The Effect of Two Activation Protocols During the Transition Phase: Sprint Swimming Performance Daniel Paiva, Luís Rama, Henrique Neiva, Célia Nunes, Jorge E. Morais, et al. Applied Sciences Switzerland, 2026 The transition phase often causes athletes to lose the benefits of warm-up, so this study aimed to assess the effects of two re-warm-up protocols and a control condition without re-warm-up on 100 m freestyle performance and the kinematic variables (stroke length (SL), stroke rate (SR), and stroke index (SI)), subjective perception of effort (RPE), and physiological variables (heart rate (HR), temperature (T), and blood lactate concentration (La−)). Twenty competitive-level swimmers completed a dryland and water warm-up, followed by a 30 min transition phase and a 100 m freestyle simulation. Over 30 min, each swimmer randomly performed one of three re-warm-up protocols: control (remaining seated), dryland (explosive exercises), and water (race-pace series). The three experimental re-warm-up protocols affected 100 m freestyle performance (p = 0.019; η2p = 0.189). Post hoc comparisons showed that dryland was faster than control (−0.68%, p = 0.009), whereas no significant difference was observed between water and control (−0.52%, p = 0.234). No significant differences were observed between conditions for SR, SL, RPE, or La−, whereas peak HR was lower in the control. Although water did not significantly improve performance, swimmers reported more favourable sensations during the trial. In conclusion, the dryland protocol significantly improved 100 m freestyle performance, whereas the water protocol did not produce significant performance benefits under the present conditions.
Physical and Physiological Determinants of Motorcycling Performance: A Systematic Review Tiago Rodrigues, Henrique P. Neiva, Diogo L. Marques Strength and Conditioning Journal, 2026 Competitive motorcycling is a physically demanding sport requiring high levels of strength, endurance, and neuromuscular control. However, research on optimizing training strategies and injury prevention remains limited. This systematic review analyzes the physical and physiological demands of motorcycling, aiming to provide insights for riders and coaches. A comprehensive search in PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus identified 2,809 studies, with 17 meeting the inclusion criteria. Screening was performed using Rayyan, and study quality was assessed using the JBI tool for cross-sectional studies. Key findings indicate that riders frequently operate at 80–100% of maximum heart rate, emphasizing the importance of aerobic and anaerobic conditioning through running, cycling, and high-intensity interval training. Postrace lactate levels typically exceed 6 mmol/L, necessitating riders to engage in sprint-based and strength-based training. Grip strength and upper limb isometric endurance are critical, requiring targeted resistance exercises. In addition, effective recovery strategies such as active recovery, cryotherapy, and strategic nutrition help reduce fatigue and optimize performance. Research gaps persist in long-term physiological adaptations, training methodologies, and psychological influences. Future studies must identify evidence-based guidelines to improve motorcycling training and recovery protocols. This review highlights the importance of specialized conditioning programs tailored to motorcycling demands, thereby optimizing competitive performance.
Principal Technique Components for Young Swimmers Evaluation. Enhancing the Free Observation Method Konstantinos Papadimitriou, Mafalda P. Pinto, Nikos Papadimitriou, Henrique P. Neiva Perceptual and Motor Skills, 2026 The study aims to identify, weight, and highlight the mistakes in the four swimming strokes through a technique evaluation tool for young swimmers that can accurately calculate swimming technique scores, taking into account the significance of each mistake. A total of 86 regional-level young swimmers (48 boys and 38 girls), aged from 8 to 12 years old, and training experience of 5.4 (1.7) years, participated in the study. Participants performed 15 m of each one of the swimming strokes (butterfly, backstroke, breaststroke, and front crawl), and were evaluated by two swimming coaches with the Technique Papadimitriou (Tec Pa) tool. A principal component analysis for categorical data (CATPCA) was selected to evaluate the weight of the 12 most significant technical points for all strokes. The range of loads, for the 12 technique spots, in the butterfly stroke was from 0.50–0.75, for backstroke from 0.47–0.68, for breaststroke from 0.51–0.80, and for front - crawl 0.31–0.74, with a Cronbach’s Alpha value on 0.91, 0.88, 0.92 and 0.87 for each stroke, respectively. Considering the analysis, swimming coaches can easily implement a swimming technique evaluation for their swimmers without any expensive equipment, complicated systems, or computer applications.
