Sun-related behaviors, attitudes and knowledge among paralympic sailors

BACKGROUND

Overexposure to sunlight is the main cause of skin cancer. Outdoor sports increased sun exposure times. Sun protection behaviors and attitudes are utmost importance to reduce sun exposure.

AIMS

To evaluate sun exposure habits, sun protection practices, and sun-related attitudes and knowledge among paralympic sailors.

METHODS

This descriptive observational study analysed the answers of a validated self-reported questionnaire of habits, attitudes and knowledge related to sun exposure and skin cancer completed by 56 elite sailors with disabilities from 19 countries which taking part in 2019 Para World Sailing Championships.

RESULTS

Three in four (76.8%) participants reported a history of sunburn in the previous season. Overall, participants showed an average for sport practice per week of 8.0 h (SD: 4.9). Participants reported a low adherence to sun protection practice, with the exception of using sunglasses (85.7%), sunscreen (83.9%) and hat (75%), having a very low rate (28.6%) of avoidance of midday sun and an inadequate sunscreen reapplication (33.9% reported "do not reapply" and 16.1% "reapply every one or 2 h"). Although 82.1% of participants reported to be worried about can get skin cancer out of the sun, they also presented excessive sun tanning attitudes (42.9% likes sunbathing and 57.1% sunbathing makes them feel well). The average score for sun-related knowledge was low (62.1 out 100 points; SD: 13.6).

CONCLUSIONS

Awareness campaigns on sun risk are needed specifically directed at this target group, in order to improve their sun protection habits and reduce the rates of sunburn associated with sports practice.

Impact of a physical activity program on cerebral vasoreactivity in sedentary elderly people

AIM

The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of a physical activity program on the hemodynamic response of the brain (vasoreactivity) in elderly people.

METHODS

Eighteen men and 25 women (aged 62-67 years) were randomly assigned to an experimental (EXP, N.=22, 12 women) and a control (CON, N.=21, 13 women) group. Subjects in EXP group were required to complete a 7-month program based on aerobic training (3-4 sessions/weekd, 50 min/session, 3-4 sessions/week, at 70% maximum heart rate). Transcranial Doppler ultrasound was used to examine the cerebral blood flow response to hypercapnic and hypocapnic stimuli. We also determined blood pressure, total serum cholesterol, HDL and LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides, and conducted an aerobic capacity test (the 2.4-Km walking test). RESULTS.Brain vasomotor reactivity improved in the EXP group, reflected by a higher blood flow velocity in the middle cerebral artery (MCA) in both cerebral hemispheres in response to hypercapnia (induced by breath holding) (P<0.05). Subjects in EXP group also improved the cardiovascular profile aerobic physical condition (P<0.001) in terms of reduced arterial pressure, total cholesterol and triglyceride levels.

CONCLUSION

Our findings indicate that cerebral vasoreactivity in elderly may be improved by undertaking an aerobic exercise program.

Percentile values for aerobic performance running/walking field tests in children aged 6 to 17 years: influence of weight status

The aim of this study was to provide percentiles values for four different aerobic performance tests in 2752 (1,261 girls) Spanish children aged 6 to 17.9 years. Aerobic performance was assessed by the shuttle run test (20 mSRT), 1-mile, 1/2-mile and 1/4-mile run/walk tests. Height and weight were measured, and body mass index was calculated. Boys had significantly better score than girls in the studied tests in all age groups, except in 1/4-mile test in 6-7 year old children. Underweight children had similar performance than their normalweight counterparts, and underweight boys had better performance than their obese counterparts. Overweight and obese children had lower performance than their normalweight counterparts. Having percentile values of the most used field tests to measure aerobic performance in youth may help to identify children and adolescents at risk for the major chronic diseases, as well as to evaluate the effects of alternative interventions.