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- Influence of sex, family structure, and access to technology on the motor development of children aged 24 to 48 monthsPublication . Rebelo, Miguel; Adrião, Rafael; Silva Batista, Marco Alexandre; HONÓRIO, SAMUEL; Ferreira de Pedro Mesquita, Maria Helena; Marques, Catarina; Serrano, JoãoBackground/Objectives: This study aimed to analyze the influence of sex, the presence of siblings, and the duration of exposure to technology on the development of gross and fine motor skills in children aged between 24 and 48 months, using the PDMS-2 battery as the assessment instrument. Methods: The sample comprised 193 children, distributed across three age groups: 24 months (N = 22), 36 months (N = 78), and 48 months (N = 93). The assessed skills included Postural Control, Locomotion, Object Manipulation, Fine Grasping, and Visual–Motor Integration, grouped into the domains of Gross Motor and Fine Motor development. Statistical analysis was conducted using the non-parametric Mann–Whitney and Kruskal–Wallis tests, complemented by the epsilon squared (ε2) effect size measure. Results: The results revealed statistically significant differences between sexes, with girls demonstrating superior performance in Fine Motor and Visual–Motor Integration tasks, particularly at 36 and 48 months (p < 0.05; ε2 up to 0.22). The presence of siblings showed a positive impact only at 36 months, while the duration of exposure to technology did not present a significant association with motor performance at any age group. Conclusions: The Total Motor Quotient (TMQ) varied according to the variables analyzed, reinforcing the notion that motor development is multifactorial and sensitive to familial and social contexts. These findings highlight the importance of considering both environmental and biological factors when designing motor intervention strategies in early childhood.
- Gait and dual-task performance in older adults with suspected cognitive impairment: Effects of an 8-week exercise programPublication . Galrinho, João; Batista, Marco; Gonçalves-Montera, Marta; Fernandes, Orlando; Matias, Ana RitaGait performance in aging relies heavily on cognitive resources, yet the extent to which short-term interventions can mitigate dual-task costs in institutionalized populations remains understudied. This study aimed to compare single and dual-task gait performance between older adults with and without suspected cognitive impairment and to evaluate the effects of an 8-week multicomponent exercise program on functional mobility. Methods: Institutionalized older adults (n = 42) were stratified into two groups: suspected cognitive impairment (n = 26) and no suspected impairment (n = 16), based on MMSE and Clock Drawing Test screening. Participants performed the Timed Up and Go (TUG) and Dual-Task TUG (TUG-DT) at baseline and post-intervention. Results: At baseline, the suspected impairment group exhibited significantly poorer performance on both tests (p < 0.001) compared to the non-impaired group. Following the 8-week intervention, the suspected impairment group demonstrated large, significant improvements in both TUG (r = −0.73) and TUG-DT (r = −0.59), whereas the non-impaired group remained stable. Notably, while the single-task TUG showed the greatest responsiveness to the exercise program, the TUG-DT continued to reveal a significant cognitive-motor load. Conclusions: Multicomponent exercise effectively enhances functional mobility in cognitively vulnerable older adults, reversing declines in both single and dual-task conditions. Significance: These findings support the implementation of dual-task screening to unmask latent functional deficits and validate the use of accessible, short-term multicomponent exercise programs as a vital strategy to preserve autonomy in institutionalized older adults.
- Associations between body mass index, physical activity, perceived school competence, and academic performance in Portuguese elementary studentsPublication . Rebelo, Miguel; Serrano, João; HONÓRIO, SAMUEL; Santos, Jorge; Marques, Catarina; Silva Batista, Marco AlexandreBackground/Objectives: Childhood is a critical stage for consolidating health-related habits that shape physical, cognitive, and socio-emotional development. Regular physical activity has been linked to fitness and academic outcomes, while high body mass index (BMI) may hinder school performance. This study examined associations between BMI, perceived school competence, academic performance, and weekly physical activity volume in Portuguese elementary students, addressing a gap in national evidence compared with international studies. Methods: A cross-sectional correlational design was adopted with 531 children (M = 9.13 years) from 10 public schools. BMI was calculated from anthropometric measures, weekly physical activity was self-reported, perceived competence was assessed with Harter’s Self-Concept Scale (Cronbach’s α = 0.797), and academic performance was obtained from school records. Analyses included Pearson correlations, ANOVA with Scheffé post hoc, and multiple regression, with exact significance values reported. Results: Higher BMI was negatively associated with perceived competence and academic achievement, while regular physical activity, particularly 4–6 h per week, was linked to better results in Portuguese and mathematics. Associations were modest (r = 0.18–0.32; R2 = 0.12). Regression showed physical activity (β = 0.093, p = 0.033) and perceived competence (β = 0.126, p = 0.004) predicted academic performance, whereas BMI was not (β = −0.028, p = 0.524). The near-zero correlation with environmental studies suggests subject-specific influences. Conclusions: Adequate BMI and regular physical activity are associated with better academic performance. The role of perceived competence is theoretically inferred as a potential mediator, but not formally tested. Findings highlight the interplay of physical, cognitive, and psychosocial factors. Structured school-based activity programs of 4–6 h weekly may promote both health and learning.
