Henrique Pereira Neiva
@ubi.pt
Department of Sport Sciences
University of Beira Interior
RESEARCH, TEACHING, or OTHER INTERESTS
Health (social science), Multidisciplinary, Physiology
Scopus Publications
Scholar Citations
Scholar h-index
Scholar i10-index
Scopus Publications
Diogo Luís Marques, Henrique Pereira Neiva, Daniel Almeida Marinho, and Mário Cardoso Marques
Elsevier BV
Daniel A. Marinho, Maria do Socorro Cirilo de Sousa, Ricardo Ferraz, and Henrique P. Neiva
Frontiers Media SA
Luís Leitão, Yuri Campos, Hugo Louro, Ana Cristina Corrêa Figueira, Teresa Figueiredo, Ana Pereira, Ana Conceição, Daniel A. Marinho, and Henrique P. Neiva
MDPI AG
Background: Resuming a physical exercise program after a period of cessation is common in older women. Monitoring the responses during this detraining (DT) and retraining (RT) may allow us to analyze how the body reacts to an increase and a reduction in physical inactivity. Therefore, we conducted a follow-up training, DT, and RT in prehypertensive older women to analyze the response to these periods. Methods: Twenty-three prehypertensive older women (EG; 68.3 ± 2.8 years; 1.61 ± 0.44 m) performed 36 weeks of the multicomponent training program (MTP) followed by twelve weeks of DT plus eight weeks of RT. Fifteen prehypertensive older women (CG; 66.3 ± 3.2 years; 1.59 ± 0.37 m) maintained their normal routine. Functional capacity (FC), lipid, and hemodynamic profile were assessed before, during 24 and 36 weeks of the MTP, after 4 and 12 weeks of DT, and after 8 weeks of RT. Results: After 24 weeks of the MTP, only SBP did not improve. Four weeks of DT did not affect lower body strength (30-CS), TC, or GL. Eight weeks of RT improved BP (SBP: −2.52%; ES: 0.36; p < 0.00; DBP: −1.45%; ES: 0.44; p < 0.02), handgrip strength (3.77%; ES: 0.51; p < 0.00), and 30-CS (3.17%; ES: 0.38; p < 0.04) compared with 36 weeks of the MTP. Conclusions: Eight weeks of RT allowed patients to recover the benefits lost with detraining, which after only four weeks affected them negatively, and the systematic practice of exercise contributed to greater regulation of BP since 24 weeks of the MTP proved not to be enough to promote positive effects of SBP.
Bruno Ribeiro, Pedro Forte, Raquel Vinhas, Daniel A. Marinho, Luís B. Faíl, Ana Pereira, Fernando Vieira, and Henrique P. Neiva
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Luís B. Faíl, Daniel A. Marinho, Elisa A. Marques, Mário J. Costa, Catarina C. Santos, Mário C. Marques, Mikel Izquierdo, and Henrique P. Neiva
Wiley
Dear Editor, We thank Dr Ciolac1 for his interest in our systematic review with metaanalysis about the effects of waterbased training on the health status and physical fitness of healthy adults and adults with diseases.2 Overall, we highlighted the effects on balance, cardiorespiratory fitness and strength in healthy adults, whereas balance, quality of life, strength, pain, and gait were improved in individuals with chronic diseases. Furthermore, useful recommendations for health and sports professionals were provided.2 We recognize that some limitations should be addressed and the results should be carefully analyzed, considering the methodological procedures (e.g., inclusion and exclusion criteria). Yet, the limitations should not refrain professionals and researchers from critically interpreting our results and then developing new investigations to fill some gaps in the literature and/or designing waterbased training programs for specific populations. The comments provided by Dr Ciolac1 did not compromise our findings and should be seen as a complement to the analysis provided. As in any review paper with large databases, the screening process is not easy and, despite being completed by different researchers, some processual errors can occur. Nevertheless, we confirmed all our search results and reasons can be provided for the nonincluded studies. For example, the use of specific terms could lead to article exclusion because of their experimental condition (e.g., thermomineral spring water; heated waterbased).3– 6
