ABSTRACT This study aimed to quantify the participation of male master swimmers during ten seasons (2008/2009 – 2018/2019) in the national master swimmers and predict the results for the 2020/2021 season in the events of 50 100, 200 and 400 m freestyle. Eight age groups were considered, namely, A to H with a total of 5,368 participants, in the four events analysed 50, 100, 200 and 400 m freestyle. The best time of each race was recorded in the selected age groups that took place in the last decade of the National Summer Championship, through the specific website “Swimrakings” (https://www.swimrankings.net/). The resulting equation for the calculation was y= (–) ax2 – bx + c, y being the rate of increase or decrease in swimming performance and the x variation depending on the year of events that one intends to estimate for 2021, x= 13. The results showed an increase in the number of participations in middle age groups (35-49 years) and a prediction of improvements in the results of 21 events for all the swimming races studied. In conclusion, we can verify that prediction becomes essential for the definition of new objectives and evolutionary trends in swimming.

Abstract Introduction. Electrostimulation is a method of training used in sports that has been shown to be effective in improving strength manifestations such muscle power. Currently, there is no known scientific literature in which a training program with electrostimulation suit is applied. Therefore, the aim of this study is to carry out a program to see the effects on neuromuscular adaptations in untrained subjects. Objective. to study the neuronal and muscular adaptations that occur in the active electrostimulation training applied with a full body suit on the extensor muscles of the arms and extensors of the leg. Material and methods. A randomized controlled study between groups. The experimental design of the study will allow us to analyze the neuromuscular adaptations that occur with the electrostimulation training applied with a full body suit and compare them to those of a traditional strength training. The dependent variables measured will be: electromyography activity in maximum isometric force test, maximum force value, force production rate, neural adaptation indicators. The program will be carried out during 24 sessions, twice a week, for 12 weeks. Expected results. We expect to achieve greater neuromuscular activation with the combination of electrostimulation applied with full body suit. Regardless of the results obtained, the final study will be published.

Resumen Introducción. La electroestimulación es un método de entrenamiento utilizados en el ámbito deportivo que ha demostrado ser efectivo para mejorar manifestaciones de fuerza como la potencia muscular. Actualmente, no se conoce literatura científica en la que se aplique un programa de entrenamiento con traje de electroestimulación. Por ello, este estudio pretende llevar a cabo un programa para ver qué efectos tiene sobre las adaptaciones neuromusculares en sujetos no entrenados. Objetivo. estudiar las alteraciones neuronales y musculares que ocurren en el entrenamiento activo de electroestimulación aplicada con traje de cuerpo entero en los músculos extensores de brazos y extensores de la pierna. Material y métodos. Se realizará un estudio controlado aleatorizado entre grupos. El diseño experimental del estudio permitirá analizar las adaptaciones neuromusculares que ocurren con el entrenamiento de electroestimulación aplicada con traje de cuerpo entero y compararlas a las de un entrenamiento de fuerza tradicional. Las variables dependientes medidas serán: actividad electromiografía en test de fuerza isométrica máxima, valor de fuerza máxima, tasa de producción de fuerza, indicadores de adaptación neurales. El programa se llevará a cabo durante 24 sesiones, 2 veces por semana, durante 12 semanas. Resultados esperados. Se espera conseguir una mayor activación neuromuscular con la combinación de electroestimulación aplicada con traje de cuerpo entero. Independientemente de los resultados obtenidos, sean estos positivos o negativos, el estudio final será publicado.

ABSTRACT This study aims to identify the expectations of the coaches on the instruction and behavior of athletes. The second objective is to correlate the expectations of the coaches with the instruction behavior of coaches and with the behavior of athletes in competition. Aiming to achieve these purpose four coaches of youth soccer teams that competed in the national championships in Portugal were studied. We applied observation systems SAIC and SOCAC to encode behaviors of coach's instruction and the behavior of athletes in competition, respectively. To data collection on expectations, the coaches responded to the Questionnaire about Expectations of Instruction and Behavior of Athletes in Competition. The results show that there is short relation between the coach's expectations and what actually happens in competition regarding the instruction behavior and the behavior of athletes.

