Relationship between Physical Performance, Anthropometric Measurements and Stroke Velocity in Youth Tennis Players

Given that serve velocity has been identified as one of the most important components influencing performance in tennis, identifying the factors associated with serve velocity is crucial for coaches and athletes. The aim of this study was to describe the relationship between physical performance, anthropometric characteristics and stroke velocity in youth tennis players. Twenty-seven youth players (male = 16, age = 15.69 ± 1.70 years; female = 11, age = 15.82 ± 1.40 years) underwent an anthropometric and physical performance assessment. On a tennis court, players were assessed for forehand, backhand and serve velocities. Pearson’s correlation coefficient revealed that forehand velocity was significantly correlated with height (r = 0.58) and handgrip strength (right hand: r = 0.68; left hand: r = 0.57), whereas backhand velocity was significantly correlated with running time (r = 0.52) and handgrip strength (right hand: r = 0.67; left hand: r = 0.55) in males. Similarly, in males, serve velocity was significantly correlated with height (r = 0.60), running time (r = 0.62) and handgrip strength (right: r = 0.77, left hand: r = 0.71). In females, a significant correlation was only demonstrated between serve velocity and body weight (r = 0.69). These findings highlight that handgrip strength, running time and body height variables are positively associated with stroke velocities in male youth tennis players

Game location effect on pre-competition cortisol concentration and anxiety state : a case study in a futsal team

The main aim of this study was to investigate the game location effect on pre-competition salivary cortisol and state anxiety in professional futsal players. Fourteen male players from a U-20 futsal team were evaluated during four competitive matches played away (n=2) and home (n=2) venues. Saliva samples were collected in order to analyse the salivary cortisol concentrations (sal-C) by the ELISA assay and state anxiety was evaluated using the CSAI-2R questionnaire. All the data collection took place before the pre-match warm-up. Medium and clear increase on sal-C (ES= 0.67; CL= 0.20; 1.14) was observed from home to away venues. Trivial and unclear differences between away and home venues were observed in cognitive anxiety (ES= 0.12; CL= -0.34; 0.57); somatic anxiety (ES= 0.06; CL= -0.40; 0.51) and self-confidence (ES= 0.06; CL= -0.40; 0.51). In conclusion, the data suggested that game location affects hormonal responses; increases in sal-C suggest that playing away represents a more challenging situation in futsal athletes compared to their home venue.El objetivo de este estudio fue investigar el efecto del lugar de juego sobre el cortisol y el estado de ansiedad precompetitivo en los atletas profesionales de futsal. Catorce atletas de un equipo de futsal masculino Sub-20 fueron evaluados durante cuatro juegos competitivos jugados afuera (n = 2) y en adentro (n = 2). Las muestras de saliva se recolectaron para el análisis de concentración de cortisol (sal-C) mediante análisis ELISA y el estado de ansiedad se evaluó mediante el cuestionario CSAI-2R. Todos los datos fueron recopilados antes de que el juego se calentara. Se observó un aumento claro y medio de la sal-C (ES= 0,67; CL = 0,20; 1,14) afuera en comparación con adentro. Se observaron diferencias triviales y poco claras entre jugar afora y adentro por la ansiedad cognitiva (ES= 0,12, CL= -0,34; 0,57); somático (ES= 0,06; CL= -0,40; 0,51) y confianza en sí mismo (ES= 0,06; CL= -0,40; 0,51). En conclusión, los datos sugieren que el lugar de juego afecta la respuesta hormonal; un aumento en sal-C sugiere que los juegos fuera representan uno situación más desafiante para los atletas de futsal en comparación con los juegos adentro.O objetivo desse estudo foi investigar o efeito do local de jogo no cortisol e estado de ansiedade pré-competitiva em atletas profissionais de futsal. Quatorze atletas de uma equipe Sub-20 de futsal masculino foram avaliados durante quatro jogos competitivos jogados fora (n=2) e dentro de casa (n=2). Amostras de saliva foram coletadas para análise da concentração de cortisol (sal-C) pela análise de ELISA e o estado de ansiedade foi avaliada pelo questionário CSAI-2R. Todos os dados foram coletados antes do aquecimento do jogo. Um aumento médio e claro na sal-C (ES= 0,67; CL= 0,20; 1,14) foi observado em casa comparado fora de casa. Diferença trivial e pouco clara entre fora e dentro de casa foram observados pela ansiedade cognitiva (ES= 0,12, CL= -0,34; 0,57); somática (ES= 0,06; CL= -0,40; 0,51) e autoconfiança (ES= 0,06; CL= -0,40; 0,51). Em conclusão, os dados sugerem que o local de jogo afeta a resposta hormonal; um aumento no sal-C sugere-te que jogos fora de casa representam uma situação mais desafiadora nos atletas de futsal comparado aos jogos em casa

