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  • Adherence to the Mediterranean diet and carotid intima-media thickness in university students: A cross-sectional study
    Publication . Mateus, Sónia; Amaral. Ana Miguel; Coleho, Patrícia; Rodrigues, Francisco
    Introduction: Subclinical atherosclerosis is increasingly recognized in younger populations, often progressing silently until the onset of overt cardiovascular events. Carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) is a validated, non-invasive biomarker of early vascular alterations. Although the Mediterranean diet (MD) is well established as cardioprotective, its relationship with CIMT in young adults remains insufficiently studied. Objective: To assess sex-specific adherence to the Mediterranean diet and its association with carotid intima-media thickness in a cohort of university students. Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed involving 60 university students (50% male, aged 17–25 years), selected through stratified probabilistic sampling. Data were collected on sociodemographic characteristics, vascular risk factors, MD adherence via the PREDIMED questionnaire, and CIMT measured using a high-resolution carotid Doppler ultrasound. Statistical analyses included chi-square tests and descriptive statistics, with significance set at ρ ≤ 0.05. Results: A notable 95% of participants showed low adherence to the Mediterranean diet. Significant sex differences in dietary patterns were identified: males consumed more red meat (ρ = 0.023), while females reported higher fish intake (ρ = 0.037). Despite behavioral risk factors, all CIMT values remained within normal ranges (≤0.9 mm). No significant association was found between MD adherence and CIMT (ρ = 0.554). Conclusion: This exploratory study reveals a high prevalence of modifiable cardiovascular risk factors, including poor dietary adherence, among young adults, despite the absence of detectable vascular structural changes. Although no significant association was found, the findings reflect the dietary and behavioral profiles of a young, low-risk population.
    2025Research article Open access Show more
  • Análisis del tipo de técnicas, puntuaciones y sanciones en el Campeonato de Europa de Judo Senior
    Publication . Silva Batista, Marco Alexandre; Escobar-Molina, Raquel; Fernandes, Jorge; Louro, Hugo
    Introducción: El judo es un deporte de combate olímpico dividido en categorías de peso y sexo. Los combates tienen una duración de cuatro minutos en ambos sexos, y cuando las puntuaciones o amonestaciones para ambos competidores son las mismas, se produce empate entre los judocas y el combate se decide mediante la Técnica de Oro. Es por ello que, la duración de los combates y de la competición, puede tener repercusiones en los judocas, tanto desde el punto de vista técnico, táctico, físico, fisiológico y psicológico, entre otros. Objetivo: El estudio tuvo como propósito determinar el predominio de las acciones técnicas, puntuaciones y penalizaciones en función de la duración del combate y la fase de la competición en el Campeonato de Europa de Judo Senior 2021. Metodología: Se observaron 398 combates en todas las categorías de peso y en ambos sexos (230 hombres y 168 mujeres). Para el registro de las técnicas se utilizó la clasificación Kodokan de judo. Se anotaron las puntuaciones y penalizaciones, a lo largo del combate y durante la Técnica de Oro, en las distintas fases de la competición. Resultados: La mayoría de los combates terminaron en el tiempo reglamentario (79,15%) y un menor porcentaje se resolvieron en la Técnica de Oro (20,85%). A medida que se avanza en la fase de competición hay una tendencia a que los combates se decidan mediante la Técnica de Oro. Conclusiones: El tiempo de combate y la fase de competición influyen tant o en el tipo de técnicas empleadas, las puntuaciones obtenidas y las penalizaciones recibidas.