Occupational Stress, Burnout, and Quality of Life in Radiographers: A Scoping Review of Workforce Well-Being Pedro Ramalho, António Nunes, Fernanda M. Silva, André Ramalho, Gonçalo Flores, et al. Healthcare Switzerland, 2026 Background/Objectives: We conducted a scoping review to map peer-reviewed evidence on occupational stress, burnout, and quality of life among radiographers and radiologic technologists and to identify measurement tools and reported consequences. Methods: Searches were conducted in Web of Science, Scopus, and PubMed. Eligible studies enrolled radiographers/radiologic technologists who were healthy adults; assessed at least one target construct (occupational stress, burnout, or quality of life) using validated instruments; and used cross-sectional, experimental, quasi-experimental, longitudinal, or mixed-methods designs. Articles published from 1995 onward in English, French, Spanish, or Portuguese were considered. Two reviewers independently screened, extracted data, and appraised methodological quality using Quality Assessment with Diverse Studies (QuADS). The synthesis was narrative only. Results: Of 2701 records, 10 studies from nine countries met inclusion. Most were cross-sectional, and two used mixed methods. Sample sizes ranged from 38 to 864. Frequently used instruments included MBI-HSS, OSI-R, HSE Indicator Tool, and SOC-13. Across studies, radiographers reported high stress and burnout—particularly emotional exhaustion and depersonalization—alongside reduced quality of life in multiple domains. Recurrent stressors involved workload and staffing pressures, role demands, anxiety about radiation exposure, and limited recognition. These factors were associated with intention to leave and a lower sense of coherence. Conclusions: The evidence base is largely cross-sectional, uses heterogeneous measures, and often relies on modest samples, with overall methodological quality mostly moderate. Findings indicate a persistent psychosocial risk profile in radiography and underscore the need for organizational and managerial actions—such as workplace physical activity programs—to reduce stress and burnout and protect the quality of life in this workforce.
Does The Menstrual Cycle Phase Influence Physical Fitness Performance In Athletes And Non-athlete Female University Students With Mild Menstrual-Related Symptoms? Shin-Ichiro Moriyama, Daniel A. Marinho, Henrique P. Neiva, Ana R. Alves, Ricardo Ferraz, et al. Open Sports Sciences Journal, 2026 Introduction Previous studies have explored the influence of the menstrual cycle on various aspects of exercise performance. However, associations between menstrual cycle phases and fitness performance in women remain inconclusive. This study aimed to examine the effects of the menstrual cycle and premenstrual symptoms on physical fitness test outcomes among female university students with and without regular exercise habits. Methods Eighteen female athletes and 13 female non-athlete university students volunteered for this study. Only those who completed all test sessions were included in the final analysis, resulting in the analysis of data from eight athletes (height: 1.66 ± 0.04 m; weight: 57.1 ± 2.9 kg) and eight non-athletes (height: 1.62 ± 0.05 m; weight: 58.0 ± 6.7 kg). Basal body temperature was used to categorize the menstrual cycle into three phases: menstrual, follicular, and luteal. A validated questionnaire assessed physical and mental symptoms related to menstruation. Fitness tests included handgrip strength, number of sit-ups, sit-and-reach, number of side-steps, 1000-m run, 50-m sprint, and standing long jump. Results In both groups, physical symptoms differed significantly between the menstrual phase and other phases. Mental symptoms showed no significant changes in athletes, whereas three mental symptoms varied significantly in non-athletes. No significant interaction was observed between the group and menstrual cycle phase in any physical fitness measure. Athletes outperformed non-athletes in all tests, except for handgrip strength, regardless of the menstrual cycle phase. Discussion These findings suggest that among women with mild premenstrual symptoms, the menstrual cycle may have a limited impact on physical fitness, regardless of training status. These outcomes might be relevant for physical fitness professionals and researchers, improving the understanding of the effects of menstrual cycle phases on physical fitness and psychological symptoms in women. Conclusion The menstrual cycle appears to have a minimal impact on physical fitness test performance among female university students with mild menstrual symptoms, regardless of training status.
