O jornalismo esportivo transmídia no ecossistema dos esportes eletrônicos (e-sports)

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the concept of e-sports (or electronic sports) in sports journalism in transmedia context. To achieve this goal are performed refl ections on the current concept of sport, the strong presence of game culture in contemporary society and their implications in the media ecosystem through the presentation of an on-line platform for electronic sports, called Twitch. Th is thread moves into a new media ecosystem created in interdisciplinary sphere that encompasses sports and media & technology. In this environment sports and video games seek merge into the concept of e-sport (electronic sport), a phenomenon of contemporary digital culture.

Writing Motivation of Students with Specific Language Impairments

This study was designed to compare the writing motivation of students with specific language impairments with their non-disabled peers. Due to the cognitive and linguistic demands of the writing process, students with language impairments face unique difficulties during the writing process. It was hypothesized that students with specific language impairments will be more likely to report lower levels of perceived writing competence and be less autonomously motivated to write. Students in grades 3-5 in 11 schools (33 with specific language impairments, 242 non-disabled peers) completed self-report measures, designed from a Self-Determination Theory perspective, which measured the degree that students are intrinsically motivated to write as well as their perceived writing competence. Statistical analyses showed that (1) students with specific language impairments reported lower levels of perceived writing competence and autonomous writing motivation; (2) SLI status was a significant predictor of perceived writing competence after spelling, grade, and gender were controlled; and (3) when spelling, grade, and gender were controlled, perceived writing competence was a significant predictor of autonomous writing motivation, but SLI status was not. The results of this study are expected to inform the current understanding of the relationship between language ability and writing motivation in students with specific language impairments, as well as the design of future writing interventions.

Sedentary behaviours and its association with bone mass in adolescents: the HELENA cross-sectional study

Background: We aimed to examine whether time spent on different sedentary behaviours is associated with bone mineral content (BMC) in adolescents, after controlling for relevant confounders such as lean mass and objectively measured physical activity (PA), and if so, whether extra-curricular participation in osteogenic sports could have a role in this association. Methods: Participants were 359 Spanish adolescents (12.5-17.5 yr, 178 boys,) from the HELENA-CSS (2006-07). Relationships of sedentary behaviours with bone variables were analysed by linear regression. The prevalence of low BMC (at least 1SD below the mean) and time spent on sedentary behaviours according to extracurricular sport participation was analysed by Chi-square tests. Results: In boys, the use of internet for non-study was negatively associated with whole body BMC after adjustment for lean mass and moderate to vigorous PA (MVPA). In girls, the time spent studying was negatively associated with femoral neck BMC. Additional adjustment for lean mass slightly reduced the negative association between time spent studying and femoral neck BMC. The additional adjustment for MVPA did not change the results at this site. The percentage of girls having low femoral neck BMC was significantly smaller in those participating in osteogenic sports (>= 3 h/week) than in the rest, independently of the cut-off selected for the time spent studying. Conclusions: The use of internet for non-study (in boys) and the time spent studying (in girls) are negatively associated with whole body and femoral neck BMC, respectively. In addition, at least 3 h/week of extra-curricular osteogenic sports may help to counteract the negative association of time spent studying on bone health in girls.

Lack of beta(2)-AR improves exercise capacity and skeletal muscle oxidative phenotype in mice

beta(2)-adrenergic receptor (beta(2)-AR) agonists have been used as ergogenics by athletes involved in training for strength and power in order to increase the muscle mass. Even though anabolic effects of beta(2)-AR activation are highly recognized, less is known about the impact of beta(2)-AR in endurance capacity. We presently used mice lacking beta(2)-AR [beta(2)-knockout (beta(2) KO)] to investigate the role of beta(2)-AR on exercise capacity and skeletal muscle metabolism and phenotype. beta(2) KO mice and their wild-type controls (WT) were studied. Exercise tolerance, skeletal muscle fiber typing, capillary-to-fiber ratio, citrate synthase activity and glycogen content were evaluated. When compared with WT, beta 2KO mice displayed increased exercise capacity (61%) associated with higher percentage of oxidative fibers (21% and 129% of increase in soleus and plantaris muscles, respectively) and capillarity (31% and 20% of increase in soleus and plantaris muscles, respectively). In addition, beta 2KO mice presented increased skeletal muscle citrate synthase activity (10%) and succinate dehydrogenase staining. Likewise, glycogen content (53%) and periodic acid-Schiff staining (glycogen staining) were also increased in beta 2KO skeletal muscle. Altogether, these data provide evidence that disruption of beta(2)AR improves oxidative metabolism in skeletal muscle of beta 2KO mice and this is associated with increased exercise capacity.

