Maia

Researchers are investigating how low-frequency fatigue, jump height, and feelings of muscle soreness, fatigue, and recovery relate in elite youth soccer players. The study focuses on the recovery process after competition and aims to understand the connection between objective muscle fatigue measurements and subjective perceptions. This observational study is sponsored by the University of Maia and targets young athletes competing at the highest Portuguese division level. The study uses a device called Myocene to apply controlled electrical stimulation to the muscles, measuring low-frequency fatigue before and after matches at specific intervals 2 hours before, 30 minutes after, 24 hours after, and 48 hours after the game. The device uses electrodes placed on muscles in the leg to deliver sets of electrical pulses, calculating the ratio of low- to high-frequency muscle force as an indicator of fatigue. Participants will be assessed multiple times around their match schedule to monitor muscle fatigue and jump height, along with their personal reports of soreness and recovery. The main outcome measured is the difference in low-frequency fatigue at these time points. The study lasts through the competitive season, with careful monitoring through muscle testing and self-reported questionnaires to examine recovery patterns in this athletic group.

Researchers are investigating how aging affects the nervous and muscular systems, leading to reduced muscle power and balance control, which increases the risk of falls among adults aged 65 and older. The study focuses on older adults with and without a history of falls to evaluate if a community-based exercise program emphasizing muscle power can improve balance recovery and reduce falls compared to traditional resistance training. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of four groups fallers or non-fallers performing either a traditional multi-component exercise program or a muscle power-focused multi-component exercise program. Both programs last 12 weeks with sessions three times per week, including aerobic, balance, and resistance exercises. The muscle power group performs resistance exercises quickly at 50 of their one repetition maximum, while the traditional group performs exercises at a slower pace with higher resistance loads. During the study, participants undergo functional mobility and balance tests, neuromuscular assessments, and questionnaires before, during, and after the intervention, with monthly monitoring of falls and adverse events. Researchers will measure neuromuscular performance, balance, functional mobility, and fall incidence over six months to assess the feasibility, safety, and effectiveness of the exercise programs.

Researchers are evaluating the effects of an 8-week elastic band strength training program on physical performance in female football players at U15, U19, and Senior levels. The study aims to determine if this specific resistance training can improve various components of physical performance in these athletes. Participants will be randomly assigned to either an experimental group that performs a bi-weekly elastic band resistance training program consisting of 6 exercises in two 20-minute sessions per week, integrated into their in-season routine, or a control group that continues their usual training without the additional program. Assessments and training demonstrations will occur in the week before starting week 0, with final evaluations after 9 weeks. During the study, participants will undergo measurements of height, weight, training habits, and injury history, followed by tests of knee extension and flexion strength, vertical jump, and change of direction sprint at week 0 and week 9. These evaluations will help measure the trainings impact on muscle strength and performance. The total participation includes baseline assessments, the 8-week training or control period, and final outcome assessments.

Researchers are investigating the effects of a 12-week exercise program on both the physical and mental health of people living with Hereditary ATTR ATTRv Amyloidosis, a rare genetic disease caused by mutations in the transthyretin gene that lead to amyloid deposits in nerves and organs. This study seeks to expand knowledge in this area, especially among patients receiving new therapies, and aims to explore the potential mental health benefits of exercise alongside physical improvements. It also aims to raise awareness about the importance of an active lifestyle for improving quality of life in this community. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups one group will take part in a supervised exercise program lasting 12 weeks, while the other group will not participate in the exercise intervention. The exercise program includes sessions three times a week, each lasting 60 minutes, with gradually increasing intensity monitored by a perceived exertion scale. Exercises focus on cardiorespiratory fitness, resistance training, flexibility, and neuromotor skills such as balance, coordination, and gait. Activities like tai ji and yoga are also included to support overall motor skills and joint mobility. Throughout the study, participants will undergo assessments at the start and immediately after the 12-week period. These assessments measure physical outcomes like knee extensor strength, grip strength, walking capacity, body mass index, weight, fat-free mass, fat mass, and body water. Mental health will also be evaluated to understand the psychological impact of the exercise program. The total participation time covers the 12-week exercise intervention and the corresponding assessments to monitor changes in health and wellbeing.

This research aims to evaluate the effects of a 6-week strength training program using elastic bands on various physical performance components in adult female football players. The study focuses on whether this specific elastic band resistance training can help improve key physical abilities in this group of athletes. Participants will engage in a bi-weekly elastic band resistance training program incorporated into their in-season routine, performed before their regular football training sessions. This intervention group will be monitored over the full 6 weeks of the training program. During the study, researchers will measure knee extension and flexion isometric strength, vertical jump height, and change of direction sprint performance at the start week 1 and end week 6 of the program. These assessments will help determine the impact of the elastic band training on physical performance parameters in female football players.