Avaliação sorológica, clínica e epidemiológica da toxocaríase em áreas urbanas do sul do Brasil

Toxocariasis is a worldwide public-health problem that poses major risks to children who may accidentally ingest embryonated eggs of Toxocara. The objectives of this study were to investigate the occurrence of anti-Toxocara spp. antibodies in children and adolescents and the variables that may be involved, as well as environmental contamination by Toxocara spp. eggs, in urban recreation areas of north central mesoregion, Paraná State, Brazil. From June 2005 to March 2007. a total of 376 blood samples were collected by the Public Health Service from children and adolescents one to 12 years old, of both genders. Samples were analyzed by the indirect ELISA method for detection of anti-Toxocara antibodies. Serum samples were previously absorbed with Ascaris suum antigens, and considered positive with a reagent reactivity index >;1. Soil samples from all of the public squares and schools located in the four evaluated municipalities that had sand surfaces (n = 19) or lawns (n = 15) were analyzed. Of the 376 serum samples, 194 (51.6%) were positive. The seroprevalence rate was substantially higher among children aging one to five years (p = 0.001) and six to eight years (p = 0.022). The clinical signs and symptoms investigated did not show a statistical difference between seropositive and seronegative individuals (p >; 0.05). In 76.5% of the investigated recreation places, eggs of Toxocara were detected in at least one of the five collected samples. Recreation areas from public schools were 2.8 times more contaminated than from public squares. It is important to institute educational programs to inform families and educators, as well as to improve sanitary control of animals and cleaning of the areas intended for recreation in order to prevent toxocariasis.A toxocaríase é um problema de saúde pública mundial, com maior risco para crianças que podem, acidentalmente, ingerir ovos embrionados de Toxocara spp.. Os objetivos deste estudo foram avaliar a ocorrência de anticorpos anti-Toxocara spp. em crianças e adolecentes e as variáveis que podem estar envolvidas, bem como a contaminação ambiental por ovos de Toxocara spp., em locais de recreação, em áreas urbanas da mesorregião norte central, Paraná, Brasil. De junho de 2005 a março de 2007 foram coletadas 376 amostras de sangue de crianças e adolescentes de um a doze anos, de ambos os sexos, atendidas pelo Sistema Único de Saúde. As amostras foram analisadas pelo método de ELISA indireto para detecção de IgG anti-Toxocara e previamente absorvidas com antígeno de Ascaris suum. Foram consideradas reagentes as amostras com índice de reatividade >; 1. A análise das amostras de areias (n = 19) e gramados (n = 15) de cada município foi realizada em todas as praças e escolas públicas. Das 376 amostras de soro, 194 (51,6%) foram positivas. A taxa de soroprevalência foi substancialmente mais elevada entre as crianças na faixa etária de até um a cinco (p = 0.001) e de seis a oito anos de idade (p = 0,022). Os sinais e sintomas clínicos investigados não mostraram diferenças estatísticas entre soropositivos e soronegativos (p >; 0,05). Em 76,5% dos locais de recreação investigados, ovos de Toxocara foram detectados em pelo menos uma das cinco amostras. Os locais de recreação das escolas públicas estavam 2,8 vezes mais contaminados do que as praças. É importante a realização de programas educativos junto às famílias e educadores, o controle sanitário de animais e a higienização dos locais destinados à recreação para prevenção da toxocaríase

