0000000000003206
AUTHOR
Xavier García-massó
Automated detection of protein unfolding events in atomic force microscopy force curves
Atomic force microscopy is not only a high-resolution imaging device but also a mechanical machine, which can be used either to indent or stretch (soft) biomaterials. Due to the statistical nature of such materials (i.e., hydrogels or polymers) hundreds of force-distance curves are required to describe their mechanical properties. In this manuscript, we present an automated system for polymer unfolding detection based on continuous wavelet analysis. We have tested the automated program on elastin, which is an important protein that provides elasticity to tissues and organs. Our results show that elastin changes its mechanical behavior in the presence of electrolytes. In particular, we show …
Inter-joint coordination of posture on a seesaw device
Even though specific adjustments of the multi-joint control of posture have been observed when posture is challenged, multi-joint coordination on a seesaw device has never been accurately assessed. The current study was conducted in order to investigate the multi-joint coordination when subjects were standing on either a seesaw device or on a stable surface, with the eyes open or closed. Eighteen healthy active subjects were recruited. A principal component analysis and a Self-Organizing Maps analysis were performed on the joint angles in order to detect and characterize dominant coordination patterns. Intermuscular EMG coherence was analysed in order to assess the neurophysiological mechan…
Effects of aquatic and dry land resistance training devices on body composition and physical capacity in postmenopausal women.
Effects of Aquatic and Dry Land Resistance Training Devices on Body Composition and Physical Capacity in Postmenopausal Women To determine the effects of a supervised strength training program on body composition and physical capacity of older women using three different devices: weight machines, elastic bands, and aquatic devices that increase drag forces (ADIDF). Four groups were formed: control group, weight machine group (WMG), elastic band group (EBG) and a group that used ADIDF (ADIDFG). Body composition and physical capacity were assessed before and after the intervention period. The ADIDFG showed improvements in fat mass (FM), fat-free mass of the left arm (FFM-LA) and right arm (FF…
Impact of COVID-19 on the self-reported physical activity of people with complete thoracic spinal cord injury full-time manual wheelchair users
Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2; COVID-19; 2019-nCoV; Activitat física; Lesió medul·lar Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2; COVID-19; 2019-nCoV; Actividad física; Lesión de la médula espinal Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2; COVID-19; 2019-nCoV; Physical activity; Spinal cord injury Context The emergence of COVID-19 caused a new public health crisis, leading to major changes in daily life routines, often including physical activity (PA) levels. The main goal of this study was to analyze the differences in self-reported physical activity of people with complete spinal cord injuries between the time prior to the COVID-19 lockdown and the lockdown period itself. Methods A sample of 20 participants with complete thoracic spi…
Heart rate variability in individuals with thoracic spinal cord injury
Cross-sectional study. The main goal of our study was to explore the differences in heart rate variability (HRV) while sitting between able-bodied (AB) participants and paraplegic (P) individuals. The study was conducted in the Physical Therapy department and the Physical Education and Sports department of the University of Valencia and Vall d’Hebron Hospital. To record the HRV, a 1000-Hz Suunto Oy t6 heart rate monitor was used. The data were analyzed in the temporal and frequency domains, and nonlinear analysis was performed as well. We found significant differences between P and AB participants in SDNN: t(76)=2.81, P<0.01; root mean squared of the difference of successive RR intervals: t…
Neural Network for Estimating Energy Expenditure in Paraplegics from Heart Rate
The aim of the present study is to obtain models for estimating energy expenditure based on the heart rates of people with spinal cord injury without requiring individual calibration. A cohort of 20 persons with spinal cord injury performed a routine of 10 activities while their breath-by-breath oxygen consumption and heart rates were monitored. The minute-by-minute oxygen consumption collected from minute 4 to minute 7 was used as the dependent variable. A total of 7 features extracted from the heart rate signals were used as independent variables. 2 mathematical models were used to estimate the oxygen consumption using the heart rate: a multiple linear model and artificial neural networks…
Physical Activity-Related Profiles of Female Sixth-Graders Regarding Motivational Psychosocial Variables: A Cluster Analysis Within the CReActivity Project