Diogo Luís Marques, Henrique Pereira Neiva, Daniel Almeida Marinho, Ivan Miguel Pires, Célia Nunes, and Mário Cardoso Marques
Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Aim This study aimed to i) determine the load-velocity relationship in the seated chest press in older adults, ii) compare the magnitude of the relationship between peak and mean velocity with the relative load, and iii) analyze the differences between sexes in movement velocity for each relative load in the chest press. Material and methods Thirty-two older adults (17 women and 15 men; 79.6±7.7 years) performed a chest press progressive loading test up to the one-repetition maximum (1RM). The fastest peak and mean velocity reached with each weight were analyzed. Quadratic equations were developed for both sexes and the effectiveness of the regression model was analyzed through a residual analysis. The equations were cross-validated, considering the holdout method. The independent samples t-test analyzed i) the differences in the magnitude of the relationship between peak and mean velocity with the relative load and ii) the differences between sexes in the peak and mean velocity for each relative load. Results It was possible to observe very strong quadratic load-velocity relationships in the seated chest press in women (peak velocity: r2 = 0.97, standard error of the estimate (SEE) = 4.5% 1RM; mean velocity: r2 = 0.96, SEE = 5.3% 1RM) and men (peak velocity: r2 = 0.98, SEE = 3.8% 1RM; mean velocity: r2 = 0.98, SEE = 3.8% 1RM) without differences (p>0.05) in the magnitude of the relationship between peak and mean velocity with the relative load. Furthermore, there was no overfitting in the regression models due to the high and positive correlation coefficients (r = 0.98–0.99). Finally, men presented higher (p<0.001) lifting velocities than women in almost all relative loads, except for 95–100% 1RM (p>0.05). Conclusion Measuring repetition velocity during the seated chest press is an objective approach to estimating the relative load in older adults. Furthermore, given the velocity differences between older women and men at submaximal loads, it is recommended to use sex-specific equations to estimate and prescribe the relative loads in older adults.
António C. Sousa, Diogo L. Marques, Daniel A. Marinho, Henrique P. Neiva, and Mário C. Marques
MDPI AG
Wearable devices have been used to assess and monitor volleyball performance. Given the diversity of technologies used and the variables measured, this study aimed to synthesize and review the wearable technology used to assess and monitor physical performance in volleyball players. A comprehensive search of published articles was performed in the following databases: Web of Science, PubMed, and Scopus, up to 23 October 2022. Studies with volleyball players of any age that used a wearable device to assess or monitor physical performance (e.g., jump height) were included. Nine studies conducted with male or female volleyball players were included. The participants’ age ranged between 16 and 32 years. Eight studies used Triaxial IMU, and one study used Vertec IMU. The performance analysis was based on vertical jump ability (n = 7) and overall volleyball performance (n = 2). Of the nine studies analyzed, 75% of the studies revealed blinding at the participant level and allocation concealment, and 95% reported a low risk of bias in the outcome assessment. This study shows that monitoring and assessing vertical jump ability through wearable devices is an increasing procedure in volleyball. Therefore, as jump height is a critical variable in athletic performance in volleyball, coaches and researchers might consider using wearable devices to assess and monitor physical performance changes in volleyball players.