Molecular investigation of Ehrlichia spp. and Anaplasma platys in domestic cats: clinical signs, hematological and biochemical alterations

Ehrlichia sp. e Anaplasma platys são micro-organismos Gram negativos, parasitos intracelulares obrigatórios, residindo em vacúolos citoplasmáticos de leucócitos e plaquetas, encontrados no sangue periférico ou em tecidos. Poucos relatos têm sido feitos sobre erliquiose e anaplasmose em gatos no Brasil, os quais são baseados na presença de mórulas em leucócitos e plaquetas, ou pela detecção de anticorpos. O objetivo deste trabalho foi investigar a infecção natural por Ehrlichia sp. e A.platys em gatos no Município de Campos dos Goytacazes-RJ, através da hematoscopia e pela detecção do DNA desses agentes. Foram utilizadas amostras de sangue total e de soro de 91 gatos, independente de raça, sexo e idade. Realizaram-se hemograma, bioquímica sérica e PCR, utilizando oligonucleotídes para Ehrlichia sp. e A.platys. Os dados de hematoscopia mostraram que 9,89% dos gatos apresentaram mórulas em macroplaquetas. O DNA de A.platys foi detectado em 13,18% dos 91 animais e em 44,44% das amostras positivas à hematoscopia. O DNA de Ehrlichia sp. não foi detectado em nenhuma amostra. Nenhuma alteração foi observada nos sinais clínicos nem nos resultados laboratoriais nos animais estudados. Os dados sugerem que os felinos domésticos podem atuar como potenciais reservatórios para A. platys, como forma não sintomática das enfermidades relacionadasEhrlichia sp. and Anaplasma platys are Gram-negative micro-organisms, obligate intracellular parasites, residing in cytoplasmic vacuoles of leukocytes and platelets, found in peripheral blood or tissue. Few reports have been made about ehrlichiosis and anaplasmosis in cats in Brazil, which are based on the presence of morulae in leukocytes and platelets, or by detecting antibodies. The objective of this study was to investigate the natural infection with Ehrlichia sp. and A. platys in cats in Campos dos Goytacazes-RJ, by hematoscopia and DNA detection of these agents. Samples of whole blood and serum from 91 cats, regardless of race, gender and age. Blood count, serum biochemistry and PCR using primers for Ehrlichia sp. and A. platys were perfomed. Data from hematoscopia showed 9.89% of morulae only in platelets. The DNA of A. platys was detected in 13.18% of the 91 samples and 44.44% of the positive at hematoscopia. The DNA of Ehrlichia sp. was not detected in any sample. All animals studied did not show clinical signs neither positive laboratory results. The data suggest that domestic cats can serve as potential reservoirs for A. platys as asymptomatic form of related disease

Toxocariasis in children attending a Public Health Service Pneumology Unit in Paraná State, Brazil

The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) is the most widely used tool to detect anti-Toxocara IgG antibodies for both serodiagnostic and seroepidemiological surveys on human toxocariasis. In the last eight years a high prevalence of toxocariasis (32.2-56.0%) has been reported in children attending public health units from municipalities in the state of Paraná, Brazil. Therefore, the aim of this work was to compare the frequency found among the general child population with that of children attending a public pneumology service in Maringá, Paraná, Brazil and describe the laboratorial, clinical and epidemiological findings. The research was conducted at the Consórcio Público Intermunicipal de Saúde do Setentrião Paranaense (CISAMUSEP) from July 2009 to July 2010 among children aged between one and 15 years. From a total of 167 children studied, only 4.2% (7/167) tested positive for anti-Toxocara spp. IgG antibodies and presented mild eosinophilia (2/7), increased serum IgE levels (6/7) and a positive allergy test for mites (5/7). The presence of pets (dogs or cats) at home did not correlate with the seroprevalence. In conclusion, cases of toxocariasis involving the respiratory tract are rare in children attending a public health pneumology unit in the northwestern region of Paraná State, despite the high prevalence of this type of toxocariasis among the infantile population attending Basic Health Units in the same geographical area

