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- Active and sham transcranial direct-current stimulation (tDCS) plus core stability on the knee kinematic and performance of the lower limb of the soccer players with dynamic knee valgus; two armed randomized clinical trialPublication . Samakosh, H.M.N; Maktoubian, M.; Doost, S.P.R.; Oliveira, Rafael; Badicu, G.; Al-Mhanna, S.B.; Hassanzadeh, M.; Amadekhiar, P.; Vaskasi, R.R.; Oliveira, RafaelDynamic knee valgus (DKV) is a prevalent risk factor for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries in soccer players, particularly during noncontact mechanisms. Transcranial direct-current stimulation (tDCS) and core stability exercises have shown promise in enhancing motor control and biomechanical alignment, but their combined effects on DKV remain unexplored. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of active versus sham tDCS combined with core stability exercises on knee kinematic alignment and lower limb performance in young male soccer players with DKV. In this double-blind, randomized controlled trial, 42 male soccer players (aged 18–25 years) with DKV were randomly assigned to either an active tDCS group (n = 21) or a sham tDCS group (n = 21). Both groups underwent 8 weeks of core stability exercises (3 sessions/week, 30 minutes/session) preceded by 15 minutes of active (2 mA) or sham tDCS targeting the primary motor cortex (M1). The primary outcome was the frontal plane projection angle (FPPA) during a single-leg landing task, measured using 2D video analysis. Secondary outcomes included vertical jump height and 8-hop test time. Outcomes were assessed at baseline and post-intervention. A 2 × 2 mixed-model ANOVA with Bonferroni-corrected post hoc tests was used for statistical analysis via SPSS27. The active tDCS group showed significantly greater improvements in FPPA (+5.65% vs. +2.26%, p < 0.001, 𝜂p² = 0.82), vertical jump height (+25.30% vs. +10.45%, p < 0.001, 𝜂p² = 0.75), and 8-hop test time (−21.05% vs. −14.27%, p < 0.001, � �p² = 0.68) compared to the sham group. Both groups improved from baseline, but the active tDCS group exhibited larger effect sizes across all outcomes. Active tDCS combined with core stability exercises significantly enhanced knee kinematic alignment and lower limb performance in soccer players with DKV compared to sham tDCS. These findings suggest that neuromodulation, when paired with targeted exercise, is a promising strategy for injury prevention and performance enhancement in athletes. Further research is needed to explore long-term effects and applicability to diverse populations.
- Comparison of external load during differing microcycle structures across two competitive seasons in elite female portuguese soccer playersPublication . Espada, Mário C.; Santos, Fernando J.; Nalha, Matilde; Zmijewski, Piotr; Morgans, Ryland; Oliveira, Rafael; Brito, João Paulo; FERNANDES, RENATOThis study aimed to: (i) compare the accumulated load between three and four training sessions per week plus a match across two consecutive seasons in elite female soccer players, and (ii) compare the training/match ratio (TMr) of external load. Data from 10 players in each season were analysed during the study period. The microcycle structure of the first season included three training sessions (3dW) and a match per week, while the second season included four training sessions (4dW) plus a match per week. The following measures were used for analysis: duration, total distance, high-speed running distance (HSR,>15 km/h), number of accelerations (ACC,>1–2 m.s−2 [ACC1];>2–3 m.s−2 [ACC2];>3 4 m.s−2 [ACC3];>4m.s−2 [ACC4]) and decelerations (DEC,<1–2m.s−2 [DEC1]; <2–3 m.s−2 [DEC2];< 3–4 m.s−2 [DEC3];< 4m.s−2 [DEC4]). The accumulated load was calculated by summing key metrics for all training sessions and matches, while TMr was calculated by dividing the accumulated load by match data. The main results showed that all variables showed meaningful differences (p<0.05) except for ACC4 and DEC4. Specifically, total distance was higher in 3dW than 4dW (p=0.007), while the remaining variables were higher during 4dW. Moreover, all TMr were higher in 4dW than 3dW (p<0.001 for all variables except for ACC4 and DEC4). As expected, this study showed that adding one training session per week increased accumulated load and TMr for several key variables.