Diogo Luís Marques, Henrique Pereira Neiva, Daniel Almeida Marinho, and Mário Cardoso Marques
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
P. P. Neves, A. R. Alves, R. Ferraz, L. B. Faíl, M. C. Marques, D. A. Marinho, and H. P. Neiva
Springer Nature Switzerland
Alexandro Andrade, Anderson D'Oliveira, Henrique Pereira Neiva, Gilberto Gaertner, and Whyllerton Mayron da Cruz
Frontiers Media SA
IntroductionInvestigation of the psychological impact on soccer athletes during the pandemic is essential given their unique challenges, including training disruptions and competition postponements. Understanding these effects will allow the development of specific strategies to preserve the mental health and performance of elite athletes, contributing to effective interventions with both short and long-term benefits.ObjectiveTo analyze the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the psychological aspects and mental health of elite soccer athletes.MethodThe review adhered to PRISMA criteria, and the study protocol was registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (CRD42022341545). Searches were conducted until July 2023 in databases including Cochrane, PsycINFO, PubMed, Scopus, SPORTDiscus, and Web of Science. Only original, peer-reviewed studies in English, Portuguese, or Spanish assessing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the psychological aspects and mental health of elite soccer athletes were included.ResultsThe search identified 1,055 records and 43 studies were included in this review between 2020 and 2023. In total, the sample included 16,321 soccer athletes of different age groups. Anxiety, depression, mood states, and mental well-being were the most investigated variables. Increased levels of anxiety, depression, and worsening mental well-being were observed in elite soccer athletes. Maintaining fitness during the pandemic showed positive results. Other variables, such as coping, resilience, and sleep quality monitoring, were less widely investigated. Evaluating methodological quality was considered regular for observational and experimental studies.ConclusionThe study reveals a negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on elite soccer athletes, considering psychological aspects and their mental health, notably heightened anxiety and depression. Observational methods predominated, showing mood swings linked to individual characteristics and fitness maintenance efforts. Studies with better-designed methodological approaches and controlled experimental interventions are recommended in the future to mitigate the negative effects of the pandemic on soccer players.Systematic review registrationhttps://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?, identifier (CRD42022341545).
João Freitas, Ana Conceição, Hugo Louro, Pedro Forte, Daniel A. Marinho, and Henrique P. Neiva
Bentham Science Publishers Ltd.
Background: The goal is to investigate how the length and height of passes impact a team's performance in national championships. A predictive model will be developed to analyse the success of different pass characteristics, including short, medium, and long length and ground, low, and high height. The model will be based on the points earned and will determine which combination of pass characteristics is most effective. Objective: Therefore, this systematic review aims to identify and synthesize the external and internal parameters commonly used to evaluate SUP performance under different test conditions. Methods: The search was conducted in multiple scientific databases (Google Scholar, MEDLINE/(PubMed), Science Direct, and Web of Science) and was completed on January 31, 2022, using the following keywords: “stand up paddle,” “stand up paddling”, and “stand up paddle boarding.” Results: Twenty-one articles were selected, involving a total of 238 subjects at both the competitive and recreational levels. SUP athletes have increased muscle mass, decreased body fat percentage, and used more efficient paddling techniques, highlighting the importance of equipment evaluation in improving athletic performance. Conclusion: More research is needed to improve the performance and expand the culture of SUP. The integration of specific technologies can help to understand better the variables that affect performance outcomes.
Mafalda P. Pinto, Daniel A. Marinho, Henrique P. Neiva, and Jorge E. Morais
PeerJ
The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between swimming speed, intra-cycle variation of horizontal speed of displacement (dv), and Froude efficiency (ηF) in front-crawl during three consecutive stroke cycles. The sample consisted of 15 boys aged 16.07 ± 0.77 years and 15 girls aged 15.05 ± 1.07 years. Swimming speed, dv and ηF were measured during a 25 m front-crawl trial. Three consecutive stroke cycles were measured. Swimming speed showed a non-significant stroke-by-stroke effect (F = 2.55, p = 0.087, η2 = 0.08), but a significant sex effect (F = 90.46, p < 0.001, η2 = 0.76). The dv and ηF had the same trend as the swimming speed for the stroke-by-stroke effect, but a non-significant sex effect (p > 0.05). The Spearman correlation matrix between swimming speed and dv, and swimming speed and ηF showed non-significant correlations for the three stroke cycles in both sexes. However, the tendency of the former was not always inverse, and the latter was not always direct. Coaches and swimmers need to be aware that lower dvs are not always associated with faster swimming speeds and vice-versa, and that ηF is a predictor of swimming speed, not dv.
