Association of the Practice of Physical Activity and Dietary Pattern with Psychological Distress before and during COVID-19 in Brazilian Adults

To verify the association between the practice of physical activity and dietary patterns and psychological distress before and during the lockdown due to COVID-19, a cross-sectional study was performed with 2000 Brazilians (mean [M] = 35.78 years; standard deviation [SD] = 11.20; 59.6% women) recruited through convenience sampling via digital media. Participants completed an electronic questionnaire containing sociodemographic and clinical information, nutritional patterns, physical activity, and psychological distress. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multinomial regression. Before the COVID-19 lockdown, the chance of women presenting very high stress, in relation to men, was six times higher (OR = 6.32; 95% CI 4.20-9.51), a behavior that remained similar during the lockdown (OR = 6.63; 95% CI 4.40-10.00). Before the lockdown, insufficient physical activity doubled the chance of having very high stress in relation to those who engaged in physical activities six to seven times a week (OR = 2.11; 95% CI 1.10-4.02). However, during the lockdown, this probability was higher, from twice to 10 times the chance (OR = 10.19; 95% CI 4.85-21.41). Not exercising alone (OR = 2.18; 95% CI 1.52-3.11) and a decreasing physical activity frequency (OR = 2.28; 95% CI 1.40-3.71) were also associated with very high stress during the lockdown. Additionally, the consumption of smaller amounts of food showed an inverse association with very high stress (OR = 0.28; 95% CI 0.18-0.43). The maintenance of physical activity and an adequate eating frequency are measures that should be considered to cope with higher levels of anxiety and depression.

Relationship of critical speed derived from a 10-minute submaximal treadmill test to 5-km and 10-km running performances

It has been shown that the critical speed (CS) predicted from a perceptually self-regulated 10-min submaximal treadmill test (T10) is reliable and closely matches the CS estimated from conventional methods. To assess the relationship between the T10 and 5-km and 10-km running performances, 36 recreational runners (mean SD: age: 32.2 ± 6.2 years, height: 173.2 ± 7.3 cm, weight: 70.9 ± 8.8 kg, V̇O2max: 53.3 ± 6.1 mL.kg-1.min-1) performed a ramp incremental test and two T10 tests (the first as a familiarization trial). Results showed that the T10 CS (3.9 ± 0.44 m.s-1) was significantly correlated with runners' last 6 months best performances in 5-km (20.3 ± 2.7 min; r = -0.90) and 10-km (42.7 ± 5.7 min; r = -0.91), the V̇O2max (r = 0.75), the speed associated with the gas exchange threshold (vGET: 3.38 ± 0.36 m.s-1; r = 0.76), the speed associated with the second ventilatory threshold (vVT2: 4.15 ± 0.49 m.s-1; r = 0.84), and the speed associated with the V̇O2max (vV̇O2max: 4.78 ± 0.54 m.s-1; r = 0.87). Moreover, 79% and 83% of the variance in 5-km and 10-km performances could be explained solely by the CS predicted from the T10. Results evidenced the strong relationship and practical performance relevance of the T10 CS test. Novelty: • Critical speed derived from a 10-min submaximal treadmill test (T10) is significantly correlated with 5-km and 10-km running performances • The T10 critical speed test may represent a useful tool for assessing running performance capabilities.

Frequency of physical activity and stress levels among Brazilian adults during social distancing due to the coronavirus (COVID-19): cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

The COVID-19 pandemic may be having many psychological impacts on people, at both an individual and a community level.

OBJECTIVE

To ascertain the relationship between the weekly frequency of physical activity and levels of stress among Brazilian adults during social distancing due to the coronavirus (COVID-19), and the interaction of sex in this association.

DESIGN AND SETTING

Cross-sectional study with a descriptive approach conducted at a public university in Curitiba (PR), Brazil.

METHODS

2,000 Brazilian adults (average age 36.4 years; 59.6% women) were recruited according to convenience through digital media. They filled out a questionnaire in electronic format that asked for sociodemographic information, health data, food consumption data, weekly frequency of physical activity and stress levels on the 10-item Kessler psychological distress scale. Descriptive statistics and regression analyses were used to evaluate the data.

RESULTS

Associations were observed for the following correlations: male sex * no physical activity (odds ratio (OR): 4.35; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.14-16.67); female sex * physical activity 4 or 5 times a week (OR: 7.86; 95% CI: 2.28-27.05); female sex * physical activity 3 times a week (OR: 7.32; 95% CI: 2.09-25.58); female sex * physical activity 1 or 2 times a week (OR: 14.57; 95% CI: 4.28-49.57); and female sex * no physical activity (OR: 24.17; 95% CI: 7.21-80.97).

