Percorrer por autor "Castro, Maria António"
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- Abdominal wall muscle ultrasound assessment and level of experience in Pilates - an exploratory studyPublication . Pereira, Mário; André, Alexandra; Dias, Gonçalo Nuno Figueiredo; Castro, Maria António; Mendes, Rui; Martins, Fernando Manuel Lourenço; Gomes, Ricardo; Vaz, VascoThe core refers to a group of muscles that allow optimal force transfer along the body’s kinetic chain and is critical for movement. The goal of this quasi-experimental study was to investigate the relationship between the experience level of Pilates participants and abdominal wall thickness. For this, we compared the thickness of four abdominal muscles—transversus abdominis (TrA), internal oblique (IO), external oblique (EO), and rectus abdominis (RA)—as measured before and after 8 weeks of Pilates training in three conditions, namely, relaxation, abdominal hollowing, and plank exercise. Eighteen participants were distributed into three groups with different levels of Pilates practice—experienced (EG; n=6), inexperienced (IG; n=7), and control (CG; n=5) groups. The RA showed a tendency to increase post-intervention in the EG (all conditions: p=0,002, p=0,006, and p=0,002, respectively for relaxation condition, abdominal hollowing and standing plank). Additionally, significant differences were found in relaxation (p=0.003, d=−0.744) and plank (p=0.009, d=−0.630) conditions in the IG. Significant differences were also registered in the EO muscle in the IG (all conditions: p=0.046, p=0.013, and p=0.008, respectively; d=0.464, d=−0.596, and d=−0.637, respectively). IO muscle thickness tended to increase in the CG in all conditions (p=0.044, p=0.006, and p<0.001, respectively) and the EG in relaxation and plank conditions (p=0.009 and p=0.007, respectively). Within groups, the effects of Pilates practice were more significant post-intervention, with the exceptions being under the contraction condition in the deepest muscles (IO: p=0.109, d=0.083; TrA: p=0.194, d=0.062). Our hypothesis was partially confirmed because 8 weeks of Pilates practice have improved significantly the thickness of the RA and EO muscles in the IG.
- Abdominal wall muscle ultrasound assessment and level of experience in Pilates - an exploratory studyPublication . Pereira, Mário; André, Alexandra; Dias, Gonçalo Nuno Figueiredo; Castro, Maria António; Mendes, Rui; Martins, Fernando Manuel Lourenço; Gomes, Ricardo; Vaz, VascoThe core refers to a group of muscles that allow optimal force transfer along the body’s kinetic chain and is critical for movement. The goal of this quasi-experimental study was to investigate the relationship between the experience level of Pilates participants and abdominal wall thickness. For this, we compared the thickness of four abdominal muscles—transversus abdominis (TrA), internal oblique (IO), external oblique (EO), and rectus abdominis (RA)—as measured before and after 8 weeks of Pilates training in three conditions, namely, relaxation, abdominal hollowing, and plank exercise. Eighteen participants were distributed into three groups with different levels of Pilates practice—experienced (EG; n=6), inexperienced (IG; n=7), and control (CG; n=5) groups. The RA showed a tendency to increase post-intervention in the EG (all conditions: p=0,002, p=0,006, and p=0,002, respectively for relaxation condition, abdominal hollowing and standing plank). Additionally, significant differences were found in relaxation (p=0.003, d=−0.744) and plank (p=0.009, d=−0.630) conditions in the IG. Significant differences were also registered in the EO muscle in the IG (all conditions: p=0.046, p=0.013, and p=0.008, respectively; d=0.464, d=−0.596, and d=−0.637, respectively). IO muscle thickness tended to increase in the CG in all conditions (p=0.044, p=0.006, and p<0.001, respectively) and the EG in relaxation and plank conditions (p=0.009 and p=0.007, respectively). Within groups, the effects of Pilates practice were more significant post-intervention, with the exceptions being under the contraction condition in the deepest muscles (IO: p=0.109, d=0.083; TrA: p=0.194, d=0.062). Our hypothesis was partially confirmed because 8 weeks of Pilates practice have improved significantly the thickness of the RA and EO muscles in the IG.
