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Influence of competitive level and playing position on the physical and technical demands of professional men’s football
(Editorial Termedia, 2026-02-01) Lampre, Miguel; Arjol-Serrano, José Luis; López-Del Campo, Roberto; Resta, Ricardo; Mainer Pardos, Elena; Lozano, Demetrio
This study investigated the differences in physical and technical performance between players in Spain’s First and Second Division professional men’s football leagues, with a specific focus on playing positions and phases of play (in and out of possession). Drawing on data from 1,608 official matches across the 2021/22 and 2022/23 seasons, involving 44 teams, the research employed advanced tracking technologies (TRACAB and Mediacoach) and technical event analysis (OPTA) to provide a comprehensive assessment of physical demands and technical actions. In possession phases, First Division central midfielders (CM) and forwards (FW) covered significantly more distance at high speeds (p = 0.010 and 0.027; ES = -0.49) and during sprints (p = 0.041 and 0.025; ES = -0.45 and -0.59), whereas wide defenders (WD) demonstrated greater high-intensity efforts in both possession and defensive phases (p = 0.002–0.009; ES = -0.50 to -0.59). Conversely, central defenders (CD) and wide midfielders (WM) did not show significant differences in physical demands between divisions. Technically, FW in the First Division recorded higher values in total passes, forward passes, attacking zone passes, successful dribbles, and crosses, while WM showed significantly greater totals in passes, forward passes, and attacking zone passes compared to their counterparts in the Second Division. In contrast, Second Division players, particularly CD and WD, executed longer passes (p = 0.025 and 0.001; ES = 0.29 and 0.20), suggesting a more direct style of play. In conclusion, the study demonstrated that competitive level and playing position significantly influence the physical and technical demands of professional football. The findings suggest that technical proficiency, particularly in offensive play, complements position-specific physical demands in highintensity actions as a key differentiator between divisions.
Physical Match Performance of Professional Men’s Football Players from Different Competitive Levels During Direct Competition
(MDPI, 2026-02-02) Lampre, Miguel; Arjol-Serrano, José Luis; López-Del Campo, Roberto; Resta, Ricardo; Lozano, Demetrio; Mainer Pardos, Elena
The influence of competitive standards on physical performance in professional football remains controversial, particularly when teams from different divisions compete against each other. This study aimed to analyze position-specific differences in physical performance, both in possession and out of possession, between Spanish First and Second Division teams during direct competition. Match data from 25 Copa del Rey fixtures across three seasons were analyzed using a validated multi-camera tracking system. Physical performance variables were examined according to playing position. First Division players accumulated greater total distance during in-possession phases, particularly central defenders (CDs), wide defenders (WDs), central midfielders (CMs), and wide midfielders (WMs), whereas Second Division players covered greater distances during out-of-possession phases, mainly CDs, WDs, and CMs. In addition, First Division CMs exhibited higher high-speed running in possession, while Second Division forwards (FWs) demonstrated greater high-speed running and defensive high-speed running. Differences in maximum velocity were also observed in CDs, with higher values recorded in the First Division. Overall, these findings indicate that physical performance is modulated by the competitive standard and playing position. However, the interpretation of these differences should not be dissociated from the tactical nature of football, as players’ specific positions and the tactical roles derived from them may condition the physical demands imposed during different phases of play, rather than reflecting isolated physical capacity.