    2025Research article Open access Show more
  • Antioxidant and antimicrobial activity characteristics of seven biopreparations used in organic farming
    Publication . Simões, Joana; Peleja, Ana; Neves, Cláudia M.B.; Costa, Daniela V.T.A.; Correia, Helena Esteves; Pinto, António; Wessel, Dulcineia; Delgado, F.M.G.; Carneiro, João; Horta, Carmo; Bahcevandziev, Kiril; Vidal, Maria M.B.; Filipe, Olga M.S.; Costa, Cristina Amaro da
    Agroecological transition is a major societal challenge and it is urgent to support technical solutions to answer farmers demand towards the necessary changes. The project RESTORE - biopReparados Em SisTemas prOdução agRoEcológicos aimed to study and validate the production, conservation, and use of seven biopreparations by characterizing and testing them in lettuce nurseries. The biopreparations used include prickly pear vinegar, purslane vinegar, fermented orange juice, garlic extract, nettle infusion, horsetail decoction and a biopreparation of garlic and chilli. The in vitro microbiological characterization and chemical analysis of the biopreparations, which included phenolic composition and antioxidant capacity, allowed us to understand their properties and to propose the most appropriate conservation strategy. The tests were conducted in four different moments: during the biopreparations’ manufacturing, after six months of frozen storage, and after three and six months of fresh storage. One-Way ANOVA in SPSS 29.0 and PCA comparison tests were used to analyze the results. Fermented orange juice and vinegars were the biopreparations that showed the greatest outcomes in terms of antioxidant capacity and phenolic composition. Purslane vinegar had the highest average inhibition against germs. The concentration of phenolic compounds, the antioxidant capacity, and the antibacterial activity of the biopreparations varied with time and type of conservation. It is crucial to conduct more trials, using different species and recipes, to support farmers’ decision making and adoption of agroecological solutions.
    2025Research article Open access Show more
  • Behavior change wheel as a tool to promote physical activity in online intervention: a case study
    Publication . Couto, Nuno; Morgado, Vitor; Pereira, Tomás; Vitorino, Anabela; Bento, Teresa; Alves, Susana; Cid, Luís; Duarte-Mendes, Pedro
    Introduction: Physical activity (PA) has significant health benefits. However, one in four adults does not meet the globally recommended levels of PA. Considering that PA behavior is influenced by various factors operating at multiple levels, including personal, social, and environmental factors, a singlesubject behavioral change intervention was developed to promote PA behavior through online sessions. Method: Based on a one-to-one intervention, the Behavior Change Wheel (BCW) methodology was used to design an intervention that was developed for 24 weeks, including eight weeks of online sessions and 16 weeks of follow-up. Results: We observed an increase of metabolic equivalent (MET-min/week; baseline = 2,970; eight weeks = 6,440; 24 weeks = 6,744) and daily steps (baseline = 8,372; eight weeks = 10,234; 24 weeks = 12,142), which provides some evidence for the efficacy of online methodologies, especially in the relation one-to-one. Conclusion: The intervention, designed through BCW, had a positive effect in promoting more PA in a subject of our case study and provided evidence that can be used in further interventions that aim to increase PA levels in the population; however, future studies must be conducted to expand the evidence in other domains.
    2025Research article Open access Show more
  • Body composition, strength and muscle power indices at the different competitive levels of Futsal
    Publication . Rebelo, Miguel; Marques, Catarina; Crisóstomo, Rute; Silva Batista, Marco Alexandre; Paulo, Rui; Duarte-Mendes, Pedro; HONÓRIO, SAMUEL; Serrano, João
    Objective: The aim was to verify the differences in physical condition (body composition, power and muscle strength) in futsal players from three competitive levels. Methodology: Sixty-eight (24.26 ± 4.63 years old) Portuguese futsal players participated in the study, divided into: elite, sub-elite and amateur. We used the bioimpedance, the countermovement jump and the isokinetic dynamometer to assess physical condition, and the Kruskal-Wallis test to compare variables between groups. Results: There were no differences in body composition between groups. Elite players had higher countermovement jump heights than amateur players (p < 0.001). There were significant differences in the isokinetic muscle strength of the knee flexors, with the elite players showing more strength than the amateur players (p = 0.047). Discussion: The results of the research should be contrasted with those of other research found in the literature. Conclusions: The elite players had higher physical condition parameters (more lower limb power and more flexor muscle strength) compared to the amateur players. We would point out that all groups had a high probability of lower limb muscle injury (H/Q ratio < 60%) at this stage of the sports season, alerting training professionals to the importance of individualised physical condition analysis.
