A new framework about exercise, functionality and health: Brain Functional Training Marcos Raphael Pereira-Monteiro, Leonardo de Sousa Fortes, Mario Di Santo, Marzo Edir Da Silva-Grigoletto Acta Psychologica, 2026 Physical exercise is widely recognized for enhancing the ability to perform daily tasks. However, most studies focus primarily on physical capacities, often overlooking the contribution of cognitive processes. This article aims to present a theoretical framework underlying the concepts used in applying complexity as a dose variable to improve functionality within the health context, with a particular focus on cognitive aspects, as widely employed in Brain Functional Training. Manipulating task complexity increases planning demands, thereby inducing cognitive load, and through repeated exposure, drives chronic functional adaptations relevant to health. The primary mechanism underlying this hypothesis is the increased activity in neural regions associated with planning, particularly in the prefrontal cortex, which is acutely engaged during tasks. By applying cognitive stimuli that engage executive functions or motor stimuli that promote movement variability, this approach provides an alternative framework to traditional Functional Training. Brain Functional Training can be particularly useful in contexts where adjustments in training volume or intensity are limited, supporting the planning and execution of movements of daily living while potentially enhancing both motor and cognitive aspects of functional performance.
Effects of Foam Roller, and Massage Ball with and Without Vibration on Squat Load-Velocity Profile of Resistance Trained Adults José Carlos Aragão-Santos, Marzo Edir Da Silva-Grigoletto, David G. Behm Journal of Sports Science and Medicine, 2025 Self-massage tools such as foam rollers and massage balls are widely used in warm-ups and recovery, but their effects on dynamic strength tasks like squatting remain unclear. To compare the effects of a foam roller (FR), massage ball (MB), and vibrating massage ball (MBV) versus a control condition on squat load velocity profiles and associated electromyographic (EMG) activity in resistance-trained individuals. In this crossover study, fourteen experienced resistance-trained participants performed four experimental conditions: FR, MB, MBV, and control. After an initial session for incremental load testing and protocol familiarization, each participant performed eight back squats before and after each experimental session, while movement velocity, hip vertical displacement (range of motion), and EMG of the vastus lateralis and semimembranosus were recorded. MBV produced a significant increase in quadriceps EMG during the fastest repetition (β = 0.107; p = 0.003). In contrast, all interventions elicited a reduction in the second fastest repetition versus control (FR: β = -0.033, p = 0.005; MB: β = -0.025, p = 0.029; MBV: β = -0.036, p = 0.002). Moreover, both FR and MBV similarly decreased third fastest repetition and mean velocities relative to control (FR: third fastest repetition β = -0.025, p = 0.027; mean β = -0.046, p = 0.046; MBV: third fastest repetition β = -0.032, p = 0.005; mean velocity β = -0.031, p = 0.004). There were no significant changes in the hip vertical displacement. All self-massage conditions modestly impaired squat velocity, with the MB showing the least detrimental effect on performance.
MediaPipe Pose Estimation for Basic Human Movement Patterns Across Different Camera Views Thauanne Santana Fonseca Valença, Thiago Valença Silva, Leury Max Da Silva Chaves, Marzo Edir Da Silva-Grigoletto, Elyson Ádan Nunes Carvalho, Eduardo Oliveira Freire Inscit 2025 9th International Symposium on Instrumentation Systems Circuits and Transducers Proceedings, 2025 Accurate analysis of human movement is essential for developing effective human-robot interaction (HRI) interfaces. Vision-based pose estimation tools like MediaPipe, which operate markerlessly with a single camera, offer a low-cost alternative but lack extensive validation across different capture conditions. This study evaluates the consistency of MediaPipe’s pose estimations during three basic human movements (squatting, pulling, pushing), captured from three camera angles ($0^{\circ}, 45^{\circ}$, and 90°). Joint angles were analyzed, and Pearson’s correlations were computed between time series across views. Results reveal how MediaPipe’s accuracy varies with movement and camera placement, offering insights into its applicability for HRI and human movement analysis.
