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- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- A acessibilidade na comunicação do património em multiformatoPublication . Gil, Henrique; Sousa, CéliaEste 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. Mais se acrescenta que o Museu da Seda é o único equipamento patrimonial do munícipio de Castelo Branco e que se pretende seja o percursor de uma iniciativa mais global. Pretende-se que esta iniciativa seja replicada em todos os equipamentos e estruturas patrimoniais de todo o município de Castelo Branco.