César Faúndez-Casanova

Physical activity (PA) and sedentary behavior (SB) have emerged as modifiable factors in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients undergoing hemodialysis (HD). The aim was to evaluate the association between PA, SB, quality of life, and mortality in patients with CKD undergoing HD. This prospective study included 167 patients who were assessed in 2023 and followed until September 2024. The long version of the IPAQ was used to assess PA and SB, and the Kidney Disease Quality of Life Short Form (KDQOL-SF 1.3) was used to evaluate health-related QoL. Survival was estimated using Kaplan–Meier curves, and a parsimonious Cox proportional hazards model. During the follow-up period, 15 patients (9.0%) died. Longer daily sitting time was independently associated with a higher mortality hazard (HR: 1.197; 95% CI: 1.026–1.396; p = 0.022), as was older age (HR: 1.055; 95% CI: 1.009–1.103; p = 0.019). MVPA was not significantly associated with mortality (HR: 1.217; 95% CI: 0.997–1.486; p = 0.054). The Active/Low SB profile showed the highest baseline QoL [median: 74.0 (IQR: 64.5–84.0)], whereas the Inactive/High SB profile showed the lowest QoL [median: 66.0 (IQR: 54.0–76.0)] and the highest mortality proportion (14.6%). However, mortality differences across the combined PA and SB profiles were not statistically significant and should be interpreted as exploratory. Baseline QoL differed significantly across profiles (p = 0.021). These findings identify prolonged sitting time as the main modifiable behavioral factor independently associated with all-cause mortality in patients undergoing HD, whereas MVPA was not independently associated with mortality. In contrast, physical activity and combined PA/SB profiles were more clearly related to health-related QoL, with the Active/Low SB profile showing the most favorable KDQOL-SF™ 1.3 scores. Therefore, reducing prolonged sedentary time may be particularly relevant to survival risk, while promoting appropriately tailored physical activity may contribute to better health-related QoL in this population.

Introduction: Motor literacy and executive functions are key components of students’ integral development, linking physical and cognitive dimensions. Evidence in Chilean school contexts remains limited. Objective: To analyze the levels of motor literacy and executive functions and to compare differences according to sex in upper elementary school students from the province of Talca. Methodology: A cross-sectional observational, descriptive, and comparative study was conducted with 103 students (67 boys and 36 girls; mean age = 12.8 ± 0.76 years). Motor literacy was assessed using the SEMOK questionnaire, and executive functions with the EFECO. Descriptive statistics and Student’s t-test for independent samples were applied, complemented by Cohen’s d effect size (p < 0.05). Results: Students showed moderate levels of motor literacy (M = 9.31 ± 4.74) and executive functions (M = 71.15 ± 39.11). Higher scores were observed in object control, initiative, and working memory. Significant differences were found only in body control (p = 0.006; d = 0.57), with girls outperforming boys. Discussion: The findings indicate intermediate development in both variables, with minimal sex differences. The advantage observed in body control among girls may be associated with sociocultural and pedagogical factors influencing motor development. Conclusions: Students presented moderate levels of motor literacy and executive functions, highlighting the need to strengthen Physical Education strategies that integrate motor and cognitive development.

Periodic assessment of physical performance and body composition is key to optimizing training during athletic development, a stage characterized by profound morphological and functional changes typical of adolescence. The objective of this study was to analyze the relationship between sprinting and the ability to change direction with body composition in young Chilean soccer players. A cross-sectional, correlational observational study was conducted with 81 young male soccer players (16.1 ± 1.5 years) selected using non-probability convenience sampling. Anthropometric variables, body composition, sprint (10m, 20m, and 30m), and the 505 test were evaluated. The results showed that the percentage of muscle mass was significantly associated with the 20m sprint (R²=13%; p<0.01), 30m sprint (R²=12%; p<0.01), and the 505 test (R²=5%; p<0.05), followed by the sum of skinfold thicknesses with the 30m sprint (R²=7%; p<0.05). Each increase in muscle tissue shows a moderate association associated with a decrease in the time of the 20m and 30m sprints (β= -0.02 s) and 505 test (β= -0.01 s), while an increase in skinfold thickness is associated with a longer 30m sprint time (β= 0.01 s). In addition, low magnitude relationships were observed between the sum of 6 skinfolds with the 20 and 30m sprint, as well as between the percentage of body fat and the 30m sprint. These findings highlight the importance of body composition in the physical performance of young soccer players.

