Maia

This research aims to understand how low-frequency fatigue, jump height, and feelings of muscle soreness, fatigue, and recovery change after soccer competitions in elite youth players. The study focuses on the increased physical demands of competitive soccer and the importance of monitoring fatigue, especially low-frequency fatigue, which was previously measured only in laboratories. New tools now allow daily fatigue assessments in professional team settings. The study evaluates low-frequency fatigue using a device called Myocene®, which applies electrical stimulation to specific thigh muscles with electrodes. The stimulation involves sets of pulses at varying frequencies and intensities, measuring muscle response on both legs. This test is done multiple times relative to match play to assess fatigue recovery. The intervention is non-invasive and focuses on objective muscle performance measurements. Participants will be elite male youth soccer players aged 16 to 21 competing in Portugal's top division. The study measures fatigue using electrical stimulation 2 hours before a match, then again 30 minutes, 24 hours, and 48 hours after the match. Researchers will also monitor jump height and subjective perceptions of muscle soreness and recovery. The study aims to find links between objective muscle fatigue and players' subjective feelings to better understand recovery after competition.

Aging causes significant changes in the nervous and skeletal muscle systems, leading to reduced muscle power and nervous system drive, which are important for maintaining balance and functional independence. Falls are a major health concern for adults over 65, with many experiencing balance loss each year and resulting in high healthcare costs. Older adults often have trouble recovering balance, especially side-to-side, due to declines in muscle function, particularly in the hip abductors, which play a key role in controlling body movement during standing and walking. Traditional balance exercises have limited success in reducing falls, while muscle power training shows promise but requires further study to determine the best exercise methods for fall prevention. This trial compares two community-based exercise programs for older adults: a multi-component program focused on muscle power training (MCP) and a traditional multi-component exercise program (TMC). Both programs include aerobic, balance, and resistance training three times a week for 12 weeks. The MCP group performs resistance exercises quickly at 50% of their maximum strength, while the TMC group performs exercises at a slower pace with heavier loads (60-75% of maximum strength). Resistance exercises target knee extension, hip extension, and hip abduction, with training loads adjusted every three weeks. Both groups also progress in balance exercises involving stepping and shifting the body's center of mass. Participants will undergo assessments before, during, and after the 12-week programs, including tests of muscle strength, functional mobility, balance, and questionnaires about their exercise experience. Monthly monitoring of falls and adverse events will be conducted throughout the study. Researchers will measure improvements in neuromuscular performance and balance, with the expectation that the muscle power-focused program will lead to greater functional benefits and reduced fall risk, especially in those with a previous history of falls. The total study participation lasts through the intervention and follow-up assessments.

Researchers are evaluating the effects of an 8-week elastic band resistance training program on various physical performance components in female football players across U15, U19, and Senior levels. The study aims to determine whether this specific training can improve physical performance in these athletes. This is a comparative study involving female football players at different development phases. Participants will be divided into two groups: an experimental group that completes the elastic band resistance training twice a week, with each session lasting about 20 minutes and including six exercises, and a control group that undergoes only the performance assessments. The training program is integrated into their regular in-season routines. Assessments and measurements are conducted during a familiarization week before the intervention (week 0) and after the 8-week intervention period (week 9). During the study, participants will have their height and weight measured, complete questionnaires about their training habits and injury history, and perform physical tests including knee extension and flexion strength, vertical jump, and change of direction sprint. These evaluations occur at week 0 and week 9. The researchers will monitor changes in muscle strength and performance-related parameters to assess the impact of the training program.

Researchers are studying the effects of a 12-week exercise program on the physical and mental health of people living with Hereditary ATTR (ATTRv) Amyloidosis, a rare genetic condition caused by mutations in the transthyretin gene that lead to amyloid buildup in nerves and organs. This study aims to add to the limited research on exercise benefits for this condition, especially among patients receiving new therapies, while also exploring whether exercise can help reduce the mental challenges of living with this disease. The study hopes to raise awareness about the importance of staying active to improve quality of life in this community. Participants will take part in exercise sessions three times a week, each lasting 60 minutes. The program includes cardiorespiratory and resistance exercises, along with flexibility and neuromotor activities such as balance, coordination, and gait training, as well as tai ji and yoga. Exercise intensity will gradually increase and be monitored during each session using Borg's Perceived Exertion scale, aiming for a moderate effort level. The intervention lasts for 12 weeks. Participants will have their strength (knee extensors and grip), walking ability, body mass index, weight, fat-free mass, fat mass, and body water measured at the start and immediately after the 12-week program. These assessments will help evaluate physical changes related to exercise. The study also monitors mental health aspects and overall well-being, emphasizing the potential benefits of an active lifestyle. The total participation time covers the full 12-week exercise period with assessments before and after the intervention.

This research aims to evaluate the impact of a 6-week elastic band resistance training program on physical performance in adult female football players. The study specifically investigates whether this targeted training can improve key performance components during the football season. Participants are female players competing at senior levels in Portuguese national womens football leagues. Participants will engage in a bi-weekly elastic band resistance training program integrated into their regular in-season training sessions. This intervention lasts for 6 weeks and focuses on enhancing strength using elastic bands. The program is designed to fit seamlessly into the players usual training routine. Throughout the study, researchers will assess participants knee extension and flexion strength, vertical jump ability, and sprint change of direction at the beginning and end of the 6-week period. These measures will help determine the programs effects on physical performance parameters essential to football. The study exclusively involves adult female football players, with evaluations timed to capture changes over the intervention period.