- Effects of lower limb power, aerobic capacity and hand grip strength on the technical efficiency of young tennis playersPublication . Honório, Samuel; Santos, Jorge; Serrano, João; Rebelo, Miguel; Semião, Pedro; Vitorino, Diogo; Groflin, Yannick; Fernandes, Helder Miguel; Vaz, Luís; Silva, Ana Filipa; Thomas, Ewan; Kramperova, Veronika; Batista, Marco; SamuelIntroduction: Tennis is a sport with no time limit. This can result in matches lasting less than an hour or up to five hours. This variability requires that high-competition tennis athletes be trained both at an anaerobic level for better performance, and at an aerobic level, to help with recovery between points, during the game. Methods: This cross-sectional study intended to analyse how lower limb power, aerobic capacity and hand grip strength influences the technical efficiency of tennis players. Training among young tennis players provides a positive and crucial role in building technique effectiveness, so early but convenient and adapted preparations through training play an essential role in helping these young players to improve their skills in this game. Twenty-six athletes, aged between 8 and 16 (M=11.26±2.25), 18 males (69.2%) and 8 females (30.8%) were included. They performed the Hand-Grip strength test, the aerobic capacity was tested via one-mile (1609 meters) test. For technical efficiency, they performed 50 right and 50 left shots, checking which ones reached the area inside and outside the tennis court and the leg power capacity through the Chronojump system. Non-parametric tests were applied, Mann-Whitney, Wilcoxon and Kruskal-Wallis and also Rho Spearman correlations between variables. Results: Comparisons between level of training (p≤0.02) and years of practice (p≤0.04) revealed that all the variables had a direct and positive influence on the technical efficiency of these tennis players. As for correlation results, all independent variables have a strong correlation with tennis technical efficiency (0.480 to 0.736). Conclusions: Findings suggest that higher physical fitness capacities are associated with greater technical efficiency.
- Literatura infantil em multiformato: Museu da Seda da APPACDM de Castelo BrancoPublication . Sousa, Célia; Gil, HenriqueEste trabalho propõe uma reflexão acerca de como o património pode ser comunicado para todos dentro e fora do espaço físico do museu, tendo como princípio a equidade, de forma a sensibilizar para a diversidade humana, através da comunicação para todos. Para tal, fundamenta-se nos conceitos de Desenho Universal, equidade e diferentes formatos de comunicação, relacionando-os com a nova definição de Museus pelo Conselho Internacional de Museus. Os resultados que ora se apresentam evidenciam que a comunicação multiformato auxilia na comunicação do património, podendo ser utilizado de muitas formas, consoante ao objetivo que se pretende atingir. Observa-se a sensibilização de todos para a aprendizagem acerca da diversidade humana, bem como do entendimento do conceito de "para todos". A criação de um livro infantil multiformato é o corolário de todo o trabalho desenvolvido no Museu da Seda para que seja acessível "para todos", com particular atenção para as crianças
- The Tempo Giusto: A call for recalibrating time in human movement researchPublication . Ramalho, André; Duarte-Mendes, Pedro; Paulo, Rui; Petrica, Joao; Routledge Taylor & Francis GroupHuman movement science now runs on accelerating metrics, short grant cycles, and compressed editorial timelines. Speed can deliver rapid outputs but often erodes validity, reproducibility, and conceptual innovation. We advance time-attuned science – tempo giusto – as a design-and-governance concept that calibrates the pace of inquiry to the intrinsic timescales of human movement. Rather than universal deceleration, it prescribes fast evidence when mechanisms and decision horizons warrant it, and sustained observation with planned replication when effects unfold slowly. Delivering this alignment requires systems that reward durability, openness, and societal relevance over volume or venue prestige. A commitment to temporal justice ensures that access to the time required for valid inquiry is widely shared. Where time, method, and purpose converge, findings become cumulative, credible, and enduring.
- Validity and reliability analysis of the Portuguese version of the healthy lifestyle questionnaire - EVS IVPublication . Batista, Marco; López-Gajardo, Miguel; Leyton-Román, Marta; Jiménez-Castuera, RuthIntroduction and Objective. The primary objective of this study was to validate the Healthy Lifestyle Questionnaire – EVS IV using Exploratory Structural Equation Modeling (ESEM). Methodology. A total of 1,668 Portuguese participants (aged 18 to 70 years; M = 39.71, SD = 15.68) took part in the study, comprising 856 men (51.3%) and 812 women (48.7%). Results. The findings confirmed the adequacy of the factorial structure of the Healthy Lifestyle Questionnaire – EVS IV (8 factors / 29 items), demonstrating strong psychometric properties and good fit indices: χ² = 253.499, df = 189, p = .001; χ²/df = 1.34; CFI = .97; TLI = .93; RMSEA = .01 (95% CI: .01, .02); SRMR = .02. The instrument evaluates eight distinct dimensions: balanced diet, adherence to meal schedules, tobacco use, alcohol consumption, use of other drugs, rest habits, physical activity habits, and sedentary behavior. Conclusions. The Portuguese version of the Healthy Lifestyle Questionnaire – EVS IV shows robust psychometric validity and can be confidently applied to assess healthy lifestyle behaviors.