Orlando Folhes, Víctor Reis, Diogo Marques, Henrique Neiva, and Mario Marques
Termedia Sp. z.o.o.
This study aimed to analyze the influence of the competitive level and weight class on technical performance and physiological and psychophysiological responses during simulated MMA fights. Twenty MMA male athletes were divided into four groups: heavyweight elite (HWE;n=6), lightweight elite (LWE;n=3), heavyweight professional (HWP;n=4), and lightweight professional (LWP;n=7). All athletes performed four simulated fights of three 5-min rounds with a 1-min rest interval. Each fight was recorded using a video camera to analyze offensive and defensive actions. Moreover, the following measures were made: heart rate (before and after each round), blood lactate concentration (before and after the fight), readiness state (before each round), and the rate of perceived exertion (RPE) (after each round). The main findings were: i)LWE athletes applied more offensive touches than LWP athletes; ii) HWP athletes presented higher heart rate values than LWP athletes after the first round; however, LWP athletes presented greater heart rate changes than HWP athletes from the first to the second round; iii) no differences existed between groups in blood lactate concentration and readiness state; and iv) HWP and LWP athletes presented higher RPE values than LWE athletes in the first and third rounds; however, LWE athletes presented greater RPE changes than HWE, HWP, and LWP athletes from the first to the second and third rounds. This study shows that LWE athletes apply more offensive touches than LWP athletes during simulated MMA fights. Moreover, lightweight athletes tend to increase their physiological demands as the combat evolves, which is also reflected in their RPE.
Maria Luiza L. Albuquerque, Diogo Monteiro, Marcos C. Alvarez, Guilherme Torres Vilarino, Alexandro Andrade, and Henrique P. Neiva
Frontiers Media SA
Fibromyalgia affects skeletal muscles presenting with muscle stiffness, pain, and fatigue. The exercise practice is wellstabilized and suggested for the reduction of symptoms. However, there are some gaps in the literature related to balance and neuromuscular performance in a strength training protocol. The aim of this study is to structure a protocol to verify the effects of strength training applied over a short period, on balance, neuromuscular performance, and fibromyalgia symptoms. Additionally, we intend to analyze the effects of a short period of cessation of training. Participants will be recruited through flyers, internet advertisements, clinical referrals, health professionals, and email outreach. Volunteers will be randomly assigned to the control group or experimental group. Before the training period, symptoms (Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire, Visual Analog Scale), balance (force plate), and neuromuscular performance (medicine ball throw and vertical jump) will be assessed. Participants in the experimental group will perform strength training twice a week (50 min each), on alternate days, for 8 weeks (16 sessions). Then, 4 weeks of detraining will be completed. This training program will be carried out online, using real-time videos, and the participants will be divided into two groups with different schedules. The Borg scale will be used to monitor perceived effort in each session. There is a gap in the literature about exercise prescriptions for fibromyalgia. The supervised online intervention enables a wide range of participation. The strength exercises used (without the use of external materials and/or machines) and load (few repetitions per set) represent a novelty to training programming. Moreover, this training program respects the limitations and individuality of the volunteers, providing exercise adaptations. With positive results, the present protocol could be an easy-to-apply guideline with clear instructions on the details related to exercise prescription. Also, ensure the effectiveness of a low-cost and feasible treatment, especially for fibromyalgia patients.Clinical trial registrationhttps://clinicaltrials.gov/, identifier: NCT05646641.
Carolina L. Matos, Ana T. Conceição, Hugo G. Louro, Henrique P. Neiva, Pedro N. Sobreiro, Bárbara L. Viana, and Daniel A. Marinho
Bentham Science Publishers Ltd.
