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- Psychological readiness in professional bullfighters: role, experience, and recent exposurePublication . Batista, MarcoIntroduction. Professional bullfighting constitutes a performance context characterized by real risk, high uncertainty, and substantial psychophysiological demands, requiring specific psychological resources to ensure effective and safe performance. Objective. The study aimed to characterize the psychological profile of professional bullfighters in the domains of basic, psychosomatic, and cognitive skills; to compare this profile across different professional roles; and to explore, in an integrated manner, the influence of role, accumulated experience, and recent practice volume on the global psychological index. Methodology. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 51 Portuguese male professional bullfighters. Participants completed the Ottawa Mental Skills Assessment Tool (OMSAT-3). Descriptive analyses were performed, along with non-parametric tests for correlation and comparison across professional roles, and quantile regression was used for multivariate analysis. Results. High levels were observed in foundational and cognitive competencies, with comparatively weaker psychosomatic competencies, especially in fear management and stress reactions, as well as differences between professional categories. Quantile regression indicated that the volume of recent practice was positively associated with several psychological domains, while accumulated experience was not predictive. Discussion. The findings were consistente with previous research in bullfighting and other high-risk sports, highlighting the importance of continued exposure for psychophysiological regulation and psychological preparation. Conclusions. The psychological profile of professional bullfighters appears to be more closely associated with recent practice volume and the role performed.
- Effects of inclination in Farmer’s Carry: muscle properties and strengthPublication . Machado, Renato Costa; Louro, Hugo; Freitas, João; Batista, Marco; Marinho, Daniel; Conceição, AnaIntroduction: The farmer’s carry is a loaded‑carry exercise in which an individual walks a distance while holding heavy loads in each hand, requiring substantial grip strength, whole‑body stability, and coordinated lower‑limb force production. Objective: This study aimed to examine the acute effects of a light‑load inclined farmer’s carry protocol on grip strength, rectus femoris muscle mechanical properties, and lower‑limb asymmetries. Methodology: Twelve healthy young adults completed a continuous treadmill walk at 4 km/h while carrying two 10kg dumbbells, progressing through five incline stages (0–8%), each corresponding to 50 meters. Grip strength and muscle mechanical properties were recorded after each stage during a 1‑minute rest. Results: Significant grip strength reductions were observed in both hands, with decreases of 10.10% in the dominant side (p < 0.05, η²p = 0.61) and 8.50% in the non‑dominant side (p <0.05, η²p = 0.41). Also, a significant decrease in logarithmic decrement was detected in the dominant side (p = 0.04, W = 0.19). At baseline, 0, 2 and 6% were also observed significant differences between the dominant side and non-dominant side in logarithmic decrement. Conclusions: Overall, inclined farmer’s carry efforts primarily induced peripheral, grip‑specific fatigue, with minimal alterations in rectus femoris muscle mechanical properties, supporting the use of inclines to safely increase task difficulty without excessive mechanical stress.
- Ethical aspects in scientific literature on participatory research approaches with older adults: a scoping review protocolPublication . Serrat, Rodrigo; Urbaniak, Ann; Groot, Barbara; Ikier, Symai; Yellon, Tamar; Yaylagul, Nilufer; Gerdina, Otto; Pihlainen, Kaisa; Wanka, Anna; Ozola, Aija; Korkmaz, Mehmet; Honório, Samuel; Pons-Vila, Joan; Lucantoni, Davide; JBI Evidence Synthesis, HumanObjective: This scoping review will systematically map and synthesize the ethical aspects addressed in the scientific literature on participatory research involving older adults. It will examine both procedural or principle-based research ethics and relational or situational ethics, exploring how these are shaped by contexts and considerations of diversity. The review will also identify conceptual frameworks and gaps to inform research and ethical practice. Introduction: Participatory research with older adults is gaining momentum, with ethical considerations central to such approaches. Yet the ethical complexity of participatory processes is often underreported. This review will explore how ethical aspects are described in the literature. Eligibility criteria: Studies will be included if they focus on individuals aged 60 and over who are involved in research through consultative, collaborative, or co-decisional roles. Eligible studies must explicitly address ethical aspects related to procedural or principle-based research ethics, relational or situational ethics, or both. Methods: Given the growing emphasis on ethical considerations in participatory research involving older adults, a scoping review is appropriate for mapping the extent, range, and nature of the available evidence. The review will follow JBI methodology and established scoping review frameworks, incorporating both descriptive quantitative and qualitative analyses. Six databases will be searched: Web of Science, Scopus, PsycINFO, PubMed, CINAHL, and Sociological Abstracts. Two reviewers will independently screen titles and abstracts, and assess full texts for inclusion, with a third reviewer consulted as needed. Findings will be organized under conceptual and thematic headings and presented in tables, figures, and descriptive synthesis.
