Impact of contextual factors on match demands experienced by elite male referees during international basketball tournaments

[EN] We aimed to assess the cardiovascular responses and locomotory demands of male referees during diverse elite, international, basketball matches, and to investigate the influence of moderating factors (competition sex, level and stage) on these demands. Cardiovascular and locomotory responses were monitored in 123 elite, male referees while officiating 283 basketball sessions (preparation until match end), during group and playoff stages, of women’s and men’s FIBA Continental and World Cups at senior and youth level. The total and average session distance and velocity were ~4740 m, 19.0 m·min −1 and 2 km·h −1. Referees experienced an average relative HR of 60–65% maximum HR with ~85% of each session spent within the very light to moderate HR categories. The average session relative HR was significantly greater for men compared to women competition, during senior compared to youth sessions, and for the group compared to the playoff stage sessions. Mean distance covered was significantly greater during senior and men compared with youth and women sessions. Elite, international male basketball referees experienced moderate cardiovascular load accompanied with intermittent locomotor activities during international sessions when accounting for all occupational activities. International competitions are more demanding for referees based upon competition sex, level and stage.S

Benefits of Pilates in Parkinson’s Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

[ES] Pilates may be a beneficial method of exercise for people with Parkinson’s disease (PD). However, no studies have critically reviewed the scientific evidence in this regard. The purpose of this study was to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis on the effectiveness of Pilates as a rehabilitation strategy for PD. A systematic search of the electronic databases PubMed, PEDro, Scopus, and SPORTDiscus was conducted to identify studies related to the effect of Pilates on PD. The search timeframe ranged from the inception of each database to March 2019. The search resulted in the identification of four randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and four non-RCT studies. The methodological quality of the investigations ranged from poor to fair. The descriptive analysis of the eight investigations showed that Pilates resulted in beneficial effects on fitness, balance and functional autonomy. A subsequent meta-analysis on the four RCTs indicated that Pilates was more effective than traditional training programmes in improving lower limb function. Pilates can be safely prescribed for people with mild-to-moderate PD. Preliminary evidence indicates that its practice could have a positive impact on fitness, balance and physical function. Its benefits on lower-body function appear to be superior to those of other conventional exercises. Future randomized studies with greater samples are needed to confirm these observations

Exercise Interventions for Improving Flexibility in People with Multiple Sclerosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

[ES] Background and objectives: People with multiple sclerosis (MS) often experience limitations in joint range of motion, which is linked to spasticity and continued inactivity. Low flexibility levels in this population have been linked to postural problems and muscular pain. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to conduct a systematic review and a meta-analysis aimed at identifying the characteristics and methodological quality of investigations studying the effects of exercise interventions on the flexibility levels of people with MS. Materials and Methods: Three electronic databases (MEDLINE/PubMed, SPORTDiscus and Scopus) were systematically searched up to May 2019 for intervention studies focused on the effects of exercise on the flexibility levels of people with MS. A meta-analysis, including randomized controlled trials (RCT), which reported information regarding the effects of exercise on flexibility, was also conducted. The methodological quality of included studies was assessed using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database, and the Quality Assessment Tool for Before–After Studies, with no control group. The quality of the information reported, regarding the programs conducted, was assessed by means of the Consensus on Exercise Reporting Template (CERT) scale. Results: Seven studies, four RCTs and three uncontrolled investigations were finally selected. The methodological quality of the RCTs was considered “poor” in one study, and “good” and “excellent” in two studies and one investigation, respectively. The three uncontrolled studies showed a methodological quality between “fair” and “poor”. Following the CERT scale, four studies were graded as “high” and three as “low”. Findings from the meta-analysis indicated no significant effects on hamstring flexibility, or the range of motion in the hips, knees or ankles. Conclusions: There is preliminary evidence from individual studies which indicates that people with MS can improve their lower limb flexibility following participation in physical exercise programs, but the meta-analysis did not confirm these findings

