Pensar en Movimiento: Revista de Ciencias del Ejercicio y la Salud
PENSAR EN MOVIMIENTO: Revista de Ciencias del Ejercicio y la Salud (Thinking in / about motion: Journal on Exercise and Health Sciences): is an international scientific journal from the School of Physical Education and the Human Movement Science Research Center of the University of Costa Rica, addressed to all professionals and specialized readers in this area. Its goal is to promote universal research on Human Movement and Health Sciences. Key words: Exercise Physiology, Biomechanics, Sports Psychology, Sports Nutrition, Motor Learning, Sports Medicine. OAI protocol from this journal: https://revistas.ucr.ac.cr/index.php/rpem/oai
[Spanish translation] Acute changes in metabolic and cardiovascular variables resulting from sedentary behavior exposure: a systematic review
PURPOSE: This review aimed to analyze possible acute effects resulting from prolonged exposure to sedentary behavior on metabolic and cardiovascular variables. METHODOLOGY: Following the PRISMA guidelines, a systematic search was conducted in the PubMed, Embase, and Virtual Health Library databases between March 4 and April 16, 2024, identifying 21 experimental studies for the final qualitative synthesis. RESULTS: The main outcome variables reported were the area under the glucose and insulin curve, blood pressure, blood flow, and flow-mediated dilation. Regarding metabolic variables, reductions in glucose and insulin concentrations and increases in triglycerides while sitting were observed over time. For cardiovascular variables, the studies analyzing blood pressure showed conflicting results; however, endothelial variables showed deleterious changes during prolonged sitting. CONCLUSION: The studies included focused mainly on strategies to mitigate the harmful effects of sedentary behavior, highlighting a lack of research specifically aimed at addressing real-time effects during uninterrupted sedentary sessions. Therefore, standardized approaches and dose–response analyses are essential to enhance understanding of the impacts of prolonged sedentary behavior on health and metabolism.
Descriptive, Correlational and Qualitative studies
Copyright (c) 2026 Pensar en Movimiento: Revista de Ciencias del Ejercicio y la Salud
[Spanish translation] The evolution of Nordic walking research: a bibliometric analysis
INTRODUCTION: Nordic Walking has expanded from a sport-specific method to a widely used physical activity and therapeutic strategy, generating a rapidly growing body of literature. PURPOSE: This study aimed to conduct a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of Nordic Walking research from 1996 to 2024. METHODOLOGY: A bibliometric analysis was performed using Scopus. Peer-reviewed journal articles and reviews published between 1996 and 2024 were analyzed. Performance indicators and science-mapping analyses were conducted using Biblioshiny. A total of 331 documents were analysed. RESULTS: The field showed consistent growth, with an annual growth rate of 12.18%, and 39.27% of publications occurring in the last five years (2020–2024). Poland was the leading country in research output (20.8% of publications), followed by Italy (11.6%) and Spain (6.4%). Co-occurrence network analysis revealed three main research clusters centered on physiology, human walking, and exercise therapy. Topic trend analysis identified “Nordic walking,” “physical activity,” “exercise,” and “walking” as dominant themes. International collaboration networks showed strong links among European countries, particularly Italy and Poland. CONCLUSION: This study provides insights into the evolution and current state of Nordic Walking research, highlighting its growing relevance in health and exercise science and supporting future agenda setting and targeted international collaboration.
