Motricidade

ABSTRACT The purpose of this article is to propose the integration of an assets-based approach to development in the Portuguese sport system. The propositions advanced are aimed at instigating reflections on policy-level initiatives that can be undertaken with the intent of bettering the state of sport in Portugal. We argue that changes from an assets-based approach are needed in both policy and practice to influence the current Portuguese sport culture positively. Specifically, an assets-based approach could prompt a move towards deliverables aimed at promoting social development rather than a unidimensional focus on winning and performance. Based on the current state of affairs, reflections for rethinking the culture and policies of the Portuguese sport system are offered.

ABSTRACT The onset side in Parkinson's disease remains unclear. Furthermore, the motor symptoms are typically unilateral, with the onset side often remaining more affected throughout the disease course. Therefore, as Parkinson's disease is an idiopathic disease, several questions are raised, one of them how the disease affects each person differently. For example, a person can be right-handed for the upper limb and left-footed for the lower limb, which can change strength scores. Thus, the aim of the study was to investigate the differences in muscle strength in people with Parkinson's disease, right-handed for upper limb and right-footed for lower limb, that have one most affected side, right or left side, on the upper and lower body. The sample consisted of 26 individuals diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, right-handed for the upper limb and right-footed for the lower limb. Subjects needed to visit the laboratory one time to assess handgrip and knee extensors strength. There were no differences between sides in upper limbs affected by the disease, and there were no differences between sides in lower limbs affected by the disease, p> 0.05. There were no differences in strength between sides of the same body part affected by the disease. To say that people affected on the determined side are weaker than others may be a misconception since Parkinson's disease is idiopathic.

ABSTRACT Parkinson's disease causes a progressive decline of motor and cognitive functions, often affecting postural control. Training through virtual reality has been shown to be effective in improving this condition. This study aims to analyse the effects of the Kinect Adventures! games in postural control of people with Parkinson's disease. Ten individuals diagnosed with idiopathic Parkinson's disease, in stages I to III of the Hoehn & Yahr scale, aged between 48 and 73 years, were selected. Fourteen training sessions of one hour each, twice a week, were performed. Individuals were evaluated pre, post-intervention and 30 days after the last session of intervention by a force platform that measured the oscillation area and velocity of the centre of pressure in ten different sensory conditions and the Limits of Stability. Limits of Stability showed a statistically significant increase immediately after the training the 14 sessions, as were observed and there were no significant changes in oscillation area and velocity immediately after the intervention or 30 days after the end of training. The results of this study indicate that the training with Kinect Adventures! Games improve the postural control of people with Parkinson's disease, by increasing the Limits of Stability.

ABSTRACT This study purposed to compare responses of segmented neutrophils, monocytes, lymphocytes, and T lymphocyte Clusters of Differentiation 4 and 8 to blood flow restriction training in HIV patients. Two HIV patients participated in the study, one patient had a sedentary lifestyle, and the other was physically active. HIV-infected female patients performed a blood flow restriction training session consisting of two exercises: flat bench press and knee extension. Blood (6 mL) was collected for analysis prior to training, immediately after training, and 30 minutes after. After blood flow restriction training, percentage changes in the number of leukocytes were observed in both patients. Monocytes showed different responses in the two patients: a decrease in monocyte count was seen in the physically active, and an increase was observed in the sedentary lifestyle. Lymphocytes showed a higher increase in the physically active than in the sedentary lifestyle. There was an increase in the CD4+ / CD8+ T lymphocyte ratio in both patients. It was concluded blood flow restriction promoted acute inflammation after training, shown by changes in immune cell counts. These changes did not promote immunosuppression; instead, an increase in CD4+ / CD8+ T lymphocyte ratio was observed; and HIV-infected came similar results.