Exercise Interventions for Improving Flexibility in People with Multiple Sclerosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background and objectives: People with multiple sclerosis (MS) often experience limitations in joint range of motion, which is linked to spasticity and continued inactivity. Low flexibility levels in this population have been linked to postural problems and muscular pain. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to conduct a systematic review and a meta-analysis aimed at identifying the characteristics and methodological quality of investigations studying the effects of exercise interventions on the flexibility levels of people with MS. Materials and Methods: Three electronic databases (MEDLINE/PubMed, SPORTDiscus and Scopus) were systematically searched up to May 2019 for intervention studies focused on the effects of exercise on the flexibility levels of people with MS. A meta-analysis, including randomized controlled trials (RCT), which reported information regarding the effects of exercise on flexibility, was also conducted. The methodological quality of included studies was assessed using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database, and the Quality Assessment Tool for Before–After Studies, with no control group. The quality of the information reported, regarding the programs conducted, was assessed by means of the Consensus on Exercise Reporting Template (CERT) scale. Results: Seven studies, four RCTs and three uncontrolled investigations were finally selected. The methodological quality of the RCTs was considered “poor” in one study, and “good” and “excellent” in two studies and one investigation, respectively. The three uncontrolled studies showed a methodological quality between “fair” and “poor”. Following the CERT scale, four studies were graded as “high” and three as “low”. Findings from the meta-analysis indicated no significant effects on hamstring flexibility, or the range of motion in the hips, knees or ankles. Conclusions: There is preliminary evidence from individual studies which indicates that people with MS can improve their lower limb flexibility following participation in physical exercise programs, but the meta-analysis did not confirm these findings.post-print1388 K

The Efficacy of Re-Warm-Up Practices during Half-Time: A Systematic Review

[EN] Background and Objectives: The passive nature of rest breaks in sport could reduce athletes’ performance and even increase their risk of injury. Re-warm-up activities could help avoid these problems, but there is a lack of research on their efficacy. This systematic review aimed at analyzing the results of those randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that provided information on the effects of re-warm-up strategies. Materials and Methods: Four electronic databases (Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, and SPORTDiscus) were searched from their inception to January 2021, for RCTs on the effects of re-warm-up activities on sports performance. Interventions had to be implemented just after an exercise period or sports competition. Studies that proposed activities that were difficult to replicate in the sport context or performed in a hot environment were excluded. Data were synthesized following PRISMA guidelines, while the risk of bias was assessed following the recom- mendations of the Cochrane Collaboration. Results: A total of 14 studies (178 participants) reporting data on acute or short-term effects were analyzed. The main outcomes were grouped into four broad areas: physiological measures, conditional abilities, perceptual skills, and sport efficiency measures. The results obtained indicated that passive rest decreases physiological function in athletes, while re-warm-up activities could help to improve athletes’ conditional abilities and sporting efficiency, despite showing higher fatigue levels in comparison with passive rest. The re-warm-up exercise showed to be more effective than passive rest to improve match activities and passing ability. Conclu- sions: Performing re-warm-up activities is a valuable strategy to avoid reducing sports performance during prolonged breaks. However, given that the methodological quality of the studies was not high, these relationships need to be further explored in official or simulated competitions

Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on University Students' Physical Activity Levels: An Early Systematic Review

[EN] Purpose: This systematic review aimed to analyze the impact that the COVID-19 lockdown had on the amount of physical activity performed by university students. Materials and Methods: A systematic electronic search for studies providing information regarding physical activity levels pre and during COVID-19 pandemic in university students was performed up to 20th October 2020 in the databases Cochrane Library, PubMed, SPORTDiscus, and Web of Science. The risk of bias of external validity quality of included studies was assessed by means of those the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS). The quality of the evidence for main outcomes was graded using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. Results and Conclusions: A total of 10 studies were selected. Physical activity levels were assessed by means of questionnaires (10 studies) and accelerometer (1 study). Risk of bias was regarded as low and high in six and four investigations, respectively. The quality of evidence was downgraded to low. A significant reduction of physical activity levels were observed in 9 studies. Compared to pre-lockdown values, five studies showed a reduction of light/mild physical activity (walking) between 32.5 and 365.5%, while seven studies revealed a reduction of high/vigorous physical activity between 2.9 and 52.8%. Walking, moderate, vigorous, and total physical activity levels have been reduced during the COVID-19 pandemic confinements in university students of different countries. Despite of the reductions, those who met the current minimum PA recommendations before the lockdown generally met the recommendations also during the confinements

Nueva aproximación a los juegos reducidos en baloncesto en función del número de jugadores, la percepción subjetiva del esfuerzo y la recuperación