[Spanish translation] Influence of Physical Complaints on Workload and Readiness-to-Train in U23 Footballers: A Preparatory Period for The Olympic Games
PURPOSE: This study examined the relationship between physical complaints on training load and readiness-to-train in footballers during shock microcycles and tapering periods leading up to the Olympic Games. METHODOLOGY: Twenty-six under-23 footballers from the Honduras National Team participated (age: 22.5 ± 1.8 years). The external load was evaluated using global positioning system, and maximal speed (km/h), sprinting distance (>24.1 km/h), very high-intensity running distance (18.1-24 km/h), high-intensity running distance HID (15.1-18 km/h), player load, number of accelerations (+2.5 m/s²) and decelerations (-2.5 m/s²) were obtained. In addition, subjective measures such as the perceived rating exertion and the total quality of recovery scale were performed. A readiness-to-train questionnaire, encompassing mood, sleep quality, energy levels, muscle pain, nutrition, stress, and health was administered. RESULTS: Physical complaints were identified using the Oslo Sports Trauma Research Center questionnaire. The findings show the presence of physical complaints in both the load accumulation and the tapering periods. Footballers who experienced physical complaints showed lower perceived exertion, higher muscle soreness and poorer sleep quality, health, and motivation. Also, lower performance was demonstrated in maximal speed, sprinting, accelerations, and decelerations. CONCLUSION: Sports scientists should closely monitor physical complaints in national football teams and prevent injuries before long-duration events such as the Olympic Games.
Research seedbeds in sport and health: a student perspective
Research seedbeds, structured extracurricular groups dedicated to early research training, represent a key strategy for scientific literacy and the development of research competencies in undergraduate students in sports and health programs. This document functions as a practical management guide: it presents a conceptual framework grounded in inquiry-based learning and peer mentoring models; proposes a four-level participation structure with clearly differentiated roles and expected outcomes; describes a six-phase annual formative cycle; and synthesizes the motivations, challenges, and proposals that emerge from the student experience. The guide integrates current evidence on undergraduate research programs, identifies structural barriers and opportunities, and outlines concrete recommendations for institutional sustainability. The central argument is that research seedbeds should be understood not merely as extracurricular activities but as strategic axes for the professionalization of the sports-health field, capable of fostering scientific thinking, critical capacity, and ethical commitment beyond strict technical training.
Data base of Acute changes in metabolic and cardiovascular variables resulting from sedentary behavior exposure: a systematic review
Databases, novel methods and other complementary files
A reflection on sport as a catalyst for positive development in vulnerable youth
INTRODUCTION: Multiple studies have highlighted the value of sport as an empowering and activating instrument that contributes to the integral development of youth, particularly in those facing situations of social vulnerability. When sports experiences are structured, properly planned, and guided, they can enhance interpersonal skills, strengthen self-esteem, and promote the mental and physical health of participants. DEVELOPMENT: The effectiveness of sports interventions with young people largely depends on how they are structured and implemented, as well as on the pedagogical support and the quality of the environments where they take place. From a reflective and critical perspective, this study addresses the contributions, limitations, and scope of the Positive Youth Development (PYD) approach, with the aim of understanding how its principles can strengthen the integral development of youth through sport, oriented with pedagogical consistency and intentional accompaniment in various formation processes. Especially in vulnerable contexts, different effects of sports and physical activity programs become evident; therefore, sports intervention becomes a challenge in achieving sustainable and meaningful outcomes in young people's lives. CONCLUSIONS: When sport is approached from a pedagogical framework that is clear, ethical, and adapted to the context, it reveals its transformative potential. In this way, it contributes to the creation of socially just, inclusive, and safe environments that can strengthen both the personal development of young people and social cohesion and fabric.
