Universidad Pontificia de Salamanca
Recent publications
Purpose: The purpose of this study was to analyze the concordance of a new Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) device called OLIVER in different specific training tasks and real futsal game. Methods: 10 elite futsal players competing in First National Division performed most of the typical futsal training tasks (game possession in 22×20m, 2vs2 in 20×20m, 3vs3, 4vs4 in 28×20m and 4vs4 in 40×20m). Players wore two tracking devices (OLIVER and WIMU Pro). Data were recorded with specific software systems to compare the concordance of data. After recording data, descriptive analysis was developed for each training task, as well as a one-way ANOVA to evaluate the concordance of OLIVER and WIMU devices. Results: The results reported good agreement for most variables, such as total distance, distance covered in different partials, as well as meters of accelerations and decelerations at different intensities and maximum speed (P> .05). However, the distance covered in high-speed running 12.1-18 km/h (m) and the number of runs above 12 km/h reported statistical differences between OLIVER and WIMU (P< .05) in some of the training tasks. Conclusion: The OLIVER system and WIMU system shows a high level of concordance in main variables of external load in different training tasks. OLIVER system is a valid and useful device to monitor external load in indoor sports, both smallsided games and real games.
Objective Shoulder pain, primarily due to rotator cuff tendinopathy, significantly impacts function and quality of life, with considerable socioeconomic implications. Physiotherapy myofascial trigger point therapy (MPT) is traditionally used, but therapeutic exercise (TE) has gained attention for its potential administrative and implementation benefits. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of TE compared with MPT in treating shoulder tendinopathies. Methods A single-blind randomised controlled trial was conducted comparing TE and MPT. Outcome measures included pain intensity with the Numerical Rating Scale, pressure pain threshold (PPT) and range of motion (ROM), assessed before and after 10 treatment sessions. A total number of 72 participants (TE group n=36 age 49.22±15.29/MTP group n=36 age 49.03±19.12) participated in the study. Interventions Participants in both groups were evaluated before treatment and after 10 sessions. A total of 10 sessions were conducted over 5 weeks of intervention. Results Both interventions showed improvements in pain intensity and ROM, with no significant differences between the groups in most measures except PPT, where TE demonstrated a greater decrease in pressure-induced pain. Conclusion TE could serve as an alternative to manual therapy, offering cost–benefit advantages, especially in administration via telecare and group sessions, highlighting its broader application in physiotherapy. Trial registration number NCT06241404 .
Background There is consistent evidence of the impact of depression and health on Quality of Life in older adults. However, the influence of anxiety or psychological wellbeing aspects has been less extensively studied. This study aims to assess the association between quality of life and sociodemographic characteristics (gender, age), levels of health, emotional distress (anxiety and depression) and psychological wellbeing (personal growth and purpose in life). Methods The survey was conducted with 361 older adults (mean age = 68.44 years) This study was of cross-sectional design. Results We found that the older adults’ quality of life increased when increased the levels of health, personal growth and purpose in life and when there were lower scores in anxiety and depression. This model explained 63.2% of variance. In contrast, sociodemographic characteristics did not show any association with quality of life. Conclusions A better understanding of the factors associated with quality of life could help health professionals to develop interventions that enhance it. Efforts to address older adults’ quality of life focusing on older adults’ perceived health and emotional status should be considered.
This study investigates the impact of lean and green supply chain practices on business process performance and sustainable supply chain performance. The research utilises the resource-based view (RBV) theory to construct a conceptual model wherein lean and green supply chain practices are employed to augment business processes and sustainable performance. Concurrently, dynamic capabilities theory is applied to signify an organisation’s capacity to adapt and evolve in response to internal and external pressures from customers and competitors. The conceptual model is validated using structural equation modelling with a sample of 170 supply chain practitioners from the apparel and textile supply chain in Jordan. Results indicate that lean practices exhibit no direct impact, whereas green practices significantly influence business process performance and indirectly affect sustainable supply chain performance. Business process performance does not mediate the relationship for lean practices, but it does so for green practices. Moreover, the environmental orientation of both competitors and customers negatively moderates the impact of green practices on business processes and sustainable supply chain performance. These findings contribute to existing literature and underscore the crucial role of green supply chain practices in enhancing sustainable supply chain performance in the apparel and textile industry.