Phase Characteristics of Rate of Force Development in Vertical Jump Performance: A Regression-Based Analysis
(Physical Treatments, 2026-02-02) Yousefian Molla, Razieh; Paolo Ardigò, Luca; Fatahi, Ali; Khezri, Davood; Mainer Pardos, Elena; Nobari, Hadi
Purpose: The rate of force development (RFD) is commonly used as indicator of explosive strength and has been linked to sport-specific performance. However, the exact role of RFD and other temporal variables in relation to performance criteria remains unclear. This study aimed to examine the relationship of RFD and countermovement jump (CMJ) height during the eccentric and concentric phases of the CMJ. Methods: Fifteen professional male volleyball players participated. Each performed CMJs on a force platform. Average power, peak power, time to peak power, maximum RFD, average RFD, and peak RFD were calculated for both concentric and eccentric phases. Pearson correlation analyses were conducted to assess relationships among kinetic and temporal variables and CMJ height. Regression coefficients assessed the association of force and jump height (p<0.05). Results: No significant correlations existed between force variables and jump height in either the eccentric or concentric phases. The findings suggest that contractile force variables, such as RFD, do not significantly influence vertical jump height during CMJ. Vertical jump height in CMJ is likely influenced more by non-contractile factors including anthropometric and biomechanical characteristics, rather than contractile force alone. Conclusion: Therefore, caution is advised when using RFD to interpret explosive power during CMJ. Additionally, RFD may not be a reliable tool to forecast jump performance in athletes engaged in sports requiring high explosive strength.
Acute effects of post-activation performance enhancement on half-squat training volume and repetition performance in strength-train men: a randomised crossover study
(Springer, 2026) Pancar, Zarife; İlhan, Muhammet Taha; Karaday, Emre; Karaca, Burak; Mainer Pardos, Elena; Moreira Praça, Gibson; Carneiro, Lara; Nobari, Hadi
Background Post-activation performance enhancement (PAPE) refers to an acute improvement in voluntary muscle performance following a high-intensity conditioning activity. Although previous studies have mainly focused on the effects of PAPE on power-, sprint-, and jump-related outcomes, its influence on resistance training volume and repetition performance has been less frequently investigated. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the acute effects of a PAPE protocol on repetitions performed to failure and total training volume during the half-squat exercise in resistance-trained men. Methods Nine resistance-trained men completed a control condition and a PAPE condition in a randomised crossover design. In both conditions, participants performed three sets of the half-squat exercise to volitional failure at the same relative load following condition-specific preparatory protocols. Total training volume and total repetitions were assessed. Results Total volume load was significantly higher in the PAPE condition compared with CON (7416.67 ± 3041.54 kg vs. 5959.58 ± 3203.86 kg; p = 0.044, t(8) = −2.394). The total number of repetitions performed was also significantly greater under PAPE (20.07 ± 9.04) compared with CON (15.93 ± 10.54; p = 0.039, F = 6.092, η²p = 0.432). Conclusions The findings indicate that a protocol involving a high-intensity PAPE condition combined with a longer recovery period is associated with acute improvements in repetition performance and total training volume during the half-squat exercise in resistance-trained men. These results suggest that such protocol-specific approaches may influence acute training outcomes, although the independent contributions of potentiation and rest duration cannot be fully isolated.
Effects of Strength and Speed Training Programs on Physical Performance Variables in Futsal Players: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
(MDPI, 2026-04-24) Villanueva-Guerrero, Oscar; Travassos, Bruno; Nobari, Hadi; Albalad-Aiguabella, Rafael; Mainer Pardos, Elena
Objectives: The primary objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to analyze the effects of training programs on different parameters of physical performance in futsal players. Methods: Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement, a systematic search was conducted using PubMed, Web of Science, and SportDiscus databases. The search was conducted for the studies published between 2014 and 2024, and 13 studies were selected that met the inclusion criteria. The random-effects model with inverse variance weighting was used for the meta-analysis. Effect sizes (ES) were reported as standardized mean differences and presented with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results: The effects of such programs showed a primary small effect size for vertical jump (ES = 0.38; 95% CI = 0.11, 0.64; Z = 2.76; p = 0.01); for sprints ≤ 15 m (ES = −0.55; 95% CI = −0.81, −0.29; Z = 4.15; p < 0.01); for sprints ≥ 20 m (ES = −0.56; 95% CI = −0.87, −0.24; Z = 3.49; p < 0.01); for repeated sprint ability (RSA) mean (ES = −0.33; 95% CI = −0.61, −0.05; Z = 2.34; p = 0.02); and for RSA % decrement (ES = −0.38; 95% CI = −0.74, −0.02; Z = 2.06; p = 0.04). However, most included studies were based on pre–post designs without a control group, and additional analyses with control groups showed smaller or non-significant effects. Conclusions: The results indicate that training programs incorporating methods such as strength training, plyometrics, and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) improve performance in vertical jump, short- and long-sprint speed, and RSA scores. These findings highlight the importance of developing evidence-based interventions to maximize physical performance in futsal players.
