Healthy motivations for food consumption in 16 countries

This work was prepared in the ambit of themultinational project EATMOT from CI&DETS Research Centre (Polytechnic University of Viseu, Portugal) with reference PROJ/CI&DETS/CGD/0012. This work was supported by the FCT – Foundation for Science and Technology, I.P. Furthermore, we would like to thank the Research Centers CERNAS (doi: 10.54499/UIDB/00681/2020), CIDEI (doi: 10.54499/UIDB/05507/2020), and UCISA:E (doi: 10.54499/UIDB/00742/2020), and the Polytechnic University of Viseu for their support. We thank the contribution of Viktoria Szűcs for helping collect data for the project in Hungary, and Lucia Frez-Muñoz for helping collect data for the project in The Netherlands.There are many factors that can influence people’s attitudes towards healthy eating, including personal nature, sociodemographic influences, and lifestyle. This work investigated to what extent the motivations for healthy food consumption are shaped in individuals from different countries. A questionnaire survey was carried out on a sample of 11,919 participants from 16 countries. The results indicated that the strongest motivations for healthy food consumption were related to the perception of consuming healthy food, eating foods rich in vitamins and minerals, allied to food safety and hygiene concerns. Significant differences were found in healthy motivations between countries. Additionally, the sociodemographic variables that had a higher influence on health motivation levels were country, age, and gender. Concerning the anthropometric and lifestyle variables influencing healthy motivation for food consumption, the discriminating variables were: believing in having a healthy diet, physical exercise, and chronic diseases. In conclusion, the work showed important differences in the motivations for a healthy diet in different countries, but other variables also play a role in the motivation for the consumption of foods for health and well-being.This research was funded by CI&DETS Research Centre (Polytechnic University of Viseu, Portugal) grant number PROJ/CI&DETS/CGD/0012, and also by the FCT – Foundation for Science and Technology, I.P., within the scope of the research unit projects Ref. UIDB/00681/2020 (CERNAS), UIDB/05507/2020 (CIDEI) and UIDB/00742/2020 (UICISA:E)

The influence of structured physical activity on vaccination response from adults to older individuals: a systematic review on the Immunoinflammatory crosstalk of COVID-19

Background: Amidst the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, understanding factors that influence vaccine efficacy is crucial, particularly in older adults. Regular physical exercise and/or structured physical activity (SPA) has emerged as a potential modulator of immune responses, enhancing vaccine effectiveness. This systematic review aims to consolidate current evidence on the impact of SPA/exercise on both immune and inflammatory responses to COVID-19 vaccination in adults and older individuals. Methods: Most relevant studies were extracted from indexed databases using health subject terms in English, Portuguese, and Spanish. Studies that examined the impact of regular exercise or SPA on inflammatory and/or immunological responses in relation to COVID-19 immunization were selected. In particular, all chosen studies included individuals who received vaccinations either prior to or following the exercise regimen or SPA, and the main goal was to evaluate these effects on immunological and/or inflammatory reactions induced by vaccination. Results: Among the 7 studies included (n = 1149), the effects of regular exercise or PA on vaccine-induced imune responses while concurrently assessing inflammatory markers were examined. The findings suggest that moderate to high-intensity structured physical activity (50–70% of maximum heart rate for aerobic exercise and 60–80% of 1RM for resistance training), performed 3–5 times per week, was able to enhance immune responses to COVID-19 vaccination, particularly by mitigating chronic low-grade inflammation. Acute exercise can transiently boost immunity, whilst engagement in moderate SPA over a period of six months may contribute to sustained improvements in imune function, especially in older adults. However, these findings should be interpreted with caution due to variability in study design, sample characteristics, and potential confounding factors. Conclusion: Regular exercise and SPA play a significant role in improving immune/inflammatory responses to COVID-19 vaccination. Older adults, in particular, may benefit from regular SPA and exercise as a strategy to counteract immunosenescence and optimize vaccine efficacy. However, further research is needed to better refine exerciseprotocols and determine long-term benefits in different populations.N/

Implementação de um plano de negócios para a criação de um alojamento de turismo no espaço rural (ter) sustentável

