Luis Rama

University of Coimbra | UC · Faculty of Sport Science and Physical Education

Unlabelled: This systematic review provides critical and propositional information on criteria for determining the volume and intensity of drop jumps during plyometric training programs. Eligibility criteria were defined according to PICOS: Participants: male or female athletes, trained or recreationally active (16-40 years). Intervention duration...

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a growing global health issue that is closely linked to the epidemic of obesity. In addition to genetic factors, environmental and health-risk behaviours (i.e., high-carbohydrate diet and physical inactivity) contribute to a variety of pathophysiological disorders. Advanced exercise protocols, such as Moderate-to-...

Costa, C., Cruz, D., Meira, D., Caldeira, R., Pereira, L., Rama, L., & Avelar-Rosa, B. (2022). A motivação dos estudantes do 3º ciclo no contexto das aulas de Educação Física: influência do nível de atividade física dos pais. Livro de Resumos do 12º Congresso Nacional de Educação Física, 43.

Cruz, D., Meira, D., Caldeira, R., Costa, C., Pereira, L., Rama, L., & Avelar-Rosa, B. (2022). Motivação dos alunos do 2º e 3º ciclos para a Educação Física em alunos federados e não federados. Livro de Resumos do 12º Congresso Nacional de Educação Física, 39.

Caldeira, R., Costa, C., Cruz, D., Meira, D., Pereira, L., Rama, L., & Avelar-Rosa, B. (2022). Fatores de motivação dos alunos para as aulas de Educação Física: Análise comparativa dos anos de escolaridade. Livro de Resumos do 12º Congresso Nacional de Educação Física, 44.

Silva, T., Rosa, B., & Rama, L. (2022). O efeito da introdução de música durante o aquecimento nas aulas de Educação Física, na motivação dos alunos do 3º ciclo do ensino básico. Livro de Resumos do 12º Congresso Nacional de Educação Física, 32.

The devices for measuring plyometric exercise in field conditions are becoming increasingly prevalent in applied research and practice. However, before the use of a device in an applied setting, the validity and reliability of such an instrument must be determined. The study aimed to assess the validity and reliability of the Output Sport, an inert...

This study aims to verify the validity of the Push Band 2.0 (PB2.0) device on the reactive strength index (RSI) measurement, using a force plate (FP) and an optical sensor device, OptoJump (OPT), as a reference. Twenty trained athletes performed 60 drop jump trials with a height box of 30 cm. A randomized repeated measures study was conducted durin...

One of the biggest paradigms in the training area is to verify the impact of training stimuli on acute and chronic adaptations with consequences on performance. Athletes demonstrate individualized and non-generic adaptability of the organism. In this study we intend to demonstrate the relevance of heart rate variability and other psychometric marke...

Jumping ability is considered a determinant of performance success. It is identified as one of the predictors and talent identification in many sports and dance. This study aimed to investigate the effect of 16 weeks of lower-limb strength training on the jumping performance of ballet dancers. A total of 24 participants from the same dance school w...

The aim of this study was to analyse and compare propulsive forces, relative force production and symmetry between genders during water fitness exercises. Eighteen participants (women, n=9; age: 20.67 ± 0.87 years; body mass: 58.18 ± 4.97 kg; height: 159.19 ± 5.85 cm; and men, n=9; age: 22.11 ± 1.76 years; body mass: 72.93 ± 7.00 kg; height: 170.83...

Motivation is a fundamental strength to carry out a given activity. Regarding sports practice, this can be understood as a facilitator for student's adherence. This study identifies and compares the motivations of students to Physical Education considering their grade and gender, before and after the lock down caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Two i...

Saraiva, J., Silva, E., Marques, Bizarro, B., Rego, I. Gonçalves, C., Rama, L., Avelar-Rosa, B. (2021). Motivations of basic and secondary education students for physical education before and after covid-19 lock down: a comparative study on gender and school grade. Journal of Sport Pedagogy and Research, 7(5 - Especial 9º Congresso SCPD), 38. DOI:...

Silva, E., Marques, R., Bizarro, B., Saraiva, J., Rego, I., Gonçalves, C., Rama, L., Avelar-Rosa, B. (2021). Students motivations for physical education classes before and after the lockdown due to the covid-19 pandemics: Comparative study between athletes and non-athletes on organised sport. Journal of Sport Pedagogy and Research, 7(5 - Especial 9...

Bizarro, B., Saraiva, J., Silva, E., Marques, R., Rego, I., Gonçalves, C., Rama, L., Avelar-Rosa, B. (2021). Students’ motivations in Basic and High School Education for physical education before and after lock down due to the Covid-19 pandemic: Comparative study on gender and weekly sports practice. Journal of Sport Pedagogy and Research, 7(5 - Es...

Paiva, D., Avelar-Rosa, B., Rama, L., Martins, R. Moreira, J. (2021). Motivação dos alunos do 2º Ciclo, 3º Ciclo e Secundário para a prática de atividade pré e pós-período de confinamento. Journal of Sport Pedagogy and Research, 7(5 - Especial 9º Congresso SCPD), 31. DOI: 10.47864/WELI5200.