Epidemiology of injuries in male under-19 futsal players competing in the highest national league in Spain
(Frontiers Media, 2026-06-24) Villanueva-Guerrero, Oscar; Travassos, Bruno; Lopez, Mário; Albalad-Aiguabella, Rafael; Nobari, Hadi; Mainer Pardos, Elena
Introduction: This study analyzed injury epidemiology and incidence in male youth futsal players competing in the top national category over a regular season. The aim was to quantify injury incidence, prevalence, and burden, and to describe injury distribution according to exposure (training vs. match), body region, injury type, severity, and playing position.Methods: A prospective cohort study was conducted during the 2023–2024 season in the Spanish Youth Division of Honour, the highest national Under-19 futsal league in Spain. The sample comprised 164 male players from 13 teams who were followed prospectively over a nine-month period. Injury data were recorded throughout the season, whereas training and match exposure were estimated based on the standard schedule of the participating teams. Playing position, dominant leg, injured body region, injury type, severity, and time-loss duration were also recorded. Injury incidence, prevalence, and burden were subsequently calculated.Results: A total of 111 injuries were registered, affecting 79 players (48% of the cohort), resulting in an overall incidence of 4.96 injuries per 1,000 hours of exposure. Match incidence (53.84/1,000 h) was substantially higher than training incidence (1.94/1,000 h). Most injuries involved the lower limbs (80.1%), particularly the ankle (23.4%) and knee (20.7%). Muscle/tendon (36.9%) and ligament (36.0%) injuries were the most frequent, and wingers sustained the highest number of injuries (n = 51). Median time loss was 16 days, while mean time loss reached approximately 36 days, and injury burden reached 176.5 days per 1,000 hours.Conclusion: These findings indicated a considerable injury risk in this population, especially during matches, and supported the need for targeted prevention strategies focused on strength development, neuromuscular control, and load management.
An exploratory pre–post study of an intensive somatosensory activity-based intervention on participation-related goals, motor performance and somatosensory function in children with unilateral cerebral palsy
(Frontiers, 2026-06-25) Jovellar Isiegas, Patricia; Roche-Seruendo, Luis Enrique; Jaén-Carrillo, Diego; Gómez-Barrera, Manuel; Cuesta-García, César
Somatosensory impairments are common in children with unilateral cerebral palsy and may be associated with limitations in upper-limb function and daily activities. The aim of this exploratory single-arm pre–post study was to examine pre–post change following a novel intensive somatosensory activitybased intervention (ISABI) targeting the more-affected upper limb, focusing on goal-related occupational performance (primary outcome), upper-limb motor performance, and somatosensory function. Sixteen children aged 6–15 years completed 36 h of intervention over three weeks (30 h clinic-based and 6 h home practice). Outcomes were assessed pre- and post-intervention using the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM; performance and satisfaction), the Box and Block Test, the Jebsen–Taylor Hand Function Test, and a predefined somatosensory assessment battery covering tactile registration, tactile spatial perception (unilateral and bilateral), graphaesthesia, haptic perception (stereognosis of objects and forms), texture perception, and functional sensibility. Occupational problems were most frequently related to self-care (81.25%), followed by leisure (12.50%) and productivity (6.25%). COPM performance increased by 71.47% and family satisfaction increased by 62.51%. Manual dexterity and hand function improved by 12% (Box and Block Test) and 12.38% (Jebsen–Taylor Hand Function Test), respectively. Somatosensory outcomes showed improvements in several domains, including unilateral and bilateral spatial discrimination, graphaesthesia (33% increase), texture perception (33% increase), and functional sensibility (18.52% increase), while tactile registration and stereognosis showed limited change. These exploratory findings suggest potentially meaningful pre–post changes in goal-related occupational performance and satisfaction, upper-limb motor performance, and selected somatosensory outcomes following ISABI in children with unilateral cerebral palsy. Given the exploratory single-arm pre–post design (no control group and no follow-up), findings should be interpreted cautiously and require confirmation in adequately poweredrandomised trials with blinded assessment and longer-term follow-up.