Trabalho de Projeto apresentado a Escola Superior de Gesta o de Idanha-a-Nova do Instituto Politécnico de Castelo Branco para cumprimento dos requisitos necessários a obtenção do grau de Mestre em Gesta o de Empresas.O presente projeto apresenta-se como uma das exigências inerente ao termino do Mestrado em Gestão de Empresas e é o resultado duma descrição, explicação e reflexão exaustiva e cuidada, relativamente às varias fases para a criação de um alojamento de Turismo em Espaço Rural - Agroturismo. Neste projeto foram utilizadas varias ideologias de diversos autores como forma de explicar o grande fenómeno que é o turismo. Para ale m desta dimensão, e também identificada a evolução do turismo em Portugal, do turismo no Centro, a importância de um plano estratégico e de um pensamento estratégico e a evolução do turismo em espaço rural. Ao longo do desenvolvimento pra tico do projeto, e feito um enquadramento geral da ideia de nego cio, e apresentada a natureza jurídica da empresa, a localização geográfica do alojamento, são apresentadas os desafios e oportunidades para um alojamento sustentável e é desenvolvido um plano de nego cios. Por fim, o principal objetivo do projeto e a implementação de um empreendimento de Turismo no Espaço Rural (TER) sustentável, no concelho da Covilhã, com foco na sustentabilidade, e perceber quais são os principais desafios e oportunidades para a criação de um Turismo no Espaço Rural sustentável e de sucesso, e como pode um plano de nego cios inovador ser desenvolvido para maximizar o potencial de rentabilidade, satisfaça o do cliente e impacto positivo na comunidade local.Abstract: This project presents itself as one of the requirements inherent to the conclusion of the Master's Degree in Business Management and is the result of an exhaustive and careful description, explanation and reflection, regarding the various phases for the creation of a Rural Tourism accommodation - Agritourism. In this project, several ideologies from different authors were used as a way of explaining the great phenomenon that is tourism, in addition to this, the evolution of Portugal’s tourism, more specific, in the center of country, the importance of a strategic plan and thinking about a strategies and evolution of tourism in rural areas. Throughout the practical development of the project, a general framework of the company’s legal nature is presented, the accommodation’s geographic location is presented the challenges and opportunities for sustainable accommodation and a business plan is developed. Finally, the project’s main objective is the implementation of a sustainable Rural Tourism (TER) enterprise, in the municipality of Covilhã, with focus on sustainability and, understanding what the main challenges and opportunities are for, creating Tourism in the Sustainable and successful rural space, and how an innovative business plan can be developed to maximize potential profitability, customer satisfaction and positive impact on the local community

