Publications (19) View all
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Article: A digital calliper for training and study purposes.
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ABSTRACT: A quick and valid method for evaluating percentage body fat is based on the use of skinfold callipers. However, limitations associated to their use and characteristics led the authors to improve a traditional calliper (Harpenden) and to integrate it with a software application. Such a measuring system, LipoTool, is meant to have better accuracy and reliability, including data processing and digital recording at a very low cost. At first, a sample of 49 older adults was used to evaluate the performance of LipoTool by comparing its results to those obtained with the traditional Harpenden calliper. A strong positive association in %BF was achieved. This digital sensing system was later improved by incorporating wireless communication between the calliper and the software application, adding other functionalities. The software application works in any computer and is flexible to incorporate new coming models, linear regressions or new algorithms. This new system was validated against the standard Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry system, using a sample of 40 adults with positive results. This solution is a valid and reliable alternative to traditional reference callipers, simplifying the percentage of body fat evaluation and providing a more effective use in daily practice with less expenditure of time and resources. Its implemented guided procedure turns it into a precious training tool based on a non-invasive, portable device, and not requiring special individual preparation. Ongoing activities are focused on the design of a new mechanical structure, with novel functionalities and for exploring other studies.Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition 01/2012; 21(2):182-90. · 1.13 Impact Factor -
Article: Anatomical Location for Waist Circumference Measurement in Older Adults: a preliminary study
Nutricion hospitalaria: organo oficial de la Sociedad Espanola de Nutricion Parenteral y Enteral 01/2012; 27(5):1554-1561. · 1.12 Impact Factor -
Article: Muscle strength and soccer practice as major determinants of bone mineral density in adolescents.
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ABSTRACT: To analyse the relationship between isokinetic strength of the lower limb muscles and bone mineral density and content (BMD, BMC) of adolescent male soccer players and age-matched controls not involved in sport (12-15 years). A random sample of 151 young males was divided into soccer players (SG; n=117) and control subjects (CG; n=34). Peak torque of knee extensors (PTE) and flexors (PTF) was measured during isokinetic knee joint movement (90°/s) of the dominant and non-dominant lower limbs. BMD and BMC of the whole-body, lumbar spine, dominant/non-dominant lower limb were determined by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Physical activity was monitored with accelerometers during 5 days. Estimated maturity offset was used as an indicator of biological maturity status. Whole-body BMD (1.03±0.01 vs. 0.98±0.01 g/cm2, P=0.003) and dominant (1.09±0.01 vs. 1.02±0.01 g/cm2, P<0.001) and non-dominant (1.09±0.01 vs. 1.01±0.01 g/cm2, P<0.001) lower limb BMD was greater in SG compared to CG. No significant differences were found for BMC. Compared to CG, SG performed better in the YY-IE2 test (780±40 vs. 625±31 m), exhibited higher PTE (dominant limb: 155.2±30.3 vs. 123.4±37.0N m; non-dominant limb: 156.2±36.1 vs. 120.4±41.1 N m) and PTF muscles (dominant limb: 79.0±25.3 vs. 57.1±25.3 Nm; non-dominant limb: 73.3±20.7 vs. 57.0±24.2N m). Moreover, the PTE, soccer participation and maturity status were positively associated with the BMD at all body sites (r2=0.57-0.73, P<0.05). Muscle strength of knee extensors is associated with BMD and BMC at all body sites. Muscle-skeletal structures respond positively to the weight-bearing and impact-loading imposed by soccer practice. Soccer seemed to be a multilateral balanced sport activity.Joint, bone, spine: revue du rhumatisme 11/2011; 79(4):403-8. · 2.25 Impact Factor -
Article: The influence of physical activity, body composition, and lower extremity strength on walking ability.
