Loading...
17 results
Search Results
Now showing 1 - 10 of 17
- Nível de atividade física e hábitos de vida saudável de universitários portuguesesPublication . Esteves, Dulce; Vieira, Sérgio; Brás, Rui; O'Hara, Kelly; Pinheiro, PauloEste estudo visa avaliar o nível de atividade física e hábitos de vida saudável de alunos de duas universidades portuguesas. Utilizou-se o Questionário Internacional da Atividade Física para avaliar o nível de atividade física dos estudantes, juntamente com questões de avaliação dos hábitos de vida. 35% dos estudantes inquiridos apresenta nível de atividade física baixo, reportando a disponibilidade, os horários, a distância e o preço, como causas de não participação nos programas de atividade física existentes. Os principais objetivos associados à prática de atividades física são melhorar a condição física, relaxamento, diminuição do stress, diversão, prevenção de doenças e aumento da autoestima. Os estudantes evidenciam alguns comportamentos de risco ao nível do consumo excessivo de tabaco, álcool e drogas. As Universidades deverão promover a prática regular de atividades físicas no seio académico e sensibilizar para os malefícios advindos do sedentarismo e comportamentos de risco no bem-estar e saúde desta população.
- Supervised Exercise Patterns among Diabetic and Non-diabetic Portuguese AdultsPublication . Esteves, Dulce; Gouveia, Ana; Rodrigues, Ricardo; Pinheiro, Paulo; Brás, Rui; O'Hara, Kelly; Duarte, PauloBackground. Physical activity (PA) is a keystone of diabetes management, but although self-exercise is beneficial, supervised exercise (SE), adapted to individual characteristics, and is more effective. Objectives. The main research goal is to compare SE patterns among diabetic and non-diabetic Portuguese adults. Methods. A total of 484 participants (85 diabetics, 399 non-diabetics), aged 41-90 years old (mean=58.9; SD=11.9) were interviewed. PA level was assessed using short form of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Attendance in different SE programs was evaluated across three kinds of PA programs providers: gym/health-clubs; swimming pools and other club/ sports facilities. Itens like Barriers to Exercise; Intention to participate; Importance of the structure and PA information sources were also evaluated. Independent t-tests were used to examine the difference between the group means, and Levene’s test was used to check the homokedasticity of the groups’ variances. Results. PA level of diabetics (32% low; 25% moderate; 44% high) and non-diabetics (29% low; 33% moderate; 39% high) display no differences. 90% of diabetics do not attend SE. The main barrier for diabetics’ non-participation is the perception that the exercise is not adequate to their health. Doctors are the preferred information source for diabetics and they rely less on information provided by the Internet, with may impair on-line campaigns. Conclusion. Promoting exercise in diabetics should shift the focus from "promoting physical activity" to "promoting SE".
- The effect of sex and localised fatigue on triceps surae musculoarticular stiffnessPublication . Faria, Aurélio; Gabriel, Ronaldo; Moreira, Helena; Camacho, Tanya; Brás, Rui; Ditroilo, MassimilianoPurpose: The main purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of fatigue on musculoarticular stiffness (MAS) of the ankle joint across sexes. Methods: Twenty-seven males and 26 females participated in the study. After baseline assessment of MAS and related variables, localised fatigue was induced in triceps surae using the standing heel-rise test during which the subjects were instructed to lift and drop the heel at a frequency of 0.5 Hz. When subjects were unable to continue due to exhaustion the test was terminated and another MAS test was performed soon after. Results: Significant higher triceps surae MAS was found in men compared to women (p < .01). MAS decreased (p < .01) between pre- and post-fatigue on average from 18.0 to 17.0 KN m−1 and from 14.5 to 13.9 KN m−1 in men and women, respectively. Percentage changes revealed, however, that in relative terms the changes in all the variables evaluated were similar (p > .01) between sexes, with MAS less than 5%. Conclusion: Despite the sex-related differences at baseline, fatigue seems to affect biomechanical properties of the ankle joint similarly in men and women.
