Matheus Amarante Do Nascimento

[Purpose] To compare the effects of two resistance training (RT) frequencies (two vs. three sessions per week) on phase angle (PhA), a bioimpedance-derived marker, and muscle quality index (MQI) in older women under matched weekly training volume.[Methods] Forty-five older women (G2x: n = 22; G3x: n = 23; 63.2 ± 4.5 years) completed 12 weeks of supervised RT. Outcomes included fat mass, FFM, resting metabolic rate, total body water, PhA, and MQI, calculated as one-repetition maximum (1RM) divided by the corresponding segment-specific fat-free mass (FFM) measured by DXA for the chest press, leg extension, and preacher curl exercises. This study represents a secondary analysis of data from a previously published trial, focusing on neuromuscular efficiency and PhA.[Results] MQI increased significantly over time in both groups (p < 0.001), with no time × group interactions observed across exercises. No group-level changes were detected for PhA, and mean fluctuations remained below the minimal detectable change. Fat mass decreased modestly in the 3×/week group, whereas FFM increased slightly in both groups.[Conclusion] When weekly training volume was equated, RT performed two or three times per week resulted in similar improvements in MQI, with no group-level changes observed for PhA in older women.

Age-related declines in neuromuscular function and mobility increase the risk of frailty and functional dependence in older adults. Although resistance training (RT) is an effective exercise modality for improving functional capacity in older adults, the effects of combining RT with interval training (IT) particularly across repeated detraining periods, remain insufficiently explored. To examine the effects of sequential training interventions (RT alone and RT combined with IT) on functional performance in older women and to compare functional adaptations and losses across two 100-day detraining periods. Sixteen older women (≥60 years) completed a longitudinal protocol with five assessments: baseline, post-RT, post-first detraining, post-RT + IT, and post-second detraining. Outcomes included agility and dynamic balance, upper and lower body muscle endurance, gait speed, handgrip strength, and flexibility. RT induced significant improvements in agility and dynamic balance (+12.2%; p < .001), upper body (+35.4%; p < .001) and lower body (+24.6%; p < .001) muscle endurance, and gait speed (+8.2%; p = .004), whereas handgrip strength ( p = .860) and flexibility ( p = .683) remained unchanged. The first detraining period resulted in marked functional losses, particularly in agility and dynamic balance (−19.5%; d = 1.44) and lower body muscle endurance (−21.6%; d = −1.13). The RT + IT phase promoted partial functional recovery, notably in agility and dynamic balance ( d = −0.59). The second detraining period showed attenuated losses, with minimal changes overall. RT and RT combined with IT improved functional capacity in older women; however, RT + IT was associated with greater retention of functional gains during detraining.

O presente estudo objetiva analisar a associação entre o gênero dos atletas e a percepção de desigualdades nas condições de formação esportiva, remuneração e profissionalização no handebol de praia. Para tanto, foi realizada uma pesquisa descritiva exploratória com abordagem quantitativa, aplicada a 77 atletas participantes do Circuito Paranaense de Handebol de Praia, em 2024. A coleta de dados ocorreu por meio de um questionário estruturado, e a análise estatística foi conduzida com o teste de Qui-quadrado. Os resultados evidenciaram que o gênero está significativamente associado à percepção de desigualdades, especialmente no que se refere à remuneração e à profissionalização. As mulheres relataram maior frequência de experiências desiguais em comparação aos homens, confirmando que a igualdade formal ainda não assegura equidade real na modalidade. Os achados ressaltam a importância de políticas públicas esportivas que promovam justiça de gênero e ampliem as oportunidades no handebol de praia.

The objective of this study was to analyze the validation of the equation based on repetitions to failure for training load adjustment in middle-aged women undergoing resistance training (RT). Ten women (35.5 ± 5.0 years, 67.8 ± 11.6 kg, 165.9 ± 4.5 cm, 24.5 ± 3.8 m/kg2) with previous experience in RT of at least one year were selected to participate in this research. The participants performed two resistance exercise sessions, separated by intervals of at least 48 h. In the first session, the participants completed the maximum repetition test to determine the load for the following session. The equation based on repetitions to failure aimed to adjust the load for 8-12 RM load was applied. The second session was conducted with the load adjusted according to the equation, in which the participants performed three sets to failure. The eight exercises tested showed averages within the 8-12 RM repetition zone. Leg press 45^o = 11.3 (8.8-13.6), seated row = 11.3 (8.9-13.7), knee extension = 9.3 (8.5-10.0), bench press = 9, 2 (8.2-10.1), leg curl = 7.5 (6.5-8.4), lat pulldown = 8.6 (7.4-9.8), standing calf raise = 13.6 (11.3 -15.9), and triceps pushdown = 11.6 (9.8-13.3). Results suggest that the equation based on repetitions to failure is a valid strategy for adjusting the training load intensity in resistance exercises in women with previous experience in RT.

