Browsing by Issue Date, starting with "2025"
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- Development and validation of a physical exercise training program for women diagnosed with Fibromyalgia “Pessoas com Fibra” (People with Fiber). A pilot studyPublication . Sousa, Mónica; MOUTÃO, JOÃO; Oliveira, Rafael; Alves, SusanaFibromyalgia is a chronic disease that affects patients’ quality of life, leading to reduced physical activity levels. This problem can therefore be attenuated by promoting physical exercise training programs (PETP). The aim of this pilot study was to develop and validate a PETP, “Pessoas com Fibra”, designed to increase physical activity and improve the quality of life of women diagnosed with Fibromyalgia, aged between 30 and 60. The PETP was designed and validated by physical fitness specialists in accordance with Revised Guidelines for Reporting Criteria on the Development and Evaluation of Complex Health Interventions and the Consensus Guidelines on Physical Exercise Programme Reporting Model. It went through three phases: development, piloting and evaluation. This study presents an intervention proposal based on improving the participants' Fibromyalgia symptoms. “Pessoas com Fibra” program proposal presents suggestions for adaptation to the target population and exercises that can be replicated by professionals in the field of physical exercise and health.
- Physical match performance of elite soccer players from the English Championship League and the English Premier League:The effects of opponent ranking and positional differencesPublication . Morgans, Ryland; Michele, Rocco Di; Ceylan, Ibrahim H.; Ryan, Ben; Haslam, Chris; King, Matthew; Zmijewski, Piotr; Oliveira, RafaelThis study aimed to examine physical match performance and the effects of opponent ranking and positional differences in both the English Championship League (ECL) and the English Premier League (EPL) over five consecutive seasons. Fifty-four professional outfield soccer players (average age 24.6±5.4 years, weight 76.6±6.9 kg, height 1.79±0.09 m) from an English club were involved. Physical data obtained with the 18 Hz GPS technology tracking system from 213 regular-season matchesspanning the complete 2018/19 to 2022/23 seasons were examined. The results showed that, considering the level of the opponent, total distance (TD), high-intensity distance (HSR), and the number of decelerations (DEC) significantly varied in both EPL and ECL(p < 0.05, p < 0.05, p < 0.05 respectively). Additionally, opponent level influenced sprint distances (Spr) and accelerations (ACC) in the EPL (p < 0.05, p < 0.05) but not in the ECL. The highest running metrics were noted when the team played against a high-ranked opponent. Concerning positional roles, more physical metrics were influenced by opponent level in the ECL (centre-backs (TD, ACC), full-backs (TD, DEC), centre midfielders (TD, HSR, Spr, DEC), attacking midfielders (TD, Spr, DEC), centre forwards (TD)) than in the EPL (centre midfielders (TD, HSR, DEC), attacking midfielders (TD, DEC), centre forwards (TD)). These findings contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of how players from different positions perform in elite soccer match-play against varying opposition rankings. Coaches may then tailor tactical approaches, positional, and individualized training regimens to address the specific physical demands associated with matches against different-ranked opponents.
- The positional demands of explosive actions in elite soccer: comparison of English Premier League and French Ligue 1Publication . Morgans, Ryland; Ju, Wonwoo; Radnor, John; Zmijewski, Piotr; Ryan, Ben; Haslam, Chris; King, Matthew; Kavanagh, Ronan; Oliveira, RafaelThe aims of the present study were to: (i) quantify accelerations and decelerations of soccer players during match-play acrosstwo consecutive seasonsfrom the English PremierLeague (EPL) and Ligue 1 (L1); and (ii) compare any positional differences between the two leagues. Fifty-eight male professional soccer players were monitored during all league matches (n = 144) across seasons 2020/21 and 2021/22. The absolute number of accelerations (> +3 m/s−2) and decelerations (< -3 m/s−2) and accelerations and decelerations per minute were examined. The relative number of accelerations and decelerations across all positions was higher with moderate effect sizes in the EPL when compared to L1 (p < 0.001, for both). Significant differences were observed in accelerations and decelerations across all playing positions (p < 0.001 and p = 0.001 respectively, with moderate to very large effect sizes), except for centre forwards (CF) (accelerations p = 0.40; ES = 0.16; decelerations p = 0.97; ES = 0.01). This study provides valuable insights into the positional acceleration and deceleration differences in the EPL and L1, which should be considered in match running performance evaluations. While confirming higher accelerations and decelerations in the EPL, the unique case of CF challenges current evidence, emphasising the need for a more granular understanding of the positional demands of explosive actions incorporating accelerations and decelerations in elite soccer.
