África Calvo-Lluch

Sebastian-Rico, JM, Muñoz-Fernández, MJ, Martínez-Aranda, LM, Calvo-Lluch, Á, and Ortega-Becerra, M. Effectiveness of pelvic floor muscle training in women soccer players and its relationship with quality of life and pelvic floor muscle strength: a randomized controlled pilot study. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000–000, 2026—This study investigated the effects of a 6-week pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) program on muscle strength, function, and the prevalence of related dysfunctions in professional female soccer players using a randomized controlled pilot study design. Twenty nulliparous professional soccer players from the Spanish professional league (2024–2025 season) were randomly assigned to an experimental group ( n = 12) or a control group ( n = 8). Assessments included anthropometric data, validated questionnaires (International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire–Short Form and Broome Pelvic Muscle Self-Efficacy Scale), clinical interviews, and physical examination using the PERFECT method and manometry. The intervention consisted of a 6-week supervised PFMT program (4 sessions/week, 30 minutes each) progressed through 4 phases: education, proprioception, strengthening, and functional integration. Results showed significant group × time interactions for pelvic floor self-efficacy (Broome Pelvic Muscle Self-Efficacy Scale), with scores in the PFMT group increasing by 48.8 and 59.6% ( p < 0.05), representing large between-group effect sizes ( d = 0.91–1.26). Pelvic floor muscle performance increased by 122.4% in the intervention group ( d = 1.25), whereas no meaningful changes were observed in the control group. No adverse events were reported. In conclusion, a 6-week supervised PFMT program is an effective and safe intervention for professional female soccer players, significantly improving muscle function and self-efficacy. These findings support the integration of PFMT for both therapeutic and preventive purposes in elite, high-impact sports environments.

Background: The purpose of the study was to examine the effects of training volume in bench press (BP) on acute mechanical, metabolic, and cardiovascular responses, and the time course of recovery. Methods: Fourteen men with moderate resistance training experience performed, in randomized order and separated by one week, three BP protocols differing in volume: 3 (LOW), 15 (MOD), and 24 (HIG) repetitions. To isolate the effect of training volume by minimizing fatigue accumulation across repetitions, short rest periods were inserted between repetitions. The rest duration was individualized based on the performance impairment induced in each repetition. A battery of tests was performed at baseline (Pre) and post-exercise, in the following order: (a) heart rate (HR), blood systolic and diastolic pressure (SBP and DBP), and oxygen saturation (SpO2), (b) blood lactate, and (c) dynamic strength test, which was also conducted at 24 h-Post and 48 h-Post. Results: Performance within-session (best, average, and last velocity, as well as velocity loss) was similar for all protocols. A significant “protocol × time” interaction was observed for SBP, although no significant differences between protocols were found. No significant differences were observed for DBP or SpO2. All protocols showed similar lactate concentrations at Post and similarly increased velocity at 60% 1RM load at 24 h-Post and 48 h-Post. Conclusions: individualizing inter-repetition rest periods based on velocity loss allows matching fatigue across different bench press volumes, which produced similar mechanical, metabolic, and cardiovascular responses, indicating that volume alone does not determine acute physiological load.

Background/Objectives: Urinary incontinence (UI), defined as the involuntary loss of urine, is common among female athletes. As more women engage in competitive sports, numerous studies have explored UI in young, nulliparous, and physically active women. The objectives of this study were (i) to analyze the prevalence, severity, and characteristics of UI in professional nulliparous female soccer players and (ii) to compare the status of the pelvic floor muscles (PFMs) between professional soccer players and physically active young women. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study included professional soccer players (n = 18) and physically active women (n = 14). UI was assessed using the ICIQ-SF questionnaire, and PFM function was evaluated through intracavitary examination using the PERFECT method. Additional data were collected on body composition and on urinary, bowel, and sexual health. Results: UI affected 35.7% of physically active women and 50% of professional soccer players. Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) was the most common type, present in 100% of affected soccer players and 60% of affected active women. The severity of UI was mostly mild, with no significant differences between groups. PFM assessment revealed deficiencies in control, relaxation, endurance, and rapid contractions, as well as difficulties performing an effective perineal locking (PL) maneuver during increased intra-abdominal pressure. Conclusions: These findings highlight the need for targeted programs focused on strengthening and educating athletes about their PFMs, aiming to prevent UI and improve both performance and quality of life. The study reinforces the importance of preventive strategies for pelvic floor health in sports.

Background/Objectives: Urinary incontinence (UI) significantly impacts quality of life, with varying prevalence in women depending on factors such as age, childbirth, and type of sport practiced. This study compared the prevalence, types, and severity of urinary incontinence (UI) between professional female soccer players and sedentary students, analyzing its relation to playing position and competitive level. Methods: A descriptive, observational, and analytical cross-sectional study was conducted, assessing the prevalence, severity, and types of UI among 235 nulliparous professional female soccer players (experimental group, EG) and 252 sedentary female students (control group, CG). Data were collected using the short version of the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire (ICIQ-SF). Statistical analyses included Fisher’s exact test to compare prevalence rates. Results: The findings revealed that 35% of soccer players and 31% of sedentary students reported experiencing UI. Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) was the most prevalent type in both groups, affecting 26% of soccer players and 14% of sedentary students, while mixed UI was more frequent among sedentary women (17%) (p < 0.05). No significant differences were observed in UI prevalence based on playing position or competitive level (p ≥ 0.05). However, female soccer players exhibited a significantly higher prevalence of UI during physical exertion or exercise compared to the control group (p ≤ 0.001), suggesting that high-impact sports may contribute to pelvic floor dysfunction. Additionally, 23.8% of soccer players reported mild-to-moderate UI severity. Conclusion: Female soccer players showed higher UI prevalence during exercise, underscoring the need for targeted interventions like pelvic floor training.