IntroductionAdolescents’ physical activity (PA) behavior can be driven by several psychosocial determinants at the same time. Most analyses use a variable-based approach that examines relations between PA-related determinants and PA behavior on the between-person level. Using this approach, possible coexistences of different psychosocial determinants within one person cannot be examined. Therefore, by applying a person-oriented approach, this study examined (a) which profiles regarding PA-related psychosocial variables typically occur in female sixth-graders, (b) if these profiles deliver a self-consistent picture according to theoretical assumptions, and (c) if the profiles contribute to t…
Effects of an incremental maximal endurance exercise stress-induced cortisol on cognitive performance
Exercise; Cognitive functions; Cortisol Ejercicio físico; Funciones cognitivas; Cortisol Exercici físic; Funcions cognitives; Cortisol Objectives: It can be hypothesized that cognitive performance decreases after fatigue protocol when it coincides with the maximum peak of cortisol. The first aim of this study was to elucidate the effects of a single bout of high intensity exercise on behavioural (i.e., attention and memory) and physiological (i.e., salivary cortisol) responses. The second objective was to evaluate the effect of the performance of the cognitive tasks on cortisol levels. Methods: Thirty-four physically active men (at least 5 days/week of physical activity practice) 38.11 (1.5…
Concurrent validation of the OMNI-resistance exercise scale of perceived exertion with Thera-band resistance bands.
The concurrent validity of the OMNI-Resistance Exercise Scale (OMNI-RES) of perceived exertion for use with elastic bands was studied during isotonic resistance exercises. Twenty healthy, physically active subjects completed both familiarization and testing sessions. The criterion variables were myoelectric activity, recorded by electromyography, and heart rate, recorded by a heart rate monitor. The subjects performed 2 separate sets of 15 repetitions in each of the 2 testing sessions and for each of the exercises applied (i.e., frontal and lateral raises). One set was carried out with the separation between the hands gripping the elastic band allowing that 15 repetition maximum to be perfo…
Comorbidity and physical activity in people with paraplegia: a descriptive cross-sectional study.
Descriptive cross-sectional study. The study was conducted in the Spinal Cord Injury Unit of the University Vall d’Hebron Hospital and in the Physical Education and Sports Department of the University of Valencia. The aim of this study was to quantify the presence of comorbidities in spinal cord injury (SCI) subjects who did or did not perform regular physical activity (PA) and to identify the relationship between PA and the level of comorbidity. The sample consisted of patients with complete motor SCI (T2–T12), who were fitted with an accelerometer attached to the non-dominant wrist for a period of 1 week. The clinical and blood analytic variables were selected by an expert panel. In the e…
Force normalization in paraplegics.
The principal aim of our study was the determination of the effectiveness of a standardized ratio, allometric scaling model and a gamma function model in normalizing the isometric torque data of spinal cord patients and healthy subjects. For this purpose we studied a sample of 21 healthy males and 23 spinal cord injury males. The experiment consisted of the measurement of the force of the upper limb movement executed by all the subjects. We also determined anthropometric variables with dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. The experimental data were analyzed with 3 force normalization methods. Our results indicate that the most important confounding variable was the fat free mass of the dominan…
Perceived movement skill competence in stability: Validity and reliability of a pictorial scale in early adolescents.
Perceived motor competence (PMC) is important to health as it mediates the association between actual motor competence (AMC) and physical activity. Many instruments assess the broader construct of physical self-perception but no scale has been developed to assess PMC in stability. The aim of this study was to develop and analyze the reliability and validity of a new pictorial PMC in stability skill assessment when completed by early adolescents. A Delphi method showed ≥70% of experts' consensus in the seven proposed items. A sample of 904 students (11-14 years old) self-reported PMC in locomotion, object control, and stability using two pictorial scales: Perceived Movement Skill Competence …
Dual task cost in balance control and stability in children from 4–7 years old
This study analyzed the development of postural control and the cost of the cognitive task on postural control in the bipedal standing position during childhood. Sixty-six normally developed childr...
