Background: Ageing is associated with changes of physical and physiological parameters, but there is evidence that regular physical activity could minimize these effects. Additionally, the older population presents a great risk of suboptimal nutrition. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to review the evidence of nutritional strategies and endurance exercises in the older population. Methods: A systematic review was performed based on the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analysis (PRISMA) statement. The search was carried out in three different databases: PubMed, Web of Science, and SPORTDiscus. Results: Eight studies were included in the present review. The use of caffeine and beta-alanine supplementation with proteins have been found to be beneficial in both sexes. In older women, a balanced diet, an increase in protein, supplementation with beta hydroxy methyl butyrate, and supplementation with sodium bicarbonate have been favorable. However, no benefit has been seen in older men with sodium bicarbonate or ubiquinone supplementation. Nevertheless, the use of supplements should be prescribed according to individual characteristics and physical activity. Conclusions: Caffeine and high protein supplement with beta-alanine may provide positive effects in the older population. In addition, in older women, bicarbonate supplementation and beta-hydroxyethyl butyrate (HMB), lysine, and arginine supplementation have shown positive effects on exercise performance.

Several studies have demonstrated the positive effects of physical exercise programs on physical and mental health throughout life. It is necessary to know the factors that contribute to the well-being of older adults in order to achieve healthy aging. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between well-being perception and the use of autonomy supportive coaching behaviours across a motivational aquatic resistance interval training program. Thirty-four women over 65 years of age from the province of Alicante, Spain, participated, and were randomly assigned to: motivational aquatic resistance interval training group (MART; age: 69.6 ± 5.01 years, height: 1.62 ± 7.88 m, weight: 75.3 ± 12.8 kg) and control group (CG; age: 67.7 ± 3.60 years, height: 1.54 ± 5.47 m, weight: 66.9 ± 10.2 kg). The MART program was conducted for 14 weeks, with three training sessions/week. The CG did not perform any physical activity during the study. Perception of autonomy support was assessed through the Autonomy-Supportive Coaching Questionnaire (ASCQ), Psychological needs by the Basic Psychological Needs in Exercise Scale (BPNES), Intrinsic motivation to exercise was assessed through Intrinsic Motivation Inventory (IMI) and Perception of Physical Activity by the International physical activity questionnaire (IPAQ). In MART, compared to CG, significant differences were observed in BPNS, IMI and IPAQ questionnaires used, except in the ASCQ. The differences were significant in all three cases in BPNS (p < 0.05 in autonomy and competence and p = 0.001 in relationship with others), obtaining better scores after intervention than previously. As for the IMI scale, significant differences were also obtained in both subscales. The level of physical activity also improved significantly, with higher scores on the IPAQ after the intervention than before (p < 0.001). In conclusion, when practitioners perceive greater well-being, satisfaction of their basic psychological needs, greater self-selection, volition, and autonomy instead of pressure, demand and control, the result is better behaviour with greater psychological well-being, adherence and consequent health benefits.

El voleibol femenino se práctica en todo el mundo a nivel profesional y amateur. Los saltos verticales son una parte fundamental para el desarrollo de este deporte, por lo que el entrenamiento pliométrico puede ser eficaz para un aumento del rendimiento. El propósito de estudio fue describir cuáles han sido los métodos y programas de entrenamiento pliométrico en mujeres que practican voleibol, así como el resultado obtenido en función de estos. El proceso de búsqueda en las bases de datos se llevó a cabo desde Marzo hasta Junio de 2016. Las bases de datos consultadas fueron Pubmed, Web of Science, Cochrane y SPORTDiscus. La revisión sistemática fue realizada bajo las recomendaciones de la declaración PRISMA. La calidad metodológica de los estudios fue evaluada mediante la Escala PEDro. Como resultado, se obtuvieron un total de 205 artículos tras eliminar aquellos que estaban por duplicado. Finalmente 7 artículos fueron seleccionados. Los resultados principales fueron que aquellos estudios que utilizan deportistas amateurs obtienen mejores resultados que los realizados con deportistas profesionales cuando se realizan programas de entrenamiento pliométrico. También se indica que un período de entrenamiento pliométrico de baja intensidad puede prevenir una disminución en la altura del salto vertical; así como es necesario programar la pretemporada para evitar pérdida en la capacidad de salto. Todo ello parece indicar, como conclusión, que es necesario una disminución del volumen y un aumento de la intensidad en el entrenamiento pliométrico.Abstract. Female volleyball is practiced all over the world at a professional and amateur level. Vertical jumps are a fundamental part of the development of this sport. In this sense, plyometric training can be effective for increased performance. The purpose of the study was to describe the methods and programs of plyometric training in women volleyball players, as well as the results obtained from them. The following electronic databases were searched March to June 2016. Electronic databases consulted were Pubmed, Web of Science, Cochrane and SPORTDiscus. This systematic review was performed following PRISMA statement. PEDro scale was used to evaluated the methodological quality of the included studies. As total of 205 articles were obtained after remove duplicates. Finally 7 articles were selected. The main results were that those studies using amateur athletes obtain better results than those performed with professional athletes when performing plyometric training programs. It is also indicated that a period of low intensity plyometric training could prevent a decrease in vertical jump height; As well as it is necessary to schedule the preseason to avoid loss in the ability to jump. All this seems to indicate, in conclusion, that a decrease in volume and an increase in intensity in the training of plyometric training is necessary.

In the sports context, it has been corroborated that the physical demands of presenting an “ideal” body configuration have been associated with different psychological variables, such as self-esteem, anxiety and personality dimensions, such as perfectionism. Specifically, there is evidence that anthropometric measures may be closely related to psychological indicators. A total of 33 male soccer players (18.12 ± 1.24 years) participated in the investigation. Anthropometric assessments were carried out following the ISAK standards for the restricted profile. All of them completed the Competitive Trait Anxiety Inventory (CTAI-2D) in its Spanish version. The percent fat was calculated using Withers (density) and Siri equations. The ∑7 skinfolds were used to calculate this. After statistical analysis, significant mean differences were observed in the somatic anxiety dimension (valence) and a medium–large effect size. Regarding correlations, the significantly negative relationship between self-confidence (intentionality) and somatic anxiety (valence) was noteworthy. The relationship between psychological variables and anthropometric measurements was corroborated, showing the need for interdisciplinary work between psychologists and nutritionists who do not ignore the physical health and psychological well-being of the soccer player.