Variability in resting heart rate in older women practicing Tai Chi Chuan versus non-exercising controls: a cross-sectional comparative study
PURPOSE: The study compared Resting Heart Rate Variability (HRV) in elderly women practicing Tai Chi Chuan (TCC) versus non-exercising controls to evaluate its impact on heart autonomic modulation. METHODOLOGY: Twenty elderly women were allocated into two groups: TCC practitioners (n=10) and non-exercising controls (n=10). The groups were similar in baseline characteristics, including age (TCC: 64.6 ± 3.3 yrs; control: 66.5 ± 7.3 yrs), body mass (TCC: 60.8 ± 4.3 kg; control: 65.5 ± 12.1 kg), height (TCC: 1.52 ± 0.07 m; control: 1.50 ± 0.05 m), and BMI (TCC: 26.2 ± 2.7 kg/m2; control: 28.9 ± 4.3 kg/m2). HRV was assessed using a heart rate monitor and symbolic analysis, focusing on 0V% (sympathetic activity) and 2ULV% (parasympathetic activity). RESULTS: For sympathetic modulation (0V%), the TCC group exhibited significantly lower values at moment 1 (TCC: 28.7 ± 7.9 vs. control: 41.6 ± 8.6, p = 0.003, 95%CI: -20.74 to -5.07; d = -1.56) and moment 2 (TCC: 27.0 ± 12.0 vs. control: 38.9 ± 11.7, p = 0.038, 95%CI: -23.09 to -0.72; d = -1.00), indicating reduced sympathetic dominance among TCC practitioners. In contrast, parasympathetic modulation (2ULV%) was significantly higher in the TCC group at moment 1 (TCC: 13.9 ± 3.5 vs. control: 10.6 ± 2.5, p = 0.032, 95%CI: 0.31 to 6.17; d = 1.08) and moment 2 (TCC: 14.4 ± 3.5 vs. control: 10.5 ± 3.3, p = 0.021, 95%CI: 0.67 to 7.21; d = 1.15). CONCLUSION: The findings highlight the benefits of regular TCC practice, demonstrating its potential to enhance parasympathetic activity and reduce sympathetic activity, thus contributing to autonomic balance and possible cardiovascular protection. Despite limitations like the small sample size and cross-sectional design, TCC is identified as a promising non-pharmacological intervention for cardiovascular health improvement in elderly women, with symbolic analysis effectively capturing patterns of autonomic regulation.
Isokinetic evaluation and treatment in the postoperative period of rotator cuff disease: a case report
INTRODUCTION: Even with a successful surgical procedure to repair the rotator cuff (RC), immobilization, pain, or muscle atrophy can lead to dysfunction and reduced RC strength, PURPOSE: This study sought to analyze the effects of physiotherapy through isokinetic exercises in these dysfunctions. METHODOLOGY: This is a case report of a 60-year-old male patient diagnosed with subluxation of the humeral head, and full-thickness tear of the supraspinatus tendon, with laceration, and tendinous retraction of approximately 2.4 cm. The patient underwent an open RC repair. After the failure of conventional physiotherapy, the individual was treated with isokinetic exercises. Functional status was evaluated using the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) questionnaire and an isokinetic dynamometer was used to evaluate muscle performance in concentric mode, at velocities of 60, 180, and 300 º/s, in flexion/extension and internal/external shoulder rotation movements. The minimum clinically important difference for functional status was reached. RESULTS: The peak torque (PT) for flexors showed improvement at all velocities; the extensor muscles improved only at 180 °/s. The external rotators showed an enhancement in the PT at 60 and 300 º/s. The agonist/antagonist ratio of extensors/flexors at 60 and 300 º/s showed percentages of improvement above 30 %. For internal/external rotators, the PT results also showed improvements in all velocities. CONCLUSION: In this case study, the isokinetic exercises prescribed in the postoperative period, after an open RC repair, resulted in a positive effect on the recovery of functional status and muscle performance.
Alexandre Roberto Marcondes Pelegrinelli
[Portuguese original] Acute changes in metabolic and cardiovascular variables resulting from sedentary behavior exposure: a systematic review
Are high gold open access article processing charges an exploitative or predatory trait?
The recent editorial in this journal debates a recurring issue which year-upon year, academics are reflectively responding to, namely whether existing article processing charges (APCs) in the gold open access model—especially in ranked and indexed journals of for-profit publishers—are high or excessive. Ultimately, the research community needs to determine whether such pricing—set by the publishers who negotiate deals with universities, often using tax-payers’ money—is merited, and whether high APCs constitute a form of greed, exploitation, or predatory behavior, or whether this is “normal”.