Anti-inflammatory Effects of Aerobic Exercise in Mice Exposed to Air Pollution

VIEIRA, R. D. P., A. C. TOLEDO, L. B. SILVA, F. M. ALMEIDA, N. R. DAMACENO-RODRIGUES, E. G. CALDINI, A. B. G. SANTOS, D. H. RIVERO, D. C. HIZUME, F. D. T. Q. S. LOPES, C. R. OLIVO, H. C. CASTRO-FARIA-NETO, M. A. MARTINS, P. H. N. SALDIVA, and M. DOLHNIKOFF. Anti-inflammatory Effects of Aerobic Exercise in Mice Exposed to Air Pollution. Med. Sci. Sports Exerc., Vol. 44, No. 7, pp. 1227-1234, 2012. Purpose: Exposure to diesel exhaust particles (DEP) results in lung inflammation. Regular aerobic exercise improves the inflammatory status in different pulmonary diseases. However, the effects of long-term aerobic exercise on the pulmonary response to DEP have not been investigated. The present study evaluated the effect of aerobic conditioning on the pulmonary inflammatory and oxidative responses of mice exposed to DEP. Methods: BALB/c mice were subjected to aerobic exercise five times per week for 5 wk, concomitantly with exposure to DEP (3 mg.mL (1); 10 mu L per mouse). The levels of exhaled nitric oxide, reactive oxygen species, cellularity, interleukin 6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) were analyzed in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, and the density of neutrophils and the volume proportion of collagen fibers were measured in the lung parenchyma. The cellular density of leukocytes expressing IL-1 beta, keratinocyte chemoattractant (KC), and TNF-alpha in lung parenchyma was evaluated with immunohistochemistry. The levels of IL-1 beta, KC, and TNF-alpha were also evaluated in the serum. Results: Aerobic exercise inhibited the DEP-induced increase in the levels of reactive oxygen species (P < 0.05); exhaled nitric oxide (P < 0.01); total (P < 0.01) and differential cells (P < 0.01); IL-6 and TNF-alpha levels in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (P < 0.05); the level of neutrophils (P < 0.001); collagen density in the lung parenchyma (P < 0.05); the levels of IL-6, KC, and TNF-alpha in plasma (P < 0.05); and the expression of IL-1 beta, KC, and TNF-alpha by leukocytes in the lung parenchyma (P < 0.01). Conclusions: We conclude that long-term aerobic exercise presents protective effects in a mouse model of DEP-induced lung inflammation. Our results indicate a need for human studies that evaluate the pulmonary responses to aerobic exercise chronically performed in polluted areas.

High levels of C-reactive protein are associated with reduced vagal modulation and low physical activity in young adults

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between cardiac autonomic control derived from heart rate variability (HRV), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and physical activity (PA) levels measured using accelerometers. A total of 80 healthy university students volunteered to participate in this study (20.56 +/- 0.82 years, 1.36 +/- 1.5 mg/L of hs-CRP). The participants were divided into groups based on tertiles of hs-CRP. Analysis of covariance adjusted to PA was used to assess group differences in HRV. Associations between hs-CRP, HRV indices and PA were analyzed using Pearson's correlation. The participants at the highest tertile of hs-CRP (tertile 3) had lower cardiac vagal modulation (SDNN, tertile 1=78.05 +/- 5.9,tertile 2=82.43 +/- 5.9,tertile 3=56.03 +/- 6.1; SD1, tertile 1=61.27 +/- 5.3, tertile 2=62.93 +/- 5.4, tertile 3=40.03 +/- 5.5). In addition, vagal indices were inversely correlated with hs-CRP but positively correlated with PA (SDNN r=-0.320, SD1 r=-0.377; SDNN r=0.304, SD1 r=0.299; P<0.05). Furthermore, the most physically active subjects had lower levels of hs-CRP and the highest levels of vagal modulation.