Background: Identifying and evaluating the variables that influence performance are essential for obtaining excellence in sport. Objective: This study aimed to identify which parameters have the most influence on the 50 meters freestyle time in young competitive swimmers. Methods: One hundred and eighty-four high-level swimmers (males, n=92: 14.60±0.56 years; females, n=92: 13.53 ± 0.54 years) with 468±66 FINA points in the 50 meters freestyle short course participated in this study. Age, height, body mass, wingspan, stroke rate, stroke length, stroke index, turning time (5 m + 10 m), horizontal jumping, and medicine ball throwing were assessed. The swimming performance was assessed in a 50 meters freestyle time trial at maximum speed in a 25 meters swimming pool. Multiple regression was performed to assess the relationship between one dependent variable (50 meters freestyle time) and independent variables. Results: The results showed significant differences between both the genders. In male swimmers, only the turning time and the horizontal jump were significant (r2=0.8819; p<0.001), while females, besides the same variables, presented significant results in terms of height, body mass, stroke length, and stroke index (r2=0.9013; p<0.01). Conclusion: In conclusion, in young male swimmers, the turning time and the horizontal jump contributed significantly to the 50 meters freestyle swimming performance, and in young female swimmers, the main contributors were the turning time, horizontal jump, height, body mass, stroke length, and stroke index.
João Andrade, Dulce Esteves, Ricardo Ferraz, Diogo Luís Marques, Luís Branquinho, Daniel Almeida Marinho, Mário Cardoso Marques, and Henrique Pereira Neiva
MDPI AG
This study analyzed the acute effects of heavy strength training on mechanical, hemodynamic, metabolic, and psychophysiological responses in adult males. Thirteen recreational level males (23.3 ± 1.5 years) randomly performed two heavy strength training sessions (3 sets of 8 repetitions at 80% of one repetition maximum [1RM]) using the bench press (HST-BP) or full squat (HST-FS)). The repetition velocity was recorded in both sessions. Moreover, before and after the sessions, the velocity attained against the ~1.00 m·s−1 load (V1Load) in the HST-BP, countermovement jump (CMJ) height in the HST-FS, blood pressure, heart rate, blood lactate, and psychophysiological responses (OMNI Perceived Exertion Scale for Resistance Exercise) were measured. There were differences between exercises in the number of repetitions performed in the first and third sets (both <8 repetitions). The velocity loss was higher in the HST-BP than in the HST-FS (50.8 ± 10.0% vs. 30.7 ± 9.5%; p < 0.001). However, the mechanical fatigue (V1Load vs. CMJ height) and the psychophysiological response did not differ between sessions (p > 0.05). The HST-FS caused higher blood pressure and heart rate responses than the HST-BP (p < 0.001 and p = 0.02, respectively) and greater blood lactate changes from pre-training to post-set 1 (p < 0.05). These results showed that the number of maximal repetitions performed in both sessions was lower than the target number and decreased across sets. Moreover, the HST-BP caused a higher velocity loss than the HST-FS. Finally, the HST-FS elicited higher hemodynamic and metabolic demand than the HST-BP.
