ESECB - Artigos em revistas com arbitragem científica
URI permanente para esta coleção:
Navegar
Entradas recentes
- Icarus new rising? A narrative review on virtual reality-based motor interventions in older adultsPublication . Ramalho, André; Duarte-Mendes, Pedro; Paulo, Rui; Serrano, João; Petrica, JoaoThis narrative review synthesises the emerging evidence on immersive virtual reality motor interventions in older adults, with a focus on key domains of dynamic ageing: mobility, balance, cognitive function, emotional well-being, and social connection. Guided by the SANRA framework, we conducted a structured search (2017–2024) centred on interventions using head mounted displays. Findings consistently suggest improvements in balance, gait, and muscular strength, though most studies are limited by small sample sizes and short durations. Promising effects are also observed in executive function and mood, yet constrained by methodological heterogeneity and a lack of long-term data. Evidence regarding social outcomes remains limited. Persistent barriers, including limited digital literacy, economic constraints, and the absence of standardised outcome measures, continue to impede widespread implementation. This review maps the current landscape, identifies critical gaps, and calls for larger interdisciplinary studies and inclusive, user-centred design. With these foundations, immersive virtual reality holds promise as a scalable tool for fostering autonomy and vitality in later life.
- Neuromuscular characteristics of female futsal players: A systematic reviewPublication . Marques, Catarina; Rebelo, Miguel; Serrano, João; Fonseca, Helder; SportsBackground: This systematic review aimed to analyze and synthesize the available evidence on the neuromuscular profile of female futsal players. Methods: The review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines and registered with PROSPERO (CRD420251055503). PubMed, Scopus and SPORTDiscus databases were searched until May 2025. The eligibility criteria were defined using the PECOS strategy. The methodological quality of the included studies was evaluated using the Downs and Black modified version. Results: Twenty-three studies were included, covering a total of 433 female players between the ages of 12 and 27. Muscle strength was assessed mainly using an isokinetic dynamometer, jumping ability using the countermovement jump and squat jump, sprinting using the 10 m, 20 m and 30 m tests and agility and change of direction (CoD) using the Illinois agility test. Elite players generally showed a better performance in agility and CoD tests compared to lower-level players. Conclusions: This review provides a comprehensive overview of the neuromuscular profile of female futsal players and highlights trends related to the competitive level. These findings may support evidence-based practices for performance evaluation, training and injury prevention. More studies are needed to standardize methods and understand differences between competitive levels.
- Key influences on competitive load in youth regional teams during National Basketball CompetitionPublication . Rocha, João; Serrano, João; López-Sierra, Pablo; Arede, Jorge; Ibáñez, SergioBackground: This study examines how contextual factors influence the match load experienced by U14 athletes. Methods: Ninety-six male players from eight Portuguese regional selection teams were monitored during three official matches each, using WIMU Pro™ inertial devices with ultra-wideband (UWB) tracking systems. Fifteen internal and external load variables were analyzed, including player load/min, high-speed running (HSR), maximum heart rate (HRmax), and high impacts/min. Mixed linear models revealed significant inter-individual variability in all variables, showing sensitivity to match context. Results: Losing teams exhibited higher player load/min. Balanced matches provoked greater cardiovascular and locomotor demands, particularly in HRmax and HSR metrics. Cluster analysis identified three match typologies based on score margin. Team level was strongly associated with final outcomes and quarter performance, reinforcing the predictive value of intra-match consistency. In contrast, match type (score margin) showed limited correlation with team quality or load distribution. Conclusions: These findings demonstrate the multifactorial nature of match load in youth basketball, supporting the implementation of individualized, context-aware training and recovery strategies while guiding long-term athlete development.