Survival analysis of author keywords: An application to the library and information sciences area
[EN] Our purpose is to adapt a statistical method for the analysis of discrete numerical series to the keywords appearing in scientific articles of a given area. As an example, we apply our methodological approach to the study of the keywords in the Library and Information Sciences (LIS) area. Our objective is to detect the new author keywords that appear in a fixed knowledge area in the period of 1 year in order to quantify the probabilities of survival for 10 years as a function of the impact of the journals where they appeared. Many of the new keywords appearing in the LIS field are ephemeral. Actually, more than half are never used again. In general, the terms most commonly used in the …
Efectos de la auto-selección del foco de atención durante el aprendizaje de una tarea de control postural (Effect of self-selection of the attentional focus during a postural control task learning)
El objetivo principal de este estudio es analizar el efecto de la auto-selección del foco de atención sobre el aprendizaje de una tarea motriz. Cuarenta participantes se distribuyeron en cuatro grupos en función del foco de atención (en la tarea motriz o cognitiva) y la selección del foco (auto-selección o imposición). Todos los sujetos realizaron un pre-test, práctica, post-test y retención (24 horas después). Durante los test solo realizaron una tarea de equilibrio sobre una plataforma que generaba inestabilidad en el eje medio-lateral. Sin embargo, durante la práctica todos realizaron la tarea de equilibrio junto con una tarea cognitiva de memoria de trabajo. El grupo centrado en la tare…
A comparison of elastic tubing and isotonic resistance exercises.
The aim of this study was to assess eff ects of a short-term resistance program on strength in fi t young women using weight machines / free weights or elastic tubing. 42 physically fi t women (21.79 ± 0.7 years) were randomly assigned to the following groups: (i) the Thera-Band ® Exercise Station Group (TBG); (ii) the weight machines / free weights group (MFWG); or (iii) the control group (CG). Each experimental group performed the same periodised training program that lasted for 8 weeks, with 2 – 4 sessions per week and 3 – 4 sets of 8 – 15 submaximal reps. A load cell (Isocontrol; ATEmicro, Madrid, Spain) was used to test the evolution of the Maximum Isometric Voluntary Contraction (MIVC…
The effect of 26 versus 29-inch wheel diameter in the transmission of vibrations in cross-country mountain biking.
Vibrations experienced by cyclists can affect their performance and health. We analysed the vibrations transmitted by mountain bike (26 or 29-inch wheels), in a 2,110 m circuit with a sample of 55 cyclists. The results indicate that the 29"-wheel increases speed (
Dolor de espalda en estudiantes de entre 12 y 17 años: aproximación multifactorial basada en árboles de decisión
Resumen Objetivo El objetivo de este estudio se centrara en la elaboracion de un arbol de decision como una tecnica de analisis de datos que permita establecer combinaciones de factores de riesgo que puedan predisponer a padecer dolor de espalda en esta poblacion. Material y metodos La muestra del estudio estuvo formada por 337 jovenes con una edad de entre 12 y 17 anos de un centro escolar de Castellon. Los sujetos cumplimentaron el Adolescent Sedentary Activity Questionnaire y el cuestionario Nordico de Kuorinka. Ademas, se realizo una valoracion del indice de masa corporal, del porcentaje de grasa corporal, de las caracteristicas de la mochila escolar y del tiempo de transporte de esta y…
Time and frequency analysis of the static balance in young adults with Down syndrome
The main objective of this study is to understand the differences in equilibrium control between normal subjects and those with Down syndrome. A total of 54 subjects participated voluntarily, divided into control group and Down syndrome group. The equilibrium of the subjects was tested under two conditions: bipedal support with eyes open and closed. The signals were analyzed in a time and frequency domain. The statistical parameters selected (i.e., RMS distance, mean velocity, mean frequency and sway area) to analyze the behavior of the center of pressures (CoP) are calculated employing the result of the combination of the time series data in both directions (i.e. resultant distance). In or…
Sensory Reweighting During Bipedal Quiet Standing in Adolescents