- Benefits of pilates in the elderly population : a systematic review and meta-analysisPublication . Pereira, Mário; Mendes, Rodrigo; Mendes, Rui; M. L. Martins, Fernando; Gomes, Ricardo; Gama, José; Dias, Gonçalo; Castro, Maria AntónioThe aim of this systematic review is to collect and summarize the benefits of Pilates in the elderly population (>60 years old), within the current scientific production, assessing its contribution to Healthy Ageing (HA). We used PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis) to select, collect, and analyse this thematic. The methodological procedures were registered in the PROSPERO database. The main results of the studies analysed (n = 30) point to significant differences between the intervention and the control groups in dynamic balance, strength, mobility, functional capacity, risk of falling reduction, and mental and psychological health. Thus, the results showed that Pilates may be beneficial for the health of the elderly. The meta-analysis found statistical differences between means on the dynamic balance (mean difference (MD) = −0.0, 95% CI [−0.71, −0.50]; I2: 0%) and the aerobic capacity and aerobic resistance [(MD) = 38.29, 95% CI [6.82, 69.77]; I2: 0%). Thus, it is concluded that the efficacy of Pilates has been shown in various areas of HA and has proven to be affordable and safe for the majority of people, using just a mat on the floor. Future studies should focus on the analysis of the relationship between the cost and the benefit of a Pilates intervention in the elderly population, to better understand how health costs can be minimized and to contribute to a multidisciplinary and generalized HA. Pilates has practical application for the clinicians, therapists, and health professionals that work with the elderly population.
- The Effect of Ice on Shoulder Proprioception in Badminton AthletesPublication . Marouvo, Joel; Tavares, Nuno; Dias, Gonçalo Nuno Figueiredo; Castro, Maria AntónioThis study aims to analyze the influence of the application of cryotherapy on shoulder proprioception in badminton athletes. Thirty federated badminton athletes were included in this study, all of whom belonged to three of the teams currently competing in national competitions (Portugal). Their mean ages were 21.00 ± 5.60 years, and their experience in the modality was 8.40 ± 6.93 years. They practiced in an average of 2.93 ± 1.26 training sessions per week. All of them used their right hand to hold the racket. Each participant’s dominant shoulder joint position and force senses were evaluated for four consecutive time points through the isokinetic dynamometer Biodex System 3. The experimental procedure consisted of applying ice for 15 min and the control procedure consisted of no therapeutic intervention. The proprioception outcomes were expressed using the absolute error, relative error, and variable error. All statistical analysis was performed using PASW Statistics 18 software (IBM-SPSS Statistics). There were no statistically significant changes in the joint position and force senses after the intervention, as well as during the subsequent 30 min. We conclude that, after this cryotherapy technique, there is no increased risk of injury associated with a proprioception deficit that prevents athletes from immediately returning to badminton practice.
- Effectiveness of Therapeutic Exercise in Musculoskeletal Risk Factors Related to Swimmer’s ShoulderPublication . Tavares, Nuno; Dias, Gonçalo Nuno Figueiredo; Carvalho, Paulo; Vilas-Boas, João Paulo; Castro, Maria AntónioBackground: Therapeutic exercise seems to minimize musculoskeletal risk factors related to swimmer’s shoulder. However, there is an absence of a qualitative evaluation of these programs and a great variability regarding the characteristics of exercises. The objective of this review was to identify, evaluate, and compare exercise programs used to minimize musculoskeletal risk factors related to swimmer’s shoulder. Methods: PubMed, CochraneLibrary, ScienceDirect, and Medscape were searched during January 2022. The research was limited to meta-analyses, systematic reviews, and RCTs written in English, Spanish, and Portuguese without publication time. The researched papers had swimmers as the population, compared an exercise program with another program or without intervention, and had as outcomes musculoskeletal risk factor variables. Results: Eleven articles were considered for analysis. There were three positive effects of strength programs on shoulder rotators’ strength and endurance, two positive effects of strength and stretching programs on shoulder posture, and one positive effect of a stretching program on shoulder ROM and a plyometric program on proprioception. Conclusions: There is high heterogeneity and little methodological quality evidence about the theme. However, strength programs with five or fewer OKC exercises performed out of the water seems to lead to better results in the swimmer’s shoulder prevention.