Percepção da imagem corporal, consumo alimentar, comportamento sedentário e atividade física em uma população acadêmica brasileira durante o lockdown devido à pandemia de COVID-19

The study evaluates the perception of body image associated with food consumption, sedentary behavior, and practice of physical activity responses during the COVID-19 lockdown in the academic population ofa Brazilian University. Four hundred fifteenstudentsanswered an online survey during 1-31 May/2020. Frequencieswere used to describe the outcomes, and the Chi-square test (p< 0.05)to determine associations. A negativeperception of change in body image was found in both females and males (e.g., 73% and 55%, respectively), significantly associated with a perception of an increase in food consumption, watching TV and social media (more than 2 hours), not practicing physical activity in females, and with an increase in food consumption in males. The results presented a generalpicture of behavioral responses during the COVID-19 pandemicofstudents in Brazil, suggesting that a negative perception of body image changinghas been associated with health-related behaviors, especially in females.El estudio evalúa la percepción de la imagen corporal asociada al consumo de alimentos, el comportamiento sedentario y las respuestas a la práctica de actividad física durante el confinamientodelaCOVID-19 en la población académica de una universidad brasileña. Cuatrocientos y quince estudiantesrespondieron un survey 1 al 31 de mayo de 2020. Se utilizaron frecuencias para describir los resultados y la prueba de Chi-Squared(p< 0,05) para las asociaciones. Se encontró una percepción negativa del cambio en la imagen corporal tanto en mujeres como en hombres (73% y 55%), significativamente asociada con una percepción de aumento en el consumo de alimentos, ver televisión y redes sociales (más de 2 horas),no practicar actividad física en mujeres y con el consumo de alimentos en hombres. Los resultados presentaron un panorama general de las respuestas de comportamiento durante laCOVID-19 en estudiantes de Brasil, lo que sugiere que una percepción negativa del cambio de la imagen corporal se ha asociado con comportamientos relacionados con la salud, especialmente en las mujeres.O presente estudo avaliou a percepção da imagem corporal com consumo de alimentos, comportamento sedentário e a prática de atividade física durante o lockdodown em uma população acadêmica de uma universidade brasileira. Quatrocentos e quinzeestudantesresponderam um questionário on-line durante 1-31 de maio de 2020. Frequências foram utilizadas para descrever os resultadoseotesteQui-Quadrado (p<0,05) para determinar a associação. Foi encontradauma mudança negativa na percepção da imagem corporal em ambos homens e mulheres (73% e 55%), sendo significativamente associadas com o aumento perceptual do consumo alimentar, assistir TV e uso de mídiasocial(mais de 2 horas), não praticar atividade física pelasmulheres, e consumo alimentar para homens. Os resultados apresentam uma resposta geral do comportamento de estudantes brasileiros durante o surto do COVID-19, sugerindo que uma percepção negativa de mudança na imagem corporal seja associada com comportamentos relacionados a saúde, especialmente em mulheres

The impact of menstrual-cycle phase on basal and exercise-induced hormones, mood, anxiety and exercise performance in physically active women

BACKGROUND: The influence of menstrual cycle phase on perceptual responses and exercise performance is still unclear in the literature. Therefore, this study investigated salivary estradiol (sal-E2) and cortisol (sal-C) concentrations, mood, anxiety and exercise (aerobic, anaerobic) performance in physically-active women across two menstrual-cycle phases. METHODS: Twelve women (mean age 24.9±4.3 years) were assessed in the early follicular (early-FP) and mid luteal (mid-LP) phase of their menstrual cycle. In each phase, participants were tested for both aerobic (i.e. VO2max) and anaerobic (i.e. peak power, average power and Fatigue Index) performance. Basal and exercise-induced changes in sal-E2 and sal-C concentrations, self-appraised mood and anxiety were assessed. RESULTS: We observed a significant increase in basal (pre-exercise) sal-E2 concentration from early-FP to mid-LP (P≤0.05), coupled with a significant increase in VO2max in early-FP (39.9±7.8 mL/kg/min) versus mid-LP (36.9±7.8 mL/kg/min). Depression also decreased with aerobic exercise, but only in the early-FP. No other significant menstrual-phase differences in exercise performance, emotional state or hormonal change scores were identified. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that physically-active women may experience a natural rise in estradiol concentration, as they transition from the early-FP to mid-LP. In the present study, this was accompanied by a small reduction in VO2max. An exercise (aerobic)-related decline in depression also emerged in the early-FP. Most of the exercise performance, emotional state and hormonal measures did not exhibit any menstrual phase-related difference