Impact of an exercise and health education program for health promotion in textile workers: a pre-post intervention study protocol
(Frontiers media, 2026-06-02) Jiménez Sánchez, Carolina; Cordova-Alegre, Paula; Sanjuán Sánchez, Daniel; Ibiricu-Abendaño, Garazi; Rabal-Pelay, Juan; Piedrafita, Eduardo
Work-related musculoskeletal disorders are highly prevalent among manufacturing workers and represent a major cause of pain, functional limitation, reduced work ability and productivity loss, particularly in textile settings characterized by repetitive upper-limb tasks and sustained postures. Despite recommendations supporting exercise and education as first-line strategies, scalable workplace-embedded programs remain insufficiently implemented. This study aims to evaluate changes associated with an eight-week multimodal intervention integrating health education and app-supported exercise in textile workers. A quasi-experimental single-arm pre–post study will be conducted in a textile manufacturing company in Zaragoza, Spain, including workers aged 18–65 years. The intervention will consist of weekly face-to-face educational workshops and a twice-weekly digitally supported exercise program. Outcomes will be assessed at baseline, post-intervention and one-month follow-up. The primary outcome will be change in musculoskeletal pain intensity, and secondary outcomes will include musculoskeletal symptoms, physical function, physical activity, work ability, sleep quality, psychological distress, health-related quality of life and work productivity. Data will be analyzed using paired statistical tests according to distribution, with a significance level of 0.05. The study has received ethical approval from the Universidad San Jorge Ethics Committee and the Research Ethics Committee of Aragón, and findings will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications and scientific conferences.
Physiological parameters evolution after a predominant metabolic pathway-dependent acute exercise
(2016) Piedrafita, Eduardo; Berzosa Sánchez, César
Our aim was to measure three physiological variables (heart and respiratory rates, and lactatemia) before and immediately after an exercise test, and to observe their evolution over 15 minutes post-exercise. 25 males/females, 19-25 years old, were distributed into three groups, which performed a race test with a different predominant-metabolic-pathway: 100m (alactic anaerobic), 400m (lactic anaerobic), submaximal-intensity 5’ (aerobic). Variables were measured at rest-state and for 5’ intervals (0’-15’) post-exercise. Results: after a lactic anaerobic exercise, a higher change in all variables, a slower return to basal values, and a 5’-lactatemia peak were observed; in addition, at 0’ post-exercise lactatemia was more than 4 mmol/L (OBLA marker) in all tests. In conclusion: intramuscular lactate releasing to blood goes on after exercise, and heart and respiratory rates increases are higher when lactic anaerobic metabolism predominates, maybe for a higher cardiac output (to attend glycolysis-mediated available-energy decrease) and ventilations (to attenuate acidosis).
