Does an In-Season Detraining Period Affect the Shoulder Rotator Cuff Strength and Balance of Young Swimmers?

Aims: To compare the physical activity, sedentary activity and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in institutionalized vs. non-institutionalized elderly, and to establish a pattern of relationship and prediction of physical and sedentary activity with physical and mental components of HRQoL. Methods: The sample consisted of 383 elderly with ≥ 75 years old (n=187 institutionalized and n=196 non-institutionalized). Were administered the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) and Short Form 36 Health Survey (SF-36) for evaluated the physical and sedentary activity and HRQoL. Also was used the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) as exclusion criteria for cognitive problems in the elderly. Results: Differences between institutionalized and non-institutionalized elderly were found in moderate-intensity activities and walking, a favour of non-institutionalized. The institutionalized elderly remain more minutes in sedentary activity. Also, were observed differences between both groups in physical component of HRQoL, a favour of non-institutionalized elderly. The mental component remained unchanged. The multivariate regression analyses showed that physical activity predicted the physical (8 to 12%) and mental (5 to 8%) components of HRQoL for institutionalized and non-institutionalized elderly. Conclusions: Non-institutionalized elderly were more physically active, spent less time in sedentary activity and showed better perception physical component of HRQoL that institutionalized elderly. An important and encouraging result of this study was that physical activity is a predictor of improved physical and mental component of HRQoL for institutionalized and non-institutionalized elderly.

Modelling the relationship between biomechanics and performance of young sprinting swimmers

The aim of this study was to compute a swimming performance confirmatory model based on biomechanical parameters. The sample included 100 young swimmers (overall: 12.3 ± 0.74 years; 49 boys: 12.5 ± 0.76 years; 51 girls: 12.2 ± 0.71 years; both genders in Tanner stages 1–2 by self-report) participating on a regular basis in regional and national-level events. The 100 m freestyle event was chosen as the performance indicator. Anthropometric (arm span), strength (throwing velocity), power output (power to overcome drag), kinematic (swimming velocity) and efficiency (propelling efficiency) parameters were measured and included in the model. The path-flow analysis procedure was used to design and compute the model. The anthropometric parameter (arm span) was excluded in the final model, increasing its goodness-of-fit. The final model included the throw velocity, power output, swimming velocity and propelling efficiency. All links were significant between the parameters included, but the throw velocity–power output. The final model was explained by 69% presenting a reasonable adjustment (model’s goodness-of-fit; x2/df = 3.89). This model shows that strength and power output parameters do play a mediator and meaningful role in the young swimmers’ performance.

Efeito de um programa de treino em seco na postura de protração dos ombros em atletas de natação sincronizada e natação pura desportiva

Objetivo: O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar os efeitos de um programa de treino em seco na correção da postura dos ombros em protração em jovens nadadoras de natação sincronizada e natação pura. Metodologia: Este estudo segue uma metodologia quase-experimental. A amostra foi constituída com 26 nadadoras (dos 12 aos 17 anos),as quais avaliámos antes e após a realização de 8 semanas de treino de reposicionamento escapular em conjunto com um treino de fortalecimento da cintura escapular. Em cada avaliação as atletas foram avaliadas de ambos os lados, em três variáveis (distância acromial, bordo superior e bordo inferior). Resultados: Foi observada a diminuição da distância acromial no ombro dominante e não dominante, após as 8 semanas de intervenção no trabalho fora de água. Conclusão: Concluímos que o tipo de treino efetuado é uma boa opção para a correção da postura de protração dos ombros para ambas as disciplinas aquáticas; Effect of a dry training program at shoulder protraction posture in athletes Synchronized Swimming and Swimming Abstract: Objective: The objective of this study was to understand the effects of a dry training program in correcting the posture of protraction on shoulders in young swimmers of synchronized swimming and swimming. Methodology: The sample has 26 swimmers between 12 and 17 years old, who held two initial assessments to evaluate the effect of daily training and conducted a third evaluation after 8 weeks which applied a scapular repositioning training in conjunction with a training strengthening the shoulder girdle. In each evaluation, the athletes were measured on both sides, on three variables (acromial distance, upper kibler and lower kibler) through three different positions to avoid influencing the results. Results: We observed a decrease in the distance on the acromial dominant shoulder and not dominant, after 8 weeks of intervention in the work out of the water. Conclusion : We conclude that this type of workout is a good option for the correction of protraction posture of shoulders for both aquatic disciplines.