- Application of Thermal Imaging and PWC170Publication . Zuzda, Jolanta; Latosiewicz, Robert; Brás, RuiThe aim of this paper is to verify whether step aerobics training (SAT) has an impact on the temperature of deep muscles of the spine of young, healthy subjects and if there exists a relationship between the maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) and thermal results. The study was conducted in a group of 21 subjects of both sexes, aged 20.2 ± 0.38. The step aerobics training sessions lasted 30 weeks, one training session per week, 60 minutes per session. Thermograms of the spine were taken with the use of an infrared thermographic camera. Instrumental measurements included BMI, vital capacity of the lungs, and maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max). After a 30-weeklong SAT, a statistically significant increase in the average temperature of the muscles of the thoracic and lumbar spine was observed in subjects of both sexes (1.2◦C and 1.28◦C, respectively, p < 0.05). At the same time, VO2max increased from 42.98 ml/kg/min to 43.6 ml/kg/min in male subjects and from 40.4 ml/kg/min to 41.1 ml/kg/min in female subjects (p > 0.05). The relationship between VO2max and temperature of the muscles of the thoracic and lumbar spine after the 30th SAT was not statistically significant (r = - 0.28; p = 0.226; r = - 0.11; p = 0.634, respectively). The study showed that a 30-weeklong step aerobics training (SAT) had a positive impact on thermoregulation of apparently healthy male and female subjects aged 20. Furthermore, it can be safely assumed that thermography may be used as a non-invasive method of examination of the thermoregulation mechanism of SAT participants.
- Physical activity level as a booster of entrepreneurial intention: a social innovation approachPublication . Rodrigues, Ricardo; Marques, Carla; Esteves, Dulce; Brás, Rui; Santos, Gina; Gouveia, Ana; Duarte, Paulo; Pinheiro, Paulo; O'Hara, Kelly; Marques, VanessaThis study aims to investigate if engaging in physical activity (PA) and gender influences people’s entrepreneurial intention (EI). A survey for measuring EI and PA was developed and administered to the general population. The data were collected with a questionnaire distributed across all continental Portuguese regions. A two-way analysis of variance was used to test the influence of PA level and gender in EI. The results highlight that PA and gender have an impact on EI. This study’s main practical implication is that evidence was found that people need to be involved in more PA, especially in high PA level, because the results show that there is an association with increased levels of EI. This paper contributes to filling a gap in the literature by identifying the importance of PA for the increase of EI. This relationship may be a consequence of skills promoted by the practice of PA and also the development of some personal psychological and cognitive characteristics such as autonomy, risk tolerance, and leadership. The main implication resulting from this study is that it is essential to develop and booster PA into society, namely through PA programmes in organisations, not only for improving persons’ health condition but also as a social benefit, that can promote social innovation and entrepreneurship.
- Efeito de um programa multifatorial no risco de queda em idososPublication . Passarinha, Pedro; Brás, Rui; O'Hara, KellyAs quedas nos idosos são um problema de saúde pública com consequências na qualidade de vida. Procurou-se determinar o efeito de um programa multifatorial no risco de queda, medo em cair e número de perigos habitacionais. Trinta idosos domiciliados foram divididos em dois grupos. No grupo experimental, durante 16 semanas, foi aplicada uma intervenção de exercício físico e uma abordagem educacional para identificação de perigos. O risco de queda foi avaliado pela escala Performance-Oriented Mobility Assessment (POMA), o medo em cair pela Falls Efficacy Scale (FES) e o número de perigos habitacionais por uma Lista de Perigos adaptada. No grupo experimental ocorreu aumento significativo dos resultados pela escala POMA (p = .000) e FES (p = .009). Houve diminuição de perigos habitacionais em ambos os grupos, com maior significância prática no grupo experimental (d = 1.14). A aplicação do programa multifatorial permitiu uma redução do risco de queda, medo em cair e número de perigos habitacionais.
- Physical activity patterns and perceptions among portuguese type 2 diabetic and non-diabeticPublication . Esteves, Dulce; Gouveia, Ana; Rodrigues, Ricardo; Pinheiro, Paulo; Brás, Rui; O'Hara, Kelly; Duarte, PauloBackground. The increasing prevalence and incidence of type 2 Diabetes has turned it into a worldwide epidemic. Although Physical Activity (PA) may play an essential role in the prevention and management of this disease, sedentary lifestyles continue to increase among diabetics. Besides, there is evidence to believe that diabetics and non-diabetics show different patterns of PA behavior, perceptions and information seeking. Objectives. This study aims to analyze diabetics and non-diabetics differences regarding (1) PA patterns (level, barriers, goals/expectations and preferred activities); (2) PA-related information sources and (3) evidenced perception on the need and importance of PA. Methods. Using data from 485 Portuguese subjects aged between 41 and 90 years old, differences between diabetics (n=85) and non-diabetics (n=400) were analyzed with Pearson’s chi-square and independent t-test. Results. The study concludes that 32% of diabetics that are physically inactive. Their attitude toward PA is not much different from non-diabetics. Nevertheless, the importance given to the time available and the schedules of activities as well as exercising with friends were more relevant for diabetics. Diabetics considered that the exercise is not safe for their health condition and present lower expectation towards exercise. Regarding information seeking behavior about PA, diabetics use as leading information source doctors and less online information. Conclusion. Diabetics and non-diabetics give different importance to PA. Results establish a foundation for the development of effective tailored communication strategies to promote PA among the diabetics.
