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Perception of Competence in Physical Education in Spanish Children: Instrument Validation and Analysis

It was our objective to analyze the perceived physical and motor competence in 10- to 13-year-old Spanish children and to validate to the Spanish language and context the questionnaire of Scrabis-Fletcher and Silverman (2010). The perception of competence was analyzed in 27 schools of Albacete (Spain), with a total of 389 boys and 391 girls, whose age ranged from 10 to 13 (average=11.08 and SD=0.43). Different analyses were performed, starting with a forward analysis of the items, using graphics and statistics. After this, an internal consistency study was performed, through Cronbach's alpha, using a multilevel package, version 2.3. Finally, the constructs structure was analyzed through a factorial confirmatory analysis (FCA), which used a Lavaan package, version 0.5-11. The consistency was high as a whole (Cronbach's alpha: 0.74). There was a high correlation between all items, even those from different factors. Regarding the analysis of students´ perceived physical and motor competence, the best values were obtained in the perceptions they had about their teachers and classmates, although they had worse values about their personal experiences. Two questionnaires of 2 and 3 factors, using 7 and 14 items, respectively were established. Therefore, the instrument Perception of Competence in Middle School Physical Education was validated within the Spanish social context. The main practical application is the possibility of using this questionnaire in the PE lessons in Spain to know and increase the perceived physical and motor competence of the children.

Representation of physical activity domains and sedentary behaviors across categories of gender and disability in children’s TV cartoons

Television (TV) cartoons could reflect and shape social values about childrens health-related behaviors. The main aim of this study is to analyze the portrayal of physical activity (PA) domains in the most popular Spanish childrens television (TV) cartoons. It is performed a content analysis of each scene following a coding scheme. The sample selected included the five most popular childrens TV cartoons for the 2013- 2014 period in Spain. Our results show a large gap between the modest representation of different PA domains compared to the overwhelming depiction of sedentary behaviors. We do not find evidence of males and females participating equally in a variety of PA domains, and we fail to identify any characters with disabilities, reinforcing evidence on their invisibility in different media. Current childrens cartoons in Spain are not adequate regarding promoting healthy behaviors related to PA. While policy makers need to work on limiting sedentary time in pre-schoolers, children, teachers, and parents should be encouraged to develop their critical thinking about the under-representation of health-related behaviors-including PA- on childrens TV cartoons. The study further contributes to the scientific literature by shedding light on the typical health-related behaviors coded in analyses of childrens cartoons.

Neuromuscular efficiency of the knee joint muscles in the early- phase of resistance training: effects of antagonist’s muscles pre-activation

It was our objective to compare the neuromuscular efficiency (NME) adaptations between resistance exercise methods (with and without pre-activation of the antagonists muscles) after six-weeks training. This randomized controlled trial assigned forty-nine men (mean age 20.9 ± 2.2 years; height 1.80 ± 0.1 m; body mass 75.0 ± 8.2 kg) into two groups: 1) Reciprocal Training group (RT, concentric knee flexion immediately followed by concentric knee extension at 60°.s-1); and Conventional Training (CT, concentric knee extension exercise). Both training adopted three sets, 10 repetitions at 60°.s-1, 2 days/week for 6 weeks. NME of knee extension and flexion were assessed pre and post-training. The groups were similar at baseline, for all variables. We found significant effects on NME only for the rectus femoris muscle in the RT group (ES = 0.31; 95%CI [0.30-0,92]; p<0.01). There were no significant differences at NME pre- and post-training in CT and Total Work did not differ between groups. Reciprocal training provided better neuromuscular efficiency, but effects were limited to the rectus femoris muscle. The small effect sizes suggest caution in the results.

The role of hand dominance in padel: performance profiles of professional players

Profiling methods allow coaches to determine players profiles for designing training programs as specific as possible to maximize performance. We aimed to define the distinctive performance profiles for professional padel players according to technical, spatial, effectiveness and hand dominance characteristics. A multivariate decision tree approach was used to identify and classify players profiles. Hand dominance comparison revealed a similar technical game pattern along the match (p = 0.330) but different effectiveness rates (p = 0.012). Left-handed scored more points using smashes (63.3 % vs. 40.7 %) but made more errors using the wall (37.7 % vs. 19.5 %); right-handed secured the ball with fewer errors (11.2 % vs. 8.2 %) and more continuity actions (84.9 % vs. 79.9 %). According to these findings, the hand dominance has an important role in players game style and effectiveness. These differences should be taken into account for designing optimal training programs in padel.