[English original] The evolution of Nordic walking research: a bibliometric analysis
[English original] Influence of Physical Complaints on Workload and Readiness-to-Train in U23 Footballers: A Preparatory Period for The Olympic Games
This study examined the relationship between physical complaints on training load and readiness-to-train in footballers during shock microcycles and tapering periods leading up to the Olympic Games. Twenty-six under-23 footballers from the Honduras National Team participated (age: 22.5 ± 1.8 years). The external load was evaluated using global positioning system, and maximal speed (km/h), sprinting distance (>24.1 km/h), very high-intensity running distance (18.1-24 km/h), high-intensity running distance HID (15.1-18 km/h), player load, number of accelerations (+2.5 m/s²) and decelerations (-2.5 m/s²) were obtained. In addition, subjective measures such as the perceived rating exertion and the total quality of recovery scale were performed. A readiness-to-train questionnaire, encompassing mood, sleep quality, energy levels, muscle pain, nutrition, stress, and health was administered. Physical complaints were identified using the Oslo Sports Trauma Research Center questionnaire. The findings show the presence of physical complaints in both the load accumulation and the tapering periods. Footballers who experienced physical complaints showed lower perceived exertion, higher muscle soreness and poorer sleep quality, health, and motivation. Also, lower performance was demonstrated in maximal speed, sprinting, accelerations, and decelerations. Sports scientists should closely monitor physical complaints in national football teams and prevent injuries before long-duration events such as the Olympic Games.
Copyright (c) 2025 Pensar en Movimiento: Revista de Ciencias del Ejercicio y la Salud
Data base of Variability in resting heart rate in older women practicing Tai Chi Chuan versus non-exercising controls: a cross-sectional comparative study
[Spanish translation] Where the game begins: home court advantage and performance contexts in female youth basketball leagues
PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to research on the extent of home court advantage (HA) and the percentage of home wins (HW), and to compare both metrics between different age categories (U14, U16 and U18) and the levels of ability in female youth basketball teams. METHODOLOGY: Data were gathered from the Madrid Basketball Federation over five seasons (2018–2019 through 2023–2024), analyzing a total 545 teams over three age categories: 178 U14 teams, 183 U16 teams and 184 U18 teams. Games without audience and the 2020–2021 season were not taken into account. Through a two-step cluster analysis, teams were classified according to ability into five groups: Foundational, Development, Competitive, High Performance, and Élite. The team’s ability had significant impact both on HA and HW (p < 0.001). RESULTS: Foundational teams showed significantly lower values of HA (50.0%) and HW (10.0%) when compared to groups of greater ability, whereas Élite teams reached the highest HW values (88.8%). Across categories, significant differences were observed in HA, with values increasing from U14 (50.0%) to U16 (53.9%) and U18 (54.2%), which indicates a small increase consistent with age, whereas no significant differences were found in HW. The team’s ability, rather than the age category, was identified as the major factor impacting HA and HW. Foundational teams showed the lowest HA and HW values; Development teams reached the highest HA, and Élite teams achieved the highest HW. CONCLUSION: These findings indicate that the team’s ability plays a decisive role in the two performance results under study, whereas age category has only a limited influence.
[Spanish translation] A bibliometric analysis of the effects of aerobic exercise on overweight (1978-2025)
INTRODUCTION: Overweight is a global public health concern associated with multiple chronic conditions. Aerobic exercise, widely recognized for improving weight control, cardiorespiratory fitness, and metabolic function, has become central to intervention strategies. However, the global research landscape addressing aerobic exercise specifically for overweight populations remains insufficiently mapped. PURPOSE: This study aimed to analyze scientific development, main research topics, and collaboration patterns using bibliometric methods based on publications indexed in the Web of Science Core Collection (SCIE and SSCI) from 1978 to 2025 (search date: March 23, 2025). METHODOLOGY: A total of 3,983 documents were retrieved and analyzed using the Bibliometrix package (R), with results visualized through publication trends, co-authorship and co-citation networks, and keyword clustering. RESULTS: The field has expanded rapidly since 2000, showing an average annual growth rate of 7.35%. The United States ranks first in publication volume and citation impact, followed by the United Kingdom and Canada. China demonstrates substantial research output but lower citation performance, highlighting the need for stronger international collaboration. High-impact publishing venues are primarily from exercise science and obesity-related research areas. Keyword and network analyses reveal a shift from general intervention studies toward more specific mechanisms, populations, and multidimensional outcomes, including insulin resistance, body composition, and cardiorespiratory fitness. A strong international collaboration structure, especially within North America and Europe, is also evident. CONCLUSION: Overall, research on aerobic exercise for overweight individuals has evolved into a multidisciplinary and globally collaborative field. Future efforts should emphasize research quality, deeper collaboration, and tailored intervention strategies to support global health.