Los juegos reducidos (JR) son tareas habitualmente utilizadas en deportes colectivos ya que permiten mantener la esencia del juego mediante modificaciones en número de jugadores, tamaño del espacio o reglas, además de mantener el componente psíquico y táctico del juego (Fuentes Azpiroz, Feu, Jiménez, y Calleja-González, 2013). Nuestro objetivo es analizar cuatro formatos de JR en baloncesto muy utilizados, pero poco estudiados: el tres contra tres contra tres contra tres (i.e., 3 vs. 3 vs. 3 vs. 3), el cuatro contra cuatro contra cuatro (i.e., 4 vs. 4 vs. 4), el cinco contra cinco contra cinco (i.e., 5 vs. 5 vs. 5), y el tres contra dos continuo (i.e., 3 vs. 2 continuo). Durante ocho semanas de entrenamientos con 15 jugadoras junior se analizó la relación entre la percepción subjetiva del esfuerzo (PSE) y la intensidad mediante variables fisiológicas (carga interna y externa). Los resultados muestran que el formato 3 vs. 3 vs. 3 vs. 3 resultó ser el más intenso mostrando unos valores mayores en PSE (3.41 ± 1.04) y frecuencia cardiaca máxima (184.50 ± 37.71 ppm). Asimismo, los resultados de esta investigación muestran como el JR de 3 vs. 3 vs. 3 vs. 3 se presenta como el más útil a la hora de provocar respuestas intensas en diversos parámetros psicofisiológicos y, tal y como ocurre en otros trabajos, se mantiene la premisa de a menor número de jugadores mayor es la intensidad de los juegos reducidos excepto en las situaciones de superioridad. El correcto uso de la recuperación entre JR ayudará en la optimización de la sesión de entrenamiento.Small sided games (SSG) are commonly used in team sports because they maintain the essence of the game through changes in the number of players, space or rules while maintaining the psychological and tactical parts of the game (Fuentes Azpiroz, Feu, Jiménez, y Calleja-González, 2013). Our goal is to analyze four types of widely used SSG in basketball that have not been studied: three against three against three against three (i.e., 3 vs. 3 vs. 3 vs. 3), four against four against four (i.e., 4 vs. 4 vs. 4), five against five against five (i.e., 5 vs. 5 vs. 5), and three against two continuous (i.e., 3 vs. 2 continuous). During eight weeks of training with 15 junior players, the relationship between rating of perceived exertion (RPE) and intensity was studied through physiological variables (internal and external load). Results show that the SSG 3 vs. 3 vs. 3 vs. 3 turns out to be the most intense in RPE (3.41 ±) and maximum heart rate (184.50 ± 37.71 bpm). Also, the results of this research show how the SSG 3 vs. 3 vs. 3 vs. 3 is the most useful in eliciting strong responses in various psychophysiological parameters and as it occurs in other studies, less players and more space make the SSG more intense except in situations of superiority. The correct use of recovery between JR will help in the optimization of the training session

Boccia as a Rehabilitation Intervention for Adults With Severe Mobility Limitations Due to Neuromuscular and Other Neurological Disorders: Feasibility and Effects on Upper Limb Impairments.

Purpose Scant research exists regarding the effects of playing Boccia as a rehabilitation strategy for people with severe mobility limitations due to neuromuscular and other neurological disorders. This study is aimed at identifying the feasibility and effects of playing Boccia on the upper limb impairments of people with severe mobility limitations due to neuromuscular and other neurological disorders. Materials and Methods Seven people played Boccia three times per week for 20 weeks as part of the rehabilitation process, while other seven kept up with their usual rehabilitation schedule. Attrition, adherence, adverse effects, participation and completion rate were registered to assess feasibility. The effects of the program on grip, pinch strength and upper-limb active range of motion were assessed by means of a dynamometer and a goniometer. Results and Conclusions The program was feasible, although no effects were observed after its completion on variables assessed, except for hand flexion and ulnar deviation active range of motion. In a group of people with severe disability due to neuromuscular and other neurological disorders, playing Boccia as part of a multidisciplinary rehabilitation program was shown to be a feasible therapy. However, practicing this game did not lead to significant improvements in upper limb impairments, except for wrist flexion and ulnar deviation active range of motion.post-print268 K