REIIT Revista Educación, Investigación, Innovación y Transferencia con ISSN 2792-8705 publica originales, fundamentados de manera crítica y teórica que discuten, analizan y debaten la formulación de trabajos de investigación, innovación y transferencia en el ámbito de la educación. Un análisis crítico y teóricamente documentado en referencia al tema tratado ha de ser clave para tener en cuenta la pertinencia de una publicación. La revista muestra un interés global sobre la educación formal, no formal e informal, de ámbito regional, nacional o internacional. Los análisis y reflexiones deberían de poder ser transferidos o aplicados en otros contextos educativos. En los artículos de investigación se tendrá muy en cuenta el rigor metodológico, así como la pertinencia y discusión crítica de los resultados. Serán tenidos en cuenta tanto artículos de corte cualitativo como investigaciones de corte cuantitativo. Asimismo, se admiten artículos en español, inglés y francés. Todas las publicaciones tendrán el tratamiento de revisión por pares. La publicación en la revista no conlleva coste alguno y todos sus artículos estarán en acceso abierto. La revista se publicará un número al año. Cabe la posibilidad de que se publiquen además, monográficos en temáticas relevantes para la educación. Se recomienda la lectura de las Instrucciones para autores para obtener información sobre cómo enviar su artículo.

The aim of this study was to compare the effects of two velocity-based resistance training (RT) programs using moderate loads (45–60% 1RM) but different magnitudes of velocity loss (VL) limits (10% vs. 30%) on the changes in physical performance in young soccer players. Twenty young soccer players were randomly allocated into two groups: VL10% (n = 10) and VL30% (n = 10). All participants were assessed before and after the 8-week RT program (twice a week) involving the following tests: 20 m running sprint (T20), countermovement jump (CMJ), kicking a ball (KB), and progressive loading test in the full squat (SQ) exercise. The RT program was conducted using only the SQ exercise and movement velocity was monitored in all repetitions. Significant ‘time × group’ interaction (p < 0.05) was observed for sprint performance, KB and 1RM in the SQ exercise in favor of VL10%. No significant changes between groups at post-test were observed. The VL10% resulted in significant (p < 0.05–0.001) intra-group changes in all variables analyzed, except for KB, whereas VL30% only showed significant (p < 0.05) performance increments in a sprint test and 1RM in the SQ exercise. The percentage of change and the intra-group’s effect size were of greater magnitude for VL10% in all variables analyzed compared to VL30%. In conclusion, our results suggest that, for non-trained young soccer players, squat training with low to moderate relative loads and 10%VL is sufficient to elicit significant increases in muscle strength and sport-specific actions compared to 30%VL in the set.

El propósito de este estudio de caso fue determinar el gasto calórico de la actividad de Cinta Dance® y comparar esta con el gasto calórico de correr a velocidad constante en las mismas condiciones. Para ello, dos sujetos, un varón y una mujer realizaron una sesión de 45 minutos de Cinta Dance®, ejecutando una coreografía sobre un tapiz rodante, y corrieron a la misma velocidad para comparar el gasto calórico que supuso cada actividad. Los datos obtenidos del gasto calórico fueron medidos a través del calorímetro Sense Wear Armband Pro3. Así mismo, se analizaron los posibles cambios de ánimo inducidos por cada actividad mediante la Escala de Valoración del Estado de Ánimo y parámetros de fatiga muscular y cardiorrespiratoria percibida a través de una Escala de Borg. Para ambos sujetos la actividad de Cinta Dance® supuso un gasto calórico mayor que el producido durante la carrera continua. Cinta Dance® disminuye el estado de depresión y aumenta la alegría tras la realización de esta en ambos sexos, además, supone una mayor fatiga cardiorrespiratoria y muscular en comparación con la carrera continua. Se clasifica Cinta Dance®, en función de los valores percibidos en la escala de Borg, como un ejercicio de baile de alta intensidad. Finalmente, se posiciona la sesión de Cinta Dance® como una actividad aeróbica más con la que incrementar el gasto calórico. Palabras clave: BodyMedia SenseWear; Cinta Dance®; Danza; Gasto Calórico; Tapiz rodante. The purpose of this case study is to determine the caloric expenditure of Cinta Dance® and compare it to running at a constant speed under the same conditions. A man and a woman completed a 45-minute Cinta Dance® session, performing a choreographed routine on a treadmill, and ran at the same speed to compare the caloric expenditure of each activity. Caloric expenditure was measured using the BodyMedia SenseWear calorimeter. Possible induced mood changes were analyzed by means of the Scale for Mood Assessment (EVEA) and parameters of perceived muscular and cardiorespiratory fatigue through a Borg Scale. For both subjects, the Cinta Dance® activity resulted in a higher caloric expenditure than that produced during continuous running, with a difference of 201.58 kcal in the case of the male and 57.08 kcal in the case of the female. Cinta Dance® decreases the state of sadness-depression and increases joy after the session in both sexes, and, in addition, it incurs a greater cardiorespiratory and muscular fatigue in comparison to continuous running. Therefore, Cinta Dance® is classified as a high intensity dance exercise. We conclude that Cinta Dance® can be one more aerobic activity with which to increase caloric expenditure. Keywords: BodyMedia SenseWear; Cinta Dance®; Caloric Expenditure; Dance; Treadmill.