RESUMO Este estudo tem como objetivo identificar as expectativas dos treinadores sobre a instrução e o comportamento dos atletas. O segundo objetivo é correlacionar as expectativas dos treinadores com o comportamento de instrução de treinadores e com o comportamento dos atletas em competição. Para atingir os objetivos propostos foram estudados quatro treinadores de equipas de futebol juvenil que competiram nos campeonatos nacionais em Portugal. Aplicámos os sistemas de observação SAIC e SOCAC para codificar comportamentos de instrução do treinador e do comportamento dos atletas em competição, respetivamente. Para a recolha de dados sobre as expectativas, os treinadores responderam ao Questionário sobre as Expectativas da Instrução e Comportamento dos Atletas em Competição. Os resultados mostram que existe pouca relação entre as expectativas do treinador e que realmente acontece na competição relativamente ao comportamento de instrução e ao comportamento dos atletas.

RESUMEN Este estudio tiene como objetivo identificar las expectativas de los entrenadores acerca de la instrucción y el comportamiento de los atletas. El segundo objetivo es correlacionar las expectativas de los entrenadores con el comportamiento de instrucción de los entrenadores y el comportamiento de los atletas en la competición. Para lograr los objetivos propuestos se estudiaron cuatro entrenadores de los equipos fútbol juvenil que compitieron en los campeonatos nacionales en Portugal. Se aplicaron los sistemas de observación de SAIC y SOCAC para codificar el comportamiento de instrucciones del entrenador y el comportamiento de los atletas en competición, respectivamente. Para la recogida de datos sobre las expectativas, entrenadores respondieron al Cuestionario sobre las Expectativas de la Instrucción y el Comportamiento de los Atletas en Competición. Los resultados muestran que hay poca relación entre las expectativas del entrenador y lo que realmente sucede en la competición con respecto a la conducta de instrucciones y el comportamiento de los atletas en competición.

Resumo O objetivo deste estudo consistiu em analisar a relação entre os padrões neuromusculares e motores na técnica do nado de peito. Cinco nadadores masculinos de nível nacional realizaram 200 mnado peito na máxima intensidade.Foram registrados dados de Electromiografia do bicepsbrachii, deltoid anterior, pectoralis major etricepsbrachii. A duração relativa da fase ativa e não ativa e o valor médio retificado dos padrões neuromusculares foram analisados. Os percursos de nado foram gravados no plano sagital e analisados para detectar os padrões motores de cadanadador através do software THÉME software 5.0. Os padrões neuromusculares indicaram, por meio do valor médio retificado que a atividade dos músculos bíceps brachii e tríceps brachii aumentam no final do teste para o nadador 1 e 5, enquanto que o bíceps brachii. deltoid anterior. pectoralis major aumentam para o nadador 2 e 4. Diferentes padrões motores entre ciclos e entre nadadores foram observados, indicando que existem semelhanças entre eles, levando a um ajuste do estilo e modelo técnico de nado. A ausência de um padrão neuromuscular para todos os nadadores poderá estar relacionada com os diferentes modelos técnicos utilizados por cada nadador, como demonstrado nos padrões motores. Esses resultados sugerem que cada nadador adapta o seu padrão motor e muscular de uma forma única e distinta.

Abstract The aim of this study was to analyze the inter-temporal neuromuscular and motor patterns in breaststroke technique. Five national level male swimmers performed 200 m breaststroke at maximal effort. Electromyography data onbiceps brachii, deltoid anterior, pectoralis major and triceps brachiiwere analysed. The relative duration of active and non-active phase and the average rectified value for the neuromuscular patterns were recorded. The swim bouts were videotaped in sagittal plane with a pair of cameras and the Theme software 5.0 was used toanalyse the detected patterns in each swimmer. The neuromuscular pattern revealed that by the average rectified value the biceps brachiiand triceps brachiiwere increased at the end of the test for swimmers 1 and 5, while biceps brachii. deltoid anteriorand pectoralis majorwere increased for swimmers 2 and 4. Different motor patterns between cycles, and between swimmers were observed.We found similarities between the swimmers, adjusting their style to the technical model. The absence of a neuromuscular pattern for all swimmers could be related to different technical models used by each swimmer, as presented in the motor patterns. These findings suggested that each swimmers adapted their own motor and neuromuscular pattern in a unique and distinct way.