This paper presents a robust methodology for the early and cost-effective diagnosis of COVID-19 based on vocal features and machine learning techniques. The proposed methodology addresses all challenges inherent to the prediction of COVID-19, including those related to feature extraction and selection, the imbalance problem, and predictor training. In contrast to existing methodologies that rely solely on acoustic attributes of the voice, such as intensity or frequency, our approach represents a pioneering investigation that incorporates biomechanical aspects of vocal production. These include muscle tension, the coordination of articulatory movements, and respiration. The relationship between these characteristics and the presence of the virus is investigated rigorously using robust feature selection techniques. To this end, we have constructed an original dataset comprising patients with confirmed cases of COVID-19 infection and a control group, incorporating both acoustic and biomechanical features using Voice Clinical Software. The robustness and reproducibility of the experimental results have been enhanced through the rigorous comparison of several classifiers and feature selection algorithms, as well as the employment of resampling strategies. The application of random forests for feature selection has revealed that a limited set of biomechanical markers are significantly associated with the presence of COVID-19 infection. Moreover, a random forest classifier based on a subset of biomechanical and acoustic features demonstrates high efficacy in predicting cases of COVID-19 infection, achieving a sensitivity of S = (0.9212±0.0775) while maintaining a specificity of Sp = (0.9150 ± 0.0649). Considering these findings, the proposed methodology can be regarded as a non-invasive and cost-effective alternative for the diagnosis of COVID-19 infection. Furthermore, it can be extended to the diagnosis of other respiratory diseases, provided that the vocal cords are affected.
Señor Editor: En el interesante reporte de Herrera en la Revista Médica de Chile 1 hace ya casi un siglo y medio se describen los estragos que la viruela generaba en lo que era entonces la Región del Maule, provincias de Curicó, Linares y Maule 2. En ese mismo repor-te se menciona para Curicó que la viruela había desaparecido por completo en los primeros días de octubre, con lo cual el lazareto había quedado desierto. Mientras que, en Linares, tanto en la ciu-dad como en los alrededores la epidemia se hacía sentir con más fuerza, adquiriendo proporciones amenazadoras, potenciadas porque se reportaba que gran parte de las autoridades desconocían las más elementales reglas de profilaxis 1. Lo anterior nos puede dar cuenta del impacto de la viruela en las provincias del Maule en el último tercio del siglo XIX y, como ejercicio académico, al conside-rar la Historia de la Medicina como un enfoque que permite mirar al pasado para comprender el presente y proyectar un mejor futuro en el área. Esta Carta al Editor rememora los estragos de la epidemia de viruela en zonas del centro-sur chileno, en un contexto en que la República aún era joven.
Objective This study aims to perform a psychometric analysis of the 36‐item short form health survey (SF‐36) in a population of pregnant women and validate an adapted version of the instrument to measure health‐related quality of life specific to pregnancy. Methods A cross‐sectional study design was carried out with data collection between 7 and 36 weeks of gestation, with a total sample of 547 pregnant women divided into two randomized subsamples. Data were collected between September 2021 and April 2023. An exploratory factor analysis was initially performed on one subsample, followed by a confirmatory factor analysis on the other. Internal consistency was assessed using Cronbach's alpha and McDonald's omega, and correlations between factors were analyzed. Results Results from the exploratory factor analysis proposed a seven‐factor model explaining 56% of the variance. All proposed dimensions achieved Cronbach's alpha scores above 0.75, with a total test score of 0.92. Furthermore, all dimensions exhibited positive and statistically significant correlations. Bartlett's test of sphericity and the Kaiser–Meyer–Olkin test yielded values of 5599 (P < 0.001) and 0.871, respectively. The confirmatory factor analysis reaffirmed this model with good fit indices: χ² 792 (P < 0.001), comparative fit index (CFI) and Tucker–Lewis index (TLI) >0.90, and standardized root mean square residual (SRMR) and root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA) <0.06. Conclusion This study developed and validated the “SF‐34 PREG,” an adapted version of the SF‐36, specifically designed for pregnant women. The SF‐34 PREG demonstrated high reliability and a robust factorial structure, making it a more precise and relevant tool for assessing health‐related quality of life during pregnancy. Although it does not include the social functioning dimension of the original SF‐36, the SF‐34 PREG offers improved relevance and accuracy for this specific population. Further research and clinical use of the SF‐34 PREG are recommended.
