The effect of Brain Gym on cognitive function in older people: A systematic review and meta-analysis

This review aimed to systematically evaluate and meta-analyze the available data on the effects of Brain Gym (BG) on cognitive function in older people. Six electronic databases were searched systematically using: “Brain Gym” AND “elderly, “Brain Gym” AND “older people”. The PEDro and MINORS scales were used to evaluate methodological quality. For the meta-analysis, inverse variance or generic inverse variance was used and heterogeneity was assessed with the Chi2 test and I2 test. Ten research studies with a high to low quality. Significant changes intra- and inter-group were observed for neurocognitive outcomes in the BG groups. Findings from the metaanalysis indicated changes in the BG groups, on cognitive function by means of the Mini–Mental State Examination, were not greater than those reported in the control/comparison groups. BG will not lead to improvements in cognitive function in people with and without cognitive impairment, supported by low to high evidence

Health-related quality of life, handgrip strength and falls during detraining in elderly habitual exercisers

Background: The effects of regular exercise on physical functioning and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) have been thoroughly studied. In contrast, little is known about the changes which occur following cessation of activity (detraining). Here, we have investigated the effect of a 3 month detraining period on HRQOL and on handgrip strength in elderly people who had regularly exercised, and examined the association of these variables with falls. Methods: Thirty-eight women and 11 men (mean age, 75.5 +/- 5.7 years) took part in a supervised physical exercise program for 9 months, followed by a 3 month detraining period. Participants completed the SF-36 HRQOL questionnaire at the beginning of detraining (baseline) and 3 months later. Handgrip strength and number of falls were also recorded. Results: Participants had been exercising for 12.1 +/- 8.7 years. After the detraining period, we found a significant (p < 0.001--0.05) decline in all SF-36 dimensions, with the exception of handgrip strength. Women presented a larger decline (p < 0.05) in more items than men. During the detraining period, 18.4% participants had a fall incident. HRQOL declined in both fallers and non-fallers during detraining. Interestingly, fallers already had at baseline significantly lower values in physical functioning (p < 0.05), emotional role (p < 0.05) and mental health (p < 0.01), than non-fallers. Conclusions: An important decline was found in most items of the SF-36 following a 3 month detraining period, particularly in women. In contrast, strength of the upper limb was not affected by the detraining. The prior lower HRQOL values of those who will subsequently fall suggest that this criterion should be studied as a candidate risk factor for falls. Efforts should be made to encourage the elderly to continue with exercise activities and/or to shorten holiday break periods, in order to maintain their quality of life.Esain I was supported by a grant from the Basque Government (Pre_2014_1_137). This work was supported by the Basque Government (IT922-16)

The relative age effect in young athletes: a countywide analysis of 9–14-year-old participants in all competitive sports

[EN] The relative age effect (RAE) has primarily been investigated in male athletes involved in popular sports and high-level competitions. However, occurrence of RAE in other types of sports at the grassroots level, particularly in female athletes, is less well-studied. Thus, we examined the RAE in a large cohort of young athletes who participated in all competitive sports in Bizkaia, Spain, according to gender and specificity of the sport. The birth dates of 38,381 participants (65.1% males and 34.9% females) aged 9–14 years old in 37 competitive sports were analyzed. Birth dates were divided into four birth-quarters and compared to those of all children born in the same period using a χ2 goodness-of-fit test and standardized residuals. The effect size Cramer’s V was measured, and odds ratio and 95% confidence intervals were calculated to determine the odds of athletes born in January playing in the highest leagues. In the total sample, in boys RAE was evident in football, but only in highercompetition leagues (p<0.001, large effect size). In girls, RAE was evident in the most popular team sports: basketball (p<0.001, large effect size in basketball 1st league), handball and football (p<0.05, both small effect sizes). Players born in January were 3.23- and 2.89-times more likely to play in the 1st leagues than those born in December, for boys (football) and girls (basketball) respectively. In the overall analysis and in the remaining sports, presence of RAE was negligible. Therefore, the date of birth does not seem to be a constraint to participating in most sports in Bizkaia. The potential mechanisms for RAE are multifactorial and complex, yet a combination of factors, such as the popularity of a sport and the depth of competition, physicality and social influences may be involved. We discuss these mechanisms and potential measures to mitigate RAE.This work was partially supported by the University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU) (https://www.ehu.eus/es/) under grant PPGA19/53 and the Basque government (https://www.euskadi. eus/gobierno-vasco/inicio/) under grant IT922-16. The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript

Effects of COVID-19 Lockdown on Physical Activity and Health-Related Quality of Life in Older Adults Who Regularly Exercise