CONCLUSION

The lower the weekly frequency of physical activity during the period of social distancing was, the greater the chances of having stress levels were, especially for women.

Effect of mat vs. apparatus pilates training on the functional capacity of elderly women

INTRODUCTION

It is well known that physical exercise improves functional capacity (FC), promoting healthy aging. The Pilates method (PM) is an example of well-accepted physical exercise by the elderly and has been reported in studies to be beneficial for this population. However, it is not yet known whether there is a difference between the practice of mat and apparatus PM. The goal of this study was to compare the effect of mat versus apparatus Pilates training on functional capacity in elderly women.

METHOD

48 active elderly women (65.15 ± 3.0 years old), independent or partially independent in Activities of Daily Living (ADL) and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL), who had never practiced Pilates, were separated into three groups in a random order through a draw: Mat Group (MG = 15), Apparatus Group (AG = 16) and Control Group (CG = 17). Pilates training sessions were applied to MG and AG for 8 weeks, with two weekly sessions of 50 min. The FC of the three groups was evaluated by the Senior Fitness Test (SFT) battery, pre and post intervention.

RESULTS

There were improvements in lower and upper limb strength, aerobic endurance, lower and upper limb flexibility, and agility after the intervention in both groups, showing no significant differences when compared to mat and apparatus Pilates training (<0,05).

CONCLUSION

The mat and apparatus Pilates training provide significant and similar improvements in the functional capacity of elderly women.

A submaximal treadmill test to predict critical speed

We assessed the reliability and validity of a 10-min submaximal treadmill test (T10) to predict critical speed (CS). Forty-two runners completed a familiarization trial plus two experimental trials (T10 test and T10 retest). Reliability between the T10 test and T10 retest was assessed using coefficient of variation (CoV), limits of agreement (LoA) and intraclass correlation (ICC). For validity, the speed from the T10 retest was compared with the CS determined from 3 runs on separate days on a running track over 1200, 2400, and 3600 m (field test). Reliability between the T10 test and T10 retest showed a CoV of 3.4%, LoA of 0.05 ± 0.39 m.s^-1, and an ICC of 0.93. Validity showed that speed (m.s^-1) (T10 retest: 3.86 ± 0.51; field test: 3.88 ± 0.55) did not differ between trials. The T10 retest was highly correlated with the field test, r = 0.93, and the standard error for the estimate of CS using the T10 retest was 0.06 m.s^-1, and the LoA was 0.02 ± 0.40 m.s^-1. A submaximal 10-min treadmill test (T10) provides a practical and accessible method to estimate CS.

CHARACTERISTICS OF TRAINING AND ASSOCIATION WITH INJURIES IN RECREATIONAL ROAD RUNNERS

ABSTRACT Introduction: Road running has been increasing dramatically in Brazil and worldwide for years. However, research into this practice has privileged high performance athletes while neglecting recreational runners, even though they constitute a significant majority of participants. Objectives: This study analyzed the associations between demographic and training characteristics of recreational runners in 5 km, 10 km and half marathon events, and the occurrence of musculoskeletal injuries. Methods: The study used data from 395 adult runners (229 men and 166 women, respectively aged 37.9 ± 9.5 and 37.1 ± 8.7 years, body weight 77 ± 10.5 and 61 ± 9 kg, and height 1.75 ± 0.07 m and 1.62 ± 0.07 m), who voluntarily and anonymously answered a questionnaire available on the Internet. Results: Plantar fasciitis, chondromalacia patellae (runner's knee) and tibial periostitis were the most frequently mentioned injuries in both sexes. Predisposing factors for injury (longer running time, average weekly mileage, maximum mileage and average speed in a workout) predominated in the male group, which had more types of injury and longer layoffs for this reason. Most respondents (63.3% men and 60.2% women) did not perform isolated stretching exercises; in those who did perform these exercises, and in those who stretched before and/or after training for races or competitions, there was no reduction in the incidence of injuries. Conclusion: Men showed a tendency towards greater intensity and volume of race training, in addition to longer running time, which are predisposing factors for injury. This may explain the greater number of different injuries reported in the male group, as well as the longer layoff periods. Level of evidence II; Prognostic studies - Investigating the effect of patient characteristics on disease outcome.