Allergy-compatible symptoms among federated swimmers in Portugal: a cross-sectional study using the AQUA® questionnaire Miguel Ramos, Henrique P. Neiva, Olga Lourenço Frontiers in Public Health, 2026 Swimmers are chronically exposed to water disinfection by-products (commonly from chlorination) and to indoor air conditions that may aggravate allergic and respiratory symptoms. Evidence is robust for elite cohorts, but competitive swimmers outside Olympic settings remain understudied. We conducted a cross-sectional, anonymous online survey among Portuguese competitive swimmers, officially registered with the national federation, aged 16 years or older (April–May 2025). The validated Allergy Questionnaire for Athletes (AQUA ® ; 21 items; positive ≥5 points) screened for allergy-compatible symptoms. Associations with demographics, training exposure, and pool environment were examined using descriptive statistics and bivariate tests ( α = 0.05); exploratory logistic regression assessed independent predictors. Of 100 respondents, 95 valid questionnaires were analyzed. The prevalence of AQUA-positive screening was 81.1% ( n = 77/95). Upper-airway complaints were most frequent (e.g., nasal obstruction 63.2%; rhinorrhea 61.1%), followed by cough 55.8% and ocular pruritus (51.6%). AQUA positivity was higher in women vs. men (88.7% vs. 71.4%, p = 0.036). Younger age (16–25 years) and ≥7 weekly training sessions were also associated with higher positivity ( p = 0.011 and p = 0.012, respectively). A temperature gradient was evident (≤25 °C 50.0%; 25–27 °C 86.4%; 28–30 °C 83.3%; p = 0.013). Prior medical diagnosis of allergic disease and use of anti-allergic medication was strongly associated with AQUA positivity ( p < 0.001). In multivariable analysis, female sex, younger age, ≥7 sessions/week, and pool water temperature >25 °C remained independent predictors. Allergy-compatible symptoms were common among competitive swimmers, with environmental and training-related correlations. Findings support routine symptom screening (AQUA) in clubs alongside attention to pool management (temperature, ventilation). Larger studies with clinical confirmation and objective environmental monitoring are warranted.
Fatigue in fibromyalgia: a mental and physical context Maria Luiza Laurentino de Albuquerque, Marcos de Carvalho Alvarez, Henrique Pereira Neiva, Daniel Almeida Marinho, Diogo Monteiro Scientific Basis of Fatigue, 2025
Reliability and Safety of Smartwatch Blood Pressure and Oxygen Saturation Measurements in Older Adults: Instrument Validation Study R Madeira, D Esteves, H Neiva, A Maia, C Rondão, N Pinto, A Vercelli, ... JMIR Formative Research 10 (1), e81955 , 2026 2026
The Effect of Two Activation Protocols During the Transition Phase: Sprint Swimming Performance D Paiva, L Rama, H Neiva, C Nunes, JE Morais, DA Marinho Applied Sciences 16 (10), 5089 , 2026 2026
Editorial for the 1st Edition Special Issue “Benefits of Physical Activity and Exercise to Human Health” R Ferraz, HP Neiva, FM Silva, P Duarte-Mendes Sports 14 (5), 183 , 2026 2026
Principal Technique Components for Young Swimmers Evaluation. Enhancing the Free Observation Method K Papadimitriou, MP Pinto, N Papadimitriou, HP Neiva Perceptual and Motor Skills 133 (2), 299-311 , 2026 2026 Citations: 1
Strength training and performance optimization: the triad of physical, psychological, and physiological excellence HP Neiva, D Rodríguez-Rosell, A Pereira Frontiers in Psychology 17, 1791628 , 2026 2026
Occupational Stress, Burnout, and Quality of Life in Radiographers: A Scoping Review of Workforce Well-Being P Ramalho, A Nunes, FM Silva, A Ramalho, G Flores, B Santos, R Ferraz, ... Healthcare 14 (4), 538 , 2026 2026 Citations: 1
Does The Menstrual Cycle Phase Influence Physical Fitness Performance In Athletes And Non-athlete Female University Students With Mild Menstrual-Related Symptoms? SI Moriyama, DA Marinho, HP Neiva, AR Alves, R Ferraz, K Matsuo The Open Sports Sciences Journal 19 (1) , 2026 2026
