Association between Functional Fitness and Health-Related Quality of Life in the Balearic Islands’ Old Adults with Metabolic Syndrome

Instituto de Salud Carlos III through CIBEROBN CB12/03/30038, which is cofunded by the European Regional Development Fund. Other funding received: IdISBa grants (FOLIUM, PRIMUS, SYNERGIA, and LIBERI). The funding sponsors had no role in the design of the study; in the collection, analyses, or interpretation of the data; in the writing of the manuscript; or in the decision to publish the results.Research assessing the relationship between functional fitness (FF) and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is still scarce. The objective of this research is to assess the association between FF and HRQoL in older adults with metabolic syndrome (MetS) from Balearic Islands (Spain). The design is a cross-sectional, descriptive, and comparative study involving 209 participants (42.2% women). The sociodemographic data and medical history of the participants were collected. Physical activity was evaluated using the Spanish version of the Rapid Assessment of Physical Activity Questionnaire. Anthropometrics and blood pressure were measured. Glucose, total cholesterol, highdensity lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglyceride plasma levels were measured. A battery of functional fitness tests was applied. HRQoL was measured with the Spanish version of the SF-36 questionnaire. Adherence to the Mediterranean dietary pattern was assessed. In older subjects with MetS, a higher FF score and, within it, endurance, lower body strength, one-leg balance, and agility are positively associated with lower physical function (p < 0.001; d = 0.56), better general health (p = 0.019; d = 0.35), and better summary physical component of HRQoL (p < 0.001; d = 0.57). The FF score and HRQoL physical component are both positively associated with high levels of physical activity (ORadj = 10.3, IC 4.19–28.2, p < 0.001; ORadj = 3.25, IC 1.44–7.72, p < 0.005). Older adults with MetS should consider practicing physical activity above the general recommendations to improve their functional fitness and health status and quality of life.European Commission CB12/03/30038IdISBa grant (FOLIUM) IdISBa grant (PRIMUS) IdISBa grant (SYNERGIA) IdISBa grant (LIBERI

Comparative Analysis of Body Composition Profiles among Latin American Elite Football Players Competing in Europe

It has yet to be determined whether or not differences in body composition are present between international and non-international players playing in the same elite professional club competition. Similarly, it is not yet clear whether or not differences in body composition exist according to ethnic origin where relative homogeneity is to be expected among soccer players. There is no single anthropometric profile that guarantees sporting success, as success differs according to characteristics. The aim of this study was to assess the description, comparison, and correlation of the body composition profile of Latin American professional football players playing in European leagues. The sample was composed of 238 Latin American male football players from European professional football leagues of Spain, Italy and England during the competition period. Differences were found in all measures. The present study shows that Latin American professional football players playing in Europe have significant differences in various body composition variables such as weight, height, WC, skinfold and fat values. This means that training, revalidation after injury and the classifications of sporting performance carried out in European football clubs should take into account the anthropometric difference between Latin American and European players.High Council for Sports (CSD), Spanish Ministry of Culture and Sport, through the NESA NETWORK "Spanish Network of Sports Care at Altitude" 19/UPB/2

The Effects of Melatonin Supplementation on Professional Football Player Performance: A Systematic Review