Aim To analyze the usage patterns and characteristics of different user groups in utilizing social media as a source of health information among the general population. Subjects and methods This research utilized a descriptive cross-sectional quantitative design, surveying over 1,300 individuals from Spain. Data collection was facilitated through a structured questionnaire distributed via social media platforms, capturing information on user demographics, frequency of social media use for health information, and trust levels in such information. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics with SPSS 22.0, ensuring a statistical significance level of 0.05 or lower. Results The analysis revealed that 72.1% of respondents use social media as a source for health information. Detailed findings include a significant reliance on social media among users with university-level education, who are 54.5% more likely to trust health information from these platforms compared to those with lower educational backgrounds. Skepticism about the accuracy of health information was prevalent, with only 40.2% of participants occasionally finding the information reliable. Statistically significant differences were noted in health information consumption patterns across age groups, with younger users (18–25 years) demonstrating the highest engagement levels. Conclusion Social media platforms significantly impact the health information received by the general population. All participants in this study consumed health information through these platforms, both actively and passively. The use of social media as a source of health information is particularly notable among the 18–25 age group and individuals with university education, with immediacy and privacy being the main reasons for this use.
Essential trace minerals are vital for general human health and athletic performance. Zinc (Zn) plays critical roles in several biochemical processes in exercise physiology, especially during intense physical exercise. This research aimed to analyze erythrocyte, platelet, plasma and urine Zn concentrations among men’s and female soccer players over a sports season. A total of 22 male soccer players (20.61 ± 2.66 years; 71.50 ± 5.93 kg) and 24 female soccer players (23.37 ± 3.95 years; 59.58 ± 7.17 kg) participated in this longitudinal quasi-experimental study. Three assessments were carried out over the season: 1st evaluation: first week of training (August); 2nd assessment: middle of the season, between the end of the first and second round (January) and 3rd assessment: last week of training (May/June). In all evaluations extracellular (plasma and urine) and intracellular (erythrocytes and platelets) Zn concentrations were determined, as well as physical fitness and several blood parameters. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry was used to measure Zn concentrations. Plasma and urinary concentrations were higher among male soccer players (p < 0.05) while erythrocyte and platelet Zn concentrations were higher in the female soccer players (p < 0.05). Additionally, variations in urinary and platelet Zn concentrations were observed over the season. The differences could be related to muscle mass, muscle damage or the specific sport’s physical demands.
The purpose of this study was to assess the external load demands in futsal, considering both home and away matches and their outcomes, in order to plan microcycles throughout the season based on the external load of each match. The external load of 10 players from a First Division team in the Spanish Futsal League was recorded throughout 15 official matches in the first half of the league championship. The players' external load was monitored using OLIVER devices. To analyse the influence of the match outcome and location on the external load, a univariate general linear model (GLM) analysis was conducted with Bonferroni post hoc. There are no differences between the variables neither comparing results nor location factors, except for accelerations of 2 to 3 m/s2 (m) per minute and the number of accelerations of 2 to 3 m/s2 per minute, reporting higher value winnings at home than away (p < 0.05). The location and results are not factors that influence on external load in futsal matches, except the number and distance performed in accelerations and distance covered at a low to medium speed. These findings are important for planning microcycles and providing the appropriate dosage to each player to achieve optimal performance in matches.
Unlabelled: Cyberbullying is a growing problem in the Italian educational sector, with a prevalence of 17%. This study analyzes its impact on the psychosocial well-being and academic performance of Italian adolescents. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 502 students from six schools in different Italian regions, using the European Cyberbullying Intervention Project Questionnaire (ECIPQ) to assess cyberbullying, in addition to collecting data on satisfaction, friends, and academic performance. Chi-square and ANOVA analyses were conducted to identify significant associations between the variables. Results: The analyses showed significant associations between cyberbullying and gender and in psychosocial well-being, with significant differences in personal satisfaction and body satisfaction. On the other hand, there were no significant differences in academic performance or in the ability to make new friends, although victims showed a significantly lower ability to make new friends compared to those who were neither victims nor aggressors. Conclusions: Cyberbullying has a significant impact on students' psychosocial well-being, especially on personal satisfaction and school happiness, making it essential to implement interventions that promote safe school environments to mitigate these negative effects.
