Talent detection in taekwondo: which factors are associated with the longitudinal competitive success?

Background Several morphological and functional characteristics are associated with the performance of taekwondo (TKD) adult athletes. However, we did not find any longitudinal study associating these features to the future performance of young athletes, and thereby, identifying the best variables to use in a battery of tests to talent detection. Therefore, the aim of this study is answer the question which factors are associated with the longitudinal competitive success of TKD young athletes over five competitive years (2008 to 2012).Material &Methods: Six taekwondo athletes (13.06 +/- 1.07 years, 43.6 +/- 6.6 kg, 157.9 +/- 8.3 cm), who trained three to six hours per week, for more than three years, were assessed on 32 maturational indicators, of body composition, anthropometric and functional, using anthropometric techniques, dual energy x-ray absorptiometry, carpal radiography and contact platform. To determine the competitive ranking, the competitive results of athletes from 2008 to 2012 were analysed, and these values were correlated with the other 32 indicators for determining the Longitudinal Predictors of Performance in TKD (LPPT). Moreover, one of the athletes achieved results notably higher than the other, being medalled at Junior World Championships. Therefore, all variables were transformed into z-scores and all those in which this athlete presented superior performance in 1 z-scores were considered as LPPT. Results: The athlete of reference (the first in Longitudinal Competitive Ranking 2008-2012) distinguished, in accordance with the criteria, in nineteen LPPT indicators. The ranking was correlated with 6 LPPT parameters, including one from the maturation group of indicators and five from the functional group.Conclusion: Our results allowed us to identify several factors that are related to longitudinal competitive success in taekwondo young athletes. These factors should be considered by coaches to the proper selection of training programs, as well as for the pre-selection of young talents in competitive taekwondo. However, these results apply only to the Portuguese taekwondo adolescent athletes, being of limited generalizability.

Validation of the Scandinavian stroke scale in a multicultural population in Brazil

Background: The objective of this study was to evaluate the consistency, coherence, and interobserver reliability of the Portuguese version of the Scandinavian Stroke Scale (SSS) in a multicultural population of stroke. Methods: The SSS was translated, culturally adapted, and applied by two independent investigators. This was a randomized transverse study involving two groups: group 1 included 20 patients in the acute phase and group 2 included 20 patients in the subacute phase after stroke was confirmed by computed tomography with a pre-stroke modified Rankin Scale score of 0. Each patient also underwent National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) evaluation at hospital entry and at the time of the SSS evaluation for correlation with our current standard hospital practice. Consistency and coherence were analyzed by Cronbach’s α and interobserver reliability by ĸ. Results: Forty patients were evaluated with 0.88 consistency and coherence in both stroke phases. Mean interobserver ĸ was 0.76, with reliability considered excellent and good for most scale items, and moderate for only the facial palsy item. Conclusion: The SSS is adequate and validated to study post-stroke patients in a multicultural Brazilian population and in the Portuguese language.

Chemistry and pharmacology of some plants mentioned in the letter of Pero Vaz de Caminha

Brazil has a long tradition in the study of medicinal plants. When the Portuguese arrived to the new colony, Pero Vaz de Caminha, the scriber of the fleet, left the first impressions of the local and the inhabitants. He clearly mentions how the Indians use natural dye as tincture to paint their bodies. This article reviews the phytochemical and pharmacological characteristics of these colorants and other medicinal plants recently identified mentioned in this letter.