- Confirmatory factor analysis to validate the short version of the Ottawa mental skill for sports (OMSAT-3) in Portuguese athletesPublication . Silva, Carlos; Torres, Diana; Louro, Hugo; Borrego, Carla; Batista, MarcoIntroduction: The development of psychological skills plays an important role in improving performance and achieving excellent results in sports. Objective: The aim of this study was to validate the Portuguese short version of the Ottawa Mental Skills Assessment Tool (OMSAT-3). Methodology: By means of a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), a total of 524 Portuguese athletes of both sexes aged between 12 and 42 (M = 19.21; SD = 5.46) were recruited for the present study. Results: The results indicate that the reduced version of the OMSAT-3 (30 items) has adequate psychometric qualities, enabling an assessment of Foundation, Psychosomatic and Cognitive Skills (SRMR = 0.052; CFI = 0.983; TLI = 0.979; RMSEA = 0.031 CI 90% [0.026, 0.037]; χ²/df = 1.52). There was high concurrent validity between the reduced version (30 items) and the full version (48 items). Conclusions: The results suggest that the reduced OMSAT-3 can be used with confidence to assess psychological skills in a sports context.
- Perceived bullying in Physical Education classes, school Burnout, and satisfaction: A contribution to understanding children’s school well-beingPublication . Uğraş Sinan; Sağın, Ahmet Enes; Yücekaya, Mehmet Akif; Temel, Cenk; Mergan, Barış; Couto, Nuno; Duarte-Mendes, PedroThis study examines the effects of peer bullying that middle school students experience in physical education classes on school burnout and school satisfaction to understand children’s well-being in this important stage of their lives. Method: The study was conducted with 829 students from 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th grades in Türkiye of both genders (403 male, 426 female), with an age mean of 11.7 ± 1.16 years old. Data were collected using the Physical Education Class Perceived Bullying Scale, developed by the researchers in the present study, along with the School Burnout Scale and the School Satisfaction Scale for Children. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was employed to analyze the data and examine the direct and indirect relationships between students’ perception of bullying, school burnout and satisfaction. Results: The findings indicate that perceived bullying in physical education classes positively and significantly predicts school burnout (β = 0.388, p < 0.001), while it negatively and significantly affects school satisfaction (β = −0.122, p = 0.006). Moreover, significant positive relationships were found between perceived bullying and school burnout, and significant negative relationships were found between perceived bullying and school satisfaction. Conclusions: This study reveals that peer bullying in physical education classes significantly affects students’ school burnout and satisfaction. These findings highlight the need for developing effective strategies to prevent bullying in educational settings and promote children’s healthcare and well-being.
- Profiling external load in U14 basketball: Cluster analysis of competition performance using inertial devicesPublication . Rocha, João; Serrano, João; López-Sierra; Ibáñez, SergioPhysical performance data is essential for planning youth training effectively; however, there is a lack of scientific information regarding performance in youth competitions. To address this gap, an innovative study was conducted with Portuguese U14 regional selections. Each player was equipped with a WimuPro™ inertial device. Six variables were considered: accelerations, decelerations, speed, player load, impacts, and high impacts. The objective of this study, based on data from official competitions, was to statistically analyze the distribution and intensity thresholds of six physical performance variables across five defined zones. A cluster k-means analysis was performed for a significance value of p < 0.05. Five zones were identified for all variables: acceleration [<0.37; 0.37 to 0.81; 0.81 to 1.54; 1.54 to 3.49; >3.49 m/s2], deceleration [<−0.26; −0.27 to −0.63; −0.63 to −1.22; −1.22 to −2.545; >−2.54 m/s2], speed [<5.42; 5.42 to 10.19; 10.20 to 14.63; 14.64 to 18.59; >18.59 km/h2], player load [<1.07; 1.07 to 1.36; 1.37 to 1.63; 1.64 to 1.95; >1.95 u.a./min], impacts [<133.45; 133.45 to 158.75; 158.76 to 181.45; 181.46 to 206.59; >206.59 cont/min], and high impacts [<1.13; 1.14 to 2.11; 2.12 to 3.13; 3.14 to 4.42; >4.42 cont/min]. These intensity zones should be taken into account to optimize training and enhance the understanding of competition in U14 basketball.