Avaliação de contaminantes de amêndoa em modo de produção biológico

Dissertação apresentado à Escola Superior Agrária do Instituto Politécnico de Castelo Branco para cumprimento dos requisitos necessários à obtenção do grau de Mestre em Inovação e Qualidade na Produção Alimentar.A amendoeira (Prunus dulcis (Mill.) D.A. Webb), uma espécie da família Rosaceae, é uma cultura mediterrânea conhecida pela sua adaptabilidade a condições climáticas adversas, como altas temperaturas no verão, frio extremo no inverno e períodos prolongados de seca. A produção de amêndoas, fruto altamente nutritivo, tem aumentado globalmente, acompanhando a crescente procura por alimentos biológicos (Arquero et al., 2013; Rodrigues et al., 2017; Jin et al., 2020). A presença de resíduos de ácido fosfónico em produtos biológicos pode indicar o incumprimento das regras da agricultura biológica. Esta situação tem levado a queixas por parte de produtores biológicos que afirmam a não utilização destes produtos nos tratamentos do amendoal. Este estudo teve como objetivo identificar fontes de contaminação por fosfonatos, com ênfase no fosetil, em amêndoas produzidas em Modo de Produção Biológico (MPB) em Portugal. Foram analisados dados fornecidos por seis Organismos de Controlo (OC), através do preenchimento de um inquérito, abrangendo 247 produtores distribuídos em seis distritos, nos anos de 2020 e 2021. Os dados incluem registos de produção, lotes submetidos a controlo analítico e resultados laboratoriais. Os resultados revelaram que, em 2020, 18 dos 19 lotes analisados apresentaram contaminação positiva para ácido fosfónico, enquanto em 2021, dos 15 lotes analisados, 10 foram positivos. Bragança foi o distrito com maior incidência de contaminação nos dois anos. A contaminação foi associada a possíveis fontes externas, como resíduos no solo ou práticas agrícolas em áreas vizinhas. Este trabalho permitiu concluir que, embora a produção de amêndoa biológica em Portugal tenha registado um aumento, a gestão de contaminações continua a ser um desafio. Reforça-se a necessidade de estratégias regionais que promovam a coexistência sustentável entre culturas biológicas e convencionais, bem como o fortalecimento de práticas preventivas para reduzir o risco de contaminação cruzada. Além disso, os resultados apontam para a relevância de uma monitorização contínua e uma maior capacitação dos produtores em práticas de MPB.Abstract: The almond tree (Prunus dulcis (Mill.) D.A. Webb), a species of the Rosaceae family, is a Mediterranean crop known for its adaptability to adverse climatic conditions, such as high summer temperatures, extreme winter cold, and prolonged drought periods. Almond production, a highly nutritious fruit, has increased globally, driven by the growing demand for organic foods (Arquero et al., 2013; Rodrigues et al., 2017; Jin et al., 2020). The presence of phosphonic acid residues in organic products may indicate non compliance with organic farming regulations. This issue has led to complaints from organic producers who claim not to use such substances in almond orchard treatments. This study aimed to identify sources of contamination by phosphonates, with an emphasis on fosetyl, in almonds produced under Organic Production Mode (OPM) in Portugal. Data from six Control Bodies (CB) were analyzed, covering 247 producers distributed across six districts during 2020 and 2021. The data include production records, batches subjected to analytical control, and laboratory results. The results revealed that in 2020, 18 out of 19 analyzed batches tested positive for phosphonic acid contamination, while in 2021, 10 out of 15 batches were positive. Bragança was the district with the highest incidence of contamination in both years. The contamination was linked to possible external sources, such as soil residues or agricultural practices in neighboring areas. This study concluded that while organic almond production in Portugal has increased, managing contamination remains a challenge. It underscores the need for regional strategies that promote sustainable coexistence between organic and conventional crops, as well as strengthening preventive practices to reduce the risk of cross-contamination. Additionally, the results highlight the importance of continuous monitoring and greater capacity-building among producers in OPM practices

Estratégias pedagógicas para o ensino de violoncelo a adultos iniciantes na terceira idade: desafios e interrogações

Relatório de estágio apresentado à Escola Superior de Artes Aplicadas do Instituto Politécnico de Castelo Branco para cumprimento dos requisitos necessários à obtenção do grau de Mestre em Ensino de Música – Instrumento e Música de Conjunto.O relatório de estágio apresentado foi desenvolvido no âmbito do Mestrado em Ensino de Música da Escola Superior de Artes Aplicadas, pertencente ao Instituto Politécnico de Castelo Branco, e está organizado em duas grandes secções. A primeira parte consiste na apresentação da Prática de Ensino Supervisionada, realizada na Academia de Música do Porto e na Escola Artística do Conservatório de Música Calouste Gulbenkian de Aveiro, durante o ano letivo de 2024-2025. Este estágio proporcionou a oportunidade de aplicar, de forma prática, os conhecimentos adquiridos ao longo do mestrado, através do contacto direto com alunos, da implementação de estratégias pedagógicas e da reflexão crítica sobre o processo de ensino-aprendizagem musical. A experiência proporcionou uma visão aprofundada sobre o papel do professor na formação artística e pessoal dos alunos, bem como sobre os desafios e oportunidades do ensino especializado da música em contexto institucional. A segunda parte do relatório centra-se na investigação sobre o ensino de violoncelo a adultos iniciantes na terceira idade. Parte-se do princípio de que a aprendizagem musical é não só possível nesta fase da vida, como também extremamente benéfica, promovendo o bem-estar, a estimulação cognitiva e o reforço da autoestima. O estudo foca-se na identificação e sugestão de estratégias pedagógicas adaptadas às particularidades dos alunos mais velhos, tendo em conta o ritmo de aprendizagem, características físicas e motivações pessoais. Foi realizada uma revisão bibliográfica e analisadas diferentes metodologias, de forma a aplicar estratégias que garantam uma aprendizagem acessível, agradável e eficaz. Defende-se que o ensino do violoncelo na terceira idade deve seguir uma abordagem progressiva, agradável e centrada no aluno, que respeite o seu tempo e capacidades, promovendo não apenas a aprendizagem do instrumento, mas também a valorização pessoal. Este estudo pretende, assim, contribuir para a construção de práticas pedagógicas mais sensíveis e eficazes no contexto do ensino da música a adultos na terceira idade, deixando algumas questões em aberto.Abstract: The internship report presented was developed within the scope of the Master's Degree in Music Education at the School of Applied Arts, part of the Polytechnic Institute of Castelo Branco, and is organized into two main sections. The first part consists of the presentation of the Supervised Teaching Practice, carried out at the Porto Music Academy and at the Artistic School of the Calouste Gulbenkian Music Conservatory in Aveiro, during the 2024-2025 academic year. This internship provided the opportunity to practically apply the knowledge acquired throughout the master's program, through direct contact with students, the implementation of pedagogical strategies, and critical reflection on the musical teaching-learning process. The experience offered an in-depth view of the teacher’s role in the artistic and personal development of students, as well as the challenges and opportunities of specialized music education in an institutional context. The second part of the report focuses on research about teaching cello to adult beginners in later life. It is based on the premise that musical learning is not only possible at this stage of life but also highly beneficial, promoting well-being, cognitive stimulation, and self-esteem enhancement. The study focuses on identifying and suggesting pedagogical strategies adapted to the particularities of older students, taking into account their learning pace, physical characteristics, and personal motivations. A literature review was conducted and different methodologies analyzed in order to apply strategies that ensure accessible, enjoyable, and effective learning. It is argued that cello teaching in later life should follow a progressive, pleasant, and student-centered approach that respects the individual’s time and abilities, promoting not only instrumental learning but also personal appreciation. This study thus aims to contribute to the development of more sensitive and effective pedagogical practices in the context of music education for older adult learners, while leaving some questions open