ABSTRACT Introduction The development of new surgical techniques and medical devices, like therapeutical multimodal approaches has allowed for better outcomes on patients with rectal cancer (RCa). Owing to that, an increased awareness and investment towards better outcomes regarding patients’ sexual and urinary function has been recently observed. Aim Evaluate and characterize the sexual dysfunction of patients submitted to surgical treatment for RCa. Materials and Methods An observational retrospective study including all male patients who underwent a surgical treatment for RCa between January 2011 December 2014 (n=43) was performed, complemented with an inquiry questionnaire to every patient about its sexual habits and level of function before and after surgery. Discussion All patients were male, with an average of 64yo. (range 42-83yo.). The surgical procedure was a rectum anterior resection (RAR) in 22 patients (56%) and an abdominoperineal resection (APR) in 19(44%). Sixty three percent described their sexual life as important/very important. Sexual function worsening was observed in 76% (65% with complains on erectile function, and 27% on ejaculation). Fourteen patients (38%) didn't resume sexual activity after surgery. Increased age (p=0.007), surgery performed (APR) (p=0.03) and the presence of a stoma (p=0.03) were predictors of ED after surgery. A secondary analysis found that the type of surgery (APR) (p=0.04), lower third tumor's location (p=0.03) and presence of comorbidities (p=0.013) (namely, smokers and diabetic patients) were predictors of de novo ED after surgery. Conclusions This study demonstrated the clear negative impact in sexual function of patients submitted to a surgical treatment for RCa. Since it is a valued feature for patients, it becomes essential to correctly evaluate/identify these cases in order to offer an adequate therapeutical option.

Resumo O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar a estabilidade da técnica de bruços em cinco nadadores de elite numa prova de 200m usando uma análise qualitativa. A codificação do comportamento de cada nadador durante a execução de vinte ciclos de nado foi alcançado usando um instrumento de observação ad-hoc composto por um sistema de categorias e formatos de campo para detectar os padrões comportamentais (T-patterns); o software foi utilizado para identificar o comportamento técnico de estruturas estáveis. Os resultados indicaram que o comportamento da estabilidade dos nadadores variou de acordo com o nadador, como as variações de códigos em cada ronda produzido configurações distintas para determinar as diferenças entre os ciclos para o mesmo nadador. Concluiu-se que o instrumento utilizado neste estudo desempenha um papel importante, através da existência de um comportamento estável na técnica de nado de peito. Concluiu-se também que existem padrões distintos e comportamentos entre nadadores durante cada percurso de nado.

Abstract The aim of this study was to analyse the stability of the breaststroke technique in five elite swimmers in a 200m event using a qualitative analysis. The codification of the behaviour of each swimmer during the execution of 20 cycles was achieved using an ad hoc observational instrument comprised of a system of categories and field formats to detect the behavioural patterns (T-patterns); software was used for identifying the technical behaviour of stable structures. The results showed that the stability behaviour varied depending on the swimmer, as the variations of codes in each round produced distinct configurations to determine the differences between cycles for the same swimmer. It was concluded that the instrument used in this study plays an important role through the existence of stable behaviour in the breaststroke technique. It was also concluded that there are distinct patterns and behaviours between swimmers during each lap of the race.

We intended to determine the concurrent validity of a taekwondo specific anaerobic test (TSAT) to assess anaerobic fitness in taekwondo athletes. Seventeen elite male subjects (17.59 ± 4.34 years of age; 1.72 m ± .07 m in height; 61.3 kg ± 8.7 kg in weight and 15.6% ± 8.5% in body fat) performed a TSAT, which consisted of kicking a punching bag for 30 seconds. The standard test was the Wingate Anaerobic Test. Two trials were made for both tests and the agreement between both was tested. The variables analysed and compared were: peak power; relative peak power; mean anaerobic power; relative mean anaerobic power; fatigue index and anaerobic capacity. The number of kicks performed in the TSAT protocol and the maximum height of the counter movement jump (CMJ) were also registered. Trial I and II had significant ICC results in all variables (P = .000) ranged between 0.56 and 0.97. Both protocols were significantly correlated (r = 0.55 to 0.88; P = .000 to .05). CMJ strongly correlated with the number of techniques (r=0.59; P = .013) and the mean power (r = 0.56; P = .019) of the TSAT. The variables between the two methods correlate and are consistent, except for the anaerobic capacity that although correlated, is not consistent with constant bias, P = 0.001; CI]-705.1;-370.2[. TSAT has a level of agreement with the Wingate, and assigns specificity in the evaluation of these variables.