- Physical activity level and perceptions about exercise in patients with OsteoporosisPublication . Esteves, Dulce; Pinheiro, Paulo; Brás, Rui; Gouveia Rodrigues, Ricardo; Gouveia, Ana; O'Hara, Kelly; Duarte, PauloOsteoporosis is a major health concern around the world. Physical activity (PA) is an essential preventive and therapeutic approaches for osteoporosis. This investigation aims to evaluate PA level and of perceptions about exercise of osteoporosis patients, regarding (1) importance of exercise on osteoporosis condition (IE); (2) balance between exercise benefits and risks (B/R); (3) importance of participation in exercise programs (IP); (4) major risks (R); (5) major benefits (B). PA level of 73 postmenopausal Portuguese women (mean=74.3, SD=8.7 years) with diagnosed osteoporosis (T-score < - 2.5 by DXA) was assessed by IPAQ. A complementary questionnaire was designed to evaluate perceptions about exercise. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse data. IPAQ analysis reported 21.9% high; 35.6% moderate and 42.5% low PA. 35.6% of patients consider that exercise has no impact in preventing osteoporosis evolution and 19.2% refers that it is only partially important. 63.0% considers that exercise has more disadvantages than benefits. About IP, 65.8% of women found daily activities more adequate then exercise programs. Main disadvantages reported (R) were risk of fall (87.7%) risk of bone injury (83.6%); risk of vertebral fractures (63.0%) and risk of increase pain (52.1%). Main benefits found were related to calcium fixation (83.6%); lower body weight (78.1%); increase bone density (69.9%); and increase muscular tonus (61.6%). Results suggest that the adherence to an active lifestyle is dependent on the capacity to change perceptions of osteoporosis patients about exercise. Exercise is medicine if patients acknowledge that exercise brings greater benefits than risks.
- Biological treatment of effluent containing textile dyesPublication . Gonçalves, Isolina Maria da Silva Cabral; Amorim, M. T. P.; Porter, R. S.; Gomes, Arlindo Caniço; Ferra, Maria Isabel; Brás, RuiColour removal of textile dyes from effluent was evaluated using a laboratory upflow anaerobic sludge blanket reactor. Several commercial dyes were selected to study the effect of dye structure on colour removal. The anaerobic reactor was fed with glucose, an easily biodegradable organic matter and selected individual dyes. Results show that some of the dyes are readily reduced under anaerobic conditions even at high concentration of 700 mg/l. The average removal efficiency for acid dyes using this method was between 80 and 90% and that observed for the direct used was 81%. Laboratory experiments using the anaerobic reactor with disperse dyes, such as an anthraquinone based dye, were unsuccessful even at low concentrations of 35 mg/l. Additional experiments were conducted to evaluate the toxicity of a selected disperse dye to an anaerobic environment. Results indicate that the purified dye is more toxic to the biomass than the commercial one.
- Monoazo and diazo dye decolourisation studies in a methanogenic UASB reactorPublication . Brás, Rui; Gomes, Arlindo Caniço; Gonçalves, Isolina Maria da Silva Cabral; Pinheiro, H. M.; Ferra, M. I. A.Mixed anaerobic bacterial consortia have been show to reduce azo dyes and batch decolourisation tests have also demonstratedthat predominantly methanogenic cultures also perform azo bond cleavage. The anaerobic treatment of wool dyeing effluents, which contain acetic acid, could thus be improved with a better knowledge of methanogenic dye degradation. Therefore, the decolourisation of two azo textile dyes, a monoazo dye (Acid Orange 7, AO7) and a diazo dye (Direct Red 254, DR254), was investigated in a methanogenic laboratory-scale Upflow Anaerobic Sludge Blanket (UASB), fed with acetate as primary carbon source. As dye concentration was increased a decrease in total COD removal was observed, but the acetate load removal (90%) remained almost constant.Acolour removal level higher than 88%was achieved for both dyes at aHRT of 24 h. The identification by HPLC analysis of sulfanilic acid, a dye reduction metabolite, in the treated effluent, confirmed that the decolourisation process was due mainly to azo bond reduction. Although, HPLC chromatograms showed that 1-amino-2-naphthol, the other AO7 cleavage metabolite, was removed, aeration batch assays demonstrated that this could be due to auto-oxidation and not biological mineralization. At a HRT of 8 h, a more extensive reductive biotransformation was observed for DR254 (82%) than for AO7 (56%). In order to explain this behaviour, the influence of the dye aggregation process and chemical structure of the dye molecules are discussed in the present work.