Rising trends of urinary infections among pregnant women: Insights from a Portuguese hospital (2018–2022)

This work was approved by the Ethics Committee and the Data Protection Officer of the University of Beira Interior, and all ethical precepts were scrupulously respected by the researchers. Informed consent was waived, given the retrospective nature and the fact that no user-identifying data were used.This study explores the prevalence and antibiotic resistance of urinary tract infections (UTIs) in pregnant women in central Portugal. A retrospective observational study was conducted on 201 positive urine cultures from pregnant women at a hospital center between January 2018 and December 2022. The data collected included age, hospital admission source, history of antibiotic therapy, catheterization status, identity of bacterial isolates, and their antibiotic profile. The most common bacterial strains were Escherichia coli (52.4%) and Streptococcus agalactiae (16.9%). In terms of antibiotic resistance, Escherichia coli demonstrated complete sensitivity to ertapenem, while Streptococcus agalactiae showed sensitivity to four antibiotics, including trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole. Notably, most infections occurred in the third trimester, underscoring the need for continuous monitoring throughout pregnancy. This study emphasizes the importance of tailored treatment strategies to manage UTIs in pregnancy effectively, reducing the potential maternal and fetal complications. These findings contribute to regional data on UTI management in pregnant populations and aim to support improved healthcare practices. These regional data provide a solid foundation for optimizing healthcare practices in pregnant women, suggesting targeted approaches to combat antibiotic resistance and improve maternal–fetal safety during UTI treatment.N/

Evaluation of the level of contamination in sediments from watercourses of the Caveira Mining System (Grândola)