A cross-sectional, prospective, between-subjects design was used in this study to establish the differences in sensory reweighting of postural control among different ages during adolescence. A total of 153 adolescents (five age groups; 13–17 years old) performed bipedal standing in three sensory conditions (i.e., with visual restriction, vestibular disturbance, and proprioceptive disturbance). Center of pressure displacement signals were measured in mediolateral and anteroposterior directions to characterize reweighting in the sensory system in static postural control when sensory information is disturbed or restricted during adolescent growth. The results indicate a development of postura…
Muscular Activity of the Posterior Deltoid During Swimming vs. Resistance Exercises on Water and Dry Land
The purpose of this study was to compare muscular activity of the posterior deltoid muscle during three typical aquatic physical conditioning activities. This interpretative case study involved a 23-year-old elite swimmer and athlete. Muscular activity was measured with surface electromyography during swimming crawl at maximum speed, and also while performing horizontal shoulder abduction using elastic band and Hydro-Tone Bells resistance. During the maximum voluntary contraction, we observed what appeared to be meaningful differences between the percentage of muscular activation during the swimming activity and that observed during the elastic band and aquatic resistance exercises (18.72% …
Identifying physical activity type in manual wheelchair users with spinal cord injury by means of accelerometers
Objectives: The main objective of this study was to develop and test classification algorithms based on machine learning using accelerometers to identify the activity type performed by manual wheelchair users with spinal cord injury (SCI). Setting: The study was conducted in the Physical Therapy department and the Physical Education and Sports department of the University of Valencia. Methods: A total of 20 volunteers were asked to perform 10 physical activities, lying down, body transfers, moving items, mopping, working on a computer, watching TV, arm-ergometer exercises, passive propulsion, slow propulsion and fast propulsion, while fitted with four accelerometers placed on both wrists, c…
Effects of resistance training on strength, pain and shoulder functionality in paraplegics
Study design: Time series design. Objectives: To determine the effects of a shoulder resistance training programme on isokinetic and isometric strength, body composition, pain and functionality in paraplegic subjects. Setting: University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain. Methods: A total of 15 subjects with thoracic spinal cord injury (SCI) performed three testing sessions with an 8-week period between the sessions. Subjects were not disturbed between the first and the second testing sessions. Subjects performed an 8-week resistance training programme after the second testing session. Variations in isometric and isokinetic shoulder muscle strength, body composition, reported pain and shoulder f…
The Use of Heart Rate Variability in Assessing Precompetitive Stress in High-Standard Judo Athletes
The objective of this study is to examine the sensitivity to and changes in heart rate variability (HRV) in stressful situations before judo competitions and to observe the differences among judo athletes according to their competitive standards in both official and unofficial competitions. 24 (10 male and 14 female) national- and international-standard athletes were evaluated. Each participant answered the Revised Competitive State Anxiety Inventory (CSAI-2R) and their HRV was recorded both during an official and unofficial competition. The MANOVA showed significant main effects of the athlete's standard and the type of competition in CSAI-2R, in HRV time domain, in HRV frequency domain an…
La difficulté de la tâche posturale accentue les effets de la fatigue sur la stabilité posturale
Introduction La difficulte de la tâche posturale est supposee accentuer les effets de la fatigue sur le controle postural. L’objectif etait de comparer les effets d’un exercice de course fatigant dans 3 conditions posturales de differents niveaux de difficulte : une position bipodale standard avec les yeux ouverts (YO), une position bipodale standard avec les yeux fermes (YF) et une position de tir a la carabine avec les yeux ouverts (TIR). La condition TIR implique de supporter une carabine horizontalement avec les bras et de placer la jambe dominante devant la jambe non-dominante. Materiel et methode Trente-deux soldats masculins ont realise un exercice maximal de course sur tapis roulant…
Transdermal nitroglycerine treatment of shoulder tendinopathies in patients with spinal cord injuries.
