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- 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.
- 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.
- Effects of combined aerobic-resistance training on health-related quality of life and stress in sedentary adultsPublication . Silva, Fernanda M.; Ferreira, José P.; Teixeira, Ana M.; Massart, Alain; Duarte-Mendes, PedroIIntroduction: Poor quality of life and psychological stress have been associated with worse clinical outcomes, including anxiety and depression disorders, cardiovascular diseases, metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, and premature mortality. Evidence suggested that physically active adults were more likely to report better quality of life and increased capacity to deal with stress, compared to their sedentary peers. This study examines the effects of 16 weeks of combinedaerobic and resistance exercise training on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and stress levels in sedentary adults. Methods: This study involved previously sedentary middle-aged workers (n = 36),randomized, and allocated into control (n = 18) and exercise (n = 18) groups. The exercise group performed 16 weeks of combined exercise training for 75 min, three times/week. The HRQoL was assessed using the SF-36 survey and Satisfaction with Life Scale. Stress levels were assessed subjectively using the Perceived Stress Scale and objectively by the salivary cortisol and alpha-amylase concentrations. Intra- and inter-group analysis were performed using a mixed ANOVA or Friedman’s test. Results: In relation to SF-36 results, a significant improvement in the mental component summary (p = 0.047, Kendall’s W = 0.170 (small effect)) and social functioning subdomain (p = 0.040, Kendall’s W = 0.179 (small effect)) was found for the exercise group after the intervention. A significant difference between groups was found in mean differences (Δ) in the mental health subdomain, with superiority in the exercise group (exercise group, Δ = 7.50 vs. control group, Δ = −5.00; p = 0.006). After 16 weeks of follow-up, the exercise group perceived reduced stress levels compared to the control group (exercise group, Δ = −3.67 points vs. control group, Δ = 0.94 points; p > 0.05); although not significant, this result is clinically relevant. The exercise program had no significant effect on salivary stress biomarkers. Discussion: The present study’s findings may have important clinical implications because they show that middle-aged sedentary workers are likely to benefit from adopting a regular combined exercise training regimen to promote better HRQoL (i.e., mental health component) and wellbeing.
- 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
- 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.
- Skeletal age assessed by Greulich-Pyle: Intra-observer and inter-observer agreement among male pubertal tennis playersPublication . Celis-Moreno, Jorge M.; Martinho, Diogo V.; Silva, Manuel J. Coelho; Fragoso, Isabel; Ribeiro, Luís P.; Gouveia, Élvio R.; Oliveira, Tomás; Santos, João Gonçalves; Tavares, Oscar M.; Cayolla, Ricardo R.; Konarski, Jan M.; Malina, Robert M.; Myburgh, Gillian K.; Cumming, Sean P.; Sherar, Lauren B.; Duarte-Mendes, PedroThe assessment of biological maturation is a central topic in pediatric exercise sciences. Skeletal age (SA) reflects changes in each bone of the hand and wrist from initial ossification to the adult state. This study examined intra-observer and inter-examiner agreement is Greulich-Pyle (GP) assessments of SA in 97 male tennis players 8.6–16.8 years of age. Two observers independently examined all films on two occasions using the GP method. The SA of each bone was evaluated. The mean and median of SAs assigned for each bone was the individual SA for each participant. The calculation was exclusively based on the bones that were not skeletally mature. Intra-observer mean differences were significant for several bones with better results by the experienced examiner (observer B). Comparisons between SA values of the two independent observers indicated significant differences for the ulna, metacarpals II and III, and distal phalanx V. Nevertheless, the magnitude of the bone-specific differences was small, perhaps trivial. Differences in individual SA values of the tennis players based on the non-mature bones of the hand-wrist were negligible based on the mean (0.04±0.39, t = 0.321, p = 0.749) or the median (0.05±0.58, t = 0.007, p = 0.994). Nevertheless, the current study confirmed examiners as a source of error in the estimation of SA using the Greulich-Pyle method and highlighted the importance of calculating SAs based on non-mature bones among adolescent players.
- The mediating role of physical education course interest in the relationship between perceived autonomy support, feedback, and school attachmentPublication . Ahmet Enes Sağın; Mehmet Akif Yücekaya; Sinan Uğraş; Barış Mergan; Cenk Temel; Muhsin Duran; Pedro Duarte-MendesIntroduction: Students’ sense of school attachment is crucial for their academic success and emotional well-being. Previous studies have shown that autonomy-supportive behaviors and constructive feedback from teachers can positively affect students’ motivation and participation, especially in physical education (PE) classes. However, limited research has examined the mediating role of students’ interest in PE in the relationship between teacher support and school attachment. This study investigates the mediating role of physical education course interest in the relationship between perceived autonomy support and perceived teacher feedback and students’ overall school attachment. Methods: A total of 560 middle school students in Türkiye participated in this study. The study utilized validated scales to assess perceived autonomy support, teacher feedback, interest in PE, and school attachment. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) and mediation analyses were conducted using JASP software, with bootstrap methods applied to test indirect effects. Results: Findings revealed that both perceived autonomy support and teacher feedback positively and significantly predicted school attachment. Interest in PE was found to mediate the relationship between these variables and school attachment. Specifically, perceived autonomy support and feedback increased students’ interest in PE, which in turn enhanced their sense of attachment to school. Conclusion: The study highlights the crucial role of autonomy-supportive teaching and constructive feedback in strengthening students’ interest in PE and promoting school attachment. Teachers who foster a supportive learning climate can significantly enhance students’ educational engagement and emotional connection to school.
- 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.