- Positional training demands in the English Premier League and EnglishChampionship. A longitudinal study across consecutive seasonsPublication . Morgans, Ryland; Ceylan, Ibrahim H.; Radnor, John; Ryan, Ben; King, Matthew; Zmijewski, Piotr; Oliveira, RafaelThe aims of this study were to: compare training loads between the English Premier League (EPL) and English Championship League (ECL) and examine differences between playing positions. Forty-six 1st team players from the same club participated in the study. GPS metrics were obtained during all EPL and ECL training sessions across four consecutive seasons, 2019–20 to 2022–23. The study team was promoted from the ECL at the end of season 2020–21. There was a significant interaction effect between position and league for all GPS metrics (p < 0.001; η2 = 0.001–0.003), except for relative high-speed running (HSR) distance, sprint distance, and sprint efforts (p > 0.05). A significant main effect for league for all GPS metrics (p < 0.001; η2 = 0.001–0.009) was found, with EPL training sessions resulting in greater total distance per minute, HSR distance per minute, high metabolic load distance (HMLD) per minute, number of HML efforts, accelerations, and decelerations per minute compared to training in the ECL (p < 0.001; d = 0.061–0.224). For position, a significant main effect for all GPS metrics (p < 0.001; η2 = 0.001–0.005) was observed. Centre midfielders covered more distance per minute than all other positions (p < 0.001, d = 0.040–0.167). In conclusion, higher training values in the EPL were evident, except for centre forwards, providing some guidance on the differing positional physical demands that may support coaches and practitioners to design position-specific drills incorporating physical and technical/tactical strategies
- Can different scores in first and second halves influence running and explosive-based measures?Publication . Morgans, Ryland; Radnor, John; Oliver, Jon; Scholten, Jule; Zmijewski, Piotr; Kavanagh, Ronan; Ryan, Ben; Haslam, Chris; King, Matthew; Oliveira, RafaelThis study aimed to examine the influence of different scores in the first and second half on running and explosive-based performance of elite male soccer players. Thirty-three professional players from one English Premier League team participated in the study across two consecutive seasons, 2021/22 and 2022/23. Matches were divided into half (first versus second) and nine phases; WIN-WIN; WIN-DRAW; WIN-LOSS; DRAW-WIN; DRAW-DRAW; DRAW-LOSS; LOSS-WIN; LOSS-DRAW; and LOSS-LOSS. Match physical data were monitored using an 18 Hz Global Positioning System. There was a main effect for half for all variables (p < 0.001–0.008; η2 = 0.004–0.028), with distances covered per minute and number of explosive actions per minute greater in the first-half than second-half (d = 0.144–0.374). There was an interaction effect between half and phase for m/min, high-speed running per min, high metabolic load distance (HMLD) per min, HML efforts/min, and accelerations/min (p < 0.001–0.012; η2 = 0.010–0.015). There was a reduction between first-half and second-half performance during WIN-WIN, WIN-DRAW, DRAW-WIN, DRAW-DRAW, LOSE-WIN, and LOSE-LOSE for m/min (p < 0.001; d = 0.435–0.714), HMLD/min (p < 0.001–0.004; d = 0.334–0.605), and HML efforts/min (p < 0.001; d = 0.408–0.611). In conclusion, our findings emphasise the importance of considering both match half and phase when analysing players’ physical performance to support the prescription of tailored training programs and tactical strategies to optimise performance across different match situations.