Bruno Ribeiro, Pedro Forte, Raquel Vinhas, Daniel A. Marinho, Luís B. Faíl, Ana Pereira, Fernando Vieira, and Henrique P. Neiva
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Abstract Background Physical activity is essential in acquiring healthy lifestyle behaviors in the early years of maturational development and preventing various diseases. Resistance training (RT) is fundamental for improving body composition and is increasingly recommended for obese adolescents. A systematic review and meta-analysis were performed to synthesize and analyze data on the effects of RT programs in this population, seeking to develop useful recommendations for health and sports professionals. Methods A search was performed using four databases (Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, and ScienceDirect). According to specific inclusion criteria, twenty-one studies were selected to evaluate the impact of RT on body mass index (BMI), body fat, waist circumference, muscle strength, insulin sensitivity, lean mass and cardiorespiratory fitness. Results After the RT programs, the adolescents improved their muscle strength (SMD, 1.44; 95% CI: 0.76–2.12), cardiorespiratory fitness (SMD, 1.09; 95% CI: 0.15–2.04), BMI (SMD, 0.21; 95% CI: 0.07–0.35), waist circumference (SMD, 0.27; 95% CI: 0.06–0.47) and body fat (SMD, 0.20; 95% CI: 0.05–0.34). However, insulin sensitivity (SMD, 0.32; 95% CI: − 0.47 to 1.10) and lean mass (SMD, 0.12; 95% CI: − 0.06 to 0.31) did not reveal any changes. Different RT programs were used but it seems that 2–3 times/week ∼60 min/session of RT for 12 weeks should be recommended for positive changes. Conclusions RT seems to be effective when the objective is to improve muscle strength, cardiorespiratory fitness and can be an efficient strategy to reduce obesity in adolescents by reducing body fat, waist circumference and body mass index. PROSPERO Registration number: CRD42022333411.
Felipe J. Aidar, Ciro José Brito, Dihogo Gama de Matos, Levy Anthony S. de Oliveira, Rapahel Fabrício de Souza, Paulo Francisco de Almeida-Neto, Breno Guilherme de Araújo Tinoco Cabral, Henrique P. Neiva, Frederico Ribeiro Neto, Victor Machado Reis,et al.
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Abstract Background Due to the absence of evidence in the literature on Paralympic Powerlifting the present study investigated various methods to assess bench press maximum repetition and the way each method influences the measurement of minimum velocity limit (MVT), load at zero velocity (LD0), and force–velocity (FV). Objective To evaluate the precision of the multi-point method using proximal loads (40, 50, 60, 70, 80, and 90% of one repetition maximum; 1RM) compared to the four-point method (50, 60, 70, and 80% of 1RM) and the two-point method using distant loads (40 and 80% and 50 and 80% of 1RM) in in the MVT, LD0, and FV, in bench press performed by Paralympic Powerlifters (PP). Methods To accomplish this, 15 male elite PP athletes participated in the study (age: 27.7 ± 5.7 years; BM: 74.0 ± 19.5 kg). All participants performed an adapted bench press test (free weight) with 6 loads (40, 50, 60, 70, 80, and 90% 1RM), 4 loads (50, 60, 70, and 80% 1RM), and 2 loads (40–80% and 50–80% 1RM). The 1RM predictions were made by MVT, LD0, and FV. Results The main results indicated that the multiple (4 and 6) pointsmethod provides good results in the MVT (R2 = 0.482), the LD0 (R2 = 0.614), and the FV (R2 = 0.508). The two-point method (50–80%) showed a higher mean in MVT [1268.2 ± 502.0 N; ICC95% 0.76 (0.31–0.92)], in LD0 [1504.1 ± 597.3 N; 0.63 (0.17–0.86)], and in FV [1479.2 ± 636.0 N; 0.60 (0.10–0.86)]. Conclusion The multiple-point method (4 and 6 points) and the two-point method (40–80%) using the MVT, LD0, and FV all showed a good ability to predict bench press 1RM in PP.