- Nonlinear gait variability and the role of cognitive-physical exercise in mitigating mobility decline in institutionalized older adults with cognitive impairmentPublication . Galrinho, João; Batista, Marco; Gonçalves-Montera, Marta; Matias, Ana Rita; Fernandes, OrlandoBackground: Age-related cognitive decline is linked to reduced gait complexity and higher fall risk. Traditional linear gait measures may miss subtle motor-cognitive deficits in older adults with dementia. This study examined whether an 8-week motor-cognitive exercise program could improve gait adaptability in institutionalized older adults with cognitive impairment. Gait complexity, measured using Sample Entropy, was the primary outcome. Methods: Forty-two institutionalized older adults completed follow-up assessments, including 26 with cognitive impairment and 16 controls. Gait was assessed during normal walking (single-task) and while performing cognitive tasks (dual-task), such as naming animals or counting backward. Inertial sensors recorded stride intervals, and Sample Entropy was calculated to evaluate gait regularity and adaptability, (gait complexity). The intervention included 24 structured sessions combining physical and cognitive exercises targeting balance, coordination, and executive function. Non-parametric tests (Wilcoxon) were used, with Bonferroni correction for multiple comparisons. Results: Participants with cognitive impairment showed increased gait complexity, especially during dual-task walking. Significant improvements were found in both limbs under dual-task conditions (left: p = 0.015, effect size = 0.34; right: p = 0.030, effect size = 0.31). During single-task walking, a significant improvement was observed in the left limb (p = 0.006, effect size = 0.39). Conclusions: Motor-cognitive exercise may enhance non-linear gait complexity in institutionalized older adults with cognitive impairment. The use of dual-task training in rehabilitation and highlight the value of entropy-based gait assessment for detecting subtle functional changes. However, the lack of a randomized non-exercising cognitive impairment control group limits definitive conclusions about causality.
- Menarche, somatic maturity, and physical fitness in Portuguese girls: An intergenerational analysis based on the Mirwald equationPublication . Silva, Ana Filipa; Honório, Samuel; Espada, Mário; González-Frenández, FranciscoPurpose: This study aimed to assess age at menarche in Portuguese girls and compare it with their mothers, examine its association with somatic maturity estimated by the Mirwald equation, and characterise physical fitness in pre- and post-pubertal girls. Material and methods: 71 Portuguese girls (10–13 years, post-menarche) completed a questionnaire on menarcheal age (self and mothers), anthropometric assessments (height, sitting height, body mass, waist circumference), and physical fitness tests (handgrip, isometric mid-thigh pull, 3-min Kasch Pulse Recovery Test). Somatic maturity was estimated with the Mirwald equation. Analyses included paired and independent t-tests, effect sizes, correlations, and agreement (Bland–Altman, Lin’s CCC). Results: Pre-PHV girls had negative maturity offset values (–0.58 ± 0.62 years), while post-PHV girls were beyond PHV (1.28 ± 0.91 years). Mean age at menarche was 10.87 ± 0.93 years, significantly earlier than their mothers (12.00 ± 1.44 years; mean difference = –1.09, p < 0.001). Post-PHV girls showed higher absolute strength (handgrip right: 18.86 ± 3.68 vs. 12.74 ± 3.10 kg, d = 1.72; IMTP: 63.46 ± 12.54 vs. 45.58 ± 11.93 kg, d = 1.44), while relative strength differences were smaller (handgrip: 0.35 ± 0.08 vs. 0.30 ± 0.09 kg/kg, d = 0.67). Endurance did not differ. The Mirwald equation underestimated years since menarche by 0.94 ± 1.10, with weak agreement (Lin’s CCC = 0.37). Conclusions: Biological maturation strongly influenced absolute strength, largely explained by body size. Relative strength and maturity offset-based estimates of years since menarche showed weaker validity, highlighting the need for refined prediction models.
- Incursões pela "arte de governar" a infância pobre em PortugalPublication . Henriques, HelderO propósito deste trabalho consiste na análise, discussão e compreensão do governo da infância pobre em Portugal, na década de 1930. Discute-se essa infância como um problema social e a consequente emergência de ações, saberes e contextos técnico-institucionais – como é o caso do Dispensário de Puericultura de Castelo Branco – no contexto político do Estado Novo português. Através de uma metodologia de natureza qualitativa, convocamos um corpus documental constituído por fontes documentais publicadas e existentes em arquivos pessoais e institucionais, com destaque para a produção científica do diretor do dispensário, o médico José Lopes Dias. O olhar atento, no contexto da modernidade, sobre a infância portuguesa pobre traduz-se na existência de um sistema de poder mais amplo que atuou nos indivíduos através de saberes e instituições criadas para o efeito. Assume-se que essa infância pobre, e suas famílias, deviam ser acompanhadas para evitar desvios sociais e comportamentos errantes numa sociedade que se pretendia de progresso e civilizada. O Dispensário de Puericultura, à semelhança de outros, constituiu um dispositivo ao serviço de um projeto de Estado, no contexto da modernidade, que valorizava a vida e a sua utilidade e produtividade, ampliando a qualidade da população.