- 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.
- Correlating diurnal variations in peak athleticism with buccalgene expression in youth football playersPublication . Thomas, A.; Wheeler, J.; Bishop, R.; Prato, M.F.G.; Karakuş, O.; Cain, E.; Kana-Ah, A.; Nisbet, D.; Morgans, Ryland; Oliveira, RafaelHourly variations in athletic performance are a well-documentedphysiological phenomenon in individual and team sports includingfootball. Measuring the timing of maximal performance couldpotentially improve performance. Evidence suggests that buccalgene expression correlates with athletic performance, yet this hasnot been studied in sport-specific participants. Therefore, the studyaimed to (A) examine the expression of Per2 and Bmal1 genes in 45youth football players and correlate with countermovement jump(CMJ) performance; (B) investigate the fluctuations in Per2 andBmal1 expression levels and CMJ performance at various timepointsduring a regular training day. CMJ metrics (Reactive Strength Index-Modified, Force at Peak Power, Eccentric Duration, and Peak Power)and gene expression levels were measured in 45 youth footballplayers at 08:30 and 17:30. Exercise timing made a significant dif-ference in each measured performance metric at the individual andsquad level. Thirty-four participants displayed increases in RSI-mod(p < 0.001) over the morning measurements. This contributed to an8% increase in overall squad performance (p = 0.0009), which sig-nificantly correlated to buccal gene expression (R2 = 0.94). Profilingplayer buccal gene expression could inform the timing of trainingand rehabilitation protocols to coincide with maximal athletic per-formance in football, other team sports, and individual sports.
- Does running performance relate to the market value of elite male soccer players? A case study from the FIFA world cupPublication . Kılcı, Abdullah; Koç, Muhammed Emin; Binokay, Hülya; Erdoğan, Ali; Kamiş, Okan; Oliveira, RafaelThe study main aim was to investigate: the relationship between running performances and market values of soccer players playing in the 2022 FIFA World Cup, by playing position and all players; the comparisons by playing position; to analyse the relationship between running metrics and market values of the highest and lowest players ranked players. The relationship between running metrics and market values of 306 soccer players who participated in the tournament and played full time, as well as the 40 players with the highest (n = 20) and lowest (n = 20) market values was analysed. Overall, there was a very weak correlation between market values and total distance (r = 0.149), zone 3 (r = 0.153), zone 4 (r = 0.139), zone 5 (r = 0.160), high-speed runs (r = 0.132), sprints (r = 0.147), and top speed (r = 0.194) for all players (p < 0.05). Defenders showed very weak positive correlation between market values and top speed (r = 0.155, p < 0.05). Midfielders showed weak positive correlations between market values and zone 4 (r = 0.302, p < 0.05) and zone 5 (r = 0.369, p < 0.001), sprints (r = 0.367, p < 0.001), and top speed (r = 0.304, p < 0.05). Forwards showed no correlations (p > 0.05). While there is no significant correlation between running metrics and market value for players with the lowest market value (p > 0.05), there was a moderate negative correlation between total distance (r=-0.577) and zone 2 (r=-0.612) for the 20 players with the highest market value (p < 0.05). Moreover, there was a weak correlation with zone 5 (r = 0.450) and a moderate correlation with the top speed values (r = 0.596) (p < 0.05). Weak correlations between soccer players’ running performance and market values suggest that different running thresholds are important metrics, although other factors (e.g., technical skill, age, national and team club) may influence this relationship. In conclusion, since coaches and scouts aim to recruit relatively talented players within the limits of their budgets, selecting athletes with high aerobic and anaerobic performance, particularly those with a strong high-intensity running profile, can contribute to team success and potentially generate high transfer revenues in the future.