This study was funded by the High Council for Sports (CSD), Spanish Ministry of Culture and Sport, through the NESA NETWORK “Spanish Network of Sports Care at Altitude (RADA)” Ref. 19/UPB/23. This research was supported by an FPU grant from the Spanish University Ministry to Alejandro Lopez-Moro (FPU20/00210). The authors thank FSI (Football Science Institute) for their support.Background: Melatonin is a hormone that has shown anti-inflammatory actions, reduced oxidative stress, and has effects on physical performance, so the aim of this study was to review the effects of melatonin supplementation on the performance of professional soccer players. Methods: Critical and systematic review. Data were obtained by performing searches in the following bibliographic databases: Web of Science, MEDLINE (via PubMed), Embase, Cochrane Library, and Scopus. The terms used were “Soccer Athlete”, “Melatonin”, and “Soccer Performance”, using “Humans” as a filter. The search update was in May 2023. Results: Having applied the inclusion and exclusion criteria, eight articles were selected out of 59 retrieved references. The dose of melatonin administered in the studies ranged between 5 and 8 mg. The outcomes showed a decrease in oxidative stress, muscle damage, and inflammatory markers in the melatonin-treated group. Conclusions: Exogenously administered melatonin seems to attenuate some of the effects derived from physical exercise, such as oxidative stress, inflammation, and muscle damage, in professional football players, and since it has no potential adverse effects, it could be interesting to apply it in this population. However, the direct effects of melatonin supplementation on physical performance have not been demonstrated, so more research is needed on the intervention period and effective dose and with larger participant populations.High Council for Sports (CSD)Spanish Ministry of Culture and Sport Ref. 19/UPB/23Spanish University Ministry FPU20/00210FSI (Football Science Institute

Influence of Alpine Skiing on Health-Related Quality of Life and Physical Self-Concept in Physically Active Adults over 55 Years of Age

Background: Older adults have the highest rates of a sedentary lifestyle. Alpine skiing could be considered a suitable activity to encourage continued sports practice and improve the health of this population in winter. The aim of this study was to analyse the relationship between the practice of alpine skiing and health-related quality of life (HRQoL), physical self-concept (PSC), and sport motivation. Methods: The study design was cross-sectional and descriptive, involving 280 Spanish adults aged over 55 years and physically active (75.35% skiers). To assess physical activity, PSC, HRQoL, and sport motivation, we used the Rapid Assessment of Physical Activity Questionnaire (RAPA-Q), the Physical Self-Perception Profile (PSPP 30), the Health-Related Quality of Life (SF-36), and the Sport Motivation Scale (SMS) questionnaires, respectively. Results: In the skier’s group, higher values were found for PSC (p < 0.001; d = 0.64), the physical component of HRQoL (p < 0.001, d = 0.48), physical function (p < 0.001, d = 61), and intrinsic motivation (p < 0.001; d = 0.85). The practice of alpine skiing was associated with higher levels of the physical health component (ORadj = 2.13, 95% CI 1.18–3.95, p = 0.013), PSC (ORadj = 2.92, 95% CI 1.58–5.52, p < 0.001), and intrinsic motivation (ORadj = 2.24, 95% CI 1.22–4.23, p = 0.010). Conclusions: The practice of alpine skiing is positively associated with higher values of HRQoL, PSC, and intrinsic motivation, and based on the above, it seems that alpine skiing can contribute to healthy ageing and improve the quality of life of older adults.FEDER-ISCIII by the Counselling of Economic Transformation, Industry, Knowledge and Universities-Junta de Andalucia PI14/01040 P18-RT-4247High Council for Sports (CSD) Spanish Ministry of Culture and Sport (RED GENDASH, "Gender and Data Science in Sports and Health" 02/UPR/21 06/UPB/2

Dietary exposure to endocrine disruptors in gut microbiota: A systematic review

The authors thank Layla Davies-Jimenez and Richard Davies for assistance with the English version. This paper is part of Alejandro Lopez-Moro's doctoral thesis developed under the “Nutrition and Food Sciences Program” of the University of Granada. Spain.Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) can interfere with hormonal actions and have been associated with a higher incidence of metabolic disorders. They affect numerous physiological, biochemical, and endocrinal activities, including reproduction, metabolism, immunity, and behavior. The purpose of this review was to elucidate the association of EDCs in food with the gut microbiota and with metabolic disorders. EDC exposure induces changes that can lead to microbial dysbiosis. Products and by-products released by the microbial metabolism of EDCs can be taken up by the host. Changes in the composition of the microbiota and production of microbial metabolites may have a major impact on the host metabolism.Funding for open access charge: Universidad de Granada / CBUA

Evolution of Nutritional Habits Behaviour of Spanish Population Confined Through Social Media