Tennis is an individual sport characterised by high-intensity action, including sprints and changes of direction (COD). However, there is a gap in the knowledge of limb asymmetries in adolescent tennis players and their association with performance. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between asymmetry in vertical and horizontal jump tests (CMJ and HJ) and COD with lower limb performance variables in adolescent tennis players. Forty-five adolescent tennis players (age: 13.81 ± 1.08 years; height: 167.64 ± 9.9 cm; body mass: 57.48 ± 10.94 kg; body mass index: 20.27 ± 2.18 kg/m2) performed the CMJ test (unilateral and bilateral), horizontal jumps (unilateral and bilateral), 25 m sprint, and 180° COD test. The single-leg countermovement jump showed the greatest asymmetries among the different tests (6.62 ± 9.35%). Notable negative relationships were found between CMJ asymmetry and COD asymmetry with unilateral horizontal jump variables (r = −0.30 to −0.53). In addition, CMJ asymmetry showed notable relationships with CMJR (r = 0.49) and COD180R (r = 0.29), whereas COD asymmetry showed a notable relationship with COD180L (r = 0.40). On the other hand, HJ asymmetry showed no notable relationships with any variable. The main findings of this study indicate that greater imbalances in the CMJ and COD tests are associated with a reduced capacity to perform unilateral horizontal jumps. These results suggest the incorporation of training protocols to reduce interlimb asymmetries in growing athletes to improve their performance. This practical application is important for coaches and physical trainers who aim to improve the physical performance of adolescent tennis players. Greater asymmetry results in a reduced ability to produce unilateral horizontal force.
This research aimed to study the long-term effects of soccer training on platelet membrane fatty acid levels and antioxidant vitamins. Forty-four subjects divided into soccer players (SP; n = 22; 20.86 ± 0.36 years) and a control group (CG; n = 22; 21.23 ± 0.49 years) participated in the study. The fatty acids of the platelet membrane, the rates of desaturation, lipid peroxidation indexes and intra-platelet levels of vitamins C and E were assessed. SP obtained lower values in polyunsaturated fatty acids 18:3:3 (alpha-linolenic acid), 20:5:3 (eicosapentaenoic acid) and 22:6:3 (docosahexaenoic acid) (p < 0.05). The desaturation index ∆5 was higher in SP (p < 0.05), and they had a higher lipid peroxidation index 20:4:6 (arachidonic acid)/16:0 (palmitic acid) (p < 0.05). Vitamin E and C platelet values were also higher in SP (p < 0.01). There were positive correlations in the ω6/ω3 index (p < 0.05), desaturation index ∆5 (p < 0.05), lipid peroxidation index 20:4:6/16:0 and intra-platelet vitamins E and C (p < 0.01) with the level of physical activity. In addition, there were inverse correlations in fatty acids 24:0 (lignoceric acid), 16:1 (palmitoleic acid), 20:3:6 (eicosadienoic acid) and 18:3:3 (alpha-linolenic acid) (p < 0.05) depending on the degree of physical activity. Regular long-term soccer training could modify the concentration of fatty acids such as 24:0, 16:1, 18:6, 20:3:6, 18:3:3:3, 20:5:3, 26:6:3 and ω3 PUFAs in the platelet membrane.
Introduction: The predominant alterations in voice of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) are phonatory instability, vocal asthenia and roughness, shortness of breath, hypophonia, and hypernasality. However, research on alterations of acoustic parameters has few studies and disparate results. The objective of this study was to investigate voice disturbances in patients with MS, both with objective measures (analysis of biomechanical) and subjective measures (scales and questionnaires). Methods: This is an experimental study with a total of 20 participants with MS. Voice samples were collected, and biomechanical correlates were analyzed through the Clinical Voice Systems program, Online Lab App. The VHI-30 (Voice Handicap Index) questionnaire, the GRBAS (grade, roughness, breathiness, asthenia, strain) scale, and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale were used as subjective measures. Results: Ninety-five percentages of participants feel and describe dysphonic difficulties. Self-perception of vocal disability correlated with auditory vocal perceptual analysis in the sample of women. Conclusion: The biomechanical parameters showed alterations in the strength of the glottic closure, the efficiency index, and the structural imbalance index.