Effect of Functional Stabilization Training on Lower Limb Biomechanics in Women

BALDON, R. D. M., D. F. M. LOBATO, L. P. CARVALHO, P. Y. L. WUN, P. R. P. SANTIAGO, and F. V. SERRAO. Effect of Functional Stabilization Training on Lower Limb Biomechanics in Women. Med. Sci. Sports Exerc., Vol. 44, No. 1, pp. 135-145, 2012. Purpose: This study aimed to verify the effects of functional stabilization training on lower limb kinematics, functional performance, and eccentric hip and knee torques. Methods: Twenty-eight women were divided into a training group (TG; n = 14), which carried out the functional stabilization training during 8 wk, and a control group (CG; n = 14), which carried out no physical training. The kinematic assessment of the lower limb was performed during a single-leg squat, and the functional performance was evaluated by way of the single-leg triple hop and the timed 6-m single-leg hop tests. The eccentric hip abductor, adductor, lateral rotator, medial rotator, and the knee flexor and extensor torques were measured using an isokinetic dynamometer. Results: After 8 wk, the TG significantly reduced the values for knee abduction (from -6.86 degrees to 1.49 degrees), pelvis depression (from -10.21 degrees to -7.86 degrees) and femur adduction (from 7.08 degrees to 5.19 degrees) as well as increasing the excursion of femur lateral rotation (from -0.55 degrees to -3.67 degrees). Similarly, the TG significantly increased the values of single-leg triple hop (from 3.52 to 3.92 m) and significantly decreased the values of timed 6-m single-leg hop tests (from 2.43 to 2.14 s). Finally, the TG significantly increased the eccentric hip abductor (from 1.31 to 1.45 N center dot m center dot kg(-1)), hip lateral rotator (from 0.75 to 0.91 N center dot m center dot kg(-1)), hip medial rotator (from 1.45 to 1.66 N center dot m center dot kg(-1)), knee flexor (from 1.43 to 1.55 N center dot m center dot kg(-1)), and knee extensor (from 3.46 to 4.40 N center dot m center dot kg(-1)) torques. Conclusions: Strengthening of the hip abductor and lateral rotator muscles associated with functional training improves dynamic lower limb alignment and increases the strength and functional performance.

Frontal Plane Biomechanics in Males and Females with and without Patellofemoral Pain

NAKAGAWA, T. H., E. T. U. MORIYA, C. D. MACIEL, and F. V. SERRAO. Frontal Plane Biomechanics in Males and Females with and without Patellofemoral Pain. Med. Sci. Sports &ere., Vol. 44, No. 9, pp. 1747-1755, 2012. Purpose: The study's purpose was to compare trunk, pelvis, hip, and knee frontal plane biomechanics in males and females with and without patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) during stepping. Methods: Eighty recreational athletes were equally divided into four groups: female PFPS, female controls, male PFPS, and male controls. Trunk, pelvis, hip, and knee frontal plane kinematics and activation of the gluteus medius were evaluated at 15 degrees, 30 degrees, 45 degrees, and 60 degrees of knee flexion during the downward and upward phases of the stepping task. Isometric hip abductor torque was also evaluated. Results: Females showed increased hip adduction and knee abduction at all knee flexion angles, greater ipsilateral trunk lean and contralateral pelvic drop from 60 degrees of knee flexion till the end of the stepping task (P = 0.027-0.001), diminished hip abductor torque (P < 0.001), and increased gluteus medius activation than males (P = 0.008-0.001). PFPS subjects presented increased knee abduction at all the angles evaluated; greater trunk, pelvis, and hip motion from 45 of knee flexion of the downward phase till the end of the maneuver; and diminished gluteus medius activation at 60 degrees of knee flexion, compared with controls (P = 0.034-0.001). Females with PFPS showed lower hip abductor torque compared with the other groups. Conclusions: Females presented with altered frontal plane biomechanics that may predispose them to knee injury. PFPS subjects showed frontal plane biomechanics that could increase the lateral patellofemoral joint stress at all the angles evaluated and could increase even more from 45 degrees of knee flexion in the downward phase untill the end of the maneuver. Hip abductor strengthening and motor control training should be considered when treating females with PFPS.

Swimming Training in Rats Increases Cardiac MicroRNA-126 Expression and Angiogenesis

DA SILVA, N. D. JR, T. FERNANDES, U. P. R. SOCI, A. W. A. MONTEIRO, M. I. PHILLIPS, and E. M. DE OLIVEIRA. Swimming Training in Rats Increases Cardiac MicroRNA-126 Expression and Angiogenesis. Med. Sci. Sports Exerc., Vol. 44, No. 8, pp. 1453-1462, 2012. Purpose: MicroRNA (miRNA)-126 is angiogenic and has two validated targets: Sprouty-related protein 1 (Spred-1) and phosphoinositol-3 kinase regulatory subunit 2 (PI3KR2), negative regulators of angiogenesis by VEGF pathway inhibition. We investigated the role of swimming training on cardiac miRNA-126 expression related to angiogenesis. Methods: Female Wistar rats were assigned to three groups: sedentary (S), training 1 (T1, moderate volume), and training 2 (T2, high volume). T1 consisted of 60 min.d(-1) of swimming, five times per week for 10 wk with 5% body overload. T2 consisted of the same protocol of T1 until the eighth week; in the ninth week, rats trained for two times a day, and in the 10th week, rats trained for three times a day. MiRNA and PI3KR2 gene expression analysis was performed by real-time polymerase chain reaction in heart muscle. We assessed markers of training, the cardiac capillary-fiber ratio, cardiac protein expression of VEGF, Spred-1, Raf-1/ERK 1/2, and PI3K/Akt/eNOS. Results: The cardiac capillary-fiber ratio increased in T1 (58%) and T2 (101%) compared with S. VEGF protein expression was increased 42% in T1 and 108% in T2. Cardiac miRNA-126 expression increased 26% (T1) and 42% (T2) compared with S, correlated with angiogenesis. The miRNA-126 target Spred-1 protein level decreased 41% (T1) and 39% (T2), which consequently favored an increase in angiogenic signaling pathway Raf-1/ERK 1/2. On the other hand, the gene expression of PI3KR2, the other miRNA-126 target, was reduced 39% (T1) and 78% (T2), and there was an increase in protein expression of components of the PI3K/Akt/eNOS signaling pathway in the trained groups. Conclusions: This study showed that aerobic training promotes an increase in the expression of miRNA-126 and that this may be related to exercise-induced cardiac angiogenesis, by indirect regulation of the VEGF pathway and direct regulation of its targets that converged in an increase in angiogenic pathways, such as MAPK and PI3K/Akt/eNOS.