Acute neuromuscular and cardiovascular effects of varying relative loads in cross-training modalities Manuel Barba-Ruíz, Francisco Hermosilla-Perona, José Miguel Fernández-Asensio, Marzo Edir Da Silva-Grigoletto, Adrián Martín-Castellanos, Juan Ramón Heredia-Elvar Frontiers in Physiology, 2025 Training structures such as every minute on minute (EMOM), as many repetitions as possible (AMRAP), and rounds for time (RFT) have gained popularity for improving sport performance and general health. However, limited research exists on how different relative loads affect neuromuscular and cardiorespiratory responses. This study aimed to compare acute effects on heart rate (HR), mean propulsive velocity (MPV), velocity loss, and pacing in participants performing AMRAP, EMOM, and RFT using the same absolute but varying relative loads. Twenty-five participants with over a year of training experience in these structures performed squats, pull-ups, and shoulder press at varying relative intensities (<40%RM, 40–65%RM, and >65%RM). Results showed significant differences in MPV between modalities (p < 0.05), with RFT having higher MPV than AMRAP, especially at lower intensities (<40%RM). EMOM also had higher MPV than AMRAP, with minimal differences compared to RFT. Velocity loss patterns varied by intensity group, with AMRAP inducing higher intra- and inter-set losses than EMOM (p < 0.05). HR analysis revealed EMOM elicited the lowest HR values, followed by AMRAP and RFT, and a larger HR difference was noted in the lowest intensity group (p < 0.05). These findings suggest that prescribing relative loads, rather than absolute loads, is important for optimizing performance and managing fatigue in cross training.
Resilience capacity in older women engaged in resistance training: physiological and functional adaptations to training interruption imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic followed by retraining Marcelo A. S. Carneiro, Paulo Ricardo P. Nunes, Jarlisson Francsuel, Felipe Lisboa, Natã Stavinski, Nelson H. Carneiro, Cláudio O. Assumpção, Marzo Edir Da Silva-Grigoletto, Eduardo L. Cadore, Edilson S. Cyrino Applied Physiology Nutrition and Metabolism, 2025 This study analyzed the effects of 2 years of training interruption imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic on muscular strength, body composition, metabolic biomarkers, and physical performance in older women engaged in resistance training (RT). Additionally, to assess resilience capacity, we compared the changes provoked by 12 weeks of retraining with those achieved after 12 weeks of training (pre-pandemic block 1) on physiological and functional outcomes. Muscular strength, body composition, metabolic biomarkers, and physical performance were analyzed at five time points. A progressive RT program was performed during the pre-pandemic block 1 (12 weeks of training) and block 2 (24 weeks). Subsequently, 2 years of training interruption were imposed during the COVID-19 pandemic. After the COVID-19 pandemic, the participants performed 12 weeks of retraining. A significant impairment in all outcomes was observed after 2 years of training interruption compared to pre-pandemic block 2. Retraining did not change muscle mass, lipid profile, and functional motor tests compared to pre-pandemic block 1. When compared to the pre-pandemic block 1, retraining induced greater 1RM gains in the chest press (20.4% vs. 6.2%), leg extension (15.9% vs. −1.0%), preacher curl (31.1% vs. 8.2%), and total lifted load (21.4% vs. 3.6%), and similar fat mass loss at gynoid (−4.9% vs. −3.7%) and trunk (−3.8% vs. −4.2%). The results indicate that two years of training interruption imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic in older women engaged in RT led to worsening physiological and functional outcomes, which did not fully recover/regain after retraining, suggesting low resilience capacity. Novelty Two years of training interruption imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic impair physiological and functional outcomes in older women engaged in resistance training. Retraining led to resilience capacity only in muscular strength gains.
Functional training improves cognitive function, functional fitness, and BDNF levels in older women with mild cognitive impairment: a randomized controlled trial Salviano Resende-Silva, Antônio Gomes de Resende-Neto, Alan Bruno Silva Vasconcelos, Marcos Raphael Pereira-Monteiro, Alan Pantoja-Cardoso, Laíza Ellen Santana Santos, Newton Benites Carvalho Lima, José Lucas de Jesus Santos, José Carlos Aragão-Santos, Dulce Marta Schimieguel, José Ronaldo dos Santos, Marzo Edir Da Silva-Grigoletto Frontiers in Physiology, 2025 IntroductionTo oppose the aging-related cognitive and functional decline, the efficacy of different training methods has been tested, aiming body multisystemic adaptations. In this sense, Functional Training (FT) has shown relevant results in the physical fitness of older adults. However, little is known about its impact on older women with mild cognitive impairment (MCI).ObjectiveTo compare the effects of functional and aerobic training on cognitive function and functional fitness in older women with mild cognitive impairment.MethodsSixty-eight older women completed a 16-week intervention through three groups: 1) Functional Training (FT: n = 28; mean age = 67.5 ± 4.8 years), 2) Aerobic Training (AT: n = 22; mean age = 66.3 ± 4.6 years), and 3) Control Group (CG: n = 18; mean age = 67.5 ± 4.6 years). The training sessions did occur three times per week, with a duration of 50 min per session for both exercised groups. The training load was quantified daily in the FT group. Cognitive function, serum levels of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF), and functional fitness were assessed pre- and post-intervention.ResultsFT and AT groups showed improvements in cognitive status (FT: d = 0.99, p ≤ 0.001; AT: d = 0.97, p ≤ 0.001) and semantic memory (FT: d = 0.95, p < 0.001; AT: d = 0.97, p < 0.001); however, only FT led to improvements in executive function (d = 0.63, p = 0.043) and increased serum BDNF levels (d = 0.95, p = 0.011). Regarding functional fitness, both groups showed improvements in gait and stand up ability, as well as cardiorespiratory fitness. However, only FT improved dexterity and upper limb strength. No statistically significant differences were observed between the FT and AT groups in the measured outcomes.ConclusionBoth FT and AT improve cognitive function and functional fitness in older women with mild cognitive impairment. However, in addition to eliciting a greater magnitude of effects on some outcomes, FT was the only intervention to modulate peripheral BDNF concentration.