Entrenamiento de fuerza explosiva para aumentar la velocidad del swing en golf
(2018) Martínez Dena, Víctor; Berzosa Sánchez, César; Gutiérrez, Héctor; Bataller-Cervero, Ana Vanessa; Valero-Campo, Carlos; Piedrafita, Eduardo
En golf, la velocidad de salida de la bola depende de la velocidad de golpeo con la cabeza del palo; se ha observado también que los músculos glúteo medio y mayor influyen en la cinética del swing. Objetivo: valorar la influencia del entrenamiento de fuerza explosiva sobre la velocidad de golpeo en el swing. 10 jugadores amateur distribuidos en dos grupos: 1) control; 2) entrenamiento, basado en zancadas con rotación y media sentadilla, de forma explosiva, durante 6 semanas. Se midieron pre- y post-intervención: altura mediante SJ; 1RM de media sentadilla; velocidad de golpeo mediante sistema Trackman. Se observaron aumentos significativos en grupo entrenamiento post- vs. pre-intervención, tanto en 1RM como en velocidad de golpeo. Sin cambios en grupo control. Estos resultados indican que un entrenamiento de fuerza explosiva de tren inferior conlleva más velocidad de golpeo en el swing, posiblemente por un aumento de velocidad de rotación de cadera
Efectividad del entrenamiento con estiramientos y bandas elásticas para el aumento de dorsiflexión de tobillo
(2018) Miguel, Pablo; Duaso Iriarte, Adriana; Berzosa Sánchez, César; Gutiérrez, Héctor; Bataller-Cervero, Ana Vanessa; Valero-Campo, Carlos; Piedrafita, Eduardo
El esguince de tobillo es una de las lesiones más habituales en baloncesto; uno de sus factores de riesgo es el déficit de la dorsiflexión del pie, en la que se ha observado mejora gracias a ejercicios de estiramientos o con bandas elásticas de resistencia. El objetivo de este trabajo es determinar la eficacia de un entrenamiento de 4 semanas, con combinación de estiramientos y bandas elásticas, para la mejora de la dorsiflexión. 41 jugadores de baloncesto de base, hombres y mujeres, se dividieron en dos grupos: 1) control; 2) intervención (quienes realizaron el entrenamiento). Se midió la dorsiflexión en ambos tobillos mediante sistema Leg Motion® en los dos grupos, pre- y post-entrenamiento. En el grupo intervención se produjo un aumento significativo de dorsiflexión vs. control, tanto en hombres como en mujeres. En comparación con otros estudios, se observa que la tasa de aumento es mayor tras entrenamiento combinado que realizado mediante ejercicios específicos aislados.
Aerobic training control by critical velocity and RPE
(Asociación española de deportes colectivos, 2018) Mínguez, Ignacio; Díez, Adrián; Berzosa Sánchez, César; Gutiérrez, Héctor; Bataller-Cervero, Ana Vanessa; Marcén-Cinca, Noel; Marco-Contreras, Luis Alberto; Piedrafita, Eduardo
The present study aims to verify the efficacy of the Critical Speed (VC) model and the subjective perception of effort (RPE) for the control of the Maximum Aerobic Speed (VAM) training in runners. Seven students of the Physical Activity and sports Sciences Degree of San Jorge University (Spain) with a moderate level of habitual physical activity participated in this study. The training programs that were carried out to improve VAM lasted 8 weeks with a training frequency of two weekly sessions, a total volume of 41,600m and intensities comprised between 80% and 120% of the V1000. The mean of V1000 in T1 was 257.68m/s (SD = 43.04) and 221.81m/s (SD = 32.44) in T2. 100% of the participants improved the V1000 after 8 weeks of training. A statistically significant improvement of 13.63% (SD = 3.19) was observed in T2 with respect to T1. No statistically significant association was found between the RPE (at any time it was recorded) and the improvement observed in the V1000.
Exploring anti-doping knowledge level: a systematic review among athletes, students, and athlete support personnel in the sports sector
(Frontiers, 2026-06-03) Domínguez-Carrión, Jorge; Casado, Arturo; Pardo, Rodrigo; Aguilar-Navarro, Millán; García-Grimau, Elena
The level of anti-doping knowledge within the sports sector remains an underexplored area of research. Moreover, the methods used to assess this knowledge are not standardized, resulting in a lack of harmonization across studies. This heterogeneity makes it difficult to analyze and compare the level of knowledge among different populations in a consistent manner. The main aim of this study was to systematically review the level of anti-doping knowledge among Athletes, Students, and Athlete Support Personnel in the sports sector. The secondary objective was to identify and evaluate the methodology used to measure the level of knowledge. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guideline was used to identify relevant studies. All articles assessing anti-doping knowledge were included, regardless of study design, measurement instruments, or target population. A set of evaluation criteria was developed and used to objectively measure the quality of the included studies. Ninety-three studies were included in the analysis. Twenty-five publications (26.88%) did not clearly report the level of anti-doping knowledge. Across the remaining studies, a wide heterogeneity of instruments and reporting approaches was observed. Using a heuristic and interpretive classification framework to synthesize author-reported descriptors, most studies were heuristically classified as reflecting a predominantly “Low” level of anti-doping knowledge (45.16%), while fewer studies reported “Limited” (8.60%), “Basic” (5.38%), or “Good” (13.98%) knowledge. No study explicitly described an “Extensive” level of anti-doping knowledge. These findings should be interpreted as indicative patterns derived from descriptive synthesis rather than as precise quantitative estimates. Despite methodological heterogeneity, these findings highlight the need to develop standardized and validated assessment tools and to implement structured educational programs to improve anti-doping knowledge across the sport sector.