    2025Research article Open access Show more
  • Bridging the gap between training and competition in elite rink hockey : a pilot study
    Publication . Ferraz, António; Pérez-Chao, Enrique Alonso; Ribeiro, João; Spyrou, Konstantinos; Freitas, Tomás T; Santos, João Valentes dos; Alcaraz, Pedro E; Travassos, Bruno; Duarte-Mendes, Pedro
    Background: Monitoring training load and competition load is crucial for evaluating and improving athlete performance. This study proposes an applied approach to characterize and classify the training task specificity in relation to competition in a top-level rink hockey team, considering external and internal load from training tasks and competition. Hypothesis: Training tasks and game demands have significant dose-response differences, and exercises can be classified successfully based on their physiological and biomechanical demands. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Level of Evidence: Level 5. Methods: Ten elite-level male rink hockey players participated in this study. Players were monitored on 6 different task categories during 8 training sessions and 2 official games. A linear mixed model with random intercepts was used to compare training tasks and competition load, accounting for individual repeated measures. A 2-step cluster analysis was performed to classify the training tasks and games based on physiological and biomechanical load, employing log-likelihood as the distance measure and Schwartz’s Bayesian criterion. Results: Average heartrate , maximum heartrate, and high-speed skating (18.1-30 km/h) were the best physiological load predictors, while the most effective biomechanical load predictors were impacts [8-10] g(n), decelerations [-10 to -3]m/s²(n), and accelerations [3-10]m/s²(n). Different physiological and biomechanical responses were verified between training tasks and match demands. A 4-quadrant efforts assessment for each task category revealed that training tasks used by the team in the analysis presented lower biomechanical and physiological load demands than competition. Conclusion: Training tasks failed to adequately replicate the specific demands of competition, especially regarding high mechanical stress, such as the absence of high-intensity impacts and decelerations. Clinical Relevance: This method of classification of training tasks may allow coaches to understand further the specificity and contribution of each task to competition demands, consequently improving the capacity of load management and the preparedness and readiness of players for competition.
    2024Research article Open access Show more
  • Deteção precoce de doença metastática através de ecografia de triagem
    Publication . Vaz, Bruna; Miravent, Sérgio; Gomes, Carla; Gago, Rui; Lobo, Manuel; Almeida, Rui Pedro de
    A ecografia de triagem é crucial nos serviços de emergência, fornecendo orientação precisa para pacientes em diversas situações clínicas. A ecografia é móvel, produz imagens em tempo real e é isenta de radiação. É uma ferramenta apta para ambientes de meios tecnológicos limitados e ausência de médicos especialistas. O uso da ecografia de triagem entre profissionais de saúde, independentemente do seu nível de especialização em ultrassonografia, nasce da necessidade de responder a dúvidas clínicas concretas na prática quotidiana. Este artigo enfatiza o papel crucial da ecografia de triagem num caso de abdómen agudo. A sua integração com a radiologia convencional melhora significativamente a orientação clínica, facilitando decisões de tratamento e encaminhamentos à especialidade quando necessário. Neste caso específico, foram analisadas imagens de ecografia de triagem, radiografia abdominal e exame tomografia computorizada juntamente com relatórios clínicos para avaliar a orientação clínica dada num serviço de emergência básico periférico. O paciente em causa apresentava sintomas abdominais agudos, revelando suspeita de metástases hepáticas, líquido livre intraperitoneal e sinais de obstrução intestinal no exame de triagem ecográfica. Estes achados foram confirmados por tomografia computorizada no hospital de referência. A ecografia de triagem pode revolucionar a segurança do paciente, economizando tempo ao detetar precocemente patologias, prevenindo sobrelotação nos departamentos de emergência de hospitais centrais de referência. A deteção ultrassonográfica de imagens suspeitas de metástases é comum em ambientes hospitalares onde diversos meios diagnósticos avançados e especialidades médicas estão presentes. A utilização do ultrassom como ferramenta de triagem e orientação clínica de primeira linha em ambientes pré-hospitalares está em consonância com as estratégias médicas contemporâneas, que visam aprimorar a deteção e a intervenção precoces.
    2024Research article Open access Show more
  • The effect of smoking on lung function changes during a 16-week combined exercise program in middle-aged workers: a latent growth curve analysis
    Publication . Silva, Fernanda M.; Ferreira, José P.; Teixeira, Ana M.; Monteiro, Diogo; Duarte-Mendes, Pedro; Silva, Fernanda M.