Background Non-communicable diseases are a leading cause of health loss worldwide, in part due to unhealthy lifestyles. Metabolic-based diseases are rising with an unhealthy body-mass index (BMI) in rural areas as the main risk factor in adults, which may be amplified by wider determinants of health. Changes in rural environments reflect the need o...

This study aimed to develop a predictive explanatory model for the 1,000-m time-trial (TT) performance in young national-level kayakers, from biomechanical and physiological parameters assessed in a maximal graded exercise test (GXT). Twelve young male flat-water kayakers (age 16.1 ± 1.1 years) participated in the study. The design consisted of 2 e...

This study aims to evaluate the impact induced by different track surfaces and type of bicycles on the mechanical and physiological variables in mountain biker performance. Sixteen mountain bike male athletes (70,2 ± 5,4 kg of body mass, 172,7 ± 4,0 cm of height, 9,8 ± 3,5% of body fat, 52,3 ± 3,9 mL/kg/min of VO2max) participated in this study. Af...

Background: Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are a leading cause of health loss worldwide, in part due to unhealthy lifestyles. Metabolic-based diseases are rising with an unhealthy body-mass index (BMI) in rural areas as the main risk factor in adults. Health loss risks in rural areas may be amplified by wider determinants such as socio-demography...

Physical Education, when taught in an integrating and facilitating way of learning, allows students to acquire specific skills (eg., interpersonal relationship). Thus, we aim to: a) characterize the well-being and lifestyle of young teenagers in 9th grade class; b) characterize the interpersonal relationship, both in terms of acceptance and rejecti...

Background: the aim of this study was to analyze the chronobiology influence on the mechanical, kinematic, and physiological variables in a mountain bike (MTB) time trial. Methods: 16 mountain bike (MTB) male athletes volunteered to participate. Their characteristics were as follows: body mass 70.2 ± 5.4 kg, stature 172.7 ± 4.0 cm, body fat 9.8...

Purpose Breath-by-breath energy expenditure during open water swimming has not yet been explored in an ecological environment. This study aimed to investigate and compare energetics and kinematics of 5 km swimming, in both swimming pool and open water conditions. Methods Through four independent studies, oxygen uptake (VO2) kinetics, heart rate...

Background and objectives: Athletes from combat sports are grouped into a series of weight categories that are intended to promote fair competition. Differences in performance are partly attributable to differences in body size. Consequently, ratio standards in which a performance variable is simply divided by an anthropometric characteristic such...

This study aimed to evaluate the degree to which transcutaneous electrical stimulation (ES) enhanced recovery following a simulated water rescue. Twenty-six lifeguards participated in this study. The rescue consisted of swimming 100 m with fins and rescue-tube: 50 m swim approach and 50 m tow-in a simulated victim. Blood lactate clearance, rated pe...

This study examined the effect of a competitive season on salivary responses [cortisol (sC), testosterone (sT), Testosterone/Cortisol ratio (sT/C), Immunoglobulin A (sIgA), sIgA secretion rate (srIgA), alpha-amylase (sAA)] and upper respiratory symptoms (URS) occurrence in three teams of male soccer players (Under-15, Under-17 and Under-19 yrs.). T...

Asymmetries can lead to muscular imbalances or deficits in strength during some activities. However, little is known while performing water fitness exercises. This study aimed to assess the upper-limbs’ asymmetry in water fitness exercises.

Background Frail individuals experience an accelerated immunosenescence, and exercise has been identified as a therapy to promote a better inflammatory environment. Objective To analyze the effects of 28-weeks of two different exercise protocols on the functional fitness and immune profiles of institutionalized pre-frail and frail women with mild...

OBJECTIVE The current study aimed to examine the body composition of adult male ultra-trail runners (UTR) according to their level of participation (regional UTR-R, vs. national UTR-N). METHODS The sample was composed of 44 adult male UTR (aged 36.5±7.2 years; UTR-R: n=25; UTR-N: n=19). Body composition was assessed by air displacement plethysmogr...

The evaluation of propulsive forces in water allows the selection of the most appropriate strategies to develop strength during water fitness sessions. The aim of this study was threefold: (i) to analyze the rate of force production; (ii) to analyze the rate of force variation; and (iii) to compare limbs' symmetry in two water fitness exercises. Tw...

The aim of this study was to analyse and compare the propulsive force between two basic head-out water exercises. Twenty-nine young healthy participants (age: 21.7 ± 1.9 years-old, body mass: 68.5 ± 10.8 kg, height: 168.2 ± 9.6 cm) performed an incremental protocol for each exercise (horizontal adduction and rocking horse) from 105 beats per minute...

Purpose: Evidence indicates that muscle injury caused by exercise can lead to functional, biochemical, and clinical damage. These outcomes encompass an intrinsic potential to understand the real magnitude of interpretation of classic signs in sport environments and to monitor athletes, contributing to specific actions. However, little or no researc...