Dual-task training is as effective as functional training on the functional fitness of older women: a randomized clinical trial José C. Aragão-Santos, David G. Behm, Tatiana R. de Moura, Marzo Edir Da Silva-Grigoletto BMC Geriatrics, 2024 BackgroundThe interest in approaches that improve older individuals’ functional fitness and autonomy is increasing. However, the effects of dual-task training on older women’s functional fitness and the comparison with the functional training approach are unclear. Therefore, we compared dual-task and functional training on the functional fitness of older women and the effects of three months of detraining.MethodsSixty-one women performed 16 weeks of dual-task training or functional training. The functional fitness was measured pre-, post-training, and post-detraining, based on the ability to put on and take off a t-shirt, evaluating the mobility of the upper limb, standing-up from the prone position measuring the global functionality, five times sit-to-stand test to assess the lower limbs muscle power, timed up and go to measure the dynamic balance and agility, gallon-jug shelf-transfer to evaluate the global functionality emphasizing the upper limbs and 10 m walk test to analyze the gait ability.ResultsDual-task training and functional training generally provided significant small to moderate magnitude performance increases in the put on and take off a t-shirt (dual-task training: d = 0.35 / functional training: d = 0.49), five times sit-to-stand test (dual-task training: d = 0.41 / functional training: d = 0.77), timed up and go (dual-task training: d = 0.34 / functional training: d = 0.78), and gallon-jug shelf-transfer (dual-task training: d = 0.76 / functional training: d = 0.82). Only the functional training improved the 10 m walk test (d = 0.32;p = 0.013), and both groups did not change the standing-up from the prone position performance. After the detraining period, both groups kept the adaptations for the gallon-jug shelf-transfer and five times sit-to-stand test. At the same time, only the dual-task training maintained the adaptations for the put on and take off a t-shirt and the functional training for the timed up and go.ConclusionSixteen weeks of dual-task and functional training are similarly effective in improving older women’s functional fitness, maintaining their benefits even after three months of detraining.Trial registrationRBR-10ny848z (https://ensaiosclinicos.gov.br/rg/RBR-10ny848z).
Brain functional training: a perspective article Marzo Edir Da Silva-Grigoletto, Marcos Raphael Pereira-Monteiro, José Carlos Aragão-Santos, Alan Bruno Silva Vasconcelos, Pablo Jorge Marcos-Pardo, Leonardo de Sousa Fortes Frontiers in Aging, 2024
Functional Training and Dual-Task Training Improve the Executive Function of Older Women Alan Pantoja-Cardoso, Jose Carlos Aragão-Santos, Poliana de Jesus Santos, Ana Carolina Dos-Santos, Salviano Resende Silva, Newton Benites Carvalho Lima, Alan Bruno Silva Vasconcelos, Leonardo de Sousa Fortes, Marzo Edir Da Silva-Grigoletto Geriatrics Switzerland, 2023
Active Vegetarians Show Better Lower Limb Strength and Power than Active Omnivores Alice Conrado de Souza, Marcos da Silva Brandão, David Lima Oliveira, Felipe Garcez de Carvalho, Marcela Larissa Costa, José Carlos Aragão-Santos, Marcus Vinícius Santos do Nascimento, Marzo Edir Da Silva-Grigoletto, Raquel Simões Mendes-Netto International Journal of Sports Medicine, 2022
Revista Andaluza de Medicina del Deporte: Review 2019 Juan de Dios Beas Jiménez, Covadonga López López, Clemente Rodríguez Sorroche, Leocricia Jiménez López, Marzo Edir Da Silva Grigoletto Revista Andaluza De Medicina Del Deporte, 2020
Functional training: A conceptual update Marzo Edir Da Silva-Grigoletto, Antônio Gomes de Resende-Neto, Cauê Vazquez La Scala Teixeira Revista Brasileira De Cineantropometria E Desempenho Humano, 2020
Functional training induces greater variety and magnitude of training improvements than traditional resistance training in elderly women Journal of Sports Science and Medicine, 2019
Andalusian Journal of Sports Medicine. Stocktaking 2018 Juan de Dios Beas Jiménez, Covadonga López-López, Clemente Rodríguez Sorroche, Leocricia Jiménez López, Marzo Edir Da Silva Grigoletto Revista Andaluza De Medicina Del Deporte, 2019