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ABSTRACT: We examined the relationship among objective measures of body composition, lower extremity strength, physical activity, and walking performance and determined whether this interaction differed according to walking ability. Participants were 126 adults ages 60-91 yr. Stepwise multiple regression analysis showed that the 30-s chair stand test (30sCST), appendicular lean mass index (aLMI), body mass index, and age were independent contributors to walking performance, explaining 44.3% of the variance. For slower walkers, appendicular fat mass index (aFMI), moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA), 30sCST, and aLMI (r2 = .49, p < .001) largely explained variance in walking performance. For faster walkers, aFMI and aLMI explained 31.4% (p < .001) of the variance. These data suggest that both fat and lean mass are associated with walking performance in higher- and lower-functioning older adults, whereas MPVA and muscle strength influence walking ability only among lower-functioning older adults.Motor control 10/2011; 15(4):494-506. · 1.53 Impact Factor -
Article: Efeitos de um programa de exercício multicomponente na flexibilidade de mulheres idosas
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ABSTRACT: RESUMO O objectivo deste trabalho foi verificar o efeito da aplicação de um programa de exercício multicomponente (EM) na amplitu-de de movimento das articulações do ombro e da anca de mulheres idosas. Sessenta e seis mulheres foram divididas aleatoriamente em grupo experimental (GE, n=26; média de idade = 70,37±3,66 anos) e grupo controlo (GC, n=24; média de idade =73,90±4,17anos). O GE participou num programa bissema-nal (50 minutos) de EM durante 6 meses. As sessões de treino incluíram exercícios aeróbios, resistência muscular, equilíbrio e alongamentos estáticos passivos e activos das principais articu-lações durante 15 minutos. Os indivíduos foram avaliados antes e depois do programa de treino utilizando os testes chair sit-and-reach, back scratch, e medição das amplitudes articulares dos movimentos de flexão, extensão, abdução e rotação do ombro e da anca utilizando um goniómetro universal. Os resultados mostraram que a mudança induzida pelo programa de EM no GE foi significativamente diferente da observada após 6 meses no GC, para todas as amplitudes articulares avaliadas por goniometria (à excepção da rotação medial activa do ombro), e nos testes chair sit-and-reach (GE, 3,44; p<0,001 vs. GC, -0,71; p≤0,001) e back scratch (GE, 3,00; p<0,001 vs. GC, -0,57; p≤0,001) no GE. Com excepção dos movimentos de rotação lateral passiva do ombro, decorri-dos 6 meses, o GC apresentou perdas de amplitude articular assim como piorou o desempenho nos testes funcionais. Os resultados deste estudo sugerem que um programa de EM parece alterar positivamente a amplitude articular de algumas articulações importantes para a manutenção da funcionalidade de mulheres idosas fisicamente independentes. Os resultados deste trabalho demonstram, também, o efeito nefasto do desu-so sobre a flexibilidade dos idosos. Palavra-chave: treino, amplitude de movimento, idosos ABSTRACT Effects of a multicomponent exercise training program on flexibility of older women The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a multicom-ponent exercise (ME) program on flexibility of shoulder and hip of healthy elderly women. Sixty-six women were randomly divided into experimental group (EG, n= 26, mean age = 70,37±3,66 years) and control group (CG, n= 24, mean age= 73,90±4,17 years). The experi-mental group underwent ME protocol held twice per week and each session lasted about 50 min, over a period of 6 months. The sessions included endurance, strength, balance, and flexi-bility exercises and static stretches of the major joints during 15 minutes. Before-and after-training, chair sit-and-reach and back scratch tests were applied and range of motion (ROM) was examined at shoulder and hip, using a goniometer. The results showed that the change induced with the ME training was significantly higher than the change observed after 6 months in the CG, for all ROM movements assessed by goniometry, as well as, in chair sit-and-reach (EG, 3,44; p<0,001 vs. CG, -0,71; p≤0,001) and back scratch tests (EG, 3,00; p<0,001 vs. CG, -0,57; p≤0,001) in EG. After 6 months, excluding shoulder passive lateral rotation, CG showed a loss of ROM in all the other movements. Results of the present study suggest that a ME seems to posi-tively change the flexibility of several important articulations related with functional independence of healthy community-dwelling older women. Data also demonstrate the adverse effect of disuse on the flexibility of elderly adults.Revista Portuguesa de Ciências do Desporto. 04/2011; 11(1):457-464.