Performance and Inter-Limb Asymmetry in Relation to Peak Height Velocity and Injury-Related Variables in Adolescent Male Soccer Players
(MDPI, 2026-06-02) Roso-Moliner, Alberto; Albalad-Aiguabella, Rafael; Lozano, Demetrio; Sancho-Monllor, Borja; Villanueva-Guerrero, Oscar; Arjol-Serrano, José Luis
Adolescent footballers exhibit smaller change of direction (COD) deficits than adults, suggesting distinct biomechanical profiles; however, the role of physical performance variables in COD, considering maturation and injury-related factors, remains poorly understood. This study aimed to examine the relationships between sprint, jump, and COD performance, maturation status, and injury-related variables in young male footballers. Fifty-six national-level players (age: 16.67 ± 0.86 years) performed unilateral vertical and horizontal jump tests, 20 m linear sprint tests, and 180° COD assessments. Maturation status was estimated using peak height velocity (PHV), and injury incidence and severity were recorded over one competitive season. Associations were observed between PHV and sprint performance during the initial acceleration phase (0–10 m; p < 0.01). Unilateral jump measures were associated with sprint and COD performance, whereas inter-limb asymmetries showed limited associations with performance outcomes. Horizontal jump performance was also associated with the percentage-based COD deficit (%CODD). With respect to injury-related variables, injury incidence was associated with countermovement jump (CMJ) measures, with greater CMJ asymmetry being associated with higher injury incidence, while both unilateral CMJ variables were retained in the regression model. Overall, these findings suggest that biological maturation and unilateral neuromuscular performance may be relevant factors associated with youth football performance, whereas inter-limb asymmetry appears to play a more limited role; CMJ-related measures may warrant further consideration in relation to injury incidence in adolescent footballers.
Positional differences in interlimb asymmetry in elite youth male futsal players
(Palacký University in Olomouc, 2026-05-26) Villanueva-Guerrero, Oscar; Travassos, Bruno; Albalad-Aiguabella, Rafael; Mainer Pardos, Elena
Background: Interlimb asymmetry has been associated with increased injury risk and impaired performance in athletes. Objective: This study aimed to analyse positional differences in interlimb asymmetry and unilateral functional performance among elite male youth futsal players. Methods: Eighty-three youth futsal players (age 17.2 ± 0.8 years) were assessed according to playing position (right/left winger, pivot, defender). Participants performed unilateral countermovement jump (CMJ), horizontal jump (HJ), and the 505 change of direction (COD 505) tests. Interlimb asymmetry was calculated for each test. One-way analysis of variance was used to compare asymmetry levels across positions. Pearson’s correlations were computed to explore relationships between test-specific asymmetries. Players were also classified into high (≥10%) or low (<10%) asymmetry groups, and Chi-square tests were applied to assess associations with position. Results: No significant differences in interlimb asymmetry were observed between positions in CMJ (p = .61), HJ (p = .13), or COD 505 (p = .26), though HJ showed greater variability (η² = .07). A significant correlation was found between CMJ and HJ asymmetries (r = .31, p < .001), suggesting shared neuromuscular demands. No association was found between asymmetry level and position in CMJ, HJ or COD 505. Additionally, 38.9% of pivots and 40.7% of right wingers exceeded the 10% asymmetry threshold in CMJ. Conclusions: Although interlimb asymmetries did not significantly differ across positions, the presence of asymmetries ≥10% in a notable proportion of players highlights the relevance of individualised monitoring in youth futsal. These findings support the use of asymmetry assessments as part of injury prevention strategies in elite and developmental settings.