Este trabalho é parte do Projeto “GeoMatRe – Avaliação de alternativas de remediação de massas de água afetadas por drenagem de mina, através da utilização de geomateriais”, financiado pela Fundação “La Caixa”, no âmbito do Programa Promove – Regiões Fronteiriças: La Caixa/FCT – Projeto nº PV20-0006. Os autores também agradecem o apoio do ICT, através do contrato com a FCT (Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia) - Projeto FCT—UIDB/04674/2020.O presente trabalho, inserido no Projeto GeoMatRe, visa o levantamento das condições mais atualizadas no que toca aos parâmetros físico-químicos numa mina de drenagem ácida. Uma situação crítica que ocorre na área mineira de Caveira, em Grândola, Portugal, abandonada desde a década de 60 do século passado. O objetivo passa por analisar as condições de contaminação de Elementos Potencialmente Tóxicos (EPT) nos sedimentos que ocorrem quer em fases móveis e dissolvidas na água intersticial dos sedimentos, quer em fases mais imóveis. Neste trabalho é realizada uma caracterização geral da área do sistema mineiro, verificando-se um nível de contaminação da área, através da análise do Índice de Geoacumulação (IGEO) e do Fator de Enriquecimento (FE), onde os elementos Cu, Pb, Zn, As e Hg demonstram ser os principais EPT’s na região, apresentando valores, em alguns dos casos, milhares de vezes acima dos estipulados pelas normas nacionais.Abstract: The following work is inserted in the GeoMatRe Project, in which the conditions of the most updated physical and chemical parameters of an Acid Mine Drainage are analysed. This study shows that the mining area of Caveira, in Grândola, Portugal, which was abandoned since the 60’s, presents a critical situation of contamination, with high levels of Potentially Toxic Elements (PTE) present in the whole mining area and its surroundings. It is intended, within the scope of the project, and through geochemical analysis, to observe the conditions of contamination by PTE in native sediments from the mine tailing, which occur either in mobile phases, dissolved in the interstitial water of the sediments, or in more immobile phases. With that in mind, preparation of methodologies for geochemical studies were carried out, namely Fusion for further analysis of the element’s total forms, and Partial Digestion with Aqua Regia, for quantification of the most easily extractable forms, which represent the most contaminating fraction. Ultimately, Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometer (ICP-OES) was used to analyse and quantify the previously prepared samples. It is herein presented a general characterization of the mining system, through analysis and understanding of the Geo-accumulation Index (IGEO) and the Enrichment Factor (EF), tools that improve the visualization of the previously obtained data on the ICP-OES, demonstrating the content and chemical nature of the contaminating elements (As, Cu, Zn, PB and Hg) as main PTE’s in the region, presenting values, in some cases, thousands of times higher than those stipulated by Nacional standards.N/

Community surveillance of MRSA and Staphylococcus aureus in rural Portugal: The BI-STAPH Project—Phase 1: Sertã

This study has the approval of the Ethics Committee of the University of Beira Interior, code no. CE-UBI-Pj-2023-054, approved on 16 January 2024, ensuring that all procedures adopted comply with the established ethical and scientific guidelines.Introduction: Colonization by Staphylococcus aureus—including methicillin-resistant strains (MRSA)—represents a growing public health concern, particularly in community and rural settings. In Portugal, limited data are available regarding its prevalence in populations with agricultural or animal-related exposures. Objectives: To determine the prevalence of S. aureus and MRSA nasal colonization among adults residing in the municipality of Sertã, Portugal, and to explore potential sociodemographic and behavioral factors associated with colonization. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 292 adult participants from multiple parishes of Sertã. Nasal swabs were collected for microbiological identification of S. aureus and MRSA. Data on sociodemographic characteristics, occupational exposure, animal contact, and recent antibiotic use were collected via structured questionnaires. Descriptive statistics and inferential analyses (chi-square and Fisher’s exact tests) were performed, and odds ratios were estimated. Results: The overall prevalence of S. aureus colonization was 19.9% (58/292), with MRSA detected in 4.8% (14/292) of participants, representing 24.1% of all S. aureus carriers. Colonization by S. aureus was slightly more frequent among females (51.7%) and predominantly observed in individuals aged 35–59 years. MRSA was more frequent in participants aged ≥ 60 years and was equally distributed between sexes. 57% of MRSA cases reported recent antibiotic use and all MRSA cases reported daily contact with animals—primarily domestic species. No statistically significant associations were identified between colonization and the analyzed variables, although trends suggested increased risk among individuals with animal contact and moderate to high-risk occupations. Conclusions: This study revealed a notable prevalence of S. aureus and MRSA colonization in a rural Portuguese population. Although no statistically significant associations were found, with animal contact, occupational exposure, and recent antibiotic use emerged as relevant epidemiological factors. These findings highlight the need for strengthened surveillance and further investigation into zoonotic transmission and occupational risk in rural environments.N/

Healthy motivations for food consumption in 16 countries

4There are many factors that can influence people’s attitudes towards healthy eating, including personal nature, sociodemographic influences, and lifestyle. This work investigated to what extent the motivations for healthy food consumption are shaped in individuals from different countries. A questionnaire survey was carried out on a sample of 11,919 participants from 16 countries. The results indicated that the strongest motivations for healthy food consumption were related to the perception of consuming healthy food, eating foods rich in vitamins and minerals, allied to food safety and hygiene concerns. Significant differences were found in healthy motivations between countries. Additionally, the sociodemographic variables that had a higher influence on health motivation levels were country, age, and gender. Concerning the anthropometric and lifestyle variables influencing healthy motivation for food consumption, the discriminating variables were: believing in having a healthy diet, physical exercise, and chronic diseases. In conclusion, the work showed important differences in the motivations for a healthy diet in different countries, but other variables also play a role in the motivation for the consumption of foods for health and well-being