The prevalence of age-related non-communicable chronic diseases has increased worldwide, being the leading causes of morbidity and death in many world regions, including in Europe. Innovative models and strategies focused on preventive care, including early identification of risk factors underlying disease onset and progression, and proper modifica...

Training camps are typical in elite Canoeing preparation, during which, the care to assure adaptation to avoid undesired fatigue is not always present. This study aimed identifying a specific sex response in perceived training loads, recovery and stress balance, and cardiac autonomic responses. Twenty-one elite athletes (11 males and 10 females) of...

Objectives. - This study aimed to develop a predictive explanatory model for the 1000-m time-trial (TT) performance in young national-level kayakers, from biomechanical and physiological parameters assessed in a maximal graded exercise test (GXT). Equipment and methods. - Twelve young male flat-water kayakers (age 16.1 ± 1.1 years) participated in...

The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of a training season (approximately 7 months) on physiological and salivary immune‐endocrine markers in master athletes. Nine male master athletes were evaluated at the beginning of the season (M1) and a week after the main official competition at the end of the sports season (M2). The control...

Background: Exploring the osteogenic effect of different bone-loading sports is particular relevant to understand the interaction between skeletal muscle and bone health during growth. This study aimed to compare total and regional bone and soft-tissue composition between female adolescent swimmers (n=20, 15.71±0.93 years) and volleyball players (...

Introduction: The popularity of ultra-endurance events is increasing worldwide. However, information about hematological parameters during repeated bouts of long-duration running, such as stages during a multi-stage ultramarathon (MSUM) is scarce. Objective: The purpose of the study was to monitor daily hematologic assessment in a 230-km multist...

Background/purpose: Ageing has profound impact on the immune system, mainly on T-cells. However, it has been suggested that chronic exercise may delay immunosenescence. Master athletes represent an interesting sub-demographic group to test this theory since they maintain a high training frequency and load throughout life. The purpose of this study...

In compliance with the European recommendations, , the Lifeguard (LG) became a regulated professional activity in Portugal in 2012, demanding proper physical and psychological preparation. This study aims to evaluate and monitor the skill level of Portuguese LG on performance a rescue in ocean beaches. Drowning literature supports, depending on sev...

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to quantify and characterize peripheral blood regulatory T cells (Tregs), as well as the IL-10 plasma concentration, in Masters athletes at rest and after an acute exhaustive exercise test. Methods: Eighteen Masters athletes (self-reported training: 24.6 ± 1.83 years; 10.27 ± 0.24 months and 5.45 ± 0.42 h/w...

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to investigate the differences in cytokines levels in the peripheral blood of kayakers at different moments of training. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The sample comprised 12 elite kayakers preparing for the Beijing Olympic Games. Blood samples were collected at different time points of the training season: basel...

Objective: The idea that different sports and physical training type results in different cardiac adaptations has been widely accepted. However, this remodelling process among different sport modalities is still not fully understood. Thus, the current study aims to investigate the heart morphology variation associated with a set of different modali...

The purpose of this study was to investigate the hematological and inflammatory responses to 4 maximal high-intensity protocols, considering energy expenditure in each test. 9 healthy volunteers performed 4 high-intensity exercise tests of short [Wingate (WANT); Repeated-sprints (RSA)] and long durations [Continuous VO2 test (VCONT); intermittent V...

The European Resuscitation Council Guidelines indicates that CPR providers should ensure chest compression of adequate depth (5-6cm) with 100-120 compressions min-1 , in a cycle of compressions/inflations of 30:2. The objective of this study was to monitor the impact over the CPR quality, applied by lifeguards(LG), after a simulated rescue. Method...

This study examined the changes in resting hematological variables in ultra-endurance runners throughout a multi-stage ultra-marathon competition, and compared athletes that completed all stages with those that failed to complete at least one stage within the cut-off time of competition. 19 ultra-endurance runners competing in a 230 km multi-stage...

Physical activity in elders has been shown to have positive effects on a plethora of chronic diseases and to improve immunity, mental health and cognition. Chronic stress has also been shown to have immuno-suppressive effects and to accelerate immunosenescence. Exercise could be a significant factor in ameliorating the deleterious effects of chroni...

Background: Stretching is often part of the warm-up routine prior to athletic participation; however, controversial evidences exists on the stretching effects on countermovement jump (CMJ) and sprint performance. Additionally, analysis of variability is useful for monitoring players, analyzing factors that could affect the performance, and guide a...

INTRODUÇÃO: A natação tem sido recomendada como tipo de atividade física para a prevenção, tratamento e controle da hipertensão arterial. OBJETIVO: Analisar os efeitos da prática regular de natação sobre a pressão arterial de adultos pré-hipertensos. MÉTODOS: A amostra foi composta por 36 homens pré-hipertensos divididos em dois grupos: Experimen...

This study aimed at examining the associations between weight status, body fat mass, and heart rate variability in prepubescent children, adjusting for physical activity levels. A cross-sectional investigation in which a total of 50 Caucasian pre-pubertal children (21 normal weight; 8 overweight; 21 obese), aged 6-10 years (8.33 ± 1.14), including...