Physical fitness of amateur paddle tennis players: comparisons between different competitive levels

Paddle tennis is widely practiced racket sport, although there is scanty data comparing competitive levels and differences between the sexes. Physical fitness of paddle tennis players was compared, according to sex and level. The research involved 35 people (age = 29.6 ± 2.9 years, practice = 6.8 ± 4.9 years), 13 of the first, 15 of the second and 7 of the third category. Traveled distance with Yo-Yo IR1 (YOYOIR1), agility with handball agility specific test (HAST), vertical jump height (VJ) and 3kg medicine ball throwing distance (MBT), and handgrip endurance strength (HES) with dynamometer were measured. The variables YOYOIR1, HAST, VJ, MBT and FIPM were statistically different between sexes. In addition, in the male category, players in the first category had lower heart rate scores after YOYOIR1 as well as distance traveled, throttle and FIPM maximum, while in females the superior category was better in the variables in YOYOIR1 (293±54 m) and VJ (28,4±5,3 cm). On the other hand, in both sexes, players of superior categories presented greater time of practice. Amateur paddle tennis players with a higher competitive level do not present higher physical fitness, but present longer practice time.

Blood Pressure Responses in Isokinetic Dynamometry Test in Elderly Community Women: An Exploratory Study

The aim of the study was to verify the systolic, diastolic and mean arterial pressure response in elderly women during isokinetic test. The study included 54 females (68.8 ± 5.9 years) divided into two age groups (Group 1: 60 to 70 and group 2: above 71 years). BP was measured before and immediately after the isokinetic knee extension / flexion test in the concentric-concentric mode. After the test, significant elevations were observed in relation to the pre-test in SBP (G1: ?% = 29.7%, G2: ?% = 20.6%, p <.01, respectively) and in MAP (G1: ?% = 7.6 %, G2: ?% = 8.4%, p <.01, respectively). The use of isokinetic tests produces elevations in systolic blood pressure and mean arterial pressure in elderly women. Increases occur independently of the age group studied. However, the increases detected do not appear to be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a health hazard whereby isokinetic tests can be safely applied in this population.

**Effects of Rio de Janeiro Ar Livre program on the autonomy of octogenarian elderly women**

With the increase in life expectancy, it is important to acknowledge the impact of health promotion programs on the elderly. The aimed of this study was to evaluate the influence of the Rio de Janeiro Ar Livre physical program on the functional autonomy of octogenarian elderly women´s. To this end, elderly women´s from 19 Rio de Janeiro Ar Livre program gyms were selected for the experimental group (EG) (n=23; 82.57±3.78 years), and for the Control Group (CG) (n=17; 82.88±2.23 years) from the attending cohabitation houses of the City of Rio de Janeiro. To access the functional autonomy was used Rikli and Jones (1999) protocol in two times separated by (28 weeks). It was observed in the EG a significant (p=0.010) increase in Upper limbs' strength test (13.00±3.41 to 15.09±3.60 times, pre and post innervation, respectively) and a significant (p=0.002) increase in 2 minutes Step test in the CG (36.59±15.00 to 47.24±10.96 times, pre and post, respectively). However, any significant differences between groups were observed in all variables analysed. Based in the present data we can conclude that the training program was only effective in the promotions of the functional strength of the upper limbs and to maintain the functional autonomy of octogenarian elderly women.

Body-image and -size perception after a single session of HIIT body work in healthy adult men

It was our objective to analyze the effects of a single session of whole body HIIT on body-image and -scheme parameters of healthy adult men. Twenty-one active, healthy adults performed high-intensity intermittent training based on full body exercise. The training session involved 20 sets of 30?second all-out exercise and 30 seconds of passive recovery between sets. All subjects underwent blood lactate measurement, rate of perceived exertion, feeling scale and body image assessment and perception of body size measurements. Significant differences (p<0.001) were found on blood lactate but not in feeling scale. The values of current and adequate silhouette did not differ between each other and the real silhouette. Significant differences were found on Image Marking Procedure (IMP) (p< 0.003). Additionally, significant differences (p= 0.009) were found on prevalence of adequate, hypoeschematic and hypeschematic. Although alteration was not found on self-perception of body image, a single session of HIIT body work promoted alteration on body size perception in healthy adult men.

