Alba Niño

The purpose of this study was to examine the convergent validity and reliability of the session rating of perceived exertion (sRPE) in complete CrossFit^® sessions by comparing it with a weighted RPE measure (RPE_W) obtained from different session phases. Twenty-four recreational practitioners (13 men and 11 women; age 34.5 ± 8.3 years; height 172.9 ± 11.2 cm; body mass 76.2 ± 15.2 kg) completed 28 standardized sessions (~60 min) consisting of warm-up, strength/skill, Workout of the Day (WOD), and cooldown phases. Phase-specific RPE values were collected after each session component, and a global sRPE was recorded ~30 min post-session. Results showed that RPE_W (5.8 ± 1.5) was significantly lower than sRPE (6.8 ± 1.4; p < 0.001, d = 0.69), resulting in a higher training load estimated by sRPE (+15.5%). Bland–Altman analysis revealed a positive bias and wide limits of agreement, while relative reliability was moderate to good (ICC = 0.73–0.77). Multiple regression analysis indicated that WOD RPE explained 70% of the variance in sRPE (R² = 0.70, p < 0.001), confirming its role as the primary perceptual determinant. In conclusion, sRPE represents a valid, simple, and cost-effective tool for monitoring internal load in CrossFit^®. However, it tends to overestimate RPE_W and shows substantial interindividual variability, limiting its precision for individualized monitoring. Coaches and practitioners should therefore interpret sRPE values with caution, especially considering the strong influence of the final session phase.

The purpose of this study was to examine the convergent validity and reliability of the session rating of perceived exertion (sRPE) in complete CrossFit® sessions, comparing it with a weighted RPE measure (RPEW) obtained from different session phases. Twenty-four recreational practitioners (13 men and 11 women) completed 28 standardized sessions of approximately 60 minutes, consisting of warm-up, strength/skill, WOD, and cooldown. RPE was collected after each phase, and sRPE was recorded 30 minutes post-session. Results showed that RPEW (5.8 ± 1.5) was significantly lower than sRPE (6.8 ± 1.4; p < 0.001, d = 0.69), resulting in a higher training load estimated by sRPE (+15.5%). Bland–Altman analysis revealed a positive bias and wide limits of agreement, while relative reliability was moderate-to-good (ICC = 0.73–0.77). Multiple regression analysis indicated that WOD RPE explained 70% of the variance in sRPE (R2 = 0.70, p < 0.001), confirming its role as the primary perceptual determinant. In conclusion, sRPE represents a valid, simple, and cost-effective tool for monitoring internal load in CrossFit®. However, it tends to overestimate weighted RPE and is strongly influenced by the final phase of the session, which should be taken into account by coaches and practitioners when interpreting its values.

Background: the aging process is understood as a dynamic and plastic phenomenon involving various physiological and functional changes, which can be modified or modulated by external factors and lifestyle choices. Nutrition and regular physical activity have demonstrated their unique contribution to functional health and energy balance. This study investigates the impact of nutrition on physical condition among individuals over 65, focusing on energy intake, macronutrient consumption, and lipid profiles. Methods: for this purpose, four groups were analyzed: Maintenance Gymnastics, Tai Chi, Professional Tai Chi, and a sedentary control group. Objectives: the goal was to assess whether a better diet correlates with better physical outcomes. Results: all activity groups showed inadequate dietary patterns. The Spanish population consumed fewer carbohydrates and excess protein and fat, while the Chinese population adhered more closely to carbohydrate and lipid recommendations, maintaining a hyperproteic diet. Conclusions: the key differences were not in diet but in physical activity levels. The Asian lifestyle places strong emphasis on lifelong physical activity, complemented by culinary habits that enhance certain dietary parameters.

Research shows that ageing is modifiable or modulable, attending to external modifications and lifestyle factors: physical activity has a unique contribution to functional health and energy balance. Extensive research shows Tai Chi (TC) produced a major physical condition. To determine the impact of lifestyle on functional capacity, comparing the impact of continued long-life practice. 113 individuals (±71.53 years old): (a) PTC (n = 27); senior competitors, life-long training; (b) TC (n = 27); ±4 years; (c) Keep-Fit (KF n = 36); ±4 years; and the control group (d) sedentary individuals (SI n = 23). Five tests from the Senior Fitness Test (SFT) were used to assess the physical condition. The TC group showed significantly better results than the KF group: 30-s chair stand (23.22 ± 3.08 * rep vs. 17.17 ± 2.96 rep), chair sit-and-reach (2.19 ± 4.85 * cm vs. −1.93 ± 5.46 cm) and back scratch (1.02 ± 4.46 * cm vs. −2.43 ± 5.78 cm). The TCP group showed better results than the TC group: 30-s chair stand (27.70 ± 4.98 * rep vs. 23.22 ± 3.08 rep), 30-s arm curl (30.22 ± 4.36 * rep vs. 23.48 ± 3.42 rep), chair sit-and-reach (13.07 ± 4.00 * cm vs. 2.19 ± 4.85 cm) and back scratch (5.48 ± 3.51 * cm vs. 1.02 ± 4.46 cm). Among the different activities analysed, TC showed better results in SFT tests; in particular considering the long-life training of this martial art.