A atividade física proporciona benefícios para a saúde e qualidade de vida de mulheres idosas. Ainda são escassos os estudos longitudinais em mulheres idosas com duração superior a um ano de prática de exercício físico. Assim o objetivo do estudo foi analisar os efeitos de três anos de treino multicomponente na capacidade funcional de mulheres idosas. Métodos: 51 mulheres (66.7±5.30 anos e 159±0.11cm) participaram ao longo de três anos num programa constituído por períodos de nove meses de treino multicomponente seguidos de três meses de destreino. As avaliações decorreram no início/fim de cada período de treino e destreino. Resultados: No 1º, 2º e 3º ano verificaram-se aumentos estatisticamente significativos em todos os parâmetros da capacidade funcional (p<0.05). No entanto, o 2º ano revelou ser o período de treino onde observamos os maiores aumentos nos testes T6M (7.43%), SA (383.33%), AC (40.33%), FA (13.05%) e LS (12.5%) (p<0.05). Os testes T6M, LS, FA, AC, SA melhoraram entre 4.17% a 576.60% em todos os períodos de treino e diminuíram entre 3.21% a 85.31% em todos os períodos de destreino. Conclusões: Três anos de treino multicomponente contribuíram para a melhoria da capacidade funcional em mulheres idosas, principalmente no 2º ano de intervenção.

Physical activity brings benefits to the health and quality of life of older adults. Few study’s exists in older women´s with more than one year of training exercise. The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of three years of multicomponent exercise program in functional capacity of older women´s. Methods: 51 women’s (66.70±5.30years and 159±0.11cm) participated in a three year exercise program with periods of nine months of physical exercise followed by periods of three months of detraining in each year. Assessments were made in the start and at the end of each training/detraining period. Results: In the 1st, 2nd and 3rd year all functional parameters improved (p<0.05). The second year was the period with the more significant improvements (p<0.05) in 6MWT (7.43%), SR (383.33%), BS (40.33%), AC (13.05%) and CS (12.5%) (p<0.05). 6MWT, SR, BS, AC and CS improved in all training periods from 4.17% to 576.60%, and declined from 3.21% to 85.31% in all detraining periods. Conclusions: Three years of multicomponent exercise improved functional capacity of older women, especially in the 2nd year of intervention.

O presente estudo tem por objetivo detetar T-patterns de comportamento de instrução em treinadores de jovens na direção da equipa em competição, utilizando para o efeito o programa THEME 5.0. Para a realização da presente investigação recorreu-se à metodologia observacional. Foram filmados 8 jogos de futebol de 4 treinadores que dirigiam equipas de Juniores “B” e juniores “A” que competiam nos campeonatos nacionais de Portugal e codificados os seus comportamentos de instrução através do sistema de observação SAIC. Os resultados obtidos revelaram a existência de padrões temporais de comportamento de instrução, quer na análise feita aos treinadores individualmente, quer na análise feita no conjunto dos treinadores. Os T-patterns analisados demonstram que os treinadores procuram preferencialmente prescrever soluções táticas e psicológicas, direcionadas ao atleta, recorrendo à comunicação verbal, bem como avaliar positivamente a sua execução e comportamento. Durante as substituições os treinadores fornecem indicações com conteúdo tático e psicológico ao atleta que vai entrar, elogiam a prestação do jogador que saiu e emitem informação à equipa.

The present study aimed to detect T-patterns of instruction behavior in youth coaches in the direction of team in competition. The research took into account the observational methodology for the acquisition of the data, which was then analyzed using the program THEME 5.0. Eight football matches of 4 coaches who compete in the junior “A” and junior “B” levels teams competing in the Portuguese national championships were recorded and their instruction behaviors were coded through the observational system SAIC. The results revealed the existence of temporal patterns of instruction behavior, both in the overall and individual analysis of coaches. The detected T-patterns showed that the coaches tend to prescribe tactical and psychological solutions directed to the athlete, using the verbal communication, as well as positively evaluate their execution and behavior. During the substitutions coaches provide indications with tactical and psychological content to the substitute, praises the performance of the player who left the pitch and give information to the team.