Karate is an ancient martial art practiced by around 100 million people worldwide. In Brazil, it is estimated that approximately 250,000 people practice this modality. However, limited data are available outlining the physical capabilities of these athletes. The purpose was to analyse changes in physical capabilities of muscular strength, power and flexibility in karate athletes during a state championship. Data were collected during a karate state championship. From a total of approximately 200 participating athletes, data were collected from male (n = 34, 19.0 ± 9.84 years, 67.6 ± 21.8 kg, 165 ± 11.2 cm, 24 .3 ± 5.99 kg/m²) and female athletes (n = 12, 16.0 ± 4.47 years, 59.1 ± 11.8 kg, 156 ± 6.35 cm, 24.1 ± 4.35 kg /m²). Measurements: body mass, height, flexibility, handgrip muscular strength and lower limb power were performed before and after competition fights by a team of trained evaluators. Data were analysed between sexes, pre and post-competition, as well as by age group and number of fights performed. After the fights, there was a significant increase in muscular strength (+5.2%, p = .004), with no difference between different age groups (p = .141), sexes (p = .196), and number of fights performed (p = .072). There were no significant changes in muscle power performance (p = .124) and flexibility (p = .241) across fights or between sexes. A karate tournament in which athletes are involved in one to three fights does not seem to impair their performance in terms of muscular strength, power and flexibility, regardless of age, sex and number of fights performed.

Este estudo teve o objetivo de analisar se a frequência e duração da prática de atividade física e o comportamento sedentário interferem no risco de sarcopenia em idosos frequentadores de grupos sociais. Estudo transversal, em que foram avaliados 207 idosos frequentadores de grupos sociais do município de Sarandi, estado do Paraná. Foi utilizado o Questionário Internacional de Atividade Física (IPAQ) e o SARC-F. Os dados foram analisados por meio da estatística inferencial (p

Objective: To assess the effects of order of resistance training (RT) and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on functional capacity, blood pressure, and body composition in middle-aged and older women. Methods: Twenty-two participants were randomly assigned to one of two groups: RT followed by HIIT (RT-HIIT, n = 10, mean age 64.5 ± 7.9 years) or HIIT followed by RT (HIIT-RT, n = 10, mean age 59.32 ± 4.44 years). Both groups trained twice a week for 8 weeks. RT was composed of 7 exercises for the upper and lower body. HIIT was composed of alternate pairings of high-intensity (> 85% of maximum heart rate [MHR]) and moderate-intensity (60% MHR) running. Results: A time effect was found for upper-body muscle endurance (HIIT-RT = +9.43%; RT-HIIT = +6.16%), agility and dynamic balance (HIIT-RT = -5.96%; RT-HIIT = -8.57%), and cardiorespiratory fitness (HIIT-RT = +5.14%; RT-HIIT = +6.13%), with no difference between groups. Body composition and blood pressure did not change throughout the investigation for either group. Conclusion: Eight weeks of a combined HIIT and RT exercise program improved functional capacity of middle-aged and older women without altering blood pressure and body composition, regardless of the order of exercises.

Objective: This study investigated the psychometric properties of the Purpose in Life Scale in a sample of Brazilian older adults. Methods: This cross-sectional study applied the scale to 309 older adults (mean age = 69.33 ± 7.47 years) residing in the city of Maringá, Paraná, Brazil. Data analysis was conducted through confirmatory factor analysis, Cronbach’s alpha, composite reliability, and factor invariance (p < 0.05). Results: Confirmatory factor analysis revealed that items 2, 3, 5, 6, and 9 had a factor loading below 0.50 and should be excluded. The 1-factor model with 5 items showed acceptable reliability. Multigroup analysis revealed that the configurational, metric, and structural invariance of the 1-factor model with 5 items was acceptable for both men and women. Conclusion: Although the Brazilian version of Purpose in Life Scale presented acceptable psychometric properties in a reduced model with 5 items, there were limitations that should be explored in the future.

O presente estudo transversal teve como objetivo identificar os fatores sociodemográficos e de saúde intervenientes na funcionalidade e atividade física de 654 idosos usuários das Unidades Básicas de Saúde (UBSs) de Maringá, Paraná, Brasil. Utilizou-se questionário de perfil sociodemográfico e de saúde, o International Physical Activity Questionnaire, e o WHODAS 2.0. A análise dos dados foi feita por meio do teste Kolmogorov-Smirnov, Kruskal-Wallis e “U” de Mann-Whitney (p