Functional training versus traditional strength training: Effects on muscle late pain and functional fitness in elderly Revista Andaluza De Medicina Del Deporte, 2019
Weight loss with or without carbohydrate restriction, and continuous or intermittent exercise: Protocol for a randomized controlled clinical trial Revista Andaluza De Medicina Del Deporte, 2019
Ten Important Facts about Core Training Cauê V. La Scala Teixeira, Alexandre L. Evangelista, Marta Santos Silva, Danilo Sales Bocalini, Marzo E. Da Silva-Grigoletto, David G. Behm ACSM S Health and Fitness Journal, 2019
Reliability of a Test for Assessment of Isometric Trunk Muscle Strength in Elderly Women Marceli M. A. Mesquita, Marta S. Santos, Alan B. S. Vasconcelos, Clodoaldo A. de Sá, Luana C. D. Pereira, Ínea B. M. da Silva-Santos, Walderi M. da Silva Junior, Dihogo G. de Matos, Alan dos S. Fontes, Paulo M. P. Oliveira, Felipe J. Aidar, Josimari M. DeSantana, Iohanna G. S. Fernandes, Marzo E. Da Silva-Grigoletto Journal of Aging Research, 2019
Are core exercises important to functional training protocols? Marta Silva Santos, Francisco José Vera-Garcia, Leury Max Da Silva Chaves, Leardro Henrique Albuquerque Brandão, Danilo Rodrigues Pereira Da Silva, Marzo Edir Da Silva Grigoletto Revista Andaluza De Medicina Del Deporte, 2018
Effects of functional training on strength, muscle power and quality of life in pre-frail older women Motricidade, 2016
Functional training versus traditional strength training: Effects on physical fitness indicators in pre-frail elderly women Motricidade, 2016
Moderate intensity intermittent or continuous training promotes weight loss and improved physical fitness in overweight in men and women Motricidade, 2016
Association of function, health and disability with functional evaluation in the elderly in two different types of training Motricidade, 2016
Electromyographic activity and 15RM load during resistance exercises on stable and unstable surfaces Journal of Exercise Physiology Online, 2016
The addition of synchronous whole-body vibration to battling rope exercise increases skeletal muscle activity Journal of Musculoskeletal Neuronal Interactions, 2015
The Impact of Physical Exercise on Male Fertility Diana Maria Vaamonde Martin, Marzo Edir Da Silva-Grigoletto, Asghar Abbasi, Juan Manuel García Manso Male Infertility A Complete Guide to Lifestyle and Environmental Factors, 2014
Heart rate variability during high-intensity exercise Samuel Sarmiento, Juan Manuel García-Manso, Juan Manuel Martín-González, Diana Vaamonde, Javier Calderón, Marzo Edir Da Silva-Grigoletto Journal of Systems Science and Complexity, 2013
Challenges for 2013⋯ M.E. Da Silva Grigoletto Revista Andaluza De Medicina Del Deporte, 2013
Exercise-induced oxidative stress Revista Andaluza De Medicina Del Deporte, 2009
Comparison of VO 2máx and time to exhaustion in two exercise modalities in triathletes Revista Andaluza De Medicina Del Deporte, 2009
Effect of whole body vibration (WBV) on PTH in elderly subjects Revista Andaluza De Medicina Del Deporte, 2009
Response of semen parameters to three training modalities Diana Vaamonde, Marzo Edir Da Silva-Grigoletto, Juan Manuel García-Manso, Ricardo Vaamonde-Lemos, Robert James Swanson, Sergio Carlos Oehninger Fertility and Sterility, 2009
Editorial: 2008, completed challenges for 2009 Revista Andaluza De Medicina Del Deporte, 2008
Wavelet transform analysis of heart rate variability for determining ventilatory thresholds in cyclists Revista Andaluza De Medicina Del Deporte, 2008
Thrombosis of the central retinal vein in an athlete: A case report Revista Andaluza De Medicina Del Deporte, 2008
Effect of a maximal strength mesocycle on muscle strength, muscle power and jump ability in a super-league volleyball team Revista Andaluza De Medicina Del Deporte, 2008
Analysis of jump in platform dynamometer in male and female handball players Archivos De Medicina Del Deporte, 2008
Behavior of different endurance features in a professional volleyball team during an entire season Revista Andaluza De Medicina Del Deporte, 2008
Muscular injuries prevention in HTHE professional soccer by oral supplementation of carbon hydrate and creatine monohydrate Revista Andaluza De Medicina Del Deporte, 2008