- Effectiveness of Wearable Devices for Posture Correction: A Systematic Review of Evidence from Randomized and Quasi-Experimental StudiesPublication . Caixeiro, Diogo; Cordeiro, Tomás; Constantino, Leandro; Carreira, João; Mendes, Rui; Silva, Cândida G.; Castro, Maria AntónioIntroduction: The increasing development of wearable devices for postural monitoring (provide feedback on posture) or correction (mechanical or biofeedback to promote change) is partly driven by the rising prevalence of poor posture in the general population and its impact on pain perception and functional capacity. Objective: Examine the effects of wearable devices on posture correction or prevention and on related outcomes, including postural alignment, muscle activity, pain and functional performance. Methods: The review followed the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Searches were performed in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and PEDro for studies published between 2012 and 2025. Eligible studies included randomized controlled trials and quasi-experimental designs involving participants with postural deviations or at risk of developing them, who underwent interventions using wearable devices that provided vibratory, auditory, visual, or tactile biofeedback. Results: Eight studies reported immediate improvements in postural alignment, body awareness, and self-reported pain, particularly with devices providing vibratory or visual biofeedback. Functional task stability improved, and muscle activity during risky postures decreased. However, the strong heterogeneity across devices and protocols, small sample sizes, short intervention durations, and, in some cases, the lack of independent control groups limit the strength and generalizability of these findings. Conclusions: Wearable devices have potential as complementary tools in physiotherapy due to their autonomous and potentially effective nature. Nevertheless, current evidence remains insufficient to support definitive clinical recommendations.
- Effects of different basketball shooting positions and distances on gaze behavior and shooting accuracyPublication . Amaro, C.M.; Amaro, A. M.; Gomes, Beatriz; Castro, Maria António; Mendes, Rui: Basketball is a sport where in order to obtain points, it is necessary to put the ball in the basket. Therefore, basketball players need to shoot the ball accurately. This study aimed to evaluate if there are differences between shooting positions and angles concerning athlete visual behavior. Tobii Pro Glasses 3 was used to measure the number and duration of fixations in the target during shooting movement. The sample included 18 basketball players (10 female and 8 males; 22 ± 3.72 years; 12.5 ± 4.52 years of federated basketball practice) who performed a total of 60 shots in all shooting conditions and positions. Two distances (free throw and 3 points line) and three angles (45◦ , 90◦ , and 135◦ ) in the 3 points shot were considered in all three shooting conditions (baseline, simulated opposition, and gym audience noise). Between distances, statistically significant differences occurred in the number and total duration of fixations and shooting accuracy. At a greater distance from the basket, the athlete tended to have less accuracy, as well as a lower number and duration of fixations. Between angles, there was no statistically significant differences, neither a tendency towards lower or higher values between them. Moreover, the shooting accuracy was better when the athlete focused for more time on the target, which occurred in the free throw condition.
