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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.
Undergraduate experiences and satisfaction with three consecutive learning models experienced throughout a pandemic
(Taylor&Francis, 2025-02-09) Liste, Guiomar; Buil, Tamar; Plumed, Marta
Learning models with remote components are on the rise and information about students’ experiences should guide the decision-making process for higher education institutions considering adaptations. Online and hybrid models present advantages but can negatively affect engagement and loyalty. A unique research opportunity arose during the pandemic when undergraduates were consecutively subjected to face-to-face, online and hybrid learning models, so we assessed their experiences and influence on overall satisfaction. Type of learning model significantly affected student experiences with the online and hybrid models depicting consistently worse experiences than face-to-face. Proud feelings, life-goal achievement and COVID-19 impacts helped predict overall satisfaction. Lack of choice imposed by the pandemic likely had a detrimental effect on student experiences and satisfaction and student training might have been overlooked. However, the adoption of online and hybrid models needs to be carefully considered to preserve satisfaction and to avoid compromising social capital loss and motivation to learn.
Welcoming Differences: Cross-Cultural Communication Activities and Strategies for Enhancing Interculturality Among Students
(MDPI, 2025-12-19) Sierra Huedo, Mª Luisa; Aguareles, Marina
The growing cultural diversity of higher education calls for systematic and curriculum-embedded approaches to the development of students’ intercultural competence. This article explores strategies for fostering intercultural sensitivity and effective cross-cultural communication, drawing on Bennett’s Developmental Model of Intercultural Sensitivity (DMIS) and Deardorff’s intercultural competence framework. The study situates these frameworks within an Internationalization at Home perspective, emphasizing the role of intentional pedagogy, assessment, and attention to the hidden curriculum in supporting intercultural learning. Adopting a design-based pedagogical research approach, the study examines how intercultural competence frameworks can be operationalized through developmentally sequenced classroom interventions in higher education. The pedagogical framework and activities, including cultural artifact presentations, critical incidents, simulations, role-plays, and structured reflective practices, were developed and implemented in culturally diverse bachelor’s and master’s level courses in Spanish higher education institutions within the Erasmus+ MULTICLASS project. Classroom-based evidence collected in Spanish higher education contexts, including reflective discussions, written reflections, and observed communicative behaviors, indicates that approximately 70% of students (n = 44; N = 63) demonstrated observable progression in intercultural sensitivity, most commonly from Minimization toward Acceptance. The contribution of this article lies in linking established intercultural competence models with practical guidance for curriculum design and pedagogical sequencing within Internationalization at Home contexts.
More Than Meets the Eye: The Interplay of Spending and Product Variety in Organic Shopping
(Emerald, 2024-12-17) Mata García, Pedro; Buil, Tamar
Purpose This study investigates the growing global interest in organic food by examining the relationship between consumer spending patterns and the variety of organic product categories within shopping baskets. Expanding on prior research on intrinsic motivations for choosing organic products, this paper introduces differences between consumers based on their spending levels and the quantity and type – fresh vs processed – of organic products they purchase. Design/methodology/approach A descriptive analysis was conducted using data from an online panel survey in Spain, targeting regular consumers of ecological products. A total of 627 respondents were surveyed (e = 4%, N.C. = 95%; p = q = 0.5). Consumers were segmented based on the quantity of organic product categories in their baskets. The data were analysed using cross-tabulation, t-tests, and one-way ANOVA to identify significant differences in spending and product variety. Findings The study identified significant differences in spending patterns and in the variety of organic products purchased between the eco-consumer segments – essential, mindful and super – characterised by the variety of product categories in their shopping baskets. These findings align with global trends in eco-friendly consumption, providing a nuanced understanding of consumer behaviour in the organic food market. Originality/value To our knowledge, this study is the first to explore the impact of the variety of organic product categories within a shopping basket as a segmentation factor. The research contributes a novel perspective to the literature on organic food consumption by highlighting how the count and type of products influence consumer segmentation and spending behaviour.
Intrinsic motivation and its influence in eco shopping basket
(Wiley, 2024-06-17) Buil, Tamar; Mata García, Pedro
Green, organic, ecological or sustainable are common adjectives used to characterise food that is produced and processed in harmony with natural systems and cycles. The research analysed the inherent drivers behind consumers' preference for organic food and investigated how these drivers influence the prominence of organic products within consumers' shopping baskets. The investigation also dealt with the difference between intended and effective purchase of organic products, as well as the moderating effect of intrinsic motivation on the weight of organic products in consumers' basket of goods. To achieve this, there was examined a sample of 627 respondents gathered through an online panel survey. Cross-tabulation and oneway analysis of variance for data analysis were used. The findings revealed that consumers are intrinsically motivated to opt for organic food, which leads to a substantial increase in the proportion of organic items within their shopping baskets and a heightened willingness to allocate more of their budget to such products. This study furnishes empirical evidence underscoring the inherent factors propelling organic food consumption and the significance of comprehending the driving forces that shape consumer behaviour. The outcomes of this study augment the existing body of knowledge pertaining to organic food consumption and provide implications for retailers, policymakers and marketing strategists vested in advancing the cause of organic food.