- Physical activity, healthy lifestyle, and subjective wellbeing in people with type 2 diabetes: testing the efficacy of an exercise programPublication . Cid, Luís; Monteiro, Diogo; Mendes, Romeu; Cláudio, Filipa; Bento, Teresa; Jacinto, Miguel; Couto, Nuno; Duarte-Mendes, PedroIntroduction: This work aimed to first validate the Portuguese version of the FANTASTIC questionnaire that allowed the assessment of lifestyle behaviors through a sample comprising 562 Portuguese subjects; second, through a quasi-experimental study, we tested the effectiveness of a physical exercise program designed specifically for people with type 2 diabetes based on subjective wellbeing and lifestyle changes. Methods: For 9 months, a total of 31 subjects (14 males and 17 females with type 2 diabetes aged between 58 and 79 years) were involved in a physical exercise program of moderate intensity three times per week for 75 min each session; the program included a combination of aerobic, resistance, agility, balance, and flexibility exercises (Diabetes em Movimento). Results: Regarding the first goal of this study, the results show a reliable factorial solution with nine factors and 27 items from the FANTASTIC questionnaire. With regard to the second goal of this study, the results indicate that subjects involved in the exercise program show significantly improved positive affect, satisfaction with life, physical activity, sleep, stress, and nutrition behaviors, in addition to significantly diminished negative affect. However, these results should be interpreted with some caution as our study did not have a control group and the sample was one of convenience, which limits the capacity of inference of the results. Conclusion: The present results support evidence confirming the positive effects of Physical Exercise through the Diabetes em Movimento® program to foster SWB and promote healthier lifestyle behaviors among T2D subjects. Therefore, we intend to conduct further studies in the future to consolidate the findings of the present study.
- Editorial: (Un)healthy lifestyles, aging, and type 2 diabetesPublication . Duarte-Mendes, Pedro; Silva, Fernanda M.; Teixeira, Ana M.Recent estimates from the IDF Diabetes Atlas indicate that diabetes affects 589 million adults worldwide in 2024, with type 2 diabetes (T2D) accounting for more than 90% of cases (International Diabetes Federation, 2025). This number is projected to reach 853 million by 2050. Age is an important risk factor for T2D, with estimates indicating that one in four adults with the disease (158 million) are over 65 years old.
- Editorial: Exploring motor imagery across the lifespan – gaps between practical applications and theoretical frameworksPublication . Duarte-Mendes, Pedro; Bertollo, Maurizio; Ramalho, André; Marinho, Daniel AlmeidaMotor imagery (MI), understood as the multisensory mental simulation of action, engages motor planning and higher-order cognitive networks, linking motor control with broader cognitive functions. Beyond simple rehearsal, MI reorganizes neural activity and supports the acquisition, refinement, and retention of motor skills throughout the lifespan. Its benefits have been demonstrated across rehabilitation, education, music, and sport (Bach et al., 2024; Hurst and Boe, 2022). When tailored to individual needs, MI protocols closely mirror physical training, serving as tools for optimization, adaptation, and recovery (Mendes et al., 2016). Yet despite its wide-ranging applications, key questions remain about how the quality of MI should be assessed, why its effectiveness varies across individuals and tasks, and how complex laboratory findings can be meaningfully translated into real-world contexts.
- To move without moving: a perspective article on motor imageryPublication . Pedro Duarte-Mendes; André Ramalho; Maurizio Bertollo; Henrique Pereira Neiva; Daniel Almeida MarinhoMotor imagery – the mental simulation of movement without execution – activates motor networks with near-physical fidelity. Once considered ancillary, it is now central to neuroplasticity, enhancing skill acquisition, accelerating rehabilitation, and sustaining motor function across the lifespan. From stroke recovery to elite performance, motor imagery demonstrates that movement begins in cognition. As neurofeedback, brain–computer interfaces and virtual reality integrate with mental rehearsal, the boundary between thought and action becomes narrower. This perspective argues that motor imagery is not a cognitive accessory but the neurocognitive foundation of movement – a rehearsal mechanism through which the brain reshapes the body. In doing so, it supports the view that action is cognitively prepared before it is expressed.