This study was supported by the Andalusian Regional Government (Nutrition, Diet and Risks Assessment: AGR255), FEDER-ISCIII PI14/01040 and Consejeria de Transformacion Economica, Industria, Conocimiento y Universidades, Junta de Andalucia P18-RT-4247.Introduction: In Spain, on 14 March 2020, a state of alarm is declared to face the health emergency situation caused by the COVID-19 coronavirus, limiting the freedom of movement of people. The Spanish population is confined. Objective: With this situation, “NUTRITIONAL HEALTH IS NOT CONFINED” arises a research project that seeks to promote nutritional education based on the pattern of the Mediterranean diet (MD) using new computer technologies. It is about providing the population with the information of general interest about the promotion of a healthy diet through social networks and analysing the impact of its dissemination, in the form of a longitudinal intervention study of the Spanish nutritional evolution during confinement, with a daily survey format, and it is intended to assess food consumption during the period of confinement. Materials and methods: In total, 936 participants were asked every day. Short publications were published every day based on the scientific evidence (FAO, WHO, AECOSAN) through social media such as Instagram, accompanied by a questionnaire of 11 questions (yes/no) where it was intended to assess the evolution of daily consumption. Results and Discussion: The diffusion through social media has allowed to have a greater reach of the population. We observed that mood throughout confinement generally improves. There are certain eating habits from the MD that are well established in the daily diet of our population, such as the consumption of fruits, vegetables, legumes, dairy products, and eggs. It seems that enjoying good health is a growing concern in pandemic situations, which is why inappropriate behaviours such as “snacking” between meals or the consumption of processed foods such as snacks, industrial pastries, soft drinks, and sweets are avoided, increasing the amount of healthy food such as meat and fish. This study opens up future avenues of research promoting MD and implements new cohort nutritional databases, especially about young adult people, who are adept at navigating digital spaces and therefore using social media.Andalusian Regional Government AGR255 Junta de Andaluci

Influencia del esquí alpino como metodología activa sobre factores psicosociales y hábitos de salud en población adulta mayor

El objetivo general de esta tesis doctoral es determinar, analizar y relacionar los niveles de los factores sociodemográficos, psicosociales, y de hábitos saludables de la población española adulta mayor practicante del esquí alpino.The general objective of this doctoral thesis is to determine, analyze and relate the levels of sociodemographic, psychosocial factors, and healthy habits of the Spanish older adults population who practice alpine skiing.Tesis Univ. Granada

Methodological proposal of initiation to alpine skiing in school children through short skis

El esquí alpino es un deporte complejo pero con baja tasa de abandono, idóneo para promover la práctica deportiva en edad escolar. Evitar el fracaso y frustración en la iniciación requiere de un método de enseñanza que facilite la progresión. El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar si es eficaz un método basado en el empleo de esquís cortos. La muestra se compuso de 37 sujetos, de entre 8 y 9 años de edad (M=8.12; DT=0.33). El programa tuvo una duración de 5 días con 5 horas de clase diarias. El grupo experimental (GE) fue equipado con esquís un 25% más cortos que el grupo de control (GC). Todos los profesores de esquí siguieron el mismo protocolo de enseñanza. Se grabó a todos los participantes en una bajada en pista verde y un equipo de expertos puntuó la ejecución técnica (VP), el control de la velocidad (CV), control de trayectoria (CT) y el equilibrio (E). El GE obtuvo mejor puntuación en CV , CT y VP respecto al GC, pero sólo la variable VP resultó ser significativa (M=1.87; DT=0.76 vs M=1.29; DT=0.58). Se encontraron correlaciones positivas fuertes entre las variables CV y CT (r=0.80), y entre EQ y VP (r=0.80), y moderadas entre CE y CT (r=0,66), del GE. El empleo de esquís cortos facilita un aprendizaje más eficaz y seguro, pudiendo evolucionar más rápidamente, lo que debe ser tomado en consideración por parte de todos los involucrados en la enseñanza del esquí alpino en edad escolar.Alpine skiing is a complex sport but with a low dropout rate, ideal for promoting sports practice at school age. Avoiding failure and frustration at initiation requires a teaching method that facilitates progression. The objective of this study was to determine if a method based on the use of short skis is effective. The sample consisted of 37 subjects, between 8 and 9 years of age (M = 8.12; DT = 0.33). The program lasted 5 days with 5 hours of class daily. The experimental group (GE) was equipped with skis 25% shorter than the control group (GC). All ski teachers followed the same teaching protocol. All participants were recorded on a green slope run and a team of experts scored technical execution (VP), speed control (CV), trajectory control (CT) and balance (E). The GE obtained a better score in CV, CT and VP compared to the GC, but only the variable VP was significant (M = 1.87; DT = 0.76 vs M = 1.29; DT = 0.58). Strong positive correlations were found between the CV and CT variables (r = 0.80), and between EQ and VP (r = 0.80), and moderate between CE and CT (r = 0.66), of the GE. The use of short skis facilitates a more efficient and safe learning process, being able to evolve more quickly, which must be taken into consideration by all professionals in the teaching of alpine skiing at school age