- Multidimensional determinants of decision making in judo: a systematic reviewPublication . Batista, Marco; Šimenko, JožefIntroduction: Decision-making in judo is a critical skill, shaped by multiple physiological, contextual, technical, and psychological factors that interact in highly unpredictable and tactically demanding environments. Objetive: This systematic review aimed to analyze the main determinants of decision-making in judo, synthesize the methodological designs used, and discuss the associated practical and research implications. Methodology: The Scopus and Web of Science databases were searched according to PRISMA guidelines, yielding 4 eligible studies. Results: Evidence shows that decision-making in combat is strongly influenced by variables such as tournament phase, weight category, rapid weight loss, and the opponent's technical style. Lighter athletes exhibit greater technical diversity and faster decision-making, while heavier categories prioritize strength and ground control. Strategies such as pacing and intensity adjustments depending on the competitive moment emerge as central tactical determinants. Rapid weight loss has been shown to compromise executive function, negatively impacting attention and reaction time. Despite advances in observational analyses, there remains a lack of experimental studies integrating neurocognitive and psychophysiological metrics. Conclusions: The conclusion is that decision-making in judo should be trained in representative contexts that simulate the cognitive, technical, and emotional pressures of real competition, promoting an integrated approach between technical training, physical preparation, and mental regulation.
- História, ficção e identidade: o 25 de Abril na literatura para crianças e jovens.Publication . Pires, Natividade; Arnaut, Ana Paula; Peixinho, Ana TeresaEste artigo aborda uma diversidade de livros para crianças e jovens sobre o 25 de Abril de 1974, publicados ao longo de cinco décadas. As dimensões informativa, pedagógica, ideológica e literária articulam-se de diferentes formas, sendo estas obras multifacetadas na transmissão às crianças e jovens do séc. XXI dos valores defendidos pela Revolução do Cravos em Portugal.
- Physical activity is associated with depression and depressive symptoms in US adults with diabetes: a cross-sectional studyPublication . Pereira-Payo, Damián; Galán-Arroyo, Carmen; Pérez-Gómez, Jorge; Batista, MarcoPhysical Activity (PA) is crucial for the management of diabetes. Since PA participation has a positive effect on mental health, it was hypothesized that PA and depression could be associated in individuals with diabetes. The aim of this research was to study whether there are associations of PA with depression and depressive symptoms in diabetics. Additionally, a potential dose-response relationship of PA with depression and depressive symptoms and the risk of suffering depression and depressive symptoms according to PA group were explored. This cross-sectional study is based on data from the NHANES 2011–2020, the study sample was formed by 3017 (1585 males and 1432 females) US adults with diabetes. Associations were studied through the Chi-squared test. The Kruskal Wallis test was used to study differences in depression scores. Correlations were studied through Spearman´s rho, and the odds ratios were calculated using a binary logistic regression model. Associations of PA with depression prevalence (p < 0.001) and the frequency of depressive symptoms (p < 0.05) were found. Greater incidence of major depression, depressive symptoms and greater depression scores in the PHQ-9 were found for inactive diabetes patients. Correlations of PA group and METs with PHQ-9 scores and the frequency of depressive symptoms for each item of the PHQ-9 were found, except for the 7th item (concentration problems). Increased odds of suffering major depression (OR = 1.957 (CI95% = 1.310–2.923)) and all the depressive symptoms studied were found for physically inactive diabetes patients compared to those from the moderate PA group. The association of PA with depression and the frequency of suffering depressive symptoms in US adults with diabetes were confirmed. Greater prevalence of depression and greater frequency of depressive symptoms were found for physically inactive diabetes sufferers. A dose-response relationship between PA and frequency of depressive symptoms is suggested.
- 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.