OBJETIVO: Caracterização da técnica de bruços, na relação entre os parâmetros cinemáticos e neuromusculares. MÉTODO: A eletromiografia de superfície (EMG) foi utilizada para analisar a dinâmica da atividade neuromuscular nos músculos peitoral maior (PM), bicípite braquial (BB), tricípite braquial (TB) e deltoide anterior (DA) em 12 nadadores de elite nacional. Foi utilizado um par de câmaras, fornecendo uma projeção dupla a partir de uma câmara subaquática e outra acima da superfície da água, para análise das variáveis cinemáticas: velocidade de nado (VN), frequência gestual (FG) e distância de ciclo (DC) em 200m bruços. RESULTADOS: A VN diminui de 1,41 (0,07) para 1,16 (0,09)m.s-1 (P < 0,05). A DC diminuiu de 2,32 (0,37) para 1,96 (0,24)m, enquanto a FG sofreu um decréscimo de 37,52 (5,16) para 34,40 (3,58) ciclo/min do primeiro percurso de 50m até ao terceiro percurso de 50 m, aumentando ligeiramente no último percurso para 35,82 (3,39) ciclo/min. O lactato sanguíneo aumentou de repouso para o pico de lactato sanguíneo de 1,12 (0,22) para 12,00 (3,23) mmol.L-1. Os resultados de EMG indicaram um aumento da frequência em relação à amplitude para todos os músculos em estudo, exceto para o DA. Correlações negativas foram obtidas entre a frequência e a VN, FG e DC, ou seja, para os músculos BB, TB e PM, verificou-se uma correlação forte entre VN, FG e DC, isto é, à medida que as variáveis cinemáticas aumentam a frequência diminui. As correlações sugerem que a ativação neuromuscular apresenta relação direta com as variáveis cinemáticas, nomeadamente para uma diminuição da frequência, nos músculos BB, TB e PM e para uma elevada amplitude e forte correlação com as variáveis cinemáticas em PM. CONCLUSÃO: A relação entre as variáveis cinemáticas e EMG são determinantes na avaliação da performance em natação pura desportiva, nomeadamente, no suporte na prescrição de exercícios para o aumento da resistência muscular dos músculos envolvidos na técnica de bruços.

INTRODUCTION: Characterization of the breaststroke technique, regarding the relationship between kinematic and neuromuscular parameters. METHOD: Surface electromyographic signals (EMG) were used to analyze the dynamics of neuromuscular activity of the muscles pectoralis major (PM), biceps brachii (BB), triceps brachii (TB) and anterior deltoid (AD), in twelve national elite swimmers. A couple of cameras (an underwater camera and an above the water surface camera) were used to provide a dual projection that permits analysis of kinematic variables (Speed, SF, SL) in the 200 m breaststroke event. RESULTS: Swimming speed decreased from 1.41 (0.07) to 1.16 (0.09) m.s-1(P<0.05). Stroke length decreased from 2.32 (0.37) to 1.96 (0.24) m, while stroke frequency suffered decrease from 37.52 (5.16) to 34.40 (3.58) cycle/min of 1st lap 50 m until the 3rd lap of 50 m, slightly increasing in the last lap to 35.82 (3.39) cycle/min. Blood lactate increased from 1.12 (0.22) to 12.00 (3.23) mmol.L-1. EMG results indicated increase in frequency concerning amplitude for all muscles studied: BB, PM and TB, except for the AD. Negative correlation between speed frequency, SF and SL was obtained, i.e. to the muscles BB, TB and PM there was a correlation between speed, SF and SL, meaning that as the kinematic variables increase, the frequency decreases. The correlations suggested that the neuromuscular activation presents a direct correlation with the kinematic variables, especially for frequency reduction in the BB, TB and PM muscles, and to a high extent and correlation with the kinematic variables in PM. CONCLUSION: The relationship between the kinematic variables and EMG is decisive in the swimming performance evaluation, in training exercises outside the pool to increase muscular endurance of muscles involved in the breaststroke technique.