[Spanish translation] Age, sex and adiposity correlates of physical fitness in Costa Rican police academy cadets
OBJECTIVE: This study had the following objectives: (i) to characterize pre-academy physical fitness, (ii) to analyze differences by age and sex, and (iii) to examine the associations between body fat percentage (BC%) and physical fitness in Costa Rican police cadets. METHODOLOGY: A total of 393 cadets participated (age = 24.98 ± 4.65 years, weight = 72.78 ± 12.39 kg, height = 1.70 ± 0.09 m). Data were stratified into groups of 20-29 and 30-39 years and analyzed by sex and BC%. The tests were performed between 1 and 3 weeks during the basic training, evaluating body composition, grip strength, flexibility (S&R), vertical jump (VJ), agility (Illinois test), speed (30 m), anaerobic (300 m) and aerobic (2.4 km) capacity. RESULTS: Physical fitness varied by sex (p < 0.05), except for BMI and S&R. In men, each 1% increase in body fat (%) was associated with a loss of +0.034 s in agility (p = 0.004), +0.025 s in 30 m-sprint (p = 0.000), -0.20 kg, and -0.19 kg in grip strength (p = 0.010; p = 0.021), -0.64 cm in VJ (CMJ, p = 0.000), and -0.36 ml∙kg-1∙min-1 in VO2 max (p = 0.000). In women, it was associated with a loss of agility (+0.089 seconds, p = 0.000), VJ (CMJ = -0.39 cm, p = 0.000), 30 m sprint (+0.046 seconds, p = 0.000), 300 m sprint (+1.02 seconds; p = 0.000) and VO2 max (-0.33 ml∙kg-1∙min-1, p = 0.000). CONCLUSION: The police cadets showed a suboptimal initial physical condition. Age, sex, and body fat (%) are key factors that affect their performance.
This editorial uses the image of fatigue in physically active people and athletes to briefly analyze some current challenges to science in general, and human movement science in particular. It offers practical and realistic solutions that could help science regain its vitality.
[Spanish translation] Health-and skill-related physical fitness in Costa Rican special operations police units
OBJECTIVE: The aims of this study were: a) to provide a detailed health- and skill-related physical fitness profile of a cohort of Costa Rican Special Operations Police (SOP) units and b) to compare selected physical measures by age groups: body weight, body mass index (BMI), fat mass, body fat percentage, lean mass, resting heart rate, blood pressure, grip strength, flexibility, vertical jump height, muscular resistance, agility, anaerobic resistance and cardiorespiratory capacity were measured in SOP active members. METHODOLOGY: Seventy-nine officers (age = 37.68 ± 7.86 years, height = 172.58 ± 5.35 cm, body weight = 80.49 ± 10.69 kg, BMI = 27.05 ± 3.34 kg∙m-2) participated in the study. Health- and skill-related physical fitness results of the participants were sub-optimal. RESULTS: Statistically significant differences were observed between age subgroups in lean mass in kg (F = 6.581, p = 0.002), A/G ratio (F = 10.078, p = 0.000), right- and left-hand grip (F = 5.680, p = 0.005; F = 8.386, p = 0.001), vertical jump (SQJ , F = 8.047, p = 0.001; CMJ , F = 8.167, p = 0.001), muscular resistance (F = 4.063, p = 0.021), agility (F = 9.055, p = 0.000), anaerobic resistance (F = 7.572, p = 0.001), and cardiorespiratory capacity (F = 5.034, p = 0.009). CONCLUSION: Police officers should review their strength and conditioning programs because their fitness profile is currently below general fitness standards. Age was shown to be an important factor in SOP units’ strength and conditioning performance.
