This study aimed to assess the effect of the breathing pattern during resistance training on intraocular pressure (IOP). Twenty physically active collegiate students (7 women and 13 men) performed sets of 10 repetitions against the 10-RM (repetition maximum) load during the back-squat and biceps-curl exercises following 3 different breathing patterns: (I) Valsalva: holding the breath during the entire repetition; (II) normal breathing: holding the breath and exhaling during the first and second phases of the repetition, respectively; and (III) modified breathing: inhaling and holding the breath during the first and second phases of the repetition, respectively. Rebound tonometry was used to measure IOP before exercise, after each of the 10 repetitions, and after 1 min of recovery. The breathing pattern significantly affected the changes in IOP values (p < 0.001, h 2 p = 0.509) with the normal breathing pattern providing lower increases in IOP values compared to the Valsalva (p < 0.001, d = 1.47) and modified breathing (p < 0.001, d = 0.96). Higher IOP values were observed for the back-squat compared to the biceps-curl exercise (p = 0.003, h 2 p = 0.384). A normal breathing pattern should be recommended to avoid abrupt increments in IOP during resistance training. These findings may be especially important for individuals at high risk for glaucoma onset or progression due to the necessity of maintaining stable IOP levels to avoid the progression of this disease. In future studies, the inclusion of glaucoma patients would allow to assess the generalizability of these findings.

This study investigated the effects of a 24-week combined training program (CTP) based on strength exercises and cognitive–motor tasks performed concurrently in participants with multiple sclerosis. A randomized, controlled intervention study was carried out. In total, 31 subjects with a confirmed diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (14 men and 17 women) were stratified and randomized into an intervention group (17 subjects) and a control group (14 subjects). The intervention group completed three weekly training sessions for 24 weeks, while the control group pursued their normal daily activities. In this program, cognitive–motor tasks were completed at once (dual tasking). A 3D photogrammetry connected to a selective attention system designed for dual tasking while walking was used. Ground reaction forces were measured using two force plates, one for sit-to-stand testing, while the other was used for static force measurement. Postural equilibrium was examined using a stabilometric plate based for Romberg test assessment. The 24-week training program for multiple sclerosis patients improved their static peak force by 11% (p < 0 .05), their rate of force development by 36% (p < 0.05), and their balance (p < 0.05). Performance in daily activities such as walking or sitting-to-standing improved significantly in multiple sclerosis participants. CTP training was effective in reducing the dual-task costs of step length (48%) and walking velocity (54%), as compared to a matched control group.

This study aimed to evaluate the between-session reliability of single-leg performance and asymmetry variables during unilateral and bilateral countermovement jumps (CMJ). Twenty-three basketball players completed two identical sessions which consisted of four unilateral CMJs (two with each leg) and two bilateral CMJs. Mean and peak values of force, velocity and power, impulse, and jump height were obtained separately for each leg using a dual force platform. All performance variables presented an acceptable reliability (CVrange = 4.05–9.98%) with the exceptions of jump height for the unilateral CMJs and mean power, peak velocity, peak power, and impulse for the left leg during the bilateral CMJ (CV≥11.0%). Nine out of 14 variables were obtained with higher reliability during the unilateral CMJ (CVratio≥1.16), and 4 out of 14 during the bilateral CMJ (CVratio≥1.32). Asymmetry variables always showed an unacceptable reliability (ICCrange = 0.15–0.64) and poor/slight levels of agreement in direction (Kapparange = -0.10 to 0.15) for the unilateral CMJ, while an acceptable reliability (ICCrange = 0.74–0.77) and substantial levels of agreement in direction (Kapparange = 0.65 to 0.74) were generally obtained for the bilateral CMJ. These results suggest that single-leg performance can be obtained with higher reliability during the unilateral CMJ, while the bilateral CMJ provides more consistent measures of inter-limb asymmetries.

Family physical activity can have beneficial effects on the physical condition of parents and children. Method: Uncontrolled longitudinal intervention study. 152 children aged 3 to 10 years (79 Boys: 5.60 ± 2.20 yr., 73 Girls: 6.90 ± 2.20 yr.) and 112 parents aged 30 to 40 years (36 Parents: 41.87 ± 4.45 yr.; 76 Mothers: 40.01 ± 2.96 yr.). They carried out 2 hours of joint activity on a weekly basis from October to June. Physical fitness was assessed by ALPHA-Fitness and PRE-FIT batteries at the beginning and end of the intervention. A descriptive analysis and a t-student for paired variables were performed. Results: The 3-6-year-old girls improved the Standing long jump (33.50 ± 10.61 vs 78.11 ± 8.64 cm) * and the 20 m shuttle run test (7.00 ± 2, 83 vs. 22.50 ± 0.71) *, (*p <0.05). Girls over 6 years of age decreased in Handgrip strength and 4x10 m shuttle run test (15.84 ± 1.21 vs 16.95 ± 83) * but improved in the 20 m shuttle run test (13.97 ± 5.48 vs 23.09 ± 7.49) *, (*p <0.05). The parents improved their BMI (25.04 ± 2.60 vs 24.19 ± 1.50)*, the right Handgrip strength (37.02 ± 10.25 vs 41.17 ± 9.57 kg)*, the Standing long jump (156.17 ± 31.48 vs 181.00 ± 28.82 cm)*, 4x10 m shuttle run test (12.95 ± 1.30 vs 12.11 ± 1.09 s)* in the 20 m shuttle run test (37.90 ± 20.43 vs 54.20 ± 9.51 turns)*, (* p <0.05). Conclusion: A physical exercise based on joint family activity produces improvements in some variables related to the physical condition of the girls and in the parents. Implication: Parents should exercise and plan family sports activities if they want their child to be active.

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