O efeito do treinamento combinado sobre a percepção subjetiva do esforço e sensação de prazer/desprazer em mulheres obesas

Self-selected intensities during walking and resistances training by obese subjects are below recommended guidelines to improve health-related outcomes. From this perspective, there is the possibility of combining both aerobic and resistance training in a single exercise session with the purpose of increasing training volume and optimizing physiological adaptations, while preserving positive affective responses. Until now, no study has assessed ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) and sensations of pleasure/displeasure (SPD) during a combined training session in obese women. The present study aimed to: (1) assess RPE and SPD during a combined training session in obese women; and (2) compare RPE and SPD responses during different resistance training exercises. Twelve sedentary obese women (age: 39.2 ±11.1 years; height: 160.4 ± 5.9 cm; body mass: 87.4 ± 5.8 kg; BMI: 33.6 ±1.2 kg.m-2) performed a combined aerobic and resistance training session. RPE and SPD were recorded during the session. Data were analyzed with One-way repeated measures ANOVA and Bonferroni’s post hoc tests. The results revealed that, despite the increase in exercise volume, RPE responses were low and affective responses were positive. There were no significant differences in RPE and SPD values among resistance exercises. Combined aerobic and resistance training can be prescribed during the initial phase of a training program because it produces low perceived exertion and positive affective responses.

The Relationship Between Coach and Player Training Load Perceptions in Professional Soccer

The training load imposed and perceived by coaches and soccer players, respectively, was compared for three weeks of the basic preparatory period of a professional soccer team through session ratings of perceived exertion (S-RPE). Participants were 24 professional Brazilian soccer players (all males, age: 24.1 ± 3.4 years) and their coaches. Athletes responded to the scale of perceived exertion (scores from 0 to10) after the training, while the coaches completed the scale prior to the training session, based on prior planning. The t-test for independent samples was used to compare S-RPE responses, and the Pearson correlation test was used to examine possible correlations between the parameters analyzed. There were no statistical differences between perceptions of prescribed (coaches) and experienced (players) S-RPE, and moderate correlations were found between these parameters ( r = .60; p = .003). No statistically significant group differences were found in the perceived exertion during any of three types of training: physical, technical, or tactical. The results suggest that the S-RPE prescribed during the preseason period (by coaches) was not different from that perceived by professional soccer players.

Effect of a 12-week aerobic training program on perceptual and affective responses in obese women

[Purpose] The aim of this study was to observe the effect of self-selected intensity or imposed intensity during aerobic training on perceptual and affective responses in obese women. [Subjects] The study included 26 obese women aged 30–60 years. [Methods] The subjects were randomly divided into two groups, with 13 subjects in each group: self-selected intensity and imposed intensity (10% above ventilatory threshold) groups. All subjects completed an intervention program that lasted 12 weeks, with three exercise sessions a week. The rating of perceived exertion and affective responses (Feeling Scale and Felt Arousal Scale) were monitored in the first, sixth, and twelfth weeks. [Results] Significant differences were observed between groups in heart rate and rating of perceived exertion. The affective responses during exercise were more negative in the imposed intensity group. [Conclusion] Use of a self-selected exercise intensity can promote smaller negative affective responses during exercise and provide a sufficient stimulus for improvement in cardiorespiratory fitness.

Effects of musical tempo on physiological, affective, and perceptual variables and performance of self-selected walking pace

[Purpose] This study investigated the effects of musical tempo on physiological, affective, and perceptual responses as well as the performance of self-selected walking pace. [Subjects] The study included 28 adult women between 29 and 51 years old. [Methods] The subjects were divided into three groups: no musical stimulation group (control), and 90 and 140 beats per minute musical tempo groups. Each subject underwent three experimental sessions: involved familiarization with the equipment, an incremental test to exhaustion, and a 30-min walk on a treadmill at a self-selected pace, respectively. During the self-selected walking session, physiological, perceptual, and affective variables were evaluated, and walking performance was evaluated at the end. [Results] There were no significant differences in physiological variables or affective response among groups. However, there were significant differences in perceptual response and walking performance among groups. [Conclusion] Fast music (140 beats per minute) promotes a higher rating of perceived exertion and greater performance in self-selected walking pace without significantly altering physiological variables or affective response.