Consolidation of human movement science as a STEM discipline
The recognition of Human Movement Science (HMS) as a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) discipline involves a strategic step towards the scientific and technological consolidation of HMS professionals in Costa Rica. This article examines the curricular, methodological and epistemological structures of HMS to validate its alignment with the STEM criteria set forth by international organizations such as UNESCO. On the basis of a study of Costa Rican university programs and international references, the article proves that HMS includes foundations of biology, physics, mathematics and applied engineering, using advanced technological tools, data analysis and the analysis of complex biological systems. Likewise, the concept of “human body engineering” is proposed as the articulation of the four STEM axes in HMS. Future actions are proposed for strengthening its formal recognition, curricular harmonization, the promotion of interdisciplinary research, technological development, teacher training and political university management. Not regarding HMS as a STEM discipline would involve perpetuating a reductionist view that ignores the role of this discipline as a bridge between science, technology, data analysis, sports and health. Finally, it is concluded that HMS integrates a model of interdisciplinary applied science with a high potential for driving innovation, scientific literacy and the sustainability of knowledge in health and sports.
Data base of A bibliometric analysis of the effects of aerobic exercise on overweight (1978–2025)
Overweight is a global public health concern associated with multiple chronic conditions. Aerobic exercise, widely recognized for improving weight control, cardiorespiratory fitness, and metabolic function, has become central to intervention strategies. However, the global research landscape addressing aerobic exercise specifically for overweight populations remains insufficiently mapped. This study aimed to analyze scientific development, main research topics, and collaboration patterns using bibliometric methods based on publications indexed in the Web of Science Core Collection (SCIE and SSCI) from 1978 to 2025 (search date: March 23, 2025). A total of 3,983 documents were retrieved and analyzed using the Bibliometrix package (R), with results visualized through publication trends, co-authorship and co-citation networks, and keyword clustering. The field has expanded rapidly since 2000, showing an average annual growth rate of 7.35%. The United States ranks first in publication volume and citation impact, followed by the United Kingdom and Canada. China demonstrates substantial research output but lower citation performance, highlighting the need for stronger international collaboration. High-impact publishing venues are primarily from exercise science and obesity-related research areas. Keyword and network analyses reveal a shift from general intervention studies toward more specific mechanisms, populations, and multidimensional outcomes, including insulin resistance, body composition, and cardiorespiratory fitness. A strong international collaboration structure, especially within North America and Europe, is also evident. Overall, research on aerobic exercise for overweight individuals has evolved into a multidisciplinary and globally collaborative field. Future efforts should emphasize research quality, deeper collaboration, and tailored intervention strategies to support global health.
[Spanish translation] Joint associations of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity and smartphone screen time with inhibitory control performance in adolescents
This cross-sectional study investigated the joint associations of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and smartphone screen time (ST) with inhibitory control performance in 210 Brazilian school adolescents. MVPA level was assessed using the Global School-based Student Health Survey questionnaire, categorized as inactive (<60 min/day) or active (60+ min/day). Weekly ST was measured using participants’ smartphones, categorized as low (<7 h/day) or high (7+ h/day) based on the median. Participants were divided into four groups: inactive + high ST, inactive + low ST, active + high ST, and active + low ST. Inhibitory control performance was evaluated using the Flanker task, measuring reaction time and accuracy in congruent/incongruent stimulus. A generalized multiple gamma model revealed that only the inactive + high ST group showed a higher reaction time in the incongruent phase compared to the active + low ST group (β = 41.1 ms; 95% CI 2.3, 79.9; p = .038). No differences were found in the accuracy (p > .05). In conclusion, physical inactivity combined with high smartphone ST is associated with poorer inhibitory control performance in school adolescents.