Association between Functional Fitness and Health-Related Quality of Life in the Balearic Islands&rsquo; Old Adults with Metabolic Syndrome

Research assessing the relationship between functional fitness (FF) and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is still scarce. The objective of this research is to assess the association between FF and HRQoL in older adults with metabolic syndrome (MetS) from Balearic Islands (Spain). The design is a cross-sectional, descriptive, and comparative study involving 209 participants (42.2% women). The sociodemographic data and medical history of the participants were collected. Physical activity was evaluated using the Spanish version of the Rapid Assessment of Physical Activity Questionnaire. Anthropometrics and blood pressure were measured. Glucose, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglyceride plasma levels were measured. A battery of functional fitness tests was applied. HRQoL was measured with the Spanish version of the SF-36 questionnaire. Adherence to the Mediterranean dietary pattern was assessed. In older subjects with MetS, a higher FF score and, within it, endurance, lower body strength, one-leg balance, and agility are positively associated with lower physical function (p &lt; 0.001; d = 0.56), better general health (p = 0.019; d = 0.35), and better summary physical component of HRQoL (p &lt; 0.001; d = 0.57). The FF score and HRQoL physical component are both positively associated with high levels of physical activity (ORadj = 10.3, IC 4.19&ndash;28.2, p &lt; 0.001; ORadj = 3.25, IC 1.44&ndash;7.72, p &lt; 0.005). Older adults with MetS should consider practicing physical activity above the general recommendations to improve their functional fitness and health status and quality of life

Adherence to a Mediterranean Diet Pattern, Physical Activity, and Physical Self-Concept in Spanish Older Adults

Background: The aging world population is accelerating rapidly. Physical self-concept (PSC) is one of the psychosocial factors with the greatest influence on an individual’s well-being and health. The traditional Mediterranean dietary pattern (MDP) is considered one of the healthiest dietary models, as it is nutritionally complete and easy to follow. Objective: To assess the adherence to MDP and its association with the practice of physical activity (PA) and PSC levels in the older adult Spanish population. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on a representative sample of Spanish older adults (n = 342; older than 55 years old). Their PSC was assessed using a previously validated PSC questionnaire. Adherence to an MDP was assessed using a validated Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener questionnaire. Their PA was measured using the Spanish version of the Rapid Assessment of Physical Activity Questionnaire. Data on age, sex, hypertension, cholesterol or diabetes suffered in the last 12 months, as well as weight, height, and BMI, were collected. Results: At the lowest levels of PSC, the percentage of individuals who were non-active and non-adhering to the MDP was lower compared to the highest levels (75.0% vs. 19.6; p = 0.001; Cramer’s V = 0.414, and 83.3% vs. 57.9%; p = 0.001; Cramer’s V = 0.221, respectively). This sample showed an abandonment of the most classic habits of the MDP, such as the consumption of olive oil, vegetables, fruits, nuts and fish. Conclusions: Non-adherence to the MDP and low levels of PA are associated with low levels of PSC in older adults.Instituto de Salud Carlos III through the CIBEROBN CB12/03/30038European Commissio