Exercícios com pesos sobre as respostas afetivas e perceptuais

INTRODUÇÃO: Sensações de prazer/desprazer são moduladas de acordo com as intensidades prescritas para o exercício, demonstrando uma relação simples, onde quanto mais intenso o estímulo, maior o esforço percebido. OBJETIVO: Verificar as diferenças entre as respostas perceptuais e afetivas agudas em diferentes intensidades de exercícios com pesos em mulheres idosas. MÉTODOS: Quatorze mulheres com idade entre 65 e 75 anos, previamente sedentárias, com sobrepeso, foram submetidas a três diferentes intensidades de treinamento com pesos: 35% e 70% de 1RM, e autosselecionada. Foram avaliados o afeto e a percepção subjetiva do esforço (PSE). Após 30 minutos do término da sessão, foi avaliada a percepção subjetiva do esforço da sessão (PSE-S). Foi utilizado o teste de variância One-way ANOVA de um fator de medidas repetidas para as variáveis dependentes PSE-S, PSE e afeto, seguido de post hock de Tukey. RESULTADOS: A PSE-S demonstrou diferença significativa da testagem (F (7,99) =15,358; p=0,001) entre as intensidades, assim como para PSE entre cada exercício. A PSE-S, para 35% de 1RM, foi menor, quando comparada à PSE-S para 70% de 1RM, e à intensidade autosselecionada. A intensidade de 70% de 1RM, quando comparada com a intensidade autosselecionada, não apresentou diferença significativa. Em relação a PSE nos exercícios, foi observado um esforço significativamente maior (p < 0,001) para 70% de 1RM, quando comparados com a autosseleção da carga. O afeto revelou diferença significativa na intensidade de 35% de 1RM, mostrando uma resposta mais prazerosa, quando comparado à carga de 70% de 1RM, e à autosseleção da carga. CONCLUSÃO: Os resultados demonstraram que baixas intensidades são percebidas como menor esforço e este fato contribuiu para a produção de respostas afetivas mais prazerosas. Além disso, fatores interindividuais são capazes de modular estas respostas, possibilitando a diminuição da percepção do esforço em intensidades mais vigorosas.

Comparação das respostas fisiológicas, perceptuais e afetivas durante caminhada em ritmo autosselecionado por mulheres adultas de três diferentes faixas etárias

Comparar as respostas fisiológicas, perceptuais e afetivas durante caminhada em ritmo autosselecionado por mulheres adultas de três diferentes faixas etárias. Métodos: Foram investigados 66 sujeitos do sexo feminino, previamente sedentários, distribuídos de acordo com a sua idade cronológica nos seguintes grupos: GI (20,0-25,0 anos, n = 22), GII (30,0-35,0 anos, n = 22) e GIII (40,0-45,0 anos, n = 22). Todos os participantes foram submetidos a (i) pré-avaliação médica, avaliação antropométrica e processo de familiarização, (ii) teste incremental máximo em esteira, e (iii) um teste de 20-minutos de caminhada em ritmo autosselecionado em esteira. As respostas fisiológicas (consumo de oxigênio, O2, e frequência cardíaca, FC) foram mensuradas continuamente durante a realização do teste de 20-minutos de caminhada em ritmo autosselecionado. Por sua vez, as respostas perceptuais (percepção subjetiva de esforço, PSE) e afetivas foram determinadas a cada intervalo de cinco minutos do teste. Para a análise estatística, empregou-se uma ANOVA de um fator (faixa etária), adotando-se um valor de p < 0,05. Resultados: Nenhuma diferença significativa foi verificada entre os grupos etários no O2 e na FC durante teste de 20-minutos de caminhada em ritmo autosselecionado. A velocidade de caminhada também foi similar entre os grupos etários. Contudo, as respostas fisiológicas relativas aos valores máximos (%O2Máx e %FC Máx) e aos valores no limiar ventilatório (LV, %O2LV e %FCLV) foram mais elevadas em GIII comparativamente à GI e GII (p < 0,05). Nenhuma diferença foi verificada tanto na PSE como no afeto entre os grupos etários. CONCLUSÃO: As respostas fisiológicas, porém não as respostas perceptuais e afetivas, diferem de acordo com a faixa etária investigada durante realização de caminhada em ritmo autosselecionado por mulheres adultas, previamente sedentárias.

Association between lipid profile and adiposity in women over age 60

OBJECTIVE

To verify the association between lipid profiles and overall or central obesity in women over the age of 60.

METHODS

The sample was comprised of 388 women over the age of 60 (mean 69; standard deviation 5.9 years). The lipid profile was determined using total cholesterol (TC), HDL cholesterol (HDL-C), LDL cholesterol (LDL-C) and triglyceride (TG) levels. Overall obesity was determined using the body mass index (BMI) and skin fold (SF) measurements. Central obesity was determined using the waist circumference (WC) and waist--hip ratio (WHR). Statistical analysis was conducted using age adjusted partial correlation and one way ANOVA (p<0.05).

RESULTS

The mean values found for the adiposity variables and lipid profile components indicate an elevated atherogenic risk. In addition, the indicators for overall and central obesity were directly related to TG levels and inversely related to HDL-C levels.