A clinical blind study was conducted to determine the efficacy of transdermal nitroglycerine treatment on the awareness of shoulder pain. This study aims to determine the effects of transdermal nitroglycerine on shoulder pain and on functional shoulder movement in patients with spinal cord injuries and shoulder tendinopathies. A second aim is to establish the side effects of the treatment. Hospital “La Fe” in Valencia, Spain. A total of 45 spinal cord injury patients, all of whom are wheelchair users with shoulder tendinopathy, were randomly divided into two groups: placebo (n=12) and experimental (n=33). The experimental group (EG) received transdermal treatment for 6 months in the form of…
Two-Leg Squat Jumps in Water: An Effective Alternative to Dry Land Jumps
The current study was designed to quantify and compare the kinetic parameters of two-leg squat jumps carried out on dry land, in water and in water using area devices that increase drag force. Twelve junior female handball players who had been competing at national level for the previous two years volunteered to participate in the study. Intensity of the two-leg squat jump was examined using a force plate (9 253-B11, Kistler Instrument AG, Winterthur, Switzerland) in three different conditions: on dry land, in water and in water using devices. An ANOVA with repeated measurements (condition) was applied to establish differences between the three jumps. The results show that peak impact force…
The progression of paraspinal muscle recruitment intensity in localized and global strength training exercises is not based on instability alone.
Abstract Colado JC, Pablos C, Chulvi-Medrano I, Garcia-Masso X, Flandez J, Behm DG. The progression of paraspinal muscle recruitment intensity in localized and global strength training exercises is not based on instability alone. Objective To evaluate electromyographic activity of several paraspinal muscles during localized stabilizing exercises and multijoint or global stabilizing exercises. Design Cross-sectional counterbalanced repeated measures. Setting Research laboratory. Participants Volunteers (N=25) without low-back pain. Intervention Subjects performed (1) localized stabilizing exercises (callisthenic exercises with only body weight as resistance): static lumbar extension, stable …
Sitting balance and limits of stability in persons with paraplegia
Cross-sectional, observational study of paraplegic and able-bodied persons. The aim of the study was to analyse the temporal and frequency domains of seated balance to better understand nervous system control in equilibrium in persons with spinal cord injury (SCI) and to explore their centre of pressure (CoP) limits before experiencing a fall. University of Valencia, Spain. Static and dynamic seated balance were assessed in 24 paraplegic persons divided into two groups: low paraplegia group (LP) and high paraplegia group (HP), and 24 healthy volunteers with an extensiometric force plate. Two types of tests were performed: a static test (ST), where data signal was analysed by temporal and fr…
Profiling children longitudinally: A three-year follow-up study of perceived and actual motor competence and physical fitness.
Longitudinal designs enhance our understanding of children's development and its influence on movement behaviors and health. This three-year follow-up study aimed to develop profiles according to perceived and actual motor competence (MC) (locomotion, object control, and overall) and physical fitness in boys and girls longitudinally including children's temporal migrations among clusters in terms of profiling trends. A secondary aim was to compare physical activity participation and weight status at each time point according to these profiles. One hundred and four typically developing Spanish children (45.8% girls) between 4 and 9 years old at baseline participated in this study. Data were …
The difficulty of the postural control task affects multi-muscle control during quiet standing
The aim of this study was to compare the electromyographic (EMG) coherence between the lower limb and the core muscles when carrying out two postural tasks at different difficulty levels. EMG was recorded in 20 healthy male subjects while performing two independent quiet standing tasks. The first one involved a bipedal stance with the eyes open, while the second consisted of a dominant unipedal stance also with the eyes open. The obtained EMG signals were analysed by computing estimations of EMG–EMG coherence between muscle pairs, both singly (single-pair estimations) and combined (pooled estimations). Pooled and single coherence of anterior, posterior, core, antagonist and mixed pairs of m…
Impact of COVID-19 on the self-reported physical activity of people with complete thoracic spinal cord injury full-time manual wheelchair users
The emergence of COVID-19 caused a new public health crisis, leading to major changes in daily life routines, often including physical activity (PA) levels. The main goal of this study was to analyze the differences in self-reported physical activity of people with complete spinal cord injuries between the time prior to the COVID-19 lockdown and the lockdown period itself. A sample of 20 participants with complete thoracic spinal cord injuries completed the Physical Activity Scale for Individuals with Physical Disabilities before and during the COVID-19 lockdown. The results showed differences between the pre-lockdown and lockdown measurements in total self-reported PA (z=−3.92; P<0.001;…