- Heal2Care- Programa de intervenção comunitária, dirigido a cuidadores informais com foco no autocuidadoPublication . Catarina Afonso; Reis, Alcinda; Spínola, Ana; Godinho, Celeste; Marta, Rosa; Oliveira, RafaelA vulnerabilidade acrescida do cuidador familiar está amplamente estudada (Euro Carees, 2021; Sequeira & Sampaio, 2020) e a aposta no autocuidado tem sido promotora de ganhos em saúde (Euro Carees, 2021; Sequeira & Sampaio, 2020). Uma dessas formas é a realização de a\vidade ]sica que pode ajudar a manter um peso corporal saudável e contribui para a melhoria da saúde mental, qualidade de vida e bem-estar.Heal2Care tem foco no autocuidado e na capacitação dos cuidadores. É uma proposta na iden\ficação doconteúdo e da estratégia para melhorar o potencial de autocuidado dos cuidadores informais. Heal2Care promove o bem-estar,a saúde mentale a realização de a\vidade ]sica, capacitando os cuidadores informais para cuidarem de si próprios, criando conteúdos para um manual de autocuidado, em versão ebook, que será disponibilizado para a rede de associações de cuidadores. O Manual será ainda fundamental para o desenvolvimento de uma APP de autocuidado para cuidadores informais.
- Learning to cycle: body composition and balance challenges in balance bikes versus training wheelsPublication . Mercê, Cristiana; Cordovil de Matos, Rita; Mafalda Bernardino; dos Santos Bernardino, Mafalda Filipa; Branco, Marco; Catela, DavidAbstract: Background/Objectives: Empowering our children and youth to cycle empowers them to pursue a healthier, fuller, and more responsible life. The present study implemented the Learning to Cycle program with the following aims: (i) to promote learning to cycle; (ii) to investigate and compare the use of different learning bicycles, i.e., balance bicycle (BB) and bicycle with training wheels (BTW); (iii) to investigate the influence of body composition during this learning process. Methods: The program was implemented through a quasi-experimental study involving two intervention groups, with pre- and post-test evaluations. The program was applied to 50 children (M = 5.82 ± 0.94 years, 23 girls) who did not know how to cycle previously. One group explored the BB and the other the BTW for six sessions, followed by four more sessions with the conventional bicycle (CB) for both groups. The assessment of independent cycling was considered as the ability to perform, sequentially and unaided, and the various cycling milestones: self-launch, ride, and brake. The children’s body composition was accessed by the BMI’s percentile and classification according to their age and sex. Results: The program had a success rate of 88.24% for acquiring independent cycling, with 100% success in the BB group and 76.92% in the BTW group. The BB children learned significantly faster to selflaunch, ride, brake, and cycle independently. Children with higher BMI percentiles faced greater challenges in achieving balance milestones. Conclusions: BB are recommended, especially for overweight and obese children, as they help develop balance from the onset, and showed to be more efficient in learning to cycle than the BTW.
- The loading impact of training and match-play on non-contact muscle injuries in elite male soccer players. A seasonal analysisPublication . Morgans, Ryland; Mandorino, Mauro; Zmijewski, Piotr; Ryan, Ben; Modric, Toni; Teixeira, José; Moreira, Alexandre; Oliveira, RafaelThis study investigated the relationship between acute and chronic training load metrics and non-contact muscle injuries in elite soccer players employing a novel statistical approach. A retrospective analysis was conducted during the 2020/21 season on 30 senior outfield players from an English Premier League club. Global Positioning System (GPS) technology monitored total distance, high-speed running (HSR) distance (5.5–7 m/s), sprint distance (> 7 m/s), and peak speed during training sessions and matches. A total of 42 injuries were documented, with an incidence of 8.94 injuries per 1000 hours, although only 12 non-contact muscle injuries were included in the analysis that occurred at 2.5 per 1000 hours of exposure. Acute (7-day) and chronic (28-day) training loads were examined, and data preprocessing addressed missing values and multicollinearity. To address class imbalance, the dataset was balanced using the Synthetic Minority Over-Sampling Technique (SMOTE) prior to logistic regression. Four significant predictors were retained: acute HSR (β = -0.175, p < 0.001), acute sprint distance (β = -0.613, p < 0.001), acute peak speed (β = 1.101, p < 0.001), and chronic total distance (β = 2.234, p < 0.001). The model demonstrated excellent discriminative ability with an AUC-ROC of 0.80. The results showed that higher acute volumes of HSR and sprint distance serve as protective factors against non-contact muscle injuries, whereas an increase in acute peak speed and chronic total distance significantly elevates injury risk. These findings underscore the importance of regular exposure to HSR to enhance injury resilience, while excessive load and peak speed may contribute to neuromuscular fatigue and overload.