Role of Exercise Intensity in Water Aerobics: Improving Health Markers in Adults and Older Adults—A Randomized Controlled Trial LB Faíl, DA Marinho, JM Gonçalves, AR Alves, DL Marques, MC Marques, ... Journal of Science in Sport and Exercise, 1-13 , 2026 2026
Acute Effects of Resistance Training Warm-Up and Re-Warm-Up on Dynamic Strength Performance: A Scoping Review PP Neves, DL Marques, HP Neiva, AR Alves Journal of Science in Sport and Exercise, 1-15 , 2026 2026 Citations: 1
Fatigue in fibromyalgia: a mental and physical context MLL de Albuquerque, M de Carvalho Alvarez, HP Neiva, DA Marinho, ... The Scientific Basis of Fatigue, 91-100 , 2026 2026
To move without moving: a perspective article on motor imagery P Duarte-Mendes, A Ramalho, M Bertollo, HP Neiva, DA Marinho Frontiers in Psychology 16, 1697086 , 2025 2025
Warm-up in water-polo: report from usual practices of high-level Portuguese coaches J Dias, DA Marinho, K Papadimitriou, HP Neiva Motricidade 21, e40443-e40443 , 2025 2025
Diagnosing and treating frailty and sarcopenia in middle-aged and older adults DL Marques, HP Neiva, DA Marinho, M Izquierdo, MC Marques Frontiers in Sports and Active Living 7, 1736677 , 2025 2025
Warm-up and Re-warm-up Insights into Resistance Training: Usual Practices among Strength and Conditioning Coaches and Athletes PP Neves, D Marques, HP Neiva, C Nunes, L Faíl, R Ferraz, DA Marinho, ... The Open Sports Sciences Journal 18 (1) , 2025 2025
The influence of kinematics and neuromuscular activity on stand-up paddling performance using cluster analysis J Freitas, A Conceição, J Štastný, JE Morais, H Louro, DA Marinho, ... International Journal of Performance Analysis in Sport 25 (6), 1059-1070 , 2025 2025
Can young swimmers guide their pace through the rating of perceived exertion? G Torres, F Maia, R Oliveira, T Figueiras, H Neiva, FY Nakamura, A Sousa Motricidade 21, e40036-e40036 , 2025 2025
Swimming speed comparison between two distinct arm pulls during the butterfly swim stroke JE Morais, DA Marinho, HP Neiva, SI Moriyama, TM Barbosa International Journal of Sports Science & Coaching 20 (5), 2197-2203 , 2025 2025 Citations: 2
Repetition velocity during the leg and chest press in older adults: influence of starting execution technique T Sousa, A Pereira, DL Marques, HP Neiva, D Rodríguez-Rosell, ... BMC Sports Science, Medicine and Rehabilitation 17 (1), 272 , 2025 2025 Citations: 1
Physical performance differences between young Portuguese male and female basketball players according to chronological and biological age NM Fonseca, DL Marques, RM Pereira, MC Marques, DL Esteves, ... Sport Sciences for Health 21 (3), 1783-1792 , 2025 2025 Citations: 2
The Associations Between the Swimming Speed, Anthropometrics, Kinematics, and Kinetics in the Butterfly Stroke MP Pinto, HP Neiva, T Sampaio, JP Oliveira, DA Marinho, TM Barbosa, ... Bioengineering 12 (8), 797 , 2025 2025 Citations: 5
MOST CITED SCHOLAR PUBLICATIONS
Inflammatory effects of high and moderate intensity exercise—a systematic review É Cerqueira, DA Marinho, HP Neiva, O Lourenço Frontiers in physiology 10, 489354 , 2020 2020 Citations: 709
Effects of warm-up, post-warm-up, and re-warm-up strategies on explosive efforts in team sports: A systematic review LM Silva, HP Neiva, MC Marques, M Izquierdo, DA Marinho Sports Medicine 48 (10), 2285-2299 , 2018 2018 Citations: 369
The bright and dark sides of motivation as predictors of enjoyment, intention, and exercise persistence F Rodrigues, DS Teixeira, HP Neiva, L Cid, D Monteiro Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports 30 (4), 787-800 , 2020 2020 Citations: 246
Warm-up and performance in competitive swimming HP Neiva, MC Marques, TM Barbosa, M Izquierdo, DA Marinho Sports medicine 44 (3), 319-330 , 2014 2014 Citations: 216