- Efficacy of pilates in functional body composition : a systematic reviewPublication . Pereira, Mário; Dias, Gonçalo; Mendes, Rodrigo; Mendes, Rui; M. L. Martins, Fernando; Gomes, Ricardo; Gama, José; Castro, Maria António; Vaz, VascoThe aim of this review was to collect and systematize results of studies from the last 5 years concerning the influence of the Pilates method (PM) on functional body composition (FBC). Methods: The criteria of Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) were used in this review. We conducted research in three scientific databases: (i) Web of Science Core Collection, (ii) SCOPUS, and (iii) search directory of the library catalog of the Faculty of Sport and Physical Education of the University of Coimbra—EBSCO Discovery Services. We found 334 articles, covering the period between 1 January 2017 and 31 December 2021. After the selection process, we found 33 eligible articles. Results: The main results seem to point to a tendency to get a better body weight and body fat percentage (BFP), hip circumference (HC), waist, and skinfolds from the chest, abdomen, triceps, and supra-iliac in mostly female samples. Available evidence indicates that, in body composition (BC) and FBC, Pilates practice tends to be effective in reducing obesity as a multifactorial condition. Conclusions: It is concluded that there is a marked trend in the benefits of Pilates in FBC, which is in line with other systematic reviews at the BC level (which includes body weight (BW) and body mass index (BMI)) and in the reduction of the percentage of fat mass (FM). It is also concluded that there is a vast lack of studies on the male population, preventing further scientific development in this area. The limitations of this systematic review can be overcome with studies that bring together multidisciplinary aspects of FBC, better designed and methodologically more robust, which will allow more reliable analyses for the implementation of the Pilates method in terms of FBC. In addition, further studies with a male sample or mixed samples (men vs. women) could confirm the trend of no gender differences in the benefits of Pilates practice.
- Gastrocnemius activation throughout the competitive season in athletes of different experience levelsPublication . Amaro, C.M.; Castro, Maria António; Roseiro, Luis; Mendes, Rui; M. Amaro, A.Basketball is a team sport in which the players undergo rapid reactions, and running efforts are usually carried out in all directions. The main goal of the present study was to evaluate the muscle activity response in different basketball movements, considering two types of athletes with different levels of experience. Using a group of nine volunteers, female athletes from a senior basketball team, a data acquisition protocol was defined to identify the changes that occurred throughout the sports season. In this study, to assess the gastrocnemius muscle activity, intensity peak (%MC) and time to peak (TP) were evaluated for five typical basketball skills and movements involving running and jumping with and without the ball. Seven repetitions were executed for each movement, performed at two different time-points of the sports season: at the beginning of the teams’ competition, in November (T1), and at the season peak, in March (T2). TP presents greater values for T2 of the season when compared with T1. The results show that the level of experience of the athletes has a significant effect on the results of TP and %MC, particularly when comparing the two seasons.
- Golf-putting performance in skilled golfers at different distances to the holePublication . Dias, Gonçalo; Couceiro, Micael; Mendes, Pedro; Gomes, Ricardo; Mendes, Rui; Vaz, Vasco; M. L. Martins, Fernando; Gama, José; Castro, Maria AntónioGolf putting occurs under highly variable conditions. Therefore, adapting to different putting distances is a challenge that the golfer faces and understanding the variables underlying performance in this task is important. The main objective of this study was to analyse the golf-putting performance in skilled golfers at different distances to the hole. Fourteen highly skilled golfers, adult male and right-handed (41.5 ± 13.2 years with an average handicap of 2.3 ± 1.7) performed the golf putting on a natural grass green, completing a total of 120 randomly ordered trials, 30 trials at each of the four different practice conditions (1, 2, 3, and 4 m away from the hole). A smart engineered putter (InPutter) was used as the data acquisition instrument to record several process variables at 100 Hz. Results indicated that golf-putting distances constrained movement organisation variables in specific ways. For example, as the distance to the hole changes, so do the informational constraints, shaping how a golfer needs to regulate performance. We concluded that the effects of different golf-putting distances required the implementation of functional solutions uniquely adjusted to each player. Furthermore, the perception that the player withdrew from the properties of the context (e.g., distance to the hole) was important to adapt the golf-putting process variables (e.g., amplitude and duration of the movement, among others). All these factors led to a decisive influence on how the golfer hit the ball and adjusted his performance. A major implication of developing a better understanding of the role of performance in golf putting is that coaches and players should allow functional movement behaviours to emerge during practice.