This article presents two cross-sectional studies that group the most relevant (and potential) factors contemplated in the bystander literature on Intimate Partner Violence Against Women, (IPVAW). We analyzed their relationship with the intention to respond to hypothetical scenarios with specific helping behaviors based on the witnesses’ gender, political ideology and on the bystander effect (study 1). We also studied them as predictors of helping behaviors (study 2). In total, 1,563 Spanish people participated in study 1 and 755 Spanish people in study 2. Participants had to study an IPVAW vignette (with a single bystander or multiple bystanders) and a control scenario (a robbery with a woman as victim or a man) and assess the perceived severity of the situation, the perceived responsibility of the victim and the aggressor(s), the personal perceived responsibility of the bystander and the intention to perform 8 helping behaviors. They also fulfilled a social desirability scale (study 1 and 2), the Inventory of Distorted Thoughts about Women and Violence and the Scale on Gender Ideology (study 2). Women tend to assess the IPVAW scenario in a way that favors displaying active helping behaviors to a greater extent than men. An individual’s political opinion has also shown to affect the assessment and, to a lesser extent, the intention to help an IPVAW victim. The bystander effect only takes place when negative attitudes are present. When analyzing the interaction between the type of violence (gender versus non-gender-based violence) and the above-mentioned variables, the results tend to confirm previous studies. Regarding the predictors of the helping behaviors, perceived personal responsibility is key, together with victim blaming attitudes or the perceived severity of the situation. This study expands the knowledge on bystander behaviors in IPVAW contexts and offers elements to work on awareness campaigns.
Los deportes electrónicos o esports se han consolidado en los últimos años como uno de los productos culturales con mayor impacto a nivel global en la industria de los medios y el entretenimiento. Aunque las competiciones entre equipos profesionales surgieron como herramienta de marketing, el aumento de su popularidad las está convirtiendo en alternativa a los deportes tradicionales, sobre todo entre los públicos más jóvenes. A ello contribuye el uso de las retransmisiones paralelas a las oficiales por parte de creadores independientes de contenido, quienes amplifican su descubrimiento y alcance. Este artículo realiza un análisis de la audiencia en la edición 2022 de la “Superliga”, el máximo torneo de League of Legends en España. Mediante una metodología cuantitativa, se han representado los 96 encuentros y sus respectivas coberturas, incluidas las producidas por co-streaming. Los resultados muestran un significativo incremento en las audiencias medias.
Contemporary graphic design observes the remarkable popularity of New Ugly, a movement whose stylistic essence is based on the fictitious amateur nature of visual solutions created by qualified professionals. In a context defined by the impact of technology and the massive access to social media, this research seeks to analyze the possible postmodern heritage of this movement, as well as its relationship with the inexperienced design of popular graphics. Through the literature review as the main method, the study's conclusions refer to the relevance of postmodern philosophy in the definition of the New Ugly, based on criteria such as ugliness or randomness; the influence on the visual language of this movement of popular graphics and its amateur aesthetics, a phenomenon whose main difference points to the different intentionality of its respective proposals; and the importance of ugliness -as the aesthetic essence of the internet (Internet Ugly)- and some of its products (memes, glitches, GIF), as well as the participatory culture of social networks, in the visual philosophy of New Ugly.
The initiation of the program Mental Health Support Program for Coronavirus Infection addressed the increased demand for mental health services in the province of Salamanca, resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. The psychiatry service provided care for COVID-19 patients, their families, and healthcare workers who treated them, as these groups were identified as being at risk. This study aims to describe the assistance provided, including personnel and resources utilized, types of interventions carried out, and to assess the demand for mental health care and predominant symptoms and emotions experienced by patients. Billboards and the complex’s intranet publicized the program. Specific clinical approach using telemedicine were provide from March 2020 to December 2021 to COVID-19 patients, their relatives, and healthcare workers. 216 patients were included with a mean age of 53.2 years, with women comprising 77.3% of this group. All the groups received treatment in similar proportions. Over a period of 730 h, a total of 1376 interventions were performed, with an average duration of 31.8 min per intervention. The program could treat 79.6% of these patients without requiring referrals to other services. When the program concluded, only 21 participants (9.7%) were discharged to the local mental health network to continue their mental health treatment. The program effectively reduced the burden on regular mental health services due to its ability to treat most patients without requiring referrals. The program was able to attend to most mental health requests with minimal involvement of the regular mental health service.
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792 members
Ruben Perez-Elvira
  • Facultad de Psicología
Fermín J. González-Melado
  • Practical Theology
Vidal Alonso
  • Departamento de Ingeniería Informática (Escuela Superior de Ingeniería y Arquitectura)
Montserrat Mateos-Sánchez
  • Facultad de Informática
A. Fermoso García
  • Facultad de Informática
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Salamanca, Spain