Diogo Luís Marques, Henrique Pereira Neiva, Daniel Almeida Marinho, and Mário Cardoso Marques
Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Abstract Marques, DL, Neiva, HP, Marinho, DA, and Marques, MC. Velocity-monitored resistance training in older adults: the effects of low-velocity loss threshold on strength and functional capacity. J Strength Cond Res 36(11): 3200–3208, 2022—This study analyzed the effects of velocity-monitored resistance training (RT) with a velocity loss of 10% on strength and functional capacity in older adults. Forty-two subjects (79.7 ± 7.1 years) were allocated into an RT group (n = 21) or a control group (CG; n = 21). Over 10 weeks, the RT group performed 2 sessions per week, whereas the CG maintained their daily routine. During RT sessions, we monitored each repetition's mean velocity in the leg press and chest press exercises at 40–65% of 1 repetition maximum (1RM). The set ended when a velocity loss of 10% was reached. At pretest and post-test, both groups were assessed in the 1RM leg press and chest press, handgrip strength, medicine ball throw (MBT), walking speed (T10), and 5-repetition sit-to-stand (STS). After 10 weeks, the RT group significantly improved the 1RM leg press (p < 0.001; Hedge's g effect size [g] = 0.55), 1RM chest press (p < 0.001; g = 0.72), MBT 1kg (p < 0.01; g = 0.26), T10 (p < 0.05; g = −0.29), and STS (p < 0.05; g = −0.29), whereas the CG significantly increased the T10 (p < 0.05; g = 0.15). Comparisons between groups at post-test demonstrated significant differences in the 1RM leg press (p < 0.001; mean difference [MD] = 14.4 kg), 1RM chest press (p < 0.001; MD = 7.52), MBT 1kg (p < 0.05; MD = 0.40 m), T10 (p < 0.001; MD = −0.60 seconds), and STS (p < 0.001; MD = −1.85 seconds). Our data demonstrate that velocity-monitored RT with velocity loss of 10% results in a few repetitions per set (leg press: 5.1 ± 1.2; chest press: 3.6 ± 0.9) and significantly improves strength and functional capacity in older adults.
Maria Luiza L. Albuquerque, Diogo Monteiro, Daniel A. Marinho, Guilherme T. Vilarino, Alexandro Andrade, and Henrique P. Neiva
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Diogo Luís Marques, Henrique Pereira Neiva, Daniel Almeida Marinho, Ivan Miguel Pires, Célia Nunes, and Mário Cardoso Marques
Frontiers Media SA
Identifying the relative loads (%1RM) that maximize power output (Pmax-load) in resistance exercises can help design interventions to optimize muscle power in older adults. Moreover, examining the maximal mean power (MPmax) and peak power (PPmax) values (Watts) would allow an understanding of their differences and associations with functionality markers in older adults. Therefore, this research aimed to 1) analyze the load-mean and peak power relationships in the leg press and chest press in older adults, 2) examine the differences between mean Pmax-load (MPmax-load) and peak Pmax-load (PPmax-load) within resistance exercises, 3) identify the differences between resistance exercises in MPmax-load and PPmax-load, and 4) explore the associations between MPmax and PPmax in the leg press and chest press with functional capacity indicators. Thirty-two older adults (79.3 ± 7.3 years) performed the following tests: medicine ball throw (MBT), five-repetition sit-to-stand (STS), 10-m walking (10 W), and a progressive loading test in the leg press and chest press. Quadratic regressions analyzed 1) the load-mean and peak power relationships and identified the MPmax-load, MPmax, PPmax-load, and PPmax in both exercises, 2) the associations between MPmax and PPmax in the chest press with MBT, and 3) the associations between MPmax and PPmax in the leg press with STSpower and 10Wvelocity. In the leg press, the MPmax-load was ∼66% 1RM, and the PPmax-load was ∼62% 1RM, both for women and men (p &gt; 0.05). In the chest press, the MPmax-load was ∼62% 1RM, and the PPmax-load was ∼56% 1RM, both for women and men (p &gt; 0.05). There were differences between MPmax-load and PPmax-load within exercises (p &lt; 0.01) and differences between exercises in MPmax-load and PPmax-load (p &lt; 0.01). The MPmax and PPmax in the chest press explained ∼48% and ∼52% of the MBT-1 kg and MBT-3 kg variance, respectively. In the leg press, the MPmax and PPmax explained ∼59% of STSpower variance; however, both variables could not explain the 10Wvelocity performance (r2 ∼ 0.02). This study shows that the Pmax-load is similar between sexes, is resistance exercise-specific, and varies within exercises depending on the mechanical power variable used in older adults. Furthermore, this research demonstrates the influence of the MBT as an upper-limb power marker in older adults.