CONCLUSION

The partial correlation analysis and the largest variance found for WC and WHR in comparison to the lipidogram components indicate that both methods could be useful in the early diagnosis of atherosclerosis.

Influência do nível de atividade física sobre a aptidão cardiorrespiratória em mulheres idosas

Com o avanço da idade ocorre diminuição das atividades cotidianas e redução da funcionalidade, em que a aptidão cardiorrespiratória pode ser considerada um dos componentes mais afetados. O objetivo deste estudo foi examinar a associação entre o nível de atividade física e a aptidão cardiorrespiratória em mulheres idosas. Foram avaliadas 960 mulheres com idade superior a 60 anos, não institucionalizadas, divididas em cinco faixas etárias: F1 (60-64 anos; n = 286), F2 (65-69 anos; n = 295), F3 (70-74 anos; n = 207), F4 (75-79 anos; n = 120) e F5 (> 80 anos; n = 52). O nível de atividade física foi determinado a partir do questionário Modified Baecke Questionnaire for Older Adults, constituído pelas atividades domésticas, esportivas e recreativas, em que o nível de atividade física total foi classificado pela soma desses três componentes. A aptidão cardiorrespiratória foi mensurada com o teste de caminhada de seis minutos. A aptidão cardiorrespiratória declinou em média 24,5% e o nível de atividade física, 18,0%, neste estudo. Ao examinar as influências dos tercis do nível de atividade física em relação à aptidão cardiorrespiratória, a análise de variância demonstrou que o tercil superior do nível de atividade física total foi o que apresentou menor declínio na aptidão cardiorrespiratória, de 16,7%. Entretanto, a categoria esportiva do nível de atividade física demonstrou valores diferenciados na redução da aptidão cardiorrespiratória, em que o subgrupo não-praticante de exercícios físicos apresentou o maior declínio, de 18,6%, enquanto que o subgrupo praticante moderado declinou 16,3%, revelando a influência positiva da prática de exercícios físicos moderados sobre a aptidão cardiorrespiratória (p < 0,05). Maior atividade física e, principalmente, a maior atividade física esportiva podem atenuar o declínio da aptidão cardiorrespiratória em idosas, pois as mulheres praticantes de exercícios físicos moderados apresentaram menor redução dessa aptidão. Aconselham-se iniciativas para o aumento das atividades físicas, especialmente de exercícios físicos regulares, para a atenuação do declínio da aptidão cardiorrespiratória, conseqüentemente auxiliando a manutenção da vida independente.

Alterações em variáveis motoras e metabólicas induzidas pelo treinamento durante um macrociclo em jogadores de handebol

A monitoração do treinamento é uma prática comum no desporto. Essa monitoração deve ser baseada em testes específicos e que reflitam as adaptações às diversas etapas de treinamento, permitindo, assim, ajustes no programa deste. Assim, este estudo teve como objetivo analisar as alterações em variáveis motoras e metabólicas induzidas pelo treinamento durante um macrociclo em jogadores de handebol. Os atletas foram submetidos a um programa de preparação fundamentado no modelo de periodização proposto por Verkhoshanski(7) e adaptado por Oliveira(8). Foram estudados 11 jogadores de handebol, que realizaram treinamentos diários, na faixa etária de 20 a 32 anos, massa corporal média de 89,5 ± 10,4kg (70,2 a 105,1kg), e estatura média de 184,4 ± 6,7cm (171,8 a 198cm), filiados à equipe "UniFil/Londrina" do município de Londrina - PR. Os handebolistas foram submetidos a duas baterias de testes: a primeira no início do segundo macrociclo de treinamento e a segunda após 16 semanas, antecedendo o início da liga nacional. Para análise dos dados foi utilizado teste t para medidas repetidas com p < 0,05. Os resultados demonstram que ocorreram importantes adaptações, por meio de aumentos da força rápida de 7,8%, da força explosiva de 8,1% e da agilidade de 6,4% (p < 0,05). Além disso, a estrutura do programa de preparação proposta também permitiu que ocorressem adaptações metabólicas, inferidas pelos aumentos da potência anaeróbia de 30,5 e 37,5% (p < 0,05) para a distância percorrida e para o tempo de permanência no teste de Yo-yo, respectivamente. Também houve aumento na potência aeróbia inferida pelo VO2máx de 8,1% (p < 0,05). Sugere-se, portanto, que o programa de treinamento utilizado, fundamentado no modelo de cargas concentradas, possibilitou evolução positiva das capacidades motoras, as quais foram observadas pela manifestação do efeito posterior duradouro do treinamento (EPDT).