Willpower hijacked : The science of addictions

Surely, we all know someone close to us who uses drugs. Consider, for example, tobacco or alcohol, or even marijuana. They may at some point have tried to stop using and, after somewhat longer or shorter periods of abstinence, have started using again. Not every drug user develops an addiction: addicts’ lives revolve around compulsive drug-seeking and use; they lose control over their own decision-making and end up relapsing. This occurs because addiction is a brain disease that can modify its structure and functioning, affecting the areas of the brain responsible for controlling our behaviour. Addiction is a public health problem affecting a high percentage of the population and leads to health, family, and work-related problem

From crayfish to humans. An evolutionary perspective of addiction

Addiction is a complex disease whose manifestation is unique to each individual patient. Despite this, our knowledge suggests that many of the consequences of using drugs of abuse are due to alterations in the brain, which would be similar from one individual to another. Specifically, abuse drugs act on the brain’s reward system to trigger behavioural effects. In this paper, we will unravel the functions and phylogenetic roots of this system and then explain how drugs of abuse can affect the functioning of the brain. Addiction research and treatment requires a biopsychosocial approach and hence, being aware of the phylogenetic side of this problem can help to build a holistic view of the disease

The Relationship Between Hamstring Muscle Extensibility and Spinal Postures varies with the degree of knee extension

The aim was to determine the relationship between hamstring muscle extensibility and sagittal spinal curvatures and pelvic tilt in cyclists while adopting several postures. A total of 75 male cyclists were recruited for this study (34.79 ± 9.46 years). Thoracic and lumbar spine and pelvic tilt were randomly measured using a Spinal Mouse. Hamstring muscle extensibility was determined in both legs by a passive knee extension test. Low relationships were found between hamstring muscle extensibility and spinal parameters (thoracic and lumbar curvature, and pelvic tilt) in standing, slumped sitting, and on the bicycle (r = .19; P > .05). Significant but low relationships were found in maximal trunk flexion with knees flexed (r = .29; P < .05). In addition, in the sit-and-reach test, low and statistically significant relationships were found between hamstring muscle extensibility for thoracic spine (r = –.23; P = .01) and (r = .37; P = .001) for pelvic tilt. In conclusion, hamstring muscle extensibility has a significant relationship in maximal trunk flexion postures with knees flexed and extended, but there are no relationships while standing or on the bicycle postures.Actividad Física y Deport

Sprint kayaking and canoeing performance prediction based on the relationship between maturity status, anthropometry and physical fitness in young elite paddlers

This study aimed to identify the maturity-related differences and its influence on the physical fitness, morphological and performance characteristics of young elite paddlers. In total, 89 kayakers and 82 canoeists, aged 13.69 ± 0.57 years (mean ± s), were allocated in three groups depending on their age relative to the age at peak height velocity (pre-APHV, circum-APHV and post-APHV) and discipline (kayak and canoe). Nine anthropometric variables, a battery of four physical fitness tests (overhead medicine ball throw, countermovement jump, sit-and-reach test and 20 m multistage shuttle run test) and three specific performance tests (1000, 500 and 200 m) were assessed. Both disciplines presented significant maturity-based differences in all anthropometric parameters (except for fat and muscle mass percentage), overhead medicine ball throw and all performance times (pre > circum > post; P < 0.05). Negative and significant correlations (P < 0.01) were detected between performance times, chronological age and anthropometry (body mass, height, sitting height and maturity status), overhead medicine ball throw and sit and reach for all distances. These findings confirm the importance of maturity status in sprint kayaking and canoeing since the more mature paddlers were also those who revealed largest body size, physical fitness level and best paddling performance. Additionally, the most important variables predicting performance times in kayaking and canoeing were maturity status and chronological age, respectively.Actividad Física y Deport

Valoración del raquis torácico, lumbar e inclinación pélvica en ciclistas de categoría élite y máster 30

El objetivo principal del estudio fue evaluar la disposición sagital del raquis torácico, lumbar e inclinación pélvica en bipedestación y sobre la bicicleta, en ciclistas de las categorías élite y máster 30. Un total de 45 ciclistas élite (media de edad: 22,71  ±  3,23 años) y 45 ciclistas máster 30 (media de edad: 34,40  ±  2,87 años) fueron evaluados con el sistema Spinal Mouse® en bipedestación y sobre la bicicleta en los diferentes agarres del manillar: transversal, de manetas y bajo. En bipedestación, los valores angulares medios para el raquis torácico, lumbar e inclinación pélvica fueron de 47,96  ±  7,23°; -27,62  ±  6,97° y 14,29  ±  5,49°; y de 47,82  ±  9,32°, –26,58°  ±  5,97° y 12,07  ±  4,77°, para los ciclistas élite y máster 30, respectivamente. En ambas categorías, se observó una elevada frecuencia de casos con hipercifosis torácica en bipedestación (57,80 % en élite y 53,40 % en máster 30). Sobre la bicicleta, los ciclistas élite y máster 30 mostraron una reducción significativa de la cifosis torácica con respecto a la bipedestación. En cuanto al raquis lumbar se dispuso en una postura de inversión. En conclusión, la frecuente hipercifosis torácica en bipedestación, en ambas categorías de ciclistas, podría estar más relacionada con otros factores que con la postura adoptada sobre la bicicleta