The aim of the study was to analyze the effect of social distancing on physical activity (PA) and Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) in active Spanish older adults according to their physical functionality. The study included 58 older adults aged 76.24 ± 6.00 years who were enrolled in a supervised physical exercise program before the COVID-19 outbreak. Anthropometric, physical function, physical activity and HRQoL were measured at baseline (October 2019). After the two-month lockdown due to the COVID-19, questionnaires were collected again during de-escalation (May 2020). Participants were divided into high- (n = 29) and low-functionality (n = 29) groups. Total PA, walking and cleaning significantly decreased (p < 0.001) whilst exercising or dancing increased (p < 0.001). General health, social and emotional role functioning dimensions and overall mental component scores worsened (p < 0.01–p < 0.05). Low-functionality participants had significantly lower physical functioning scores at baseline (p < 0.01) and lower bodily pain scores at de-escalation (p < 0.01). Emotional role functioning dimension and overall mental component significantly decreased only in low-functionality participants (p < 0.05). Although PA levels decreased significantly, older adults continued being active regardless of their functionality. While mental HRQoL in participants with higher physical functionality remained unchanged, participants with lower functional capacity had a higher risk of mental health concerns. Therefore, attention should focus on strategies to mitigate the negative effects of distancing measures on older people’s mental health, especially in those with lower functionality.This work was supported by the Basque Government (IT1288-19)

Effects of COVID-19 Lockdown on Physical Activity and Health-Related Quality of Life in Older Adults Who Regularly Exercise

The aim of the study was to analyze the effect of social distancing on physical activity (PA) and Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) in active Spanish older adults according to their physical functionality. The study included 58 older adults aged 76.24 ± 6.00 years who were enrolled in a supervised physical exercise program before the COVID-19 outbreak. Anthropometric, physical function, physical activity and HRQoL were measured at baseline (October 2019). After the two-month lockdown due to the COVID-19, questionnaires were collected again during de-escalation (May 2020). Participants were divided into high- (n = 29) and low-functionality (n = 29) groups. Total PA, walking and cleaning significantly decreased (p < 0.001) whilst exercising or dancing increased (p < 0.001). General health, social and emotional role functioning dimensions and overall mental component scores worsened (p < 0.01–p < 0.05). Low-functionality participants had significantly lower physical functioning scores at baseline (p < 0.01) and lower bodily pain scores at de-escalation (p < 0.01). Emotional role functioning dimension and overall mental component significantly decreased only in low-functionality participants (p < 0.05). Although PA levels decreased significantly, older adults continued being active regardless of their functionality. While mental HRQoL in participants with higher physical functionality remained unchanged, participants with lower functional capacity had a higher risk of mental health concerns. Therefore, attention should focus on strategies to mitigate the negative effects of distancing measures on older people’s mental health, especially in those with lower functionality.This work was supported by the Basque Government (IT1288-19)

Effect of Baduanjin on physical functioning and balance in adults with mild-to-moderate intellectual disabilities: A comparative study

Background Adults with intellectual disabilities often experience mobility limitations. Baduanjin, a mindfulness-based exercise intervention, can exert positive effects on functional mobility and balance. This study examined the impact of Baduanjin on physical functioning and balance of adults with intellectual disabilities. Method Twenty-nine adults with intellectual disabilities participated in the study. Eighteen received a Baduanjin intervention for 9-months; 11 participants did not receive any intervention (comparison group). Physical functioning and balance were assessed using the short physical performance battery (SPPB) and stabilometry. Results Participants in the Baduanjin group experienced significant changes in the SPPB walking test (p = .042), chair stand test (p = .015), and SPPB summary score (p = .010). No significant changes between groups were observed in any of the variables assessed at the end of the intervention. Conclusions Baduanjin practice may cause significant, albeit small, improvements in physical functioning of adults with intellectual disabilities.The authors would like to acknowledge the staff and participants from Lantegi Batuak for their assistance and willingness to be part of the study. This study was facilitated by an agreement between the regional Government Diputación Foral de Bizkaia/Bizkaiko Foru Aldundia (Departamento de Acción Social/Gizarte Ekintza Saila) and Lantegi Batuak

Hazkundea, heltzea eta lesioak gizonezkoen goi-mailako futbolari gazteetan

Injuries are very frequent in elite male football academies and have a negative impact on players’ development and health. Thus, identifying injury risk factors is vital. According to recent research, growth and maturity are related with injury occurrence. Nonetheless, the effects are not clear and results are controversial. In this article, we explain the main concepts of growth and maturity and their possible relationship with injury epidemiology.; Lesioak oso ohikoak dira gizonezkoen goi-mailako futbol taldeetan, eta jokalarien garapenean eta osasunean ondorio negatiboak dituzte. Hori dela eta, futbolarien lesioetan eragina izan dezaketen arrisku-faktoreak identifikatzea ezinbestekoa da. Azken urteotan egindako ikerketen arabera, hazkundeak eta heltzeak lesioen agerpenarekin erlazioa dutela aztertu arren, eragina ez dago guztiz argi eta kontraesanak daude. Lan honetan, hazkundearen eta heltzearen kontzeptu nagusiak laburbildu eta horien eta lesioen arteko harreman posibleak azaltzen dira