The objective of this study is to explore the beliefs of teacher educators (TE) and pre-service teachers (PST) regarding cultural diversity and its relationship with teaching-learning practices, to contribute to strengthening Initial Teacher Education (ITE) with an intercultural approach. A quantitative observational, descriptive, and cross-sectional pilot study was conducted using a survey administered to 230 PST and TE from 18 Chilean universities. The results showed that TE exhibited higher levels of negative beliefs (d = 1.00; p < 0.001) and less favorable educational practices to cultural diversity (p = 0.012). Although no statistically significant differences were observed in favorable educational practices, a trend toward higher scores was identified among PST. Regression models indicated that the teaching role was significantly associated with negative beliefs, whereas the other variables showed no significant associations. Overall, the findings suggest a dissociation between stated and structural beliefs regarding cultural diversity, which may influence the implementation of intercultural pedagogical practices in teacher education. They underscore the need to strengthen intercultural training—particularly among TE—through critical reflection to align beliefs and pedagogical practices, and to advance future research on the evolution of these beliefs and their impact on teaching practice.

RESUMO Introdução: A sarcopenia está associada a um risco aumentado de quedas em diversas populações. Pacientes com doença renal crônica (DRC) em hemodiálise (HD) apresentam maior prevalência de fraqueza e atrofia muscular. O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar a associação entre parâmetros de sarcopenia e histórico de quedas nessa população. Métodos: Um estudo transversal foi realizado para avaliar 111 participantes com DRC em HD (54 ± 15,6 anos; 59,5% homens). A sarcopenia foi definida por baixa força muscular (dinamometria manual) e baixa massa muscular (impedância bioelétrica). O histórico de quedas foi autorreferido. Análises bivariadas foram realizadas, e um modelo de regressão logística multivariada foi utilizado para avaliar a associação entre sarcopenia e quedas, ajustado por fatores de confusão. Resultados: Na análise multivariada, a sarcopenia não foi independentemente associada ao histórico de quedas (OR = 1,73; p = 0,40). No entanto, a idade avançada (OR = 1,04 por ano; p = 0,03) e o histórico de AVC (OR = 6,07; p = 0,05) foram identificados como preditores independentes e significativos de quedas. Conclusão: O histórico de quedas não esteve independentemente associado à força ou à massa muscular em pacientes com DRC em HD. Estudos longitudinais futuros são necessários para investigar outros fatores associados a esse desfecho.

Introduction: Sarcopenia has been associated with an increased risk of falls in diverse populations. Patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) undergoing hemodialysis (HD) have an increased prevalence of muscle weakness and wasting. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between parameters of sarcopenia and a history of falls in ESRD patients on HD. Methods: A cross-sectional study was utilized to assess 111 participants with ESRD on HD (54 ± 15.6 years; 59.5% men). Sarcopenia was defined by low muscle strength (handgrip dynamometry) and low muscle mass (bioelectrical impedance). History of falls was self-reported. Bivariate analyses were performed, and a multivariate logistic regression model was used to assess the association between sarcopenia and falls while adjusting for confounders. Results: In the multivariate analysis, sarcopenia was not independently associated with a history of falls (OR = 1.73; p = 0.40). However, advanced age (OR = 1.04 per year; p = 0.03) and a history of stroke (OR = 6.07; p = 0.05) were identified as significant independent predictors of falls. Conclusion: History of falls was not independently associated with muscle strength or mass in ESRD patients on HD. Future longitudinal studies are needed to investigate other factors associated with this outcome.

There is a growing interest in optimizing the sports talent development process by identifying and operationalizing relevant performance indicators. The study aimed to analyze the variations in body composition and physical performance of young Chilean soccer players during a season. A longitudinal, analytical, observational study with repeated measures was conducted in a single group without a control group, evaluating 54 young Chilean soccer players (16.1 ± 1.1 years) at four points during the season. Anthropometric and body composition variables were recorded. In addition, sprint (10 m, 20 m, and 30 m), 505 test, horizontal jump, countermovement jump (CMJ), and maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) using the 30-15IFT intermittent resistance test were recorded. At the end of the preseason, significant decreases were observed in ∑5 perimeters and ∑6 skinfolds (p< 0.01; ES: η²p = 0.75 and 0.26, respectively; Large). Furthermore, the percentage of skeletal muscle mass increases at the end of the season (p<0.05; ES: η²p=0.03; Small). In physical performance, 10-30 m sprint improves at the end of the preseason (p<0.01; TE: η²p=0.80-0.82; Large), and significant progress is also seen in the 20- and 30-m sprints at the end of the season. Additionally, VO2max increases in the preseason and mid-2025 measurements (p<0.05; ES: η²p=0.45; Large). The study concludes that, in young Chilean soccer players, a competitive season is associated with relevant changes in body composition and physical performance, with improvements beginning at the end of the preseason and persisting throughout the season.