Game location effect on pre-competition cortisol concentration and anxiety state : a case study in a futsal team

The main aim of this study was to investigate the game location effect on pre-competition salivary cortisol and state anxiety in professional futsal players. Fourteen male players from a U-20 futsal team were evaluated during four competitive matches played away (n=2) and home (n=2) venues. Saliva samples were collected in order to analyse the salivary cortisol concentrations (sal-C) by the ELISA assay and state anxiety was evaluated using the CSAI-2R questionnaire. All the data collection took place before the pre-match warm-up. Medium and clear increase on sal-C (ES= 0.67; CL= 0.20; 1.14) was observed from home to away venues. Trivial and unclear differences between away and home venues were observed in cognitive anxiety (ES= 0.12; CL= -0.34; 0.57); somatic anxiety (ES= 0.06; CL= -0.40; 0.51) and self-confidence (ES= 0.06; CL= -0.40; 0.51). In conclusion, the data suggested that game location affects hormonal responses; increases in sal-C suggest that playing away represents a more challenging situation in futsal athletes compared to their home venue.El objetivo de este estudio fue investigar el efecto del lugar de juego sobre el cortisol y el estado de ansiedad precompetitivo en los atletas profesionales de futsal. Catorce atletas de un equipo de futsal masculino Sub-20 fueron evaluados durante cuatro juegos competitivos jugados afuera (n = 2) y en adentro (n = 2). Las muestras de saliva se recolectaron para el análisis de concentración de cortisol (sal-C) mediante análisis ELISA y el estado de ansiedad se evaluó mediante el cuestionario CSAI-2R. Todos los datos fueron recopilados antes de que el juego se calentara. Se observó un aumento claro y medio de la sal-C (ES= 0,67; CL = 0,20; 1,14) afuera en comparación con adentro. Se observaron diferencias triviales y poco claras entre jugar afora y adentro por la ansiedad cognitiva (ES= 0,12, CL= -0,34; 0,57); somático (ES= 0,06; CL= -0,40; 0,51) y confianza en sí mismo (ES= 0,06; CL= -0,40; 0,51). En conclusión, los datos sugieren que el lugar de juego afecta la respuesta hormonal; un aumento en sal-C sugiere que los juegos fuera representan uno situación más desafiante para los atletas de futsal en comparación con los juegos adentro.O objetivo desse estudo foi investigar o efeito do local de jogo no cortisol e estado de ansiedade pré-competitiva em atletas profissionais de futsal. Quatorze atletas de uma equipe Sub-20 de futsal masculino foram avaliados durante quatro jogos competitivos jogados fora (n=2) e dentro de casa (n=2). Amostras de saliva foram coletadas para análise da concentração de cortisol (sal-C) pela análise de ELISA e o estado de ansiedade foi avaliada pelo questionário CSAI-2R. Todos os dados foram coletados antes do aquecimento do jogo. Um aumento médio e claro na sal-C (ES= 0,67; CL= 0,20; 1,14) foi observado em casa comparado fora de casa. Diferença trivial e pouco clara entre fora e dentro de casa foram observados pela ansiedade cognitiva (ES= 0,12, CL= -0,34; 0,57); somática (ES= 0,06; CL= -0,40; 0,51) e autoconfiança (ES= 0,06; CL= -0,40; 0,51). Em conclusão, os dados sugerem que o local de jogo afeta a resposta hormonal; um aumento no sal-C sugere-te que jogos fora de casa representam uma situação mais desafiadora nos atletas de futsal comparado aos jogos em casa