[Spanish translation] Benefits of hydrotherapy in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: additional outcomes of a randomized clinical trial
The objective of this article was to assess the effect of hydrotherapy on the functional status, dyspnea, BODE index, and quality of life in patients with COPD. A randomized, controlled clinical trial was carried out with 24 COPD patients, randomly divided in two groups: 1) aquatic training group (ATG), participating in an aquatic training (AT) program of intermittent (moderate/high) intensity that took place three times a week, for 8 weeks; and 2) control group (CG), which received guidance on a healthy lifestyle and did not participate in supervised exercises. The variables (functional status, dyspnea, BODE index, and quality of life) were assessed before and after the intervention period. The level of significance was established in 5%. Results show that the ATG presented significant improvements in daily life activities (LCADL total Δ score: -10.1, p = .01), in functional status (PFSDQ-M, total Δ score: -16.9, p = .01), dyspnea (ΔMRC: -1.37, p = .003), BODE index (Δ: -1.25, p = .048) and quality of life (total Δ score: -7.4, p = 0.02). The CG did not show any significant changes. As a conclusion, intermittent aquatic aerobic training of moderate/high intensity fostered a clinically relevant improvement for most patients with COPD in terms of quality of life, limitations in daily life activities, dyspnea, and in the BODE mortality predictor index.
Impact of drama activities on perceptual-motor skills in early child education
Bodily expression has been historically consolidated as a key didactical strategy in physical education for developing bodily awareness. In child education, it is essential for acquiring motor skills and abilities that allow children to develop effectively in various contexts. Theater, as a performing art of multidimensional nature, offers a significant potential for the development of perceptual-motor abilities (PMA). This research assessed the impact of a drama intervention in the development of PMA in students aged 5-8 years at the Reggio Emilia School. A quantitative study was implemented with a pre-experimental design in a single group with pre-test/post-test measurements. The sample was made up by 22 students. For the PMA assessment, an evaluation battery was used, specifically designed and validated for the Colombian context. The intervention consisted of a didactic unit structured in eight 60- minute sessions, implemented over four weeks with a frequency of two sessions per week. The drama activities included bodily expression exercises, improvisation, dramatization of stories, role playing and group skits, progressively designed to stimulate the various dimensions of PMA. The statistical analysis was carried out through parametric tests that compared the medians between the pre-test and post-test. The results showed statistically significant improvements (p < .05) in all the variables related to the PMA being assessed. In conclusion, drama constitutes an effective pedagogical tool for promoting the development of perceptual-motor abilities in children, suggesting its systematic inclusion in children’s physical education programs.
[English original] Where the game begins: home court advantage and performance contexts in female youth basketball leagues
PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to research on the extent of home court advantage (HA) and the percentage of home wins (HW), and to compare both metrics between different age categories (U14, U16 and U18) and the levels of ability in female youth basketball teams. METHODOLOGY: Data were gathered from the Madrid Basketball Federation over five seasons (2018–2019 through 2023–2024), analyzing a total 545 teams over three age categories: 178 U14 teams, 183 U16 teams and 184 U18 teams. Games without audience and the 2020–2021 season were not taken into account. Through a two-step cluster analysis, teams were classified according to ability into five groups: Foundational, Development, Competitive, High Performance, and Élite. RESULTS: The team’s ability had significant impact both on HA and HW (p < 0.001). Foundational teams showed significantly lower values of HA (50.0%) and HW (10.0%) when compared to groups of greater ability, whereas Élite teams reached the highest HW values (88.8%). Across categories, significant differences were observed in HA, with values increasing from U14 (50.0%) to U16 (53.9%) and U18 (54.2%), which indicates a small increase consistent with age, whereas no significant differences were found in HW. CONCLUSION: The team’s ability, rather than the age category, was identified as the major factor impacting HA and HW. Foundational teams showed the lowest HA and HW values; Development teams reached the highest HA, and Élite teams achieved the highest HW. These findings indicate that the team’s ability plays a decisive role in the two performance results under study, whereas age category has only a limited influence.