Digit Ratio (2D:4D) and lactate response during a football-specific intermittent field fitness test in women (versión aceptada)
(Elsevier, 2025-12) Nobari, Hadi; Mainer Pardos, Elena; Lozano, Demetrio; Manning, John T.; Parpa, Koulla; Mason, Laura; Michaelides, Marcos; Roso-Moliner, Alberto
Background Lactate, an important respiratory substrate, is generated during exercise. Digit ratio (2D:4D) is strongly associated with lactate in men over a range of exercise intensities, but in women the association has been reported as weaker and restricted to high running speeds. Here we report a replication of this finding in women employing the 30–15 Intermittent Fitness Test (30–15 IFT). Method The participants were amateur female football players. Digit lengths, height, body composition and VO2max were measured. The 30–15 IFT involves 30-s shuttle runs between lines positioned 40 m apart. Audio signals determine the pace, starting at 10 km/h and increasing by 0.5 km/h to a maximum of 18 km/h. Results Mean lactate levels (mmol/L) rose with running speed, ranging from 2.13 (±0.78) to 13.63 (±2.83). At running speeds 12 km/h to 16 km/h (n = 28 and 26 respectively) there were positive correlations between lactate and weight and BMI and negative associations with VO2max. At 18 km/h (n = 16) right 2D:4D was positively related and height negatively related to lactate. The former remained significant after the effect of height was removed. Conclusion Our findings from the 30–15 IFT in the field are similar to those reported from a laboratory treadmill test. The digit ratio, especially right 2D:4D, is positively associated with lactate levels during running in women, independent of height. In contrast previous findings in men the association applies to high running speeds only.
Influence of body composition and physical performance in highly trained female football players
(2025-10-21) Roso-Moliner, Alberto; Gonzalo-Skok, Oliver; Albalad-Aiguabella, Rafael; Bishop, Chris; Lozano, Demetrio; Mainer Pardos, Elena
Introduction: Body composition plays a critical role in athletic performance, influencing strength, speed, and power outputs essential for competitive success. However, limited evidence exists on its relationship with specific performance measures in female football players. Objective: This study aimed to analyze the influence of body composition variables on key performance measures, including jumping ability, sprint speed, and change of direction (COD) in highly trained female football players. Material and methods: Thirty-eight players from the Spanish Women’s Second Division participated in a cross-sectional study. Body composition was assessed via standardized anthropometry, and performance tests included countermovement jumps, horizontal jumps, 40- m sprints, and the 505 COD test. Results: Significant correlations were found between body composition and sprinting performance. Body fat percentage (r = -0.47 to 0.46, p<0.05) was negatively associated with sprint times, whereas higher skeletal muscle mass and fatfree mass were linked to better sprint and jumping performance. No significant relationships were found between body composition and COD performance. Players with lower body fat exhibited significantly better performance in horizontal jumps, 20-m, 30-m, and 40-m sprints, and peak velocity (ES: -0.78 to 0.68). Players with higher skeletal muscle mass performed better in the 10-m sprint (p<0.05, ES: 0.56), while those with higher fatfree mass demonstrated superior sprinting and jumping abilities. Conclusion: These findings highlight the importance of optimizing body composition for performance. Coaches should consider individualized training and nutritional strategies to improve muscle mass while reducing excess fat.
Associations Between Physical Performance and Asymmetry in Jump, Change of Direction, and Dorsiflexion Tests in Adult Elite Female Futsal Players
(MDPI, 2025-10-02) Albalad-Aiguabella, Rafael; Vicente-Rodríguez, Germán; Muniz-Pardos, Borja; Roso-Moliner, Alberto; Villanueva-Guerrero, Oscar; Mainer Pardos, Elena
Inter-limb asymmetries may negatively affect performance and increase injury risk in team sports, but evidence in women’s futsal remains scarce. This study examined the relationship between inter-limb asymmetries in vertical (countermovement jump, CMJ), horizontal (standing broad jump, SBJ), and reactive (drop jump, DJ) tests, ankle dorsiflexion (DF), and change of direction (COD; 505, L-Run, V-Cut) with physical performance variables in adult female futsal players. Thirty-two highly trained athletes from the Spanish Women’s Second Division (age: 23.4 ± 4.8 years) completed a testing battery including bilateral and unilateral jumps, linear sprints (5, 10, 15 m), COD tests, and ankle dorsiflexion. Asymmetries were calculated as percentage differences between limbs, and their associations with unilateral performance were analyzed using Pearson’s correlations. The highest asymmetries were observed in DJ (15.7 ± 13.3%) and DF (15.3 ± 13.3%), whereas L-Run and 505 displayed the lowest values. Significant moderate negative correlations were found between SBJ asymmetry and right leg SBJ performance (r = −0.356, p < 0.05), and between DF asymmetry and right leg DF (r = −0.494, p < 0.01). No other meaningful associations were identified, and agreement in the direction of asymmetry across tests was generally slight. These findings highlight the task-specific nature of inter-limb asymmetries and suggest that diverse unilateral assessments are needed to comprehensively monitor imbalances and inform targeted training interventions in female futsal.

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