- The relationship between the 1200 m shuttle test and 40 m sprint test performance and distances covered in English Premier League matches: A retrospective two season studyPublication . Kavanagh, Ronan; Matteotti, Matteo; Oliveira, Rafael; McDaid, Kevin; Alexander, Jill; Harper, Damian; Zmijewski, Piotr; Rhodes, David; Morgans, RylandTo identify a relationship between the 1200 m shuttle test and 40 m sprint test performance with distances covered at varying intensities in English Premier League (EPL) matches. A squad (n = 21) of full-time professional 1st team male football players (age 29.8±3.4 years; height 183.7±5.2 cm; weight 83.7±6.9 kg) participated in this study. League match data from the 2019–20 and 2020–21 seasons were recorded and analysed via an Optical Tracking System (OTS) (Second Spectrum®, Los Angeles, USA) to report physical match performance data. Average velocity during the 1200 m shuttle test (V1.2ST) was calculated, while Peak sprinting speed (PSS) was estimated using a 40 m maximal sprint. ASR1.2ST was established by subtracting V1.2ST from PSS. The relationship between V1.2ST, 30%ASR1.2ST and distances covered at varying intensities in EPL matches was assessed by a series of independent Linear Mixed Effects (LME) models. Although not statistically significant, for every unit increase in V1.2ST, there was an increase of 1032 m in distance covered, (p = 0.07). A single unit increase in 30%ASR1.2ST is associated with a significant increase of 495 m in high-speed running distance (> 5.5 m·s −1) (p = 0.02). While for each unit increase in 30%ASR1.2ST, sprint distance (> 7 m·s −1) covered significantly increased by 209 m (p = 0.02). In conclusion, high levels of physical fitness such as V1.2ST and 30%ASR1.2ST derived from the 1200 m shuttle and 40 m sprint tests can improve match running performance in elite soccer. Knowledge of this information allows practitioners to tailor training load based on each players individual characteristics, potentially increasing performance.
- Concurrent validity and reliability of global positioning systems for measuring intense running and peak speed performance: a systematic reviewPublication . Hadi Nobari; Alexandre Duarte Martins; João Paulo Brito; Elena Mainer-Pardos; Pablo Valdés-Badilla; Rafael Oliveira; RafaelThe current systematic review aimed to analyse studies on the concurrent validity and reliability of microelectromechanical devices for measuring intense running and peak speed performance. A systematic review was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, using EBSCO, PubMed, Scielo, Scopus, SPORTDiscus and Web of Science. Keywords and synonyms were entered in various combinations in the title, abstract, or keywords: (“Global positioning system” OR “Global Navigation Satellite System” OR “GPS”) AND (Validity OR Accuracy OR Reliability OR Precision OR Repeatability OR Reproducibility OR Consistency) AND (“sprint” OR “peak speed” “top seed” OR “maximal speed”). The risk of bias was assessed using the Appraisal tool for Cross-Sectional Studies. From 839 studies, 20 were systematically analysed. It was found that 16 global positioning system (GPS) models were considered valid and 12 were considered reliable for measuring intense running and/or peak speed performance. Intense running performance in GPS with lower sampling rate (e.g. ≤ 5 Hz) acquisition demonstrated reduced validity and reliability in nonlinear movement patterns as well as movement intensity increases. Some limitations of the evidence, including the conditions associated with exercise testing and the benchmark and device used, varied between studies. In addition, the data of the algorithms used by GPS can affect the interpretation of the results. Thus it would be advisable to use higher sampling rates.
- The Impact of STEM Activities on the Interest and Aspirations in STEM Careers of 12th-grade portuguese students in science and technology curriculumPublication . Ribeirinha, Teresa; Baptista, Mónica; Correia, MarisaSocial cognitive career theory posits that career interests and decisions are influenced by individual, contextual, and behavioural factors. This research aims to assess the impact of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) activities on students’ interest and aspirations in STEM careers. Additionally, the study aims to explore the critical factors that might shape students’ STEM career aspirations. The research used a quantitative approach, with pre- and post-test measures for a cohort of 191 Portuguese secondary school students, using the Career Interest Questionnaire (CIQ). The results showed that STEM activities increased the intentions of non-STEM students to pursue educational opportunities that could potentially lead to a scientific career. Males, in contrast to females, showed a significant increase in their intentions to pursue educational opportunities that could eventually lead to a scientific career. Furthermore, gender along with the personal goals and positive perceptions of STEM careers were identified as significant predictors of the students’ STEM career aspirations. These results highlight the critical role of STEM education in developing and sustaining students’ interest in STEM careers. Integrated STEM activities should be developed in the early stages of education to enhance students’ confidence in STEM and mitigate the gender gap.