External Load During Official Competition in Under-18 Padel Players
(MDPI, 2026-05-24) Albalad-Aiguabella, Rafael; Gutiérrez-Logroño, Alejandra; Roso-Moliner, Alberto; Villanueva-Guerrero, Oscar; Mainer Pardos, Elena
In padel, an emerging racket sport, evidence regarding competition demands in adolescent players remains limited. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze absolute external load during official competition in male and female U18 padel players. A total of 18 official matches from the Spanish Championship of Regional Teams were analyzed. Eighteen U18 players (9 females: age 15.1 ± 1.5 years, height 162.9 ± 8.2 cm, body mass 54.6 ± 9.1 kg; 9 males: age 15.4 ± 1.8 years, height 175.1 ± 9.4 cm, body mass 67.2 ± 11.0 kg), competing at the regional and national levels, were monitored using OLIVER™ inertial devices. External load variables included playing time, total distance, high-intensity accelerations and decelerations, changes of direction, time spent at high metabolic power, session volume, session intensity, and maximum speed. Statistical analysis was performed using linear mixed models to compare differences between sexes. Male players showed significantly higher values than female players in playing time (82.34 ± 23.95 vs. 51.03 ± 12.39 min; p < 0.001) and total distance (3958.50 ± 242.57 vs. 2225.54 ± 257.29 m; p < 0.001). They also presented significantly greater values in high-intensity external load variables, including accelerations, decelerations, changes of direction, time spent at high metabolic power, session volume, and session intensity (all p ≤ 0.009). No significant differences were found for maximum speed (p = 0.074). These findings suggest that official competition demands differ according to sex in U18 padel and may help inform more specific training prescriptions and load-monitoring strategies.
Customer Satisfaction Level of Users of the Different Areas and Services of a Private Mid-Cost Fitness Center in Zaragoza
(MDPI, 2026-05-12) Ander De Ara Aguirre; Manel Valcarce-Torrente; Villanueva-Guerrero, Oscar; Albalad-Aiguabella, Rafael; Mainer Pardos, Elena; Roso-Moliner, Alberto
Customer loyalty has become a critical factor for the sustainability of fitness centers amid growing industry competition, yet limited research has examined recommendation patterns across user profiles in mid-cost facilities. This study aimed to analyze customer recommendation in a mid-cost fitness center in Spain using the Net Promoter Score (NPS) and to identify factors associated with loyalty by gender, age, membership duration, and service usage pattern. A cross-sectional observational study was conducted with 102 adult members (63.7% women) who completed a self-administered questionnaire distributed via QR code. The NPS served as the primary outcome measure, complemented by openended questions on perceived strengths and areas for improvement. The center achieved a high overall NPS of +66.7, with 70.6% of respondents classified as promoters and only 3.9% as detractors. Women reported significantly higher NPS scores than men (p = 0.037), whereas no significant differences emerged by age, membership duration, or service usage pattern. Qualitative analysis revealed that instructor quality, service organization, and facility management were the primary drivers of recommendation. These findings support the utility of the NPS as a practical tool for assessing customer loyalty in fitness centers and underscore the role of service quality in shaping recommendation behavior.
Rehabilitación respiratoria
(Elsevier, 2014-08) Güell Rous, María Rosa (coordinador); Díaz Lobato, Salvador (coordinador); Rodríguez Trigo, Gema; Morante Vélez, Fátima; San Miguel Pagola, Marta; Ortega Ruiz, Francisco; Muñoz, Alejandro; Galdiz Iturri, Juan Bautista; García, Almudena; Servera, Emilio
La rehabilitación respiratoria (RR) ha demostrado mejorar la disnea, la capacidad de esfuerzo y la calidad de vida relacionada con la salud en los pacientes con enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica (EPOC). En otras enfermedades distintas de la EPOC también ha mostrado beneficios, aunque el grado de evidencia es menor. Los componentes fundamentales de los programas de RR son el entrenamiento muscular, la educación y la fisioterapia respiratoria, siendo aconsejable también contemplar la terapia ocupacional, el soporte psicosocial y la intervención nutricional. Los programas domiciliarios han demostrado igual eficacia que los hospitalarios. La duración de los programas de RR no debe ser inferior a 8 semanas o 20 sesiones. La RR iniciada precozmente, incluso durante las exacerbaciones, ha demostrado ser eficaz y segura. La utilización de oxígeno o ventilación no invasiva durante el entrenamiento es controvertida y dependiente de la situación del paciente. En el momento actual desconocemos cuál es la mejor estrategia para mantener los beneficios de la RR a largo plazo. Una mayor duración de los programas o la telemedicina podrían ser claves para prolongar los resultados conseguidos.
