Pedro Forte

Instituto Superior de Ciências Educativas do Douro · Desporto

Exercise has long been thought to improve overall cognitive and brain health, and it may protect against dementia by increasing blood flow to the brain. Prospective cohort studies support the idea that starting physical activity as a young adult and continuing throughout life is connected with a lower risk of cognitive impairment. While the presenc...

This study aimed to analyse the aerodynamics by numerical simulations with computer fluid dynamics of an able-bodied cyclist and a shoulder-amputee cyclist. An elite cyclist volunteered for this research; the cyclist was scanned with his competition gear and bicycle and the able-bodied and shoulder amputee 3D cyclists models were created. Numerical...

Objective The aim of this study is to investigate the behavior of autonomic nervous activation and infrared thermography (IR) after an eccentric exercise protocol. Methods The sample consisted of ten physically active men (22.5 ± 3.3 years) who had not practiced plyometric training in the 6 months prior to the study. After a period of familiarizat...

Background The IRONMAN® (IM) triathlon is a popular multi-sport, where age group athletes often strive to qualify for the IM World Championship in Hawaii. The aim of the present study was to investigate the location of the fastest IM racecourses for age group IM triathletes. This knowledge will help IM age group triathletes find the best racecourse...

Aims: Asymmetry of the internal (IR) and external (ER) shoulder rotators can increase the risk of injuries in judokas. Discrete analyses are usually performed in time series data, but they can have biases by removing trends, so other approaches have been proposed to avoid these biases such as statistical parametric mapping (SPM) and principal compo...

The aim of this study was to test whether combined physical exercise training of moderate intensity executed during the development of monocrotaline (MCT)-induced pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) hinders the progression of pulmonary and right heart harmful functional and structural remodeling in rats. Wistar rats were injected with MCT (60 mg/...

Ultramarathon running is of increasing popularity, where the time-limited 24-hour run is one of the most popular events. Although we have a high scientific knowledge about different topics for this specific race format, we do not know where the best 24-hour runners originate from and where the fastest races are held. The purpose of the present stud...

Background/Objectives: This study examined the effects of an intervention on anthropometrics, body composition, physical fitness, and sleep quality in aged individuals, comparing a control group (N = 11) and an experimental group (N = 13) across two measurement points. Methods: A multicomponent training program of 8 months was adopted as the interv...

Introduction: Multicomponent training is suggested as an efficient way to address the side effects of long-term treatment in breast cancer survivors and reduce the age-related relapse risk in these patients. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of a multicomponent training intervention on breast cancer survivors' physical fitness and body compos...

Introduction A promising approach to optimizing recovery in youth football has been the use of machine learning (ML) models to predict recovery states and prevent mental fatigue. This research investigates the application of ML models in classifying male young football players aged under (U)15, U17, and U19 according to their recovery state. Weekly...

Football has changed drastically, and currently teams can play up to 70 games in a season. This means one game, on average, every 4 days, and there is no space for pre-season. However, there may be periods of multiple games every 3 days. This congestion of games increases the incidence of injuries, which has a strong impact on the team's success du...

Range of motion in exercises is one of the foundations for greater activation of a muscle group. The objective of this investigation was to compare the structural and functional capacity of the triceps brachii between three groups with different angles (90°, 110°, and 130°) in a unilateral elbow extension exercise. The sample consisted of 25 subjec...

Though the mechanisms are not fully understood, tryptophan (Trp) and physical exercise seem to regulate mechanical hypersensitivity in fibromyalgia. Here, we tested the impact of Trp supplementation and continuous low-intensity aerobic exercise on the modulation of mechanical hypersensitivity in a fibromyalgia-like model induced by acid saline in f...

Purpose From a current perspective, recent studies have shown the influence of changes in body weight on the distribution of plantar pressure and foot pain, emphasizing the importance of understanding these relationships. There is currently a lack of research integrating body composition, plantar pressure distribution and gender comparison to eluci...

Purpose This study aimed to verify participation and performance in all road and trail-based races in Switzerland over two decades (1999-2019). Methods This is a secondary data-based study. We used 1,149,182 race records (788,818 from men and 360,364 from women) from 407,944 unique finishers of the 5 km, 10 km, half-marathon, marathon, and ultra-m...

Background: Triathletes are pushing their limits in multi-stage Ironman-distance triathlons. In the present case study, we investigated the pacing during 20, 40, and 60 Ironman-distance triathlons in 20, 40, and 60 days, respectively, of one professional IRONMAN ® triathlete. Case study: Event 1 (20 Ironman-distance triathlons in 20 days), Event 2...

Background: The study evaluated the effects of resistance exercise training and açaí supplementation on cardiac parameters in hypertensive animals. Methods: For this study, rats from the Wistar and SHR lines (spontaneously hypertensive rats) were used. The animals were divided into 5 groups: Wistar Control (C); Control Hypertensive (H); Trained...

This study clarified changes in arm stroke coordination during assisted swimming. Fourteen male collegiate swimmers swam 25-m front crawls with (A-swim with towing device) and without an assist (N-swim) at a submaximal to maximum (slow, moderate, and fast) effort. Swimming velocity (v), stroke frequency (SF), stroke length (SL), and stroke coordina...

