percentage (p ≤ 0.01). These findings highlight the critical role of knee muscle strength in explosive tasks and underline the negative impact of higher body fat on lower-body strength performance.
- Psychomotor abilities, body composition and training experience of elite and sub-elite handball playersPublication . Śliż, Maciej; França, Cíntia; Martins, Francisco; Marszałek, Patryk; Gouveia, Élvio Rubio; Przednowek, Krzysztof; França, Cíntia; Pestana Martins, João Francisco; Gouveia, Élvio RúbioBackground: Handball is characterized by fast and dynamic movements requiring appropriate psychomotor abilities and body mass composition. High levels of reaction and movement time can be crucial factors influencing quick reactions and in-time decision-making at the handball court. The aim of this study was to assess psychomotor abilities among elite and sub-elite Polish and Portuguese male and female handball players at the different levels of competition. Methods: Computer Test2Drive systems were used to assess reaction time, movement time and percentage of correct responses of 199 handball players (60 females). Results: Statistically significant correlation was noted between SIRT cr and the Elite group (r = 0.44) and between the CHORT cr and all groups (r = 0.33). A statistical correlation between CHORT MT and total body water (r = 0.44) was also noted in Elite handball players. Conclusions: High level of psychomotor abilities and body composition seems to have impact on the competitive level in male and female handball players.