RATING OF PERCEIVED EXERTION AS A TOOL TO CONTROL INTENSITY IN INDOOR CYCLING ACTIVITY

A un total de 133 sujetos entre 22 y 64 años (38 hombres y 95 mujeres) pertenecientes a un centro deportivo privado, se les evaluó el porcentaje de la intensidad de la frecuencia cardiaca de reserva (%FCR) alcanzada y la percepción subjetiva del esfuerzo (RPE) durante una sesión real de ciclismo indoor. La intensidad media alcanzada y la RPE manifestada en la fase principal fue alta, tanto en hombres como en mujeres. Se encontró una significativa y baja correlación entre la RPE y la FC media de reserva obtenida en la fase principal de la sesión. En conclusión, el ciclismo indoor es una actividad de alta intensidad. La RPE de Borg no es un instrumento válido para el control de la intensidad en esta actividad.One hundred and thirty-three subjects between 22 and 64 years old (38 males and 95 females) from a private sport centre participated in this study. Mean percentage heart rate intensity (%HRR) and overall ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) were measured during an indoor cycling session. Mean %HRR and RPE shown during the main phase were considered as high intensity in male and females. The correlation value between %HHR and overall RPE was low but significant. In conclusion, indoor cycling is a high-intensity activity. Borg’s RPE is not a valid instrument for controlling the intensity of effort during indoor cycling activity.Actividad Física y Deport

Percepción subjetiva del esfuerzo como herramienta en el control de la intensidad en la actividad de ciclismo indoor

A un total de 133 sujetos entre 22 y 64 años (38 hombres y 95 mujeres) pertenecientes a un centro deportivo privado, se les evaluó el porcentaje de la intensidad de la frecuencia cardiaca de reserva alcanzada y la percepción subjetiva del esfuerzo(RPE) durante una sesión real de ciclismo indoor. La intensidad media alcanzaday la RPE manifestada en la fase principal fue de 80,60 ± 6,74% (intensidad alta) y 15,11 ± 1,90 puntos (intensidad alta) en los hombres; y de 80,85 ± 7,54%(intensidad alta) y 15,49 ± 1,51 puntos (intensidad alta) en las mujeres (p > ,05). Se encontró una significativa y baja correlación entre la RPE y la FC media de reserva obtenida en la fase principal de la sesión (r= ,24; p < ,01). En conclusión, el ciclismo indoor es una actividad de alta intensidad. La RPE de Borg no es un instrumento válido para el control de la intensidad en esta actividad.One hundred and thirty-three subjects between 22 and 64 years old (38 males and 95 females) from a private sport centre participated in this study. Mean percentage heart rate intensity (%HRR) and overall ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) were measured during an indoor cycling session. Mean %HRR and RPE shown during the main phase were considered as high intensity in male and females. The correlation value between %HHR and overall RPE was low but significant. In conclusion, indoor cycling is a high-intensity activity. Borg's RPE is not a valid instrument for controlling the intensity of effort during indoor cycling activityA um total de 133 sujeitos entre 22 e 64 anos (38 homens e 95 mulheres) pertencentes a um centro desportivo privado, foi avaliada a percentagem da intensidade da frequência cardíaca de reserva (%FCR) alcançada e a percepção subjectiva do esforço (RPE) durante uma sessão real de ciclismo indoor. A intensidade média alcançada e a RPE manifestada na fase principal foi alta, tanto em homens como em mulheres. Foi verificada uma significativa e baixa correlação entre a RPE e a FC medida de reserva obtida na fase principal da sessão. Em conclusão, o ciclismo indoor é uma actividade de alta intensidade. A RPE de Borg não é um instrumento válido para o controlo da intensidade nesta actividade

Criterion-related validity of sit-and-reach and toe-touch tests as a measure of hamstring extensibility in athletes

The aims of this study were (a) to determine and compare the concurrent hamstring criterion- related validity of the sit-and-reach (SR) and toe-touch (TT) tests in different athletes (tennis players, kayakers, canoeists, and cyclists); (b) to determine the criterion-related validity of the pel- vic tilt assessed by the Spinal Mouse system as a measure of hamstring flexibility in athletes; and (c) to evaluate the influence of spinal posture, pelvic tilt, and hamstring muscle flexibility in the SR and TT scores. Twenty-four tennis players, 30 canoeists, 43 kayakers, and 44 cyclists were recruited. Passive straight leg raise (PSLR), SR, and TT tests were randomly performed. Spinal curvatures and pelvic tilt were evaluated with a Spinal Mouse system when the maximal trunk flexion was achieved in the SR and TT tests. Tennis players and cyclists showed moderate cor- relations between PSLR with respect to SR (b = 0.78 and b = 0.76, respectively) and TT (b = 0.77 and b = 0.74, respectively). Correlations were slightly lower in canoeists (SR, b = 0.64; TT, b = 0.75). Kayakers showed the lowest correlation values (SR, b = 0.53; TT, b = 0.57). Correlation values between PSLR and pelvic tilt angle in both the SR and TT tests were b , 0.70 in all the groups of athletes. Stepwise multiple regression analysis showed a high variance explained from pelvic tilt and lumbar spine in the SR score. In conclusion, the SR and TT tests can be appropriate measures to determine spine flexibility and pelvic tilt range of motion but not to evaluate the hamstring muscle flexibility in tennis players, canoeists, kayakers, and cyclists.Actividad Física y Deport