- Comparisons of running and accelerometry based measures between playing positions in touch rugby. A case study of an amateur male teamPublication . Oliveira, Rafael; Nalha, MatildeBackground: The main objective of the present study was to quantify the external load of the games that belong to a national tournament by comparing playing positions. A secondary objective consisted in comparing the match-to-match variations. Methods: Fourteen players (four links, four middles and six wings) were included (age: 39.36 ±5.83 years; body mass index: 26.65 ± 4.13). Participants were monitored during a tournament. ThroughGpexepro2, thefollowingmeasureswerecollectedandrelativized per minute: total distance, forward distance, backward distance, zone 1 (0–1.50 m/s), zone 2 (1.50–3.00 m/s), zone 3 (3.00–4.00 m/s), zone 4 (4.00–5.50 m/s), zone 5 (5.50 7.00 m/s)andzone6(>7.00m/s),thenumberofaccelerationsanddecelerations, impacts and jumps. The absolute values of maximal speed, maximal acceleration speed and maximal deceleration speed were also used for analysis. Results: The main findings showed meaningful higher values of zone 4 (16.18 ± 1.89 vs. 5.56 ± 3.53), zone 5 (2.91 ± 0.81 vs. 0.38 ± 0.38), zone 6 (0.35 ± 0.24 vs. 0.00 ± 0.00), deceleration (0.56 ± 0.21 vs. 0.19 ± 0.12), maximal speed (23.56 ± 1.90 vs. 18.84 ± 1.24) and forward distance (102.20 ± 13.45 vs. 67.42 ± 17.40) for middles than wings (p < 0.05), with large to very large effect sizes. In addition, no differences were found when comparing external load data from all matches. Conclusions: The findings of this study showed a clear tendency of higher values for middles than links and wings which provides a deeper understanding of the positional activity profile of an Amateur Portuguese team allowing practitioners to adjust training with the common external load experienced in a tournament. Moreover, the analysis of match-to-match comparison revealed no differences through the competition day, which means a proper fatigue management.
- Recomendações para a Promoção do Bem-Estar Digital nas EscolasPublication . Cosmi, Nada; Simão, Ana Margarida Veiga; Monteiro, Angélica; Lázaro, Cecília; Magalhães, Ceestino; Ponte, Cristina; Patrão, Ivone; Brites, Maria José; Lucas, Margarida; Ferreira, Pedro; Pereira, Sara; Silva, Sofia Marues da; Seixas, Sónia; Seixas, Sónia Raquel; Castro, TeresaEm 2020, a União Europeia (UE) lançou o Plano de Ação para a Educação Digital (2021-2027) – Reconfigurar a educação e a formação para a era digital – numa iniciativa política que pretende apoiar a adaptação dos sistemas de ensino dos Estados-Membros à designada era digital, e no sentido de assegurar uma educação digital de elevada qualidade, inclusiva e acessível na Europa: Em Portugal está em curso um Programa de Digitalização para as Escolas, com vista à integração transversal das tecnologias digitais nas áreas curriculares dos ensinos básico e secundário, que visa contribuir para o desenvolvimento das competências digitais dos alunos. Assim, além do acesso a equipamentos e a conectividade, os alunos dos ensinos básico e secundário, das escolas da rede pública de Portugal Continental, têm a oportunidade de beneficiar da inovação e da integração do digital em contexto educativo, sobretudo do valor acrescentado que aquele pode trazer não só em termos pedagógicos, para a melhoria da qualidade das aprendizagens, mas também como adjuvante à formação de cidadãos aptos a lidarem com os desafios presentes e futuros. Atualmente, é consensual que o uso de diversas ferramentas digitais e o acesso à Internet têm um papel fundamental na vida dos alunos, independentemente da faixa etária, sendo utilizadas como meios de comunicação, socialização, lazer, aprendizagem e de realização de tarefas. No entanto, importa considerar o impacto que a sua utilização pode ter no bem-estar de todos, e ter presente quais são as oportunidades e os riscos associados à utilização dos dispositivos digitais, particularmente pelas crianças e pelos jovens. Este guião pretende apoiar os Agrupamentos de Escolas/Escolas não agrupadas (AE/Ena) na definição de estratégias de implementação de medidas que contribuam para que os dispositivos digitais sejam utilizados de forma equilibrada, permitindo a melhoria do processo de ensino e de aprendizagem e o desenvolvimento das áreas de competências definidas no Perfil dos Alunos à Saída da Escolaridade Obrigatória. Este documento disponibiliza um breve levantamento de oportunidades e de riscos do uso do digital, bem como um conjunto de recomendações para o bem-estar digital nas escolas a serem adotadas e adaptadas de acordo com as especificidades de cada contexto educativo.