Background: Childhood obesity presents a significant public health concern globally, with implications for cardiovascular health and metabolic syndrome. In Portugal, approximately 31.6% of children are affected, highlighting the urgency for intervention strategies. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of overweight and obesity in Portuguese sc...

Background/Objectives: Patellofemoral syndrome is a common osteoarticular condition that affects many individuals. Various treatment options are available, with a significant emphasis on targeted muscle-strengthening exercises. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of isokinetic muscle strengthening on muscle strength, joint range...

Citation: Teixeira, J.E.; Branquinho, L.; Ferraz, R.; Morgans, R.; Encarnação, S.; Ribeiro, J.; Afonso, P.; Ruzmetov, N.; Barbosa, T.M.; Monteiro, A.M.; et al. Analyzing Key Factors on Training Days within a Standard Microcycle for Young Sub-Elite Football Players: A Principal Component Approach. Sports 2024, 12, 194. https://doi. Abstract: Utilizi...

Background: Increasing youths’ physical activity is mandatory to reduce the risk of non-communicable diseases (NCCDs). Basketball is a team sport that is potentially positive in increasing teenagers’ physical performance, health indicators, and well-being. Objective: The objective was to compare the physical activity level (PAL), body composition,...

The aim of this study was to analyze the match-to-match variation in high-intensity demands from one Portuguese professional football team according to playing positions. Twenty-three male outfield professional football players were observed during eighteen matches of the Portuguese Second League. Time-motion data were collected using Global Positi...

This article aims to present Paralympic athlete Mario Trindade's training to become the European Champion at the 100-meter wheelchair race in Berlin 2018. The lack of information on this specific training has impaired the beginning of this journey. However, the daily monitoring of this athlete over 20 years has permitted us to realise that the trai...

The aim of this study was to test a machine learning (ML) model to predict high-intensity actions and body impacts during youth football training. Sixty under-15, -17, and -19 sub-elite Portuguese football players were monitored over a 6-week period. External training load data were collected from the target variables of accelerations (ACCs), decel...

Purpose The IRONMAN® triathlon is an endurance multisport discipline of high popularity. Professional IRONMAN® triathletes need to qualify for the IRONMAN® World Championships and, therefore, would benefit from identifying the fastest race courses. Our purpose was to identify the fastest races held for professional IRONMAN® triathletes competing fr...

The eminent purpose of physical education (PE) is to promote physical fitness, health, and overall well-being among individuals. It aims to develop motor skills, improve cognitive functions, and instill a lifelong appreciation for an active and healthy lifestyle. Physical education also fosters social skills, teamwork, and discipline, contributing...

Poor maths skills are associated with negative outcomes throughout life, such as lower academic qualifications, decreased professional success and socioeconomic results. Mathematical skills emerge continuously throughout childhood and those that children acquire in preschool are crucial for activities that support analytical thinking, problem-solvi...

Background: Several physical and physiological changes occur during a motocross race, mainly due to the type of circuits, and therefore the impact of different types of circuits on training load responses continues to need to be fully clarified. Objective: The main aim of the present study was to compare the internal load and external load response...

The prevalence of postural misalignments in children and young people is markedly increasing and schools can play a leading role in its early detection. This study aimed to carry out a postural assessment of the spine and shoulder and pelvic girdles in 162 school students (82 males and 80 females), aged between 10 and 15 years, comparing, afterward...

The 50-km ultra-marathon is a popular race distance, slightly longer than the classic marathon distance. However, little is known about the country of affiliation and age of the fastest 50-km ultra-marathon runners and where the fastest races are typically held. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate a large dataset of race records for the 50-k...

The main objective of this study was to compare the physical, technical, and tactical performances of the 32 teams that participated in the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ concerning the confederation to which they belong and the FIFA ranking. Key statistics from the 64 matches played during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ were analysed. The data from th...

Introduction. Previous evidence indicates that it appears to be possible to identify a pattern of success (playing styles) in football using principal components analysis or k-means clustering approaches. However, until now, little is known about the topic in teams that participated in football world cups. Aim of Study. This study aimed to verify i...

Football teams usually adopt different offensive playing styles to increase the probability of success. However, the strategy adopted can influence match-running performance. This study aimed to verify the relationship between the key indicators of offensive performance and match running performance in FIFA Women´s World Cup 2023 (2023-WC). Thirtee...

Objective To establish the effect of high-intensity and progressive volume resistance training (HIRT), on general health, functional, mental status, and quality of life (QOL) indicators in people with spinal cord injury (SCI). Methods The sample consisted of five people with SCI of both sexes, aged 46.2 ± 13.9 years, submitted to 12 weeks of HIRT,...

Background: The literature has reported that high-intensity training (HIIT) can effectively improve maximum oxygen uptake (VO 2 max) and body composition (BC). Still, contradictory results are reported regarding its impact of HIIT training and post-period detraining on gym users. Objective: This study aimed to verify how eight weeks of HIIT affects...