BODY IMAGE; LITERATURE REVIEW

Introducción: En los países desarrollados existen en la actualidad unos estándares de belleza basados en modelos prodelgadez, que son interiorizados por los adolescentes y los jóvenes, sobre todo en el caso de las mujeres, suponiendo un factor de riesgo para el desarrollo de alte- raciones de la imagen corporal y su percepción. Objetivo: Analizar el estado actual de las investigaciones sobre la imagen corporal, las variables sociodemográficas que influyen sobre ella y su relación con la composición corporal, la realización de dietas, los trastornos de la conducta alimentaria, el deporte y los programas de intervención y prevención. Metodología: Se realizó una búsqueda bibliográfica en Medline, Isi Web of Knowlegde y Dialnet, así como una búsqueda manual entre las referencias de los estudios seleccionados y en diferentes bibliotecas. Resultados y discusión: Una mayor influencia sociocultural está asociada a una mayor percepción de la grasa corporal, a una mayor insatisfacción con la imagen corporal y a una menor valoración del autoconcepto físico general. Esto lleva a una gran cantidad de adolescentes y jóvenes a abusar de dietas restrictivas y a sufrir trastornos de la conducta alimentaria. Numerosos estudios han analizado la relación de la práctica deportiva con las alteraciones de la imagen corporal, encontrando resultados contradictorios. Por otra parte, es necesario crear herra- mientas objetivas para detectar las alteraciones y profundizar en el diseño de programas de prevención e interven- ción con el fin de evitar la distorsión de la imagen corporal, sobre todo en aquellas franjas de edad donde la población es más vulnerable a este fenómeno. Conclusiones: La excesiva preocupación sobre la imagen corporal trae como consecuencia la realización de dietas y alteraciones como los trastornos de la conducta alimentaria. Existen además otros factores que influyen sobre la imagen corporal y su percepción como es la realización de ejercicio físico, aunque los resultados sobre la relación de ambos factores son contradictorios. Por esto, es necesario profundizar más en el tema, creando herramientas para detectar las alteraciones y profundizar en el diseño de programas de prevención e intervención.Introduction: Nowadays, in developed countries there are standards of beauty based on pro-thin models, which are internalized by adolescents and young people especially in the case of women, assuming it as risk factor for developing changes in body image and perception. Objective: To analyze the current state of research in relation to body image, the sociodemographic variables that influence it, the relationship between body composition, conducting diets, eating disorders, sports and inter- vention programs and prevention, and the body image. Methods: It was searched in Medline, Isi Web of knowlegde and Dialnet as well as a manual search among the references of selected studies and in different libraries. Results and discussion: A increased socio-cultural influence is associated with a greater perception of body fat, greater body image dissatisfaction and lower self assessment of overall fitness. This leads to a lot of teenagers and young adults to abuse to the restrictive diets and to suffer eating disorders. Numerous studies have analyzed the relationship between sports practice with body image disturbance; there are conflictive results. Moreover it is necessary to design objective tools to detect changes and enhance the design of prevention and intervention programs in order to avoid distortion of body image, especially in those age ranges where the population is more vulnerable to this phenomenon. Conclusions: The excessive current preocupation about body image has resulted in the realization of diets and changes as eating disorders. There are other factors that influence body image and perception as the realization of physical exercise, although the results about the relationship between these factors are contradictory. Therefore, further work is needed on the issue by creating tools to detect changes and enhance the design of prevention and intervention programs.Actividad Física y DeportePsicologí

Kinematic Variables Evolution During a 200-m Maximum Test in Young Paddlers

The objective of this research was to determine the kinematic variables evolution in a sprint canoeing maximal test over 200 m, comparing women and men kayak paddlers and men canoeists. Speed evolution, cycle frequency, cycle length and cycle index were analysed each 50 m section in fifty-two young paddlers (20 male kayakers, 17 female kayakers and 15 male canoeists; 13-14 years-old). Recordings were taken from a boat which followed each paddler trial in order to measure the variables cited above. Kinematic evolution was similar in the three categories, the speed and cycle index decreased through the test after the first 50 m. Significant differences were observed among most of the sections in speed and the cycle index (p<0.05 and <0.01, respectively). Cycle length remained stable showing the lowest values in the first section when compared with the others (p<0.01). Cycle frequency progressively decreased along the distance. Significant differences were identified in the majority of the sections (p<0.01). Men kayakers attained higher values in all the variables than women kayakers and men canoeists, but only such variables as speed, cycle length and cycle index were observed to be significantly higher (p<0.01). Moreover, lower kinematic values were obtained from men canoeists. The study of the evolution of kinematic variables can provide valuable information for athletes and coaches while planning training sessions and competitions.Actividad Física y Deport