    Purpose To investigate the longitudinal changes in lung function of sedentary middle-aged workers over a 16-week combined exercise training program. Methods Thirty-six sedentary workers (53.70 ± 6.92 years old) were randomly allocated to either a combined aerobic and resistance training program (n = 18) or a control group (n = 18). Lung function was evaluated through spirometry using a portable flow spirometer (Spiropalm 6MWT, Cosmed, Italy). Predicted percentages of forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1), FEV1/FVC ratio, and mean forced expiratory flow between 25 and 75% of exhaled FVC (FEF25–75) were analyzed. Assessments were performed at baseline (M1), after 8-week (M2) and 16-week follow-up (M3). The changes in lung function were analyzed using the Latent Growth Curve Modeling that estimated interindividual and intraindividual growth paths. Results Smoking status revealed a significant effect on lung function growth with significant paths to intercept and slope for all models in both groups. The exercise group participants who are non-smokers revealed higher increases in FVC% (β = .22), FEV1% (β = .08), FEV1/FVC% ratio (β = .19), and FEF25–75% (β = .06) compared to those who are smokers from M1 to M3. The control group revealed a lower growth in lung function from M1 to M3, with a lower slope observed in smokers compared to non-smokers for FVC% (β= − .44), FEV1% (β = −.41), FEV1/FVC% (β = − .98), and FEF25–75% (β = − .52). Conclusion Our findings suggest that a 16-week combined training program is an effective strategy to improve lung function among sedentary workers, with a higher magnitude of improvement for non-smokers compared to smokers.
    2025Research article Restricted access Show more
  • Effectiveness of ultrasound screening in right upper quadrant pain: A comparative study in a basic emergency service
    Publication . Miravent, Sérgio; Figueiredo, Teresa; Jiménez, Carmen; Almeida, Rui Pedro de; Lobo, Manuel
    Background and Aims: The use of ultrasound screening is primarily facilitated by point‐of‐care ultrasound (POCUS) and its integration into healthcare systems is a result of the versatility of this imaging technique. This study intends to compare the accuracy and pertinence of sonographic findings obtained by a sonographer in a Basic Emergency Service (BES) with that of radiologists at referral hospital (RH) in Portugal. Methods: Twenty patients with right upper quadrant (RUQ) pain and suspected cholecystitis or biliary pathology underwent sonography screening using POCUS in the BES. They were then forwarded to the RH where a radiologist performed a conventional ultrasound exam on the same patients. The results of both exams were compared to determine if the findings obtained in the BES were confirmed by the radiologist in the RH. Results: In our sample, 60% of cases were related to biliary pathology, 20% were liver‐related, 10% had hepatopancreatic biliary etiology, and 10% had unknown etiology. A strong association between the sonographic findings in the BES and the RH was found in the variables “Sonographic Murphy sign” (V = 0.859; p = 0.001), “Cholelithiasis/Gallbladder sludge” (V = 0.840; p = 0.001), and “Intrahepatic biliary tract dilatation” (V = 0.717; p = 0.006). Adequate measures of agreement between the findings of the radiographer and radiologist were obtained for the “Sonographic Murphy sign” (k = 0.664; p = 0.001) and the presence of “Cholelithiasis/Gallbladder sludge” (k = 0.712; p = 0.000). Conclusion: Major biliary abnormalities were detected in patients with RUQ pain in BES using sonography. The correlation between the sonographic findings obtained by the sonographers at BES and those obtained by radiologists at the RH in Portugal was strong, showing that POCUS screening could be extended to other similar settings; however, more studies are needed.
    2022Research article Open access Show more
  • Effects of a land and aquatic exercise-based program on pain, mobility and quality of life in patients with chronic low back pain: a study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
    Publication . Borges, Joana; Monteiro, Diogo; Silva, Fernanda M.; Jacinto, Miguel; Pastilha, Tiago; Duarte-Mendes, Pedro
    Background Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is a disease with significant functional, emotional and social impact. Several interventions are proposed for its management and exercise is one of main, land-based or water-based. This study describes a randomized controlled trial that will analyze the effect of a combined aquatic and land-based exercise program compared to an aquatic-based program on pain, functional incapacity and quality of life in adults with CLBP. Additionally, it will analyze the effects of exercise cessation in the same outcomes. Methods and design A blind randomized controlled trial will be developed with a 1:1 allocation ratio. Around 30 adults with mechanical CLBP will be randomly allocated in two groups. The experimental group (ALG) will complete an aquatic and land-based exercise program and control group (AG) will carry out only an aquatic program, both for 8 weeks. Participants will be assessed with Visual Analogue Scale, Oswestry Disability Index, Short-Form 36, Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia-13 and Modified-Modified Schober Test, collected at baseline (M0), after 8 weeks (M1) and 4 weeks after the end of the intervention (M2). Discussion This study may provide a relevant contribution to understand the potential effect of a combined land and aquatic exercise program on pain, functional disability, fear of movement, quality of life and lumbar mobility. The results may provide important information for CLBP management.
    2025Research article Open access Show more