Motor learning in human movement science: a bibliometric analysis
The increase in scientific production in various areas of human movement offers the opportunity to carry out bibliometric studies in the area of motor learning. The aim of the present study was to systematize the information published in the area of motor learning between the years 2000 and 2024 through a bibliometric analysis. Five-hundred seventy relevant studies on this subject, published between 2000 and 2024, were selected through a search in the Scopus database. An analysis of performance and structure metrics was carried out, taking into account publications, amount of documentation, annual growth rate of articles published, affiliations and most relevant authors, collaboration networks, those most quoted at a global level, thematic trends, and others. From the 570 documents analyzed, G. Wulf was identified as the most relevant author; the University of Toronto as the most relevant affiliation, and the United States of America as the country with the largest scientific production. The most quoted study addresses a topic related to the issue of degrees of freedom. In conclusion, this paper offers an overview of the scientific production in topics related to motor learning in the last 25 years.
[English original] A bibliometric analysis of the effects of aerobic exercise on overweight(1978–2025)
Physical exercise, immune system and body composition in cancer patients
The immune system is closely linked to the carcinogenic process, and it has been shown to respond to the effects of different varieties of exercise. Natural killer (NK) cells, as a part of the innate immune system, play a key role in the early stages of tumoral surveillance, as well as during treatment and recurrence risk. However, during oncological treatment, their role can be compromised by the adverse effects of chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Given this fact, physical exercise emerges as a promising non-pharmacological strategy for enhancing the immune function and improving body composition parameters, which impacts NK cells. This relationship, however, is still under study. The present opinion paper discusses the existing evidence concerning the response of NK cells and its relationship to changes in body composition in patients that exercise on a regular basis.
[English translation] Capacity of a sweat patch method to detect the effect of an antiperspirant
An effective antiperspirant is supposed to reduce sweat production by up to 50%, according to the manufacturers, but the scientific evidence in the literature is limited; possibly, the actual reduction may be so small that it may not be detected by conventional methods. The purpose of this study was to verify if the sweat patch method was able to detect the reduction in regional sweat loss that would be expected from using an antiperspirant. In addition, the magnitude of the effect was quantified. We verified the impact of an antiperspirant (condition A, skin treated with the product) on localized scapular sweat rate during 20 minutes of exercise at 78-80% HRmax, at 29.7 ± 0.5°C ambient temperature and 54 ± 3.4% relative humidity, compared with a control condition (C, untreated skin). A statistically significant difference in scapular sweat rate was found between conditions: A = 14.6 ± 10.3 μL * min(-1) and C = 19.2± 12.6 μL * min(-1) (p = 0.001). This means that the participants secreted approximately 24% less sweat when using an antiperspirant, compared with the intact skin, as measured by the sweat patch method.
Effects of occlusive training in individuals with chronic kidney disease: a systematic review
Our goal was to identify and critically review the main studies available that have aimed at showing the effects of occlusive training (OT) on people with chronic kidney disease (CKD). A systematic review was carried out following the PRISMA guidelines. A search for studies that reported on the effects of OT on CKD was carried out on three data bases (Pubmed, SPORTDiscuss and Scopus) from their earliest entries up to September, 2024. The PEDro scale was used to determine the methodological quality of the selected research. Three randomized studies were identified, of average to good methodological quality. These studies reported on the impact of OT on biochemical, hemodynamic and anthropometric variables, plus those linked to physical fitness. No adverse effects stemming from OT were reported. Similarly, attachment to the exercise program was good. Scientific evidence concerning the prescription of OT for people with CKD is limited. The results of studies published up to now indicate that OT may result in improvements at a hemodynamic level, even though its effects are not higher than those of other forms of physical exercise, which may be more advisable in order to achieve substantial changes in body composition and in muscle strength levels.