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to investigate the ideal training load to be applied during periods of fixture congestion to ensure an adequate dose-response effect for performance maintenance. Methods: Match performance data and corresponding pre-match training load sessions (both N = 498 match performance cases and training-block sess...

The main objective of this study was to compare the physical, technical, and tactical performances of the 32 teams that participated in the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ concerning the confederation to which they belong and the FIFA ranking. Key statistics from the 64 matches played during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ were analysed. The data from th...

Tricking has emerged as a martial arts sport that combines acrobatics, gymnastics, kicks and jumps to create multiple visually striking movements. The effects of a period of detraining in young tricking practitioners still unclear. The main objective of this study was to verify the effect of a 10-week detraining period on different motor skills in...

Introduction The application of muscle force is a determinant of football success as it is inherent to the motor control and sport. The aims of this study are: (1) to describe force variables Isometric Maximal Force (IMF), Concentric Peak Force (CPPF), and Dynamic Strength Index (DSI) in football goalkeepers from different age groups; (2) to compar...

Nowadays, the determining role that Physical Education (PE) assumes for cognitive, psychomotor and af-fective development is widely accepted. Even so, several investigations continue to report the difficulty in motivating children to be involved and participate in PE classes through traditional teaching methods. Thus, to combat this scourge, gamifi...

Comparative analysis of cyclist energy cost and drag: able-bodied vs. shoulder amputee cyclists using computational fluid dynamics ABSTRACT In cycling, drag is the force that opposes the cyclist's motion and is caused by the cyclist's and their equipment's interaction with the air. The surface area of the cyclist and their equipment, such as the bi...

Multivariate training programmes are widely recognised as an effective strategy for developing the skills necessary for good performance in the collective modalities addressed in physical education. The aim of this study was to verify the correlation between tactical performance and physical fitness levels in young secondary school students during...

Applying appropriate training loads in accordance with the defined objectives promotes optimal physical and physiological adaptations, reduces the likelihood of illness and injury and, therefore, increases the possibility of success during Rugby. The aim of this review was to compile and systematise the information in the literature on the associat...

Background The goal is to investigate how the length and height of passes impact a team's performance in national championships. A predictive model will be developed to analyse the success of different pass characteristics, including short, medium, and long length and ground, low, and high height. The model will be based on the points earned and wi...

There is evidence of a relationship between motor and cognitive development. The literature has shown that of all the motor skills, fine motor skills are those that contribute most to mathematical performance in preschool children. As this is a sensitive period in the development of motor skills, low levels of physical activity in this period can c...

Background and objectives: Pilates training intervention programs have gained attention as a potential approach to enhancing balance in older adults, thereby reducing the risk of falls. In light of these considerations, this systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to critically evaluate the existing evidence and determine the effect of Pilates t...

The shot performance of female soccer players is one of the most critical factors in winning a soccer match. It is essential to thoroughly clarify the kinetic factors that can improve shot performance. This study explores the connections between ball velocity post-shooting and isokinetic knee extension (EXT) and flexion (FLX) strength performances...

Forte, P., Portella, D. L., Monteiro, D., Teixeira, J. E., eds. (2023). Towards a psychophysiological approach in physical activity, exercise, and sports. Lausanne: Frontiers Media SA. doi: 10.3389/978-2-8325-2400-8

Bridging Science and Practical Appliance in Resistance Training is a groundbreaking scientific exploration of the art and science behind one of the most effective training methodologies in sports. In this book, leading experts in the field of sports sciences delve deep into the intricacies of resistance training, offering a wealth of knowledge and...

Constant global advancements and expanding evidence in the neuroscience of learning have provided compelling support for the inclusion of neuroscience as a crucial content priority in initial teacher education. Existing research confirms the efficacy of neurocognitive interventions for atypical and typical school-aged learners in a variety of key s...

This study aimed to develop reference curves of aerobic parameters of 20 m shuttle run test for Tunisian soccer players. The study was conducted in the 2022/2023 pre-season. The reference curves of the maximal aerobic speed (MAS) and the maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) were developed according to the Lambda, Mu and Sigma (LMS) method, using data fro...

Pacing during cycling and running in an IRONMAN triathlon has been investigated in only one study with elite IRONMAN triathletes. We have, however, no knowledge of how professional triathletes pace during an IRONMAN World Championship. To investigate the split-by-split speed, pacing strategies and pacing variability in professional female and male...

Sarcopenia, characterized by the age-related decline in muscle mass and strength, has been associated with an elevated risk of falls in older adults. The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of an 8-month multicomponent exercise program in community-dwelling older adults. A comprehensive approach was employed to assess the feasibil...

Changing the date of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 may represent a factor to consider for the expected performance of participating players. This was due to fixture congestion at the start of the season and expected weather conditions during the competition. Thus, the main purpose of this brief report was to critically analyze the potential impact...

Applying data-reduction techniques to extract meaningful information from electronic performance and tracking systems (EPTS) has become a hot topic in football training load (TL) monitoring. The aim of this study was to reduce the dimensionality of the internal and external load measures, by a principal component approach, to describe and explain t...