Puberty represents a period of rapid and significant changes in bodily and motor attributes that occur at different speeds and intensities. The objective of the study was to analyze motor coordination (MC) and muscle strength according to the state of somatic maturation in Chilean schoolchildren. A total of 182 schoolchildren (100 females and 82 males, aged 12 ± 0.8 years) were evaluated. Height, body weight, and Body Mass Index (IMC) were recorded. Somatic maturation was calculated by the peak growth velocity acceleration (APVC). CM was assessed using the Körperkoordinations test Für Kinder battery (KTK), muscle strength using the horizontal jump and handgrip strength (FPM) tests. Schoolchildren with advanced maturation (Post-APVC) showed better results in FPM, IMC, height, and body weight compared to the Pre- and Circa-APVC groups (p<0.01) with moderate to large effect sizes (ES) (η²=0.113 to 0.527). In male Post-APVC group males showed higher performance in horizontal jump, FPM, and single-leg jumps (p<0.01; moderate to large ES). The late maturity group (Pre-APVC) demonstrated better performance in lateral jumps (p<0.01; η²=0.037; ES small) and, in females, in balance beam (p<0.01; η²=0.095; ES moderate). In conclusion, the group with advanced maturation has higher values in FPM and anthropometric parameters, and males in this group exhibit greater muscle strength. In contrast, Pre-APVC group demonstrates better performance in CM, along with higher balance values in the comparison between females. The results highlight the influence of somatic maturation on school assessment and planning processes.

Psychomotor expressiveness involves gestural language, which, when incorporated neuromotorily, immediately impacts the development of linguistic skills, leading to long-term improvements in academic performance. The aim of this research is to analyze the relationship between psychomotricity and language disorders from a psycho-corporal perspective—that is, body and mind. The PRISMA 2020 guidelines were used through a search of studies published from 2015 onward in databases such as Medline, Scopus, Web of Science, Scielo, and Latindex, using boolean operators and eligibility criteria provided through PICO. A number of 30 investigations were identified that show a significant quantitative and qualitative correlation between psychomotor development and the evolution of linguistic skills in children with Developmental Language Disorder (DLD). The essential role of motor coordination, both fine and gross, is highlighted in phonetic and articulatory production, directly influencing the ability to structure language and acquire vocabulary. In addition, psychomotor intervention programs have shown positive effects on verbal fluency and narrative structuring in children with DLD, promoting their social interaction and school adaptation. The review provides important information on how psychomotricity can be associated with language disorder, generating alternatives for long-term change.

In soccer, the goal is to identify the most talented young players early to ensure they receive the best training throughout their development. The objective of study was to analyze the physical performance and anthropometric characteristics of young Chilean soccer players according to their level of somatic maturation. The study was observational, cross-sectional, comparative and correlational, with a sample of 74 young Chilean soccer players (13.9 ± 1.0 years). Maturation was estimated using the peak growth velocity acceleration (APVC). In anthropometry, height, body weight, and skinfold (triceps brachii and medial leg). Physical performance was evaluated using the horizontal jump, counter-movement jump (CMJ), 505 test, and sprints (10 and 20 m). The results showed that the soccer players in the Post-APVC group performed better than those in the Pre-APVC group in horizontal jumps, CMJ, 505 test, 10 and 20m sprints (p<0.01), and also outperformed the Circa-APVC group in 10 and 20m sprints (p<0.01). In addition, they showed greater height and body weight than their Pre and Circa-APVC groups (p<0.01). Similarly, significant relationships were observed between APVC and all physical performance tests applied (r= -0.47 to 0.62; p˂0.01). We conclude that young footballers with higher levels of APVC present better physical performance in all the variables evaluated, as well as greater height and body weight. Furthermore, a significant relationship was found between somatic maturation and physical performance, which is why considering APVC in sports performance is essential.