- Long-term effects on rate of torque development and fear of falling following high-speed resistance training in older adultsPublication . Martins, Alexandre Duarte; Fernandes, Orlando; Gonçalves, Bruno; Batalha, Nuno; Brito, João Paulo; Oliveira, RafaelThis study examined the influence of physical activity (PA) on the retention of rate of torque development (RTD) effects achieved following a 16-week high-speed resistance training (HSRT) over a 12-month follow-up period. Secondly, the fear of falling was also assessed. After the follow-up, 36 participants were categorized into two groups according to the PA: light activity group (LAG, N = 20, age 70.00 ± 3.66 years) and moderate-to-vigorous activity group (MVAG, N = 16, age 68.50 ± 2.09 years). At the four time points, RTDPEAK and its time intervals for knee extension and flexion were measured using an isokinetic dynamometer at 60º/s, and the fear of falling was assessed using the Falls Efficacy Scale–International questionnaire. Both groups showed significant RTDPEAK improvements from pre intervention to the 12-month follow-up (moderate-to-large effect sizes). However, PA levels suggested to influence the retention effects: LAG showed declines in dominant RTDPEAK (2% in extension and flexion) and in non-dominant side (6% extension and 5% flexion). In contrast, the MVAG maintained or slightly improved RTDPEAK performance in dominant (1% extension and 2% flexion) and in non dominant side (3% extension and 1% flexion). Fear of falling scores remained significantly reduced in both groups compared to pre-intervention, regardless of PA level. In summary, maintaining moderate to-vigorous PA during follow-up appears to enhance the long-term retention of HSRT-induced neuromuscular adaptations, whereas HSRT effects on fear of falling were sustained regardless of PA level, highlighting its clinical potential for fall prevention.
- Move4Future: implementation and effects of a pilot physical exercise programme for children and youth at risk from multi problem familiesPublication . Mercê, Cristiana; Simões, Vera; Ramos, Liliana; Silva, Miguel; Brígida, Nancy; Vitorino, Anabela; Branco, Marco; Oliveira, Rafael; Oliveira, Rafael; Mercê, Cristiana; Simões, Vera; Ramos, Liliana; Vitorino, Anabela; Branco, MarcoIntroduction and Objective: Multi-problem families include several risk factors (e.g., mental health and weight issues). Physical exercise could be a strategy to prevent, treat and overcome numerous disorders. Thus, this study aimed to analyze the effects of implementing the Move4Future pilot program, in children and adolescents, on the following variables: i) anxiety levels, ii) body composition, iii) physical fitness, and iv) physical activity levels. Methodology: Ten participants (10.61±2.40 years) completed a 12-week physical exercise program with a weekly frequency of one session and were assessed at baseline and post-intervention. The Re vised Manifest Anxiety Scale for Children, body mass, height, triceps skinfold, calf skinfold, re laxed arm circumference, waist circumference, calf circumference, and the FITescola® battery tests (push-ups, horizontal jump, agility, shoulder flexibility and lower limb flexibility) were applied. Results and Conclusions: The main results showed a lower anxiety trait, although this change was not statistically significant (z=-1.832, p=0.067), a significant increase in stature (z=-2.197, p=0.028), a significant decrease in body mass index (z=-2.366, p=0.018), and in waist circum ference (z=-2.201, p=0.028). The Move4Future pilot program shows improvement in average values of anxiety levels, body composition and upper strength in physical fitness. However, a multi-component intervention, including families and more sessions per week, may be im portant for better results.