O plano curricular de acordeão no 3º Ciclo: Análise crítica e proposta de programa

Relatório de Estágio apresentado à Escola Superior de Artes Aplicadas do Instituto Politécnico de Castelo Branco para cumprimento dos requisitos necessários à obtenção do grau de Mestre em Ensino de Música – Instrumento e Música de Conjunto.Este relatório resulta do trabalho realizado no âmbito do Mestrado em Ensino de Música – variante de Instrumento (Acordeão) e Música de Conjunto – da Escola Superior de Artes Aplicadas de Castelo Branco, em particular na unidade curricular de Prática de Ensino Supervisionada (PES). O documento encontra-se dividido em duas partes: o resumo do dossiê de estágio, que descreve a PES, e um estudo de investigação na área do ensino do acordeão. A primeira parte do documento consiste na descrição da Prática de Ensino Supervisionada decorrida durante o ano letivo de 2023/2024, no Conservatório de Música do Porto (CMP). Esta secção inclui a caracterização do conservatório e do meio onde se insere, uma breve descrição da classe, do currículo da disciplina de acordeão e dos alunos envolvidos no estágio. Em seguida, apresentam-se as planificações, descrições e reflexões das aulas de instrumento e de classe de conjunto realizadas ao longo do ano, bem como uma reflexão final acerca da prática pedagógica desenvolvida. Por fim, são detalhadas as atividades desenvolvidas no âmbito da PES, incluindo-se breves descrições e os cartazes correspondentes. A segunda parte deste relatório incide sobre o estudo de investigação intitulado “O plano curricular de acordeão no 3º ciclo: análise crítica e proposta de programa.” O objetivo inicial consistiu na criação de um programa curricular que resultasse da conjuntura dos demais programas pedagógicos existentes para o instrumento, procurando definir de forma mais clara e objetiva os conteúdos a abordar nos 3.º, 4.º e 5.º graus. Para tal, foi realizada uma análise comparativa dos programas de acordeão em uso nas escolas públicas nacionais e recolhidos dados através de inquéritos por questionário dirigidos a docentes e alunos dessas instituições. Adicionalmente, procedeu-se à análise da bibliografia recomendada nos programas em vigor, de forma a compreender o nível de consenso na catalogação do repertório e comparar essas escolhas com programas internacionais. O processo supramencionado permitiu redigir um novo programa curricular acompanhado de uma bibliografia recomendada para o 3º ciclo do ensino básico.Abstract: This report results from the work carried out as part of the Master’s Degree in Music Teaching – Instrument (Accordion) and Ensemble Music – at the Escola Superior de Artes Aplicadas (School of Applied Arts) in Castelo Branco, particularly in the curricular unit of Supervised Teaching Practice. This document is divided into two main parts: a summary of the internship portfolio, and a research study in the field of accordion teaching. The first part of the document addresses the work related to the Supervised Teaching Practice carried out during the 2023/2024 academic year at the Conservatório de Música do Porto (Oporto Conservatory of Music). This section includes the characterization of the conservatory and its surrounding context, followed by a brief description of the accordion class, the curriculum of the discipline, and the students involved in the internship. Subsequently, the planning, descriptions, and reflections of the instrument lessons and ensemble classes conducted throughout the year are presented, as well as a final reflection on the pedagogical practice developed. Finally, the activities carried out within the Supervised Teaching Practice are detailed, including brief descriptions and the corresponding posters. The second part focuses on the research study entitled “The Accordion Curriculum in the 3rd Cycle: Critical Analysis and Programme Proposal.” The main objective was to develop a curricular programme from a critical synthesis of the various existing pedagogical programmes for the instrument, aiming to define more clearly and objectively the contents to be addressed in the 3rd, 4th and 5th grades. To this end, a comparative analysis of accordion programmes used in public music schools in Portugal was conducted, complemented by data collected through questionnaires administered to teachers and students from those institutions. Additionally, the recommended bibliographies from the current programmes were analysed, with the aim of assessing the level of consensus in repertoire classification and comparing these choices with international programmes. This process culminated in the drafting of a new curricular proposal, accompanied by a recommended bibliography specifically designed for the 3rd cycle of basic education