Development and progression of the characteristics of young elite soccer players

314 p.The aim of the present study was to determine anthropometric, physical and physiological characteristics of high level players, to analyze how these parameters change across time and to determine their relevance in the selection process of a professional soccer club. The study involves a longitudinal analysis during 4 competitive seasons of young soccer players of the Athletic Club of Bilbao that were evaluated annually on two occasions. Anthropometry, physical performance tests, salivary hormones concentration, chronological age and age at peak height velocity were measured. We observed that as players get older they grew and performed better. However, results indicate that changes in performance were significantly affected by growth and maturation. Thus, the patterns of physical growth and maturation of young players merit more detailed consideration. Besides, it seems clear that a large body size and a small amount of body fat are relevant anthropometric parameters involved in the selection process of high level soccer players. Moreover, we observed that anthropometrical and physical performance characteristics can differentiate between players that are selected from those that are not. Also, results demonstrate that these procedures may eliminate late maturer’s with potential and exclude players born late. Finally, it seems that technical staff of the club selects players with a large body size, advanced maturity, and particularly older chronological age and less body fat.La autora del trabajo recibió una beca predoctoral del Gobierno Vasco (BFI2010-35

Development and progression of the characteristics of young elite soccer players

314 p.The aim of the present study was to determine anthropometric, physical and physiological characteristics of high level players, to analyze how these parameters change across time and to determine their relevance in the selection process of a professional soccer club. The study involves a longitudinal analysis during 4 competitive seasons of young soccer players of the Athletic Club of Bilbao that were evaluated annually on two occasions. Anthropometry, physical performance tests, salivary hormones concentration, chronological age and age at peak height velocity were measured. We observed that as players get older they grew and performed better. However, results indicate that changes in performance were significantly affected by growth and maturation. Thus, the patterns of physical growth and maturation of young players merit more detailed consideration. Besides, it seems clear that a large body size and a small amount of body fat are relevant anthropometric parameters involved in the selection process of high level soccer players. Moreover, we observed that anthropometrical and physical performance characteristics can differentiate between players that are selected from those that are not. Also, results demonstrate that these procedures may eliminate late maturer’s with potential and exclude players born late. Finally, it seems that technical staff of the club selects players with a large body size, advanced maturity, and particularly older chronological age and less body fat.La autora del trabajo recibió una beca predoctoral del Gobierno Vasco (BFI2010-35

Efectos de una intervención basada en el aprendizaje cooperativo sobre el autoconcepto físico de futuros docentes de Educación Física

The main purpose of this research was to analyse the effects of a cooperative learning based intervention on the physical self-concept of pre-service Physical Education teachers. 53 third year-students (average age 20.9) minoring in Physical Education (Primary Education Degree) volunteered to participate in this study. The intervention was carried out over four months (46 1.5 h-long sessions). In order to assess the physical self-concept of the participants Physical Self-concept Questionnaire (CAF) was administered before and after the intervention. Data analysis showed that the intervention improved all measured physical self-concept scales. Moreover, there were gender related differences for physical self-concept, with females scoring lower in both pre- and post-intervention questionnaires. These results suggest that active learning methodologies such as cooperative learning could have a positive impact on physical self-concept of pre-service Physical Education teachers.El objetivo principal de esta investigación fue analizar los efectos de una intervención basada en el aprendizaje cooperativo sobre el autoconcepto físico de futuros y futuras docentes de Educación Física. Se utilizó un diseño cuasi-experimental y longitudinal donde se llevó a cabo una intervención durante cuatro meses (46 sesiones de hora y media) en el 3ºcurso del Grado de Magisterio Educación Primaria (mención de Educación Física). Participaron de manera voluntaria 53 estudiantes (41 chicos y 12 chicas con un promedio de edad de 20.9 años). Para valorar el autoconcepto físico de los participantes se les administró el Cuestionario de Autoconcepto Físico (CAF) antes y después de la intervención. El análisis de los datos obtenidos muestra que después de la intervención mejoraron las puntuaciones en todas las escalas del autoconcepto físico. Además, y en consonancia con la literatura científica existente, se encuentran diferencias estadísticamente significativas dependiendo del género, siendo las chicas las que consiguieron puntuaciones más bajas, tanto pre- como post-intervención. Los resultados obtenidos indican que metodologías activas, como el aprendizaje cooperativo, pueden repercutir de manera positiva en el autoconcepto físico de futuros y futuras docentes de Educación Física, pero teniendo en cuenta el tamaño de la muestra y la no presencia de un grupo control, se aconseja prudencia a la hora de establecer relaciones causa-efecto