Perception A retrospective analysis of career termination of football players in Portugal

The purpose of this study was to analyse the retirement of elite football players in Portugal. Specifically, the quality of retirement and the resources available were evaluated. To develop an understanding of the process of the sporting retirement of elite football players we used data from in-depth, semi-structured interviews with ninety professional players that played in football national team. Fifty per cent of the elite Portuguese footballers retired from sport between 36 and 40 years of age (M = 35.53 ± 3.63 years), their retirement had been involuntary and it had taken them less than a year to accept retirement. Most had only been educated to secondary level and had a strong athletic identity; no plans for their post-football career exist and relied on family as their main psychological support. None of the players had received support from a formal programme. Despite of the findings being consistent with previous research from other Southern European cultures, it seems that the athletic retirement of Portuguese footballers has some particularities.

Validation of automated apparatus for upper limb velocity testing

The purpose of this paper was to validate the ability of automated devices to measure the velocity of the upper limbs. Thus, 144 students, from 8 to 17 years old, both sexes, participated in the study in a social project in the city of Natal/RN. The Automated Tapping Test (AATT) was developed following the dimensions of the original EUROFIT test, but built out of metal parts, so that the calibration was more accurate and could be read as an electronic signal by the integrated circuit. The upper limb velocity test was applied in three steps: before performing the original test, all participants underwent a laterality check and then motor practice similar to the original test. After 30 minutes, the first step in the pattern established by the EUROFIT test battery was performed and 30 minutes later, the third stage, with the AATT. The measurement reliability of the automated apparatus was tested through intraclass correlations and a strong intraclass interaction coefficient of r = 0.901 was found. In conclusion, the AATT was found to be accurate and efficient as to what it is proposed to evaluate, being able to minimize the intra-evaluator error and to assist professionals in the sports.

Data’s Hidden Data: Qualitative Revelations of Sports Efficiency. Analysis brought by Neural Network Performance Metrics

The study explores the technical optimization of an athlete through the use of intelligent system performance metrics that produce information obtained from inertial sensors associated to the coach's technical qualifications in real time, using Mixed Methods and Machine Learning. The purpose of this study is to illustrate, from the confusion matrices, the different performance metrics that provide information of high pertinence for the sports training in context. 2000 technical fencing actions with two levels of complexity were performed, captured through a single sensor applied in the armed hand and, simultaneously, the gestures qualification through a dichotomous way by the coach. The signals were divided into segments through Dynamic Time Warping, with the resulting extracted characteristics and qualitative assessments being fed to a Neural Network to learn the patterns inherent to a good or poor execution. The performance analysis of the resulting models returned a prediction accuracy of 76.6% and 72.7% for each exercise, but other metrics indicate the existence of high bias in the data. The study demonstrates the potential of intelligent algorithms to uncover trends not captured by other statistical methods.

Biomechanical characterization of swimmers with physical disabilities

The evaluation of swimming technique is one of the main aspects to be considered in any training program, with biomechanics being an important source of knowledge. It was our objective to characterize the biomechanical parameters (SL and SF) relating them to the swimming velocity (v) at different intensities and to analyze within each swimming stroke cycle the intra-cyclic velocity variation (IVV) in a group of motor disabled swimmers. Eight disabled male swimmers (25.83 ± 2.93 years old, 72.45 ± 9.26 kg body mass and 1.79 ± 0.11 m of height) of the following functional classes: S6 (n = 1), S8 (n = 2) and S9 (n = 5) participated in this study. Swimmers were evaluated in the kinematic parameters v, stroke frequency (SF) and stroke length (SL) along with an incremental protocol of 6 x 200 m in the the crawl stroke. Data were registered in each step at the distances of 100 and 175 m. With increasing velocity, the mean values of SL decreased while the mean values of SF increased. To achieve higher swimming velocities, swimmers compensated the lack of the propulsive segment increasing SF to increase swimming speed. For the mean values of IVV at 100m distance, a decrease between the first and second levels, followed by a tendency to stabilize from the 2nd to the 6th level is presented. For the 175 m distance, there was a decrease in IVV with an increase in swimming velocity. Stroke frequency is directly related to the magnitude of IVV, which directly influences swimming performance.