Marcos C. Alvarez, Maria Luiza L. Albuquerque, Henrique P. Neiva, Luis Cid, Diogo S. Teixeira, Rui Matos, Raúl Antunes, Liane Lúcio, Leandro Sant’Ana, and Diogo Monteiro
MDPI AG
Background and Objectives: Fibromyalgia are heterogeneous and differ from patient to patient; however, the most reported are general myalgia and at specific points associated with fatigue and certain psychological adversities. Physical activity can mitigate the effects of the symptoms. However, the associations between fibromyalgia-related fatigue, self-esteem, anxiety, depression, satisfaction with life and physical activity are unclear. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to understand the associations between these symptoms and whether there are differences between these associations across two distinct cultures. Materials and Methods: A total of 473 women aged between 28 and 75 years (M = 49.27; SD ± 8.28) completed five questionnaires about fibromyalgia-related fatigue, physical activity, anxiety, depression, self-esteem, and satisfaction with life. Results: Fibromyalgia-related fatigue was positively associated with depression and anxiety, depression and anxiety were negatively associated with self-esteem, self-esteem was positively associated with satisfaction with life, satisfaction with life was positively associated with physical activity and there were no differences in terms of the perceptions and associations of these variables between Portuguese and Brazilian patients. Conclusions: Our results showed the significant role of associations between these variables and a similarity in the perception and relationship of the variables between the two cultures.
Jorge E. Morais, Tiago M. Barbosa, Henrique P. Neiva, Mario C. Marques, and Daniel A. Marinho
Human Kinetics
The aim of this study was to classify and identify young swimmers’ performance, and biomechanical determinant factors, and understand if both sexes can be clustered together. Thirty-eight swimmers of national level (22 boys: 15.92 ± 0.75 years and 16 girls: 14.99 ± 1.06 years) were assessed. Performance (swim speed at front crawl stroke) and a set of kinematic, efficiency, kinetic, and hydrodynamic variables were measured. Variables related to kinetics and efficiency (p < .001) were the ones that better discriminated the clusters. All three clusters included girls. Based on the interaction of these determinant factors, there are girls who can train together with boys. These findings indicate that not understanding the importance of the interplay between such determinants may lead to performance suppression in girls.
Orlando Folhes, Víctor Machado Reis, Diogo Luís Marques, Henrique Pereira Neiva, and Mário Cardoso Marques
MDPI AG
Mixed martial arts (MMA) athletes must achieve high strength levels to face the physical demands of an MMA fight. This study compared MMA athletes’ maximal isometric and dynamic strength according to the competitive level and weight class. Twenty-one male MMA athletes were divided into lightweight professional (LWP; n = 9), lightweight elite (LWE; n = 4), heavyweight professional (HWP; n = 4), and heavyweight elite (HWE; n = 4). The handgrip and isometric lumbar strength tests assessed the isometric strength, and the one-repetition maximum (1RM) bench press and 4RM leg press the dynamic strength. Univariate ANOVA showed differences between groups in absolute and relative 1RM bench press and absolute isometric lumbar strength. Post hoc tests showed differences in 1RM bench press between HWE and LWE (117.0 ± 17.8 kg vs. 81.0 ± 10.0 kg) and HWE and LWP athletes (117.0 ± 17.8 kg vs. 76.7 ± 13.7 kg; 1.5 ± 0.2 kg·BW−1 vs. 1.1 ± 0.2 kg·BW−1). In addition, there was a correlation between 1RM bench press and isometric lumbar strength for absolute (r = 0.67) and relative values (r = 0.50). This study showed that the 1RM bench press and isometric lumbar strength were associated and could differentiate MMA athletes according to their competitive level and weight class. Therefore, optimizing the force production in the upper body and lower back seems important in elite and professional MMA athletes.