Musculotendinous morphological differences and their relationship with walking biomechanics in children with and without sever disease
(Elsevier, 2026-07) Cardiel-Sanchez, Silvia; Rubio-Peirotén, Alberto; Bravo-Viñuales, Elisa; Ráfales Perucha, Andrés; Cartón-Llorente, Antonio; García-Pinillos, Felipe
Purpose Sever disease is a common condition in growing children, which causes activity-related heel pain. To contribute to the limited evidence on the topic, this study aimed to describe the morphological and walking biomechanical differences (spatiotemporal parameters and ground reaction forces (GRF)) between children with and without Sever disease, and to investigate the relationship between these variables to determine the implications of structural impairments on walking biomechanics. Methods Participants were divided into Sever (n = 20; 10.74 ± 1.93 years) and control (n = 14; 11.21 ± 2.08 years) groups. Ultrasound measures (thickness, cross-sectional area, echogenicity) of the Achilles tendon (AT), plantar fascia (PF) and gastrocnemius medialis (GM) were studied. A set of biomechanical measures was acquired during walking at 5 km·h−1 on a monitorized treadmill, including spatiotemporal parameters and GRF. The study included inter-subject comparisons, adjusted linear modelling with covariates, and within-group correlational analyses, as well as intra-subject assessment. Data analysis was conducted using Python 3.10.10. Results Children with Sever disease presented a significantly thicker AT (p = 0.014; ES=0.4) and thinner PF (p = 0.024; ES=0.6) compared to controls. Moreover, the intrasubject comparison in Sever subjects revealed that the affected foot exhibited higher impact (p = 0.001; ES=1.2) and braking forces (p = 0.003; ES=1.7) compared to the unaffected foot. Conclusion Children with Sever disease present morphological changes in the AT and PF, as well as biomechanical adaptations while walking. This study identifies key features associated to Sever disease which may be useful for prevention, early detection and appropriate management of the condition.
Colonial Propaganda In The Belgian Congo Through Postage Stamps (1894–1960): A Quantitative Content Analysis
(Immigrant Institutet, 2025-06-01) Prieto-Andrés, Antonio; Fernández-Romero, Cayetano; Sierra Huedo, Mª Luisa
Despite extensive scholarship on colonial propaganda, the use of postage stamps as tools of imperial messaging remains underexplored. This study aims to examine how Belgium employed postage stamps to construct and disseminate propagandistic narratives about its African colony, the Belgian Congo. Using quantitative content analysis, the research analyses a corpus of 149 stamps issued between 1894 and 1960, tracing how visual themes evolved across different phases of colonisation. The results indicate that Belgium adapted its messages throughout the different phases of colonisation, from the exoticism of the landscape and the primitivism of the native person, to highlighting the supposed civilising benefits. The native person appears on postage stamps as being preferably male, vulnerable and dependent, exotic in his semi-nudity, who must be cared for like a child, but at the same time useful to the metropolis as a labour force. Analysing the general vision that the Belgian metropolis wants to show of itself through postage stamps, two-thirds of the stamps show neutrality or that the native person lives in freedom, as if colonisation did not exist, thanks to the profusion of images of animals, plants and landscapes, or to showing the native people carrying out their ancestral activities. This study may be of interest in the fields of the history of Belgian colonialism, communication, political propaganda, and the representation of the other, whether ethnically or culturally different. To this end, it uses postage stamps issued for the Belgian Congo as historical documentary sources, implying a novel approach, not only in the type of source chosen, but also in the method used to extract data from them.

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