Isokinetic muscle strength and knee function associated with double femoral pin fixation and fixation with interference screw in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

Intensive scheduling in sports requires athletes to resume physical activity shortly after injury. The purpose of this study was to investigate early isokinetic muscle strength and knee function on bone-patellar tendon-bone (BPTB) ACL reconstruction with double femoral pin fixation or interference screw technique. A prospective study was conducted from 2008 to 2009, with 48 athletes who received femoral BPTB fixation with interference screw (n = 26) or double pin (n = 22). Clinical (IKDC objective score and hop test) and isokinetic muscle strength (peak torque (PT), PT/body weight and flexion/extension rate (F/E) in 60 and 240A degrees/s) were analyzed at 6 months of follow-up. Analysis at baseline showed no differences between groups before surgery related to age, gender, associated injury, Tegner or Lysholm score; thus showing that groups were similar. During follow-up, however, there were significant differences between the two groups in some of the isokinetic muscle strength: PT/BW 60A degrees/s (Double Pin = 200% +/- A 13% vs. Interference Screw = 253% +/- A 16%*, *P = 0.01); F/E 60A degrees/s (Double Pin = 89% +/- A 29%* vs. Interference Screw = 74% +/- A 12%, *P = 0.04). No statistical differences between groups were observed on IKDC objective score, hop test and complications. The significant muscle strength outcome of the interference screw group found in this study gives initial evidence that this fixation technique is useful for athletes that may need accelerated rehabilitation. Early return to sports ability signaled by isokinetic muscle strength is of clinical relevance as it is one of the main goals for athletes' rehabilitation. III.

Regular physical activity moderates cardiometabolic risk in Alzheimer's caregivers

Dementia caregivers have an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, and it is possible that metabolic disturbances contribute to this risk. Regular physical exercise reduces cardiometabolic risk, but caregivers may have less opportunity to engage in such activity. We hypothesized that regular physical activity would moderate cardiometabolic risk in dementia caregivers.

A robotic system to train activities of daily living in a virtual environment

In the past decade, several arm rehabilitation robots have been developed to assist neurological patients during therapy. Early devices were limited in their number of degrees of freedom and range of motion, whereas newer robots such as the ARMin robot can support the entire arm. Often, these devices are combined with virtual environments to integrate motivating game-like scenarios. Several studies have shown a positive effect of game-playing on therapy outcome by increasing motivation. In addition, we assume that practicing highly functional movements can further enhance therapy outcome by facilitating the transfer of motor abilities acquired in therapy to daily life. Therefore, we present a rehabilitation system that enables the training of activities of daily living (ADL) with the support of an assistive robot. Important ADL tasks have been identified and implemented in a virtual environment. A patient-cooperative control strategy with adaptable freedom in timing and space was developed to assist the patient during the task. The technical feasibility and usability of the system was evaluated with seven healthy subjects and three chronic stroke patients.

Personality Factors of Women Participating in College Athletics

There exists some discrepancy considering the overall health and well-being of young women in sports and performance domains. The current study aimed to examine self-reported levels of perfectionism, body esteem, and social support among college women participating in organized sports and dance. A total of 103 participants completeda series of questionnaires intended to capture these major variables of interest. Results upheld one of three major hypotheses, specifically in regards to between-group differences for lean and non-lean sport athletes. One of the most important findings wasthat among lean sport participants the relationship between body esteem and social support was statistically significant and positive, and among non-lean sport participants this same relationship was nonsignificant and negative. The applied implication of thisfinal finding is discussed, with particular emphasis on potential strategies for upholding the positive relationship between body esteem and social support among lean sport athletes.