Can interpersonal behavior influence the persistence and adherence to physical exercise practice in adults? A systematic review F Rodrigues, T Bento, L Cid, H Pereira Neiva, D Teixeira, J Moutão, ... Frontiers in psychology 9, 2141 , 2018 2018 Citations: 207
Associations between dry land strength and power measurements with swimming performance in elite athletes: a pilot study P Morouço, H Neiva, JJ González-Badillo, N Garrido, DA Marinho, ... Journal of human kinetics 29, 105 , 2011 2011 Citations: 140
Relative contribution of arms and legs in 30 s fully tethered front crawl swimming PG Morouço, DA Marinho, M Izquierdo, H Neiva, MC Marques BioMed research international 2015 (1), 563206 , 2015 2015 Citations: 133
Benefits of aquatic exercise in adults with and without chronic disease—A systematic review with meta‐analysis LB Faíl, DA Marinho, EA Marques, MJ Costa, CC Santos, MC Marques, ... Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports 32 (3), 465-486 , 2022 2022 Citations: 124
Concurrent training and detraining: brief review on the effect of exercise intensities AC Sousa, HP Neiva, M Izquierdo, EL Cadore, AR Alves, DA Marinho International journal of sports medicine 40 (12), 747-755 , 2019 2019 Citations: 110
Comparison of the start, turn and finish performance of elite swimmers in 100 m and 200 m races DA Marinho, TM Barbosa, HP Neiva, AJ Silva, JE Morais Journal of sports science & medicine 19 (2), 397 , 2020 2020 Citations: 107
Does warm-up have a beneficial effect on 100-m freestyle? HP Neiva, MC Marques, RJ Fernandes, JL Viana, TM Barbosa, ... International journal of sports physiology and performance 9 (1), 145-150 , 2014 2014 Citations: 95
Effects of different protocols of physical exercise on fibromyalgia syndrome treatment: systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials MLL Albuquerque, D Monteiro, DA Marinho, GT Vilarino, A Andrade, ... Rheumatology International 42 (11), 1893-1908 , 2022 2022 Citations: 94
The effects of different warm-up volumes on the 100-m swimming performance: a randomized crossover study HP Neiva, MC Marques, TM Barbosa, M Izquierdo, JL Viana, AM Teixeira, ... The Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research 29 (11), 3026-3036 , 2015 2015 Citations: 89
The effects of dry-land strength training on competitive sprinter swimmers TJ Lopes, HP Neiva, CA Gonçalves, C Nunes, DA Marinho Journal of Exercise Science & Fitness 19 (1), 32-39 , 2021 2021 Citations: 86
Understanding exercise adherence: The predictability of past experience and motivational determinants F Rodrigues, DS Teixeira, HP Neiva, L Cid, D Monteiro Brain Sciences 10 (2), 98 , 2020 2020 Citations: 85
The basic psychological need satisfaction and frustration scale in exercise (BPNSFS-E): Validity, reliability, and gender invariance in Portuguese exercisers F Rodrigues, JF Hair Jr, HP Neiva, DS Teixeira, L Cid, D Monteiro Perceptual and Motor Skills 126 (5), 949-972 , 2019 2019 Citations: 84
Concurrent training in prepubescent children: The effects of 8 weeks of strength and aerobic training on explosive strength and VO2max AR Alves, CC Marta, HP Neiva, M Izquierdo, MC Marques The Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research 30 (7), 2019-2032 , 2016 2016 Citations: 82
Neuromuscular jumping performance and upper-body horizontal power of volleyball players CA Gonçalves, TJD Lopes, C Nunes, DA Marinho, HP Neiva The Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research 35 (8), 2236-2241 , 2021 2021 Citations: 81
The effect of 12 weeks of water-aerobics on health status and physical fitness: An ecological approach H Pereira Neiva, L Brandão Faíl, M Izquierdo, MC Marques, DA Marinho PloS one 13 (5), e0198319 , 2018 2018 Citations: 78
Effects of 10 min vs. 20 min passive rest after warm-up on 100 m freestyle time-trial performance: A randomized crossover study HP Neiva, MC Marques, TM Barbosa, M Izquierdo, JL Viana, DA Marinho